Quartz watches were born in the 1970s and shaped by iconic brands Seiko and Hamilton. Since their creation and the ‘Quartz Revolution’, the watch industry has evolved and a large portion of the watches now created are powered by Quartz. Quartz watches are both affordable and convenient with many prestigious brands formulating in house movements and highly functional quartz timepieces. For those that like to keep up to date with the latest trends, here are our top 5 quartz watches 2021.
1. Hamilton PSR
The Hamilton PSR was released in early 2020. It is fitting for the top 5 quartz watches 2021 as it is a modern recreation of the first digital quartz watch that was crafted by Hamilton back in 1972, the Pulsar. The groundbreaking technology of the original Pulsar disrupted the watch market back in the 1970s and contributed towards the ‘Quartz Revolution’.
The new PSR features a similar design with a retro-style case and bracelet. One of the key features of this model is the red LCD and OLED hybrid display, a nod to the original model. The updated model comes with premium materials such as the scratch resistant sapphire glass which comes with an anti-reflective coating for clear timekeeping. This model is water resistant up to 100m (10 bar) and retails at £675.
2. Longines Conquest V.H.P. Sport
Longines have taken the quartz movement to the next level with their Conquest V.H.P. (Very High Precision) Sport. This model features ‘super quartz’ created for those seeking extreme accuracy. A unique feature of this movement is the GPD (Gear Position Detection) system. This allows the watch to re-align its own hands if they have been affected after a shock or a strong magnetic field. The GDP system performs a check every 3 days, regardless of whether there has been a knock to the watch or not.
The GPD system comes with a 5 year battery and advanced ‘end of life’ warning system. When the battery needs to be changed the seconds hand will jump every 5 seconds. If the battery has not been changed, the E.O.E mode will place all hands at 12 o’clock. The perpetual calendar goes up to the year 2399, meaning that the date does not need to be adjusted on an annual or monthly basis. This quality and convenient watch showcases understated elegance and retails at £830.
3. Citizen Men’s Promaster Nighthawk
Citizen are well known for their eco-drive technology which derives from solar powered quartz. The brand has grown significantly since crafting their iconic eco-drive technology which is powered by light, both indoor and outdoor light sources. The light is stored in a rechargeable lithium ion power cell to keep the watch running forever. The technology embedded in this model is suited to those that seek convenience from everyday accessories as well as those looking to purchase a watch that lasts decades.
Citizen have crafted a smart and highly functional timepiece that comes with date display for optimal timekeeping and glowing hands for low light situations. This model is made from quality stainless steel and the bracelet is finished with a folding clasp. The Promaster Nighthawk showcases a subtle style with cream accents and everyday design, retailing at £199.
4. Seiko Astron GPS Solar 140th Anniversary Edition
Seiko started the ‘quartz revolution’ in the 1970s with the first Seiko Astron model. Now the brand are celebrating their 140th year with this GPS model, powered by Solar powered quartz. The convenience of solar powdered quartz is the convenience of never having to change the battery as it is powered by both indoor and outdoor light sources.
Another key feature of this model is the automatic GPS function which adjusts to your time zone through the latest GPS technology. This model is made from premium materials from the stainless steel case and dial which comes with a super-hard coating to the power reserve of up to 6 months. This is a limited edition time piece with only 1500 models available world wide and it retails at £2100.
5. Mondaine Stop2go
Mondaine features one of the most iconic designs in watchmaking, the official Swiss railway clock. The Mondiane Stop2go watch features a historic design from 1944 which has now become a symbol of precision for the Swiss. This model has more features than meets the eye with the unique operation of the seconds hand which is similar to the railway style clocks.
The red second hand completes its circuit in 58 seconds before pausing for 2 to allow the minute hand to jump into its new position. Each minute the second hand is calibrated with the help of an electrical impulse, provided by a master clock, to ensure that the timepiece is as accurate as possible. Powered by quartz, this model is unique within the market and retails for £450.
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