The Ticking Truth: Quartz vs. Mechanical vs. Automatic - Which Movement Reigns Supreme?
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Time to read 7 min
Introduction
Here at WatchObsession, we live and breathe timepieces. From the intricate dance of gears in a classic mechanical watch to the sleek precision of a modern quartz movement, we appreciate the beauty and engineering in all its forms. But a question that often pops up amongst enthusiasts, and those new to the world of watches, is a fundamental one: Which movement takes the crown?
Is it the heritage of a traditional hand-wound watch? The ease of an automatic movement? Or the pure, unadulterated accuracy, of a quartz watch?
Which type of movement comes out on top – quartz, mechanical, or automatic? It's a debate that sparks passion, and while personal preference has the biggest impact on everyones overall answer, let's put that aside for a moment and dive into the nitty-gritty of keeping time.
Table of Content
Introduction Quartz vs. Mechanical vs. Automatic: Which Watch Movement Should You Choose? The Quartz Contender: Precision Perfected? The Mechanical Marvel: The Art of the Beat The Automatic All-Rounder: Self-Winding Sophistication The Pros and Cons: Helping You Chose a Movement So, Which Movement Takes the Crown? Conclusion Frequently Asked Questions
Quartz vs. Mechanical vs. Automatic: Which Watch Movement Should You Choose?
Our Top Pre-Owned Watches
The Quartz Contender: Precision Perfected?
The Battery Powered Quartz Movement
Born in the late 1960s, the quartz movement started a revolution that shook the traditional watchmaking world. Instead of relying on a mainspring and intricate gear train, a quartz movement utilise a battery to send an electrical current through a small quartz crystal. This crystal vibrates at an incredibly consistent frequency – precisely 32,768 times per second. These vibrations are then measured by a circuit and translated into the steady ticking of the second hand.
The Verdict on Quartz Accuracy: In the realm of everyday timekeeping, quartz movements are the undisputed champions. Their inherent design, based on the stable oscillations of a crystal, leads to exceptional accuracy, often within +/- 15 seconds per month, and sometimes even better in high-end quartz models. They are largely unaffected by factors like temperature fluctuations or the watch's orientation, which can impact mechanical movements.
The Mechanical Marvel: The Art of the Beat
Hand Wound Mechanical Movements
Mechanical watches, the heart of traditional horology, operate on a completely different principle. They rely on a wound mainspring that gradually releases energy through a complex system of gears, springs, and levers, culminating in the rhythmic ticking of the escapement. The precision of a mechanical watch is dependent on the meticulous craftsmanship and regulation of these tiny components.
The Verdict on Mechanical Accuracy: While undeniably beautiful and steeped in history, mechanical watches generally don't achieve the same level of pinpoint accuracy as their quartz counterparts. A well-regulated mechanical watch might aim for accuracy within +/- a few seconds per day, but this can be influenced by various factors, including the wearer's activity level, the watch's position, and even temperature.
The Automatic All-Rounder: Self-Winding Sophistication
Movement Powering the Movement
Automatic watches are essentially a subset of mechanical watches. The key difference lies in their ability to wind themselves. Instead of manual winding, an automatic watch utilises a rotor that spins with the natural motion of the wearer's wrist. This kinetic energy is then transferred to wind the mainspring.
The Verdict on Automatic Accuracy: In terms of accuracy, automatic watches fall within the same spectrum as manual-winding mechanical watches. While the convenience of self-winding is a significant advantage, it doesn't inherently improve the fundamental accuracy of the mechanical movement itself. Like their manually wound brethren, their accuracy is subject to the same influencing factors.
The Pros and Cons: Helping You Chose a Movement
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So, Which Movement Takes the Crown?
If absolute accuracy is your primary concern, then a watch with a quartz movement undeniably take the crown. Their fundamental design offers a level of precision that mechanical and automatic watches simply cannot consistently match in everyday use.
However, the world of watches is about so much more than just accuracy. The intricate mechanics of a mechanical or automatic movement, the heritage, the craftsmanship, and the sheer artistry involved offer a different kind of value and connection to timekeeping.
Ultimately, the "better" watch depends on your priorities. If you demand unwavering precision, quartz is your go-to. If you appreciate the beauty of engineering and the romance of a handcrafted movement, then a mechanical or automatic watch will undoubtedly capture your heart.
What are your thoughts? Do you prioritize accuracy above all else, or does the allure of a mechanical movement win you over? Let us know in the comments below!
"Watches are very personal things – expressions of who you are."
Conclusion
Quartz reigns supreme for pure accuracy: Quartz watches utilize the consistent vibrations of a crystal, leading to significantly better timekeeping compared to mechanical and automatic movements (typically within +/- 15 seconds per month).
Mechanical and automatic watches prioritize artistry and heritage: While not as accurate as quartz, these movements showcase intricate craftsmanship and a connection to traditional horology, with accuracy typically within +/- a few seconds per day, influenced by various factors.
Automatic watches offer self-winding convenience: As a subset of mechanical watches, automatics wind themselves using the wearer's motion, but their inherent accuracy is similar to manual-winding mechanical movements.
The "best" watch depends on individual priorities: Accuracy is a key factor, but the appreciation for mechanical engineering and heritage often outweighs pure precision for many watch enthusiasts.
The Author: Will Parker
Will Parker is the Head of Media at WatchObsession and has been with the company since 2020. As our dedicated photographer, videographer and content creator, he has changed more buckles, straps and clasps than we can count and his own personal watch collection grows every year, although his strap collection is growing faster.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which movement is right for me?
Choosing a watch is an incredibly personal choice, with each movement having it's own pros and cons.
The best way to decide which movement is best for you is to take the key points from the above blog and ask yourself what is most important to you.
How long do watch batteries last?
A watch with a traditional quartz powered movement can last anywhere between 2 and 5 years. This timescale relies heavily on the duties of the watch, more complications, such as chronographs, dates and GMT hands can shorten the lifespan of the battery.
If longevity is your goal when choosing a watch, look for a solar powered quartz movement; the batteries of these watches have are recharged by the sun and can last much longer than their non solar counterparts, some up to 25 years!
Are quartz watches cheaper than the others?
Yes and no, although most watches on the more affordable end of the scale are quartz powered, there are also many quartz watches costing in the hundreds of thousands. There are also mechanical and automatic movement watches available for less that £100. The price isn't the main factor in choosing between the three movements.
