Choosing your perfect timepiece can be a daunting task. One of the many questions you will face is “quartz vs automatic: which is better?” The choice between types of movement can be a difficult one, and it depends heavily on the lifestyle and preferences of the wearer. Both options have their own pros and cons and each individual ought to assess these based on their own tastes and needs. Quartz watches and automatic watches work very differently and appeal to different kinds of people. If you are searching for your perfect wristwatch keep reading as we try to answer the question of quartz vs automatic: which is better.
What is the Difference Between Quartz and Automatic Watches?
Quartz and automatic movements are the two most commonly used movements in modern watchmaking. They are both favoured by different people for different reasons. Automatic movements have been used for considerably longer than quartz movements, as quartz was only introduced in the 1960s. The invention quartz movements shook the industry and created the ‘quartz crisis’ of the 1970s. Many thought that the mechanical movement was now obsolete due to this new technology. However, this was quickly proven to be untrue as many valued the heritage and years of knowledge that came with a traditional mechanical watch.
The main difference between the two types of movement is how they work. Quartz watches use an electrical current from a battery to provide power to the quartz crystal within the movement. This makes the crystal vibrate which causes the movement to oscillate which, in turn, drives the motor. Automatic movements use the motion of the wearer’s wrist to power the timepiece. When the watch moves, a rotor spins and winds the mainspring. The energy stored in the mainspring the releases through a barrel to the gear trains in order to power the watch.
Why Choose a Quartz Movement?
Quartz movements are often thought to be the most basic kind of watch movement, and this is certainly not a bad thing. This kind of movement is much cheaper and less labour intensive to produce, meaning that these watches are much cheaper to purchase. This means that a watch lover can find elegant and high quality watches for a very affordable price because they use a quartz movement. Quartz movements are also very reliable. They will simply continue ticking until the battery runs out. This means that they are fairly unlikely to lose time and can be depended upon for everyday wear. These watches also require very little maintenance. They do not need to be serviced frequently and should only need a battery change once every few years.
Quartz Watch Recommendations
Swatch DARK IRONY Chronograph Steel Bracelet YVS487G
Swatch is famous for its iconic quartz movements. The brand was one of the very first to introduce the quartz movement and has built a brand around the concept. This model features a black chronograph dial with three silver sub-dials. The dial is also adorned with luminous hour markers, silver hands and a small date display. A black bezel frames the dial and a stainless steel case surrounds it. The case houses the quartz movement that powers this timepiece. It measures 43mm in diameter, creating a stylish look on the wrist. This model is secured on the wrist using a classic stainless steel bracelet that will pair perfectly with any outfit.
Herbelin Galet Women’s Rose Gold Two-Tone Watch 10630BTR59
This women’s Herbelin watch is a great example of a luxury quartz timepiece. This model exhibits a stunning mother-of-pearl dial that will shimmer with every turn of the wrist. The dial is set with eight sparkling crystal hour markers alongside rose gold Roman numeral indices. A rose gold-toned bezel is set into the stainless steel case, creating a modern mixed metal look. This two-tone design is continued onto the bracelet of the watch. It is crafted from stainless steel and features two rose gold-toned stripes along its length. This model is powered by a quartz movement and is water resistant up to 50 metres, making it a practical choice for daily wear.
Why Choose an Automatic Movement?
Many watch collectors choose automatic movements due to the watchmaking history that is associated with them. These movements have been used for centuries and tend to be respected for their heritage. Some watch brands have been building automatic movements for decades, meaning that years of experience goes into creating each and every model. Automatic watches are considered to be one of the great feats of engineering. It remains very impressive that such complex mechanics can be fit into such a small case. Many watch lovers also enjoy being able to watch the movement that powers their timepiece. Many watch manufactures encourage this by building their timepieces with exhibition case backs.
Automatic Watch Recommendations
LONGINES Men’s Flagship Brown Leather Strap Watch L49844792
Longines is one of the most famous names in the watch industry. The brand has been building timepieces and movements for decades and have an incredible amount of watchmaking expertise. This model features a cream dial that is decorated with silver hands and baton hour markers. A stainless steel case frames this dial. It measures 40mm and houses the automatic movement that powers the watch. The movement can be viewed through the exhibition case back, allowing the wearer to enjoy the mechanics that keep their watch ticking. This model is finished with a classic brown leather strap for an effortlessly elegant look.
Tissot Bellissima | Automatic | Stainless Steel | T1262071101300
This Tissot women’s watch measures just 29mm in diameter, ensuring it creates a dainty and elegant look on the wrist. The dial of the watch is white in colour and is adorned with blue dauphine hands to create a dramatic contrast. The dial also features black Roman numeral indices to provide a slightly vintage feel. The automaitc movement that powers this model is safely housed within the stainless steel case. This movement provides the watch with up to 48 hours of power reserve. The watch is secured on the wrist using a timeless stainless steel bracelet that can be paired with any outfit for any occasion.
To Conclude…
There is no way to solve the question of quartz vs automatic: which is better? The answer depends solely on what the wearer is looking for in their timepiece. The wearer will have to consider their own lifestyle, habits and preferences in their timepieces. Neither quartz nor automatic movements are better than the other. They both have their advantages, and the choice between the two is very personal.
Did you learn draw any conclusion on quartz vs automatic: which is better? Which of the two movements would you like to add to your collection? Let us know!
