If you're in the market for a new timepiece, one of the first decisions you'll make is whether to go quartz or mechanical. Quartz watches run on batteries, while mechanical watches fall under two categories: hand-wound and automatic.
In this post, we’re going to compare the two types of watches that don’t require manual winding: quartz watches vs. automatic watches. Let's break down the differences and help you find your perfect match.
The Main Differences Between Quartz & Automatic Watches
The main difference between quartz and automatic watches lies in their movement. Quartz watches are powered by a battery and use a quartz crystal to regulate their timekeeping. They’re highly accurate and often only deviate a few seconds per month. They’re also relatively low maintenance, usually only requiring battery replacements every few years.
Automatic watches embody a different kind of craftsmanship. Powered by your movement, they feature a self-winding mechanism that harnesses kinetic energy. in other words, every time you move your wrist while wearing your automatic watch, you’re powering it.
Comparing the Pros & Cons of Quartz & Automatic Watches
Like most things, quartz and automatic watches each have their own pros and cons. To make a well-informed decision between them, it's helpful to understand what sets them apart. Let’s get into it...
Quartz Watches
Pros:
- Highly accurate: Quartz watches are reliable timekeepers, capable of keeping time to within milliseconds per day.
- Low Maintenance: Because they’re powered by batteries and don’t require winding, quartz watches are typically low maintenance aside from regular battery changes every few years.
- Budget-friendly: Quartz watches tend to be more affordable than automatic watches.
Cons:
- Battery Dependency: Quartz watches require periodic battery replacements.
- Less Traditional Design: Many watch enthusiasts prefer the mechanical charm of automatic watches over quartz watches.
Automatic Watches
Pros:
- Craftsmanship: Automatic watches are favored for their craftsmanship and artistry when compared to quartz watches. The assembly of gears and springs in an automatic watch movement requires expert precision, and many even include components known as jewels.
- Ease of use: Since it’s powered by your movement, simply wearing your automatic watch regularly is enough to keep it ticking.
Cons:
- Precision Maintenance: Automatic watches may need occasional adjustments.
- Price: When compared to quartz watches, automatic watches typically have a higher price point.
Do Quartz Watches Last as Long as Automatic Watches?
The longevity of quartz and automatic watches each have their own strengths. Quartz watches are tough and can easily last for decades with a little care and the occasional battery change. On the other hand, automatic watches, with their intricate mechanical movements, can be passed down through generations with some regular servicing and good maintenance. In the end, how long they last really comes down to how well you take care of them and the quality of their build.
Why Trust Timex When Shopping for a Quartz or Automatic Watch?
With over 170 years of experience in watchmaking, Timex stands out as one of the most reliable watchmakers in the world. When shopping for a quartz or automatic watch, our Q Timex and Marlin Automatic collections are great places to start:
Q Timex
When the quartz crisis hit the watchmaking world in the ‘70s, Timex leveraged this upheaval to embrace this technological change and create a full range of quartz watches. Born of a great pivot, this collection showcases Timex’s flexibility and agility, highlighting its ability to turn crisis to triumph. Inspired by this period, the Q Timex collection is confident, irreverent, and innovative, offering vintage styling and modern updates that evoke the essence of that era.
Marlin Automatic
This reliable watch first stepped into the spotlight in the 1960s and proved you no longer had to choose between form and function. It introduced a sleek and minimalist design with distinct hour markers that made it as much of a refined dress watch for the office as a cool and casual timepiece for everyday wear.
Highly regarded for their simple design, accurate mechanical timekeeping, and exceptional durability, our original Marlin watches were often the stars of our live televised torture tests and quickly gained popularity, becoming some of our most iconic timepieces of the 20th century.
Key Takeaway
When choosing between quartz and automatic watches, it’s all about your personal taste and preference. Quartz watches deliver precise timekeeping with minimal upkeep—just swap out the battery every so often. On the other hand, automatic watches are more traditional in that they require no battery.
SHOP OUR FAVORITE AUTOMATIC WATCHES:
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Giorgio Galli S2 Automatic 38mm38 mm Black/Stainless Steel/Black$975.00 -
Deepwater Tiburón Automatic 43mm Synthetic Rubber Strap Watch43 mm Red/Gunmetal$349.00 -
Waterbury Dive Automatic 40mm Leather Strap Watch40 mm Brown/Stainless Steel/Black/Stainless Steel$279.00 -
Timex UFC Pro Automatic 45mm Silicone Strap Watch45 mm Black/Gold-Tone/Gold-Tone/Gold-Tone$399.00 -
M79 Automatic 40mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch40 mm Stainless Steel/Stainless Steel/Black/Other$173.99
SHOP OUR TOP QUARTZ WATCH PICKS:
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Timex T80 34mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch34 mm Gold-Tone/Gold-Tone/Digital$69.00 -
IRONMAN Essential 30 Silicone Strap Watch43 mm Gray/Gray$69.00 -
Intelligent Quartz® Tide Temp Compass 45mm Silicone Strap Watch45 mm Black/Black/Black/Black$175.00 -
Timex UFC Colossus 45mm Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch45 mm Gold-Tone/Gold-Tone/Black/Gold-Tone$329.00
