Should I Choose a Quartz or Automatic Watch?

Watches have come a long way since their inception in the 16th century, and today, we have a wide range of timepieces available in the market. In this article, we will be looking at the two most commonly available movements - automatic and quartz and deciding which one is best for your needs!

Automatic Watches

Automatic watches, also known as self-winding watches, are powered by a mainspring that is wound automatically by the natural motion of the wearer's wrist. These watches have a rotor, which rotates freely with the movement of the wearer's wrist and winds the mainspring, providing power to the watch. This means that automatic watches do not require batteries or manual winding to keep them running.

The advantage of an automatic watch is that it is a traditional watchmaking technique that has been refined over centuries. These watches are often considered more prestigious and valuable than quartz watches because they require a high level of craftsmanship to manufacture. Sapphire case-backs skeleton or open-heart watches allow for a look into the movement and the complexity of it.

However, automatic watches can have varying accuracy, as their timing depends on the accuracy of the mainspring, which can vary depending on the wearer's activity level. Additionally, automatic watches can stop running if not worn for a few days, as their power reserve is limited. Be sure to wear your watch every at least couple of days to keep it wound.

Quartz Watches

Quartz watches, on the other hand, are powered by a battery and use a quartz crystal to regulate the time. The battery sends an electrical current through the quartz crystal, causing it to vibrate at a specific frequency. The watch's circuitry then counts the number of vibrations and uses them to measure time accurately.

The main advantage of a quartz watch is its accuracy. Quartz watches are more precise than automatic watches and can keep time within a few seconds per month. They are also more reliable than automatic watches and require less maintenance, as they do not require winding or adjustments. This is useful if you have a collection of watches to wear with different outfits or styles, and just want to grab a watch and it already be set.

Another advantage to Quartz watches is that they can be far slimmer than automatic watches. This is because the movement itself can be made far smaller as there are less complicated parts to the movement.

Quartz watches often can be identified by their ticking second hand. This is usually the case with quartz movements and it is a personal preference as to whether you like or dislike the ticking movement of the second hand.

However, quartz watches lack the traditional craftsmanship of automatic watches and are often considered less prestigious by collectors and enthusiasts.

Which Should You Choose?

Quartz	Automatic
Usually have a slimmer profile	Never needs a battery
Often cheaper to purchase	Smoother second sweep
More resistant to shock	Higher level craftsmanship

Choosing between an automatic or quartz watch depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you value traditional craftsmanship and the unique mechanism of automatic watches, then an automatic watch may be the right choice for you. However, if you value accuracy and reliability, then a quartz watch may be a better fit.

Overall, both automatic and quartz watches have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and needs. Regardless of which type of Rotary watch you choose, both offer a beautiful and practical way to keep track of time.