Quartz Watches – Precision, Reliability, and Modern Watchmaking

Quartz watches represent one of the most significant technological advancements in the history of watchmaking. With exceptional accuracy, practicality for everyday use, and a wide variety of designs, they have established themselves as a reliable choice for both those looking for their first high-quality watch and experienced collectors.

Unlike traditional mechanical watches, quartz movements use a quartz crystal as a stable time reference. This technology makes it possible to manufacture watches that combine high accuracy with minimal daily maintenance requirements.

What is a quartz watch, and how does it work?

The operation of a quartz watch is based on the piezoelectric effect, a physical property of quartz crystal.

When an electrical voltage is applied to the crystal, it oscillates at an extremely stable frequency. In most conventional quartz mechanisms, this frequency is 32,768 Hz.

An electronic circuit processes the oscillations and generates the signals needed to measure time.

In analog quartz watches, a stepper motor converts electrical signals into mechanical motion, moving the hands via a system of gears.

Power is usually supplied by a battery, although other power supply technologies exist, such as solar charging systems or kinetic energy generation systems.

The History of Quartz Watches – A Revolution in Accuracy

The advent of quartz watches radically changed the global watchmaking industry.

In 1969, Seiko introduced the Astron 35SQ, the first commercially available quartz wristwatch, ushering in a new era in timekeeping.

During the 1970s, quartz technology advanced rapidly, making it possible to produce watches with a level of accuracy that had previously been difficult to achieve with conventional mechanical movements.

This development brought about profound changes in the Swiss watchmaking industry, leading to the period that became known as the Quartz Crisis.

However, the history of Quartz watches is not limited to the mass production of affordable timepieces. Leading manufacturers have developed highly advanced electronic movements, high-quality craftsmanship, and technologies that deliver exceptional accuracy.

Today, quartz watches are an integral part of modern watchmaking, ranging from everyday timepieces to specialized timekeeping instruments.

Quartz or mechanical watch? What are the differences?

The choice between a quartz watch and a mechanical watch depends mainly on the buyer's personal preferences.

A mechanical watch operates using energy stored in a mainspring and is regulated by a mechanical oscillator. In contrast, a quartz watch uses an electronic circuit and a quartz crystal to measure time.

Quartz watches typically offer significantly greater accuracy than conventional mechanical watches. While the deviation of a mechanical watch is often measured in seconds per day, for many conventional quartz watches it is measured in seconds per month.

At the same time, Quartz watches do not require daily winding and can continue to run even when not worn for long periods of time.

On the other hand, mechanical watches offer a different experience, with a particular emphasis on traditional mechanical construction and the complexity of their components.

Neither technology is entirely superior. Each serves different needs and a different philosophy of use.

Why Choose a High-Quality Quartz Watch?

Quartz technology offers significant advantages that make it particularly appealing for everyday use.

High accuracy: The stable frequency of the quartz crystal allows for extremely accurate time measurement.

Practicality: No daily winding or continuous use is required to keep the watch running.

Everyday Durability: Many quartz movements are less susceptible to certain types of mechanical stress than conventional mechanical movements, though this does not mean they are indestructible.

Long battery life: Depending on its mechanism and functions, a battery can provide several years of operation.

Design freedom: The technology allows for the construction of extremely thin mechanisms, as well as watches with complex electronic functions.

Not all quartz movements are the same

One of the most common mistakes is to treat all Quartz products as technologically and qualitatively equivalent.

In fact, there are significant differences in construction, materials, and repairability.

Some economic mechanisms are designed primarily with a view to low production costs and the replacement of the entire unit when a serious malfunction occurs.

In contrast, there are high-quality quartz movements that feature metal bridges, sophisticated gear trains, the ability to be disassembled and repaired, and exceptionally meticulous construction.

A prime example is thermocompensated quartz (TCQ) mechanisms, which minimize accuracy variations caused by temperature changes.

In the category of high-precision movements, known as High Accuracy Quartz (HAQ), some models achieve deviations of just a few seconds per year.

The quality of a Quartz watch, therefore, cannot be judged solely on the fact that it runs on a battery.

Do quartz watches need servicing?

A common misconception is that quartz watches require no maintenance.

Although their requirements differ from those of mechanical watches, analog quartz watches still contain mechanical components, gear wheels, shafts, and lubrication points.

Over time, lubricants can degrade, while wear or increased friction can affect performance and energy consumption.

Replacing the battery is only one part of routine maintenance.

For a high-quality quartz watch, proper maintenance may include checking power consumption, evaluating the mechanical transmission system, inspecting the contacts and electronic components, and restoring water resistance where necessary.

Special care is also needed when a dead battery remains inside the mechanism for a long period of time, as there is a risk of leakage and corrosion.

How to Choose the Right Quartz Watch

The choice of a high-quality quartz watch should be based on more criteria than just price or appearance.

1. Quality and Origin of the Mechanism

Consider the manufacturer, the technology behind the mechanism, and the availability of future technical support.

2. Accuracy and Autonomy

Depending on your requirements, you can choose a standard quartz movement or a specialized, high-precision design.

3. Frame Construction and Watertightness

The quality of the case, the bezel, the crystal, and the waterproofing systems is just as important as the movement itself.

4. Repairability

The availability of genuine replacement parts and access to specialized technical support are key advantages for long-term ownership of a watch.

5. Design and Everyday Use

From elegant classic watches to diving and professional models, quartz technology offers options to suit a variety of needs and preferences.

Quartz watches selected by a professional watchmaker

At The-Watchmaker, we believe that the true value of a watch is not determined solely by whether it has an automatic movement, a manual-winding movement, or an electronic movement.

Build quality, reliability, technical support, and serviceability are equally important factors.

As professional watchmakers, we know that behind a high-quality quartz watch may lie an extremely fascinating technological design, one that deserves the same attention and respect as a traditional mechanical movement.

For this reason, our selection of companies and models is based not only on aesthetics and technical specifications, but also on the possibility of long-term maintenance and repair.

A good quartz watch is not just a precise timekeeping device. It is a high-quality timepiece, designed to be with you for many years.

Discover our collection of quartz watches and use the search filters to choose the model that best suits your needs, preferences, and budget.