Quartz vs Automatic Watches: our expert advice

The difference between quartz and automatic watches 

 

The key difference lies in how these watches keep time. Quartz watches use a battery and a quartz crystal to regulate time electronically. Automatic watches rely on mechanical parts and the motion of your wrist to wind themselves. One needs a battery; the other depends on your movement.

 

What does quartz watch movement mean?

 

A quartz movement refers to a watch powered by a battery and reliant on an electronic current to operate.
This movement type was pioneered by Japanese watchmakers in the 1960s, with Seiko among the first to mass-produce quartz models for international markets.
At that time, Swiss mechanical watches dominated the industry, but quartz quickly gained popularity for its more affordable price point.
Seeing this threat, Swiss brands collectively developed their own quartz calibre, the Beta 21, which they used to power new models.
Quartz movement changed the game as consumers could now enjoy the prestige of renowned watch brands at a lower cost.
Today, many top brands, including Tag Heuer and Longines, continue to feature quartz watches as key parts of their collections.

 

 

The Tissot PRX Gold, one of the most iconic quartz watches for women

 

How does a quartz watch work?

 

Quartz watches operate by sending an electric current from the battery-powered circuit through a small quartz crystal. This causes the crystal to vibrate at a precise frequency. These vibrations generate an oscillating movement that drives a tiny motor, which in turn moves the watch hands smoothly and accurately.

 

Do quartz watches need batteries?

 

Yes. The battery is one of the main features that sets quartz watches apart from mechanical ones. This battery-powered system offers several advantages. While most quartz watches use traditional batteries, some brands, like Citizen, have developed more sustainable, solar-powered alternatives. Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology powers watches using light, including artificial sources.
So, although traditional quartz watches batteries usually need replacing every 3 to 5 years, solar-powered models can last significantly longer.

 

 

Shop our collection of Quartz Watches

 

What is the automatic watch movement and how it works

 

Automatic watches are powered by motion. Inside the watch lies a weighted rotor that turns with the movement of the wearer's wrist. The movement automatically winds the mainspring and keeps the watch ticking on. If it remains unworn for a few days, it may stop ticking, but a gentle wind is all it takes to start it up again.

 

 

Shop our collection of automatic watches

 

Quartz vs automatic: Reliability, accuracy and performance

 

Both quartz and automatic watches are widely considered accurate. However, some watch experts argue that quartz watches are more reliable because they are accurate to within half a second, while automatic watches can be off by a few seconds.

The technicalities behind the two types of watches mean that both have distinctive pros and cons, with reliability, accuracy and performance being notable comparison points.

 

 

The Nivada Grenchen Antarctic Glacier, one of the latest addition to our collection of Automatic Watches

 

Reliability

 

Let’s start with the battery replacement issue. Of course, this can become a nuisance, but apart from giving it some consideration every few years, quartz-powered watches are relatively low-maintenance.
Automatic watches, on the other hand, need to be worn daily, or at least wound daily, in order to remain functional and for the movement mechanisms to be regulated.
Both watch types can be considered reliable in that sense. While batteries require little effort from the wearer, technological advancements in watchmaking have enabled automatic ones to benefit from days-long power reserves. And if you’ll be wearing your watch daily, winding it really won’t be an issue.

 

Accuracy

 

Both watches are incredibly accurate. Quartz crystals swing at a constant frequency when an electric current is run through them, allowing them to boast astonishing accuracy, losing only a few seconds each year.
But again, the extended time on the market of automatic watches has meant manufacturers have really been able to hone the accuracy of their calibres. Now, automatic watches, particularly those with chronometer status, deviate just 4-6 seconds each day.

 

Performance

 

An advantage exclusive to quartz watches is that advancements have allowed luxury watch models to become much more accessible due to being more cost-effective to manufacture and consequently easier to mass produce.
But automatic watches remain models of choice for collectors and watch enthusiasts due to the intricate detail that goes into making them tick.

 

Feature	Quartz	Automatic
Power source	Battery-powered	Self-winding via wearer’s movement
Origin	1960s (pioneered by Japanese brands)	1770s (traditional mechanical movement)
Size	Various sizes available	Various sizes available
Weight	Generally lighter, depending on materials	Tend to be heavier due to mechanical parts
Price	More affordable; widely available	Generally higher, reflecting craftsmanship
Accuracy	Extremely accurate; deviates a few seconds per year due to quartz crystal oscillation	Less precise mechanically; 4-6 seconds per day for chronometer-grade models
Reliability	Low maintenance; mainly battery changes	Needs regular winding or wearing; can be less reliable if not worn regularly
Power reserve	Battery lasts 1-5 years depending on model	Typically, 40-80 hours; requires winding or movement
Maintenance	Battery replacement; occasional servicing	Regular servicing recommended every 3-5 years
Movement complexity	Electronic, simple mechanism	Mechanical, intricate craftsmanship
Longevity	Can last many years with battery changes	Can last decades with proper maintenance
Collectability	Less collectable due to simpler movement	Highly collectable due to craftsmanship and heritage

 

Some of the best brands for Quartz Watches

 

At Wallace Allan, we stock an extensive range of quartz watches. Here are some of the best selling quartz brands from our collection:

• Citizen Eco Drive Watches
• Tag Heuer Formula 1 Watches
• Gucci G-Timeless Watches
• Raymond Weil Maestro Watches
• Longines Conquest Watches

or shop our collection of Quartz Watches.

 

Some of the best brands for Automatic Watches

 

Here are some notable automatic watch collections that you can pick up from Wallace Allan today:

• Nivada Grenchen Watches
• Montblanc Watches
• Tag Heuer Carrere Watches
• Tag Heuer Formula 1 Watches
• Grand Seiko Heritage Watches
• Oris Big Crown Watches
• Doxa sub 300 Watches

Or shop our collection of Automatic Watches.

For more information on the best automatic watches, why not check out our blog on the best watch models per price range

Now you know the differences between quartz and automatic watches, browse our collection to find the perfect piece for you.