Everything you need to know about a quartz watch

Quartz watches, despite the wishes of many watch fanatics, are very popular. Perhaps due to the high precision with which they measure time and because, although they work differently, they require less technical maintenance than a mechanical watch. Generally, the lower price than their mechanical or hand-wound counterparts may also play a role in the equation.

Nowadays it is increasingly common to find watches regulated through this system, and even some of the most prestigious luxury watchmaking brandshave joined the train or quartz revolution, launching pieces with this characteristic operation.

However, it is true that its development is relatively recent. In fact, although Hamilton introduced the first consumer electric watch in 1957, the first commercial quartz watch was the Seiko Quartz-Astron 35SQ, which went on sale at Christmas 1969.

Therefore, it is not surprising that many people still do not know what a quartz watch is and how it works and have not been part of the schism that brought the emergence of this type of mechanisms.

So let’s dig a little deeper into what a quartz watch is, how it works and the keys to the machinery.

What is a quartz watch?

A quartz watch is a watch in which the regular impulses that allows measuring the time are generated by a crystal of this mineral. This is possible because the quartz crystal, which is usually shaped like a tuning fork, vibrates when an electric current is applied to it.

This system has a number of advantages. To begin with, it ensures high accuracy in time measurement. In addition, it allows the manufacture of watches to be considerably more economical.

The technology of this type of watches is so simple, that even smart watches use quartz for analog counting, adding later the extra functions of a watch with these characteristics such as; pedometer, pulse measurement, calendar, etc.

How does a quartz watch work?

The operation of a quartz watch is quite simple. First, it has an energy source from which an electric current is generated. This power source is usually a button cell, an accumulator or a small battery.

The application of electric current on a quartz sheet causes the quartz crystal to vibrate at a regular frequency, usually at 32,768 beats per second, thanks to the invention of Girard-Perregaux in 1971 with the caliber 350.

This physical phenomenon is called the inverse piezoelectric effect. The vibration of this piece of quartz generates, in turn, a new electric current with the same frequency and whose measurement ultimately makes it possible to measure time.

The natural frequency at which a quartz crystal vibrates depends on its shape and size, which allows the manufacturer to choose the one that suits him best.

Quartz watch machinery

As we have seen, the internal machinery of a quartz watch is quite simple, especially compared to a mechanical watch. Thus, it integrates a battery, a piece of quartz and an electrical circuit.

Whether it is an analog or digital watch, its external machinery does not differ from mechanical or automatic watches. In the case of analog models, these have a set of hands that move thanks to a series of shafts and gears. Digital quartz watches, on the other hand, have a digital display.

So… What does it mean for a watch to be quartz?

The fact that a watch is a quartz watch means that it has a quartz piece inside that measures time.

Of course, quartz watches can be digital or analog. Today, there are from very economical models to high-end quartz watches designed by the most exclusive luxury brands.

Main differences between a quartz and an automatic watch

The main differences between a quartz watch and a mechanical/automatic watch are the way in which time is measured and the energy that drives the movement, apart from the mechanism that makes up the watch.

In the case of quartz watches, as we have already mentioned, the quartz movement is used to measure time. This makes them very accurate watches, since their frequency is 32,768 Hz (Hertz), higher than that of the automatic ones, which is 5 Hz.

In quartz watches, the energy that gives life to the watch usually comes from a cell, battery and, in some cases, solar cells. Automatics, on the other hand, use the kinetic energy of the wrist to power the watch mechanism.

In addition, mechanical watches are composed of hundreds or thousands of parts depending on the “complications” of the watch in question, which means more maintenance in the long term as well as greater complexity in the same.

In mechanical or automatic watches you should always go to an official technical service for the maintenance of the same, when in a quartz watch you can receive assistance in any fast watchmaking workshop. (Although in many cases the hermeticism is lost if it exists, from El Cronómetro we recommend you to always go to authorized watchmaking workshops by the brand).

What are the best luxury quartz watches?

Quartz watches can be found from various firms in very good finishes, from brands such as Nomos, Mondaine, Gucci, Longines or Chanel among others, as more and more luxury watch brands have complete collections of quartz watches.

Here we offer you a summary of the best pieces of luxury watches that we serve in our online store, which have this type of machinery.

Chanel Watches

Chanel has an extensive collection of quartz watches. In this catalog, there is no shortage of models with a classic elegance such as the Chanel Boy-Friend H4313 or the Chanel Boy-Friend H4883. Chanel’ s luxury watches collection also includes more innovative bets such as the Chanel Code Coco H5144 watch.

Gucci Watches

Italian luxury goods firm Gucci can also boast a complete collection of men’s and women’s quartz watches.

Among the former, the impressive Gucci G-Chrono YA101204 and the Gucci Dive YA136208A sports watch are particularly noteworthy. In its selection of women’s quartz watches, the Gucci G-Frame Square YA147410 stands out especially, a watch with a minimalist design and conceived for both day and night.

Longines Watches

The prestigious Swiss watch brand also has an extensive collection of quartz watches. One of the star pieces with quartz movement is the Longines Hydroconquest l38404966, which is equipped with the L157 caliber and 44mm stainless steel case. The Swiss firm has a large collection in quartz, including models such as the Longines Conquest Classic L23864876, which undoubtedly live up to the brand’s slogan: “Elegance is an attitude”.

Frequently asked questions about Quartz watches

How long do quartz watches last?

Quartz watches last as long as they are cared for. In fact, since they have fewer moving parts than mechanical models, it is possible that in some cases they may last even longer than the latter. Especially if it is a high-end quartz watch. Of course, it is necessary to take care of them and check them from time to time.

Do quartz watches need batteries?

Yes, quartz watches need a battery, an accumulator or a cell (usually a button cell) to generate the electric current necessary to activate the quartz crystal.

Which is better, a quartz or an automatic watch?

It cannot be said that a quartz watch is better or worse than an automatic. Each type of watch has its advantages and disadvantages. In any case, what is certain is that quartz watches have less variation in accuracy than automatic watches and generally a lower cost.

Ultimately, the decision to buy an automatic or quartz watch depends on the individual and the aspects he or she values most.

How accurate is a quartz watch?

A quartz watch is very accurate, usually even more accurate than mechanical models.

Accuracy is usually expressed either in monthly values or in annual variations, depending on the model and the machinery involved.

If you have any additional questions about quartz watches, please contact us through the contact form and we will be happy to answer you.