Quartz watches have dominated the timekeeping industry since their revolutionary debut in the late 1960s, and they remain the most widely used watch movement today. According to market reports, over 90% of the world’s watches use quartz technology, thanks to its unmatched accuracy and affordability.
But what makes quartz watches so accurate and reliable compared to their mechanical counterparts? How does it work? What are their advantages? In this guide, we’ll break down the mechanics behind quartz timekeeping, compare it with other watch movements, and check whether a quartz watch is the right choice for you.
What is a Quartz Movement?
What does quartz mean? A quartz movement is a type of watch movement that uses a quartz crystal and an electronic circuit to keep time. Unlike mechanical movements, which use gears and springs, quartz movements operate with a battery-powered oscillator.
What Are the Main Parts of a Quartz Movement?
A quartz movement consists of several key components that work together to keep and track time accurately.
1. Battery: The power source of a quartz watch. It provides a steady electrical current to drive the movement. Depending on the watch, a good-quality battery lasts 1 to 5 years.
2. Quartz crystal oscillator: A synthetic quartz crystal cut in a specific shape, usually that of a tuning fork. The crystal vibrates precisely 32,768 times per second when an electrical current passes through it.
3. Integrated circuit (IC): A tiny microchip that controls the entire movement.
4. Stepper motor: Converts electrical pulses from the IC into mechanical movement. This moves the gear train in small, precise increments.
5. Gear train: A system of tiny gears that transfer energy from the stepper motor to the watch hands.
6. Dial and hands (For analog quartz watches): The face of the watch, displaying time
7. LCD display (For digital quartz watches) Instead of gears and hands, digital quartz watches use a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).
How Does a Quartz Watch Work?
A quartz movement works by using a battery-powered quartz crystal oscillator to regulate timekeeping with incredible accuracy.
1. Power Supply
- The battery sends a small, steady electric current to the movement. This current powers both the quartz crystal oscillator and the integrated circuit (IC).
2. Quartz Crystal Oscillation
- A tiny quartz crystal shaped like a tuning fork is embedded in the movement. When a current is run through the quartz, it causes the crystal to vibrate at a precise frequency of 32,768 times per second.
- These vibrations are extremely stable and form the foundation of the movement’s accuracy.
3. Electronic Circuit Conversion
- The integrated circuit detects the vibrations and converts them into uniform electrical pulses. It reduces the frequency down to one pulse per second to match the ticking rate of a traditional watch.
4. Stepper Motor Activation
- The stepper motor receives these electrical pulses and translates them into mechanical motion.
- The motor turns in small, precise steps, allowing the watch hands to move forward in synchronized increments.
5. Gear Train and Time Display
- The gear train transfers energy from the stepper motor to the watch hands. If you put your watch close to your ear, you can hear the ticking motion of the steeper motor in analog quartz watches.
- This controls the movement of the seconds, minutes, and hour hands for accurate timekeeping.
- In digital quartz watches, instead of gears, the electrical signal powers an LCD display to show the time.
Why Quartz Movements Are So Accurate
- The consistent frequency of 32,768 Hz makes quartz movements far more precise than mechanical movements.
- Most quartz watches lose or gain only about 15 seconds per month. On the other hand, mechanical watches can "drift" by several seconds per day.
Can You Compare the Quartz Movement vs Watch Movements?
What are the differences between quartz movements and other kinds of watch movements? Let us give you an easy-to-read table about the properties of different watch movement types.
| Feature | Quartz Movement | Mechanical Movement | Automatic Movement |
| Power Source | Battery-powered | Mainspring (hand-wound) | Mainspring (self-winding) |
| Accuracy | ±15 seconds per month | ±5 to 30 seconds per day | ±5 to 30 seconds per day |
| Operation | Electric current makes quartz crystal vibrate | Hand-wound mainspring powers gear train | Rotor winds mainspring via wrist movement |
| Maintenance | Low (battery replacement every 1 to 5 years) | High (regular servicing required) | High (regular servicing required) |
| Lifespan | Can last decades with simple maintenance | Can last a lifetime if serviced regularly | Can last a lifetime if serviced regularly |
| Movement Style | Ticking motion (1-second intervals) | Smooth sweeping motion | Smooth sweeping motion |
| Complexity | Simple and efficient | Highly intricate with delicate parts | Similar to mechanical but includes a rotor for self-winding |
| Durability | Highly resistant to shock and magnetism | Sensitive to shocks and magnetism | Sensitive to shocks and magnetism |
| Cost | Affordable, mass-produced | Expensive, handcrafted | Expensive, handcrafted |
| Collectibility | Lower collector value | High collector value due to craftsmanship | High collector value due to craftsmanship |
| Best For | Everyday wear, low maintenance | Watch enthusiasts, traditional craftsmanship lovers | Those who prefer traditional watches but don’t want to wind them manually |
- Quartz movements are accurate, durable, and affordable, making the watches that use them ideal for daily wear.
- Mechanical movements offer a traditional, hand-crafted appeal but require more maintenance.
- Automatic movements combine the craftsmanship of mechanical watches with the convenience of self-winding through wrist motion.
Can You Provide Examples of Quartz Watches?
Let's check out some popular high-end timepieces that use quartz movements.
1. Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Quartz (Ref. 4910/1200A-001)
The Patek Philippe Twenty~4 is an elegant ladies' timepiece designed for timeless sophistication and everyday wear. It has an Art Deco-inspired case and a luxurious finish.
Technical Specifications:
- Case: Stainless steel, 25.1mm x 30mm
- Movement: Patek Philippe Caliber E15 quartz
- Dial: Blue sunburst with applied white gold numerals
- Water Resistance: 30m
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Unique Features:
- High-end Patek Philippe quartz movement
- Timeless rectangular case design
- Applied white gold Arabic numerals
Price:
- Brand New: around $15,000
- Pre-Owned: around $10,000 to $13,000
2. Cartier Santos-Dumont Quartz (Ref. WSSA0022)
A modern take on Cartier's iconic aviator watch, the Santos-Dumont combines a sleek case with a reliable quartz movement.
Technical Specifications:
- Case: Stainless steel, 38mm x 27.5mm
- Movement: Cartier high-autonomy quartz
- Dial: Silvered opaline with Roman numerals
- Water Resistance: 30m
- Strap: Blue alligator leather
Unique Features:
- Slim profile for comfortable wear
- Cartier’s signature screw-down bezel
- Extended battery life (6 years)
Price:
- Brand New: around $5,000
- Pre-Owned: around $3,500 to $4,500
3. Grand Seiko 9F Quartz (Ref. SBGX261)
Grand Seiko’s 9F quartz movement is considered one of the best Japanese quartz movements in the industry, offering mechanical-like craftsmanship with extreme precision.
Technical Specifications:
- Case: Stainless steel, 37mm
- Movement: Grand Seiko Caliber 9F62 quartz (±10 seconds per year accuracy)
- Dial: Matte black with applied markers
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Unique Features:
- One of the most accurate quartz watches
- Hand-assembled and finished like a mechanical watch
- Twin-pulse control motor for smoother ticking motion
Price:
- Brand New: around $3,000
- Pre-Owned: around $2,200 to $2,800
4. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Quartz (Ref. 220.10.38.20.02.001)
The Seamaster Aqua Terra is a refined alternative to the mechanical versions. It's a luxury sports watch with a quartz movement.
Technical Specifications:
- Case: Stainless steel, 38mm
- Movement: Omega Caliber 4564 quartz
- Dial: Silver with teak pattern
- Water Resistance: 150m
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Unique Features:
- Iconic Aqua Terra teak-pattern dial
- Anti-magnetic properties
- High water resistance (150m)
Price:
- Brand New: around $3,500
- Pre-Owned: around $2,500 to $3,000
5. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Quartz (Ref. WBP1110.BA0627)
The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Quartz is a rugged yet stylish dive watch, designed for precision and durability.
Technical Specifications:
- Case: Stainless steel, 40mm
- Movement: TAG Heuer quartz movement
- Dial: Black sunray-brushed with luminous markers
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Unique Features:
- Screw-down crown for better water resistance
- Unidirectional rotating bezel for diving
- Sleek sporty look
Price:
- Brand New: around $2,500
- Pre-Owned: around $1,500 to $2,000
6. Breitling Colt Quartz (Ref. A7438811/BD45/173A)
The Breitling Colt Quartz is a military-inspired tool watch that is both durable and accurate.
Technical Specifications:
- Case: Stainless steel, 44mm
- Movement: Breitling SuperQuartz™ (COSC-certified, 10x more accurate than standard quartz)
- Dial: Black with large Arabic numerals
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Unique Features:
- COSC-certified SuperQuartz movement
- Long battery life (around 8 years)
- High shock resistance
Price:
- Brand New: around $3,500
- Pre-Owned: around $2,200 to $3,000
7. Longines Conquest V.H.P. Quartz (Ref. L3.716.4.76.6)
The Longines Conquest V.H.P. (Very High Precision) quartz watch boasts remarkable accuracy and durability.
Technical Specifications:
- Case: Stainless steel, 41mm
- Movement: Longines V.H.P. Quartz (±5 seconds per year)
- Dial: Silver with applied indices
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Unique Features:
- Incredibly accurate quartz movement
- Perpetual calendar function
- Shock resistance system
Price:
- Brand New: around $1,800
- Pre-Owned: around $1,200 to $1,500
8. Seiko Prospex Diver’s Quartz (Ref. SNE591P1)
A solar-powered dive watch, perfect for those who need reliability and affordability.
Technical Specifications:
- Case: Stainless steel, 42.8mm
- Movement: Seiko V157 solar Japanese quartz movement
- Dial: Black with LumiBrite markers
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Unique Features:
- Solar-powered (no battery changes needed)
- ISO 6425-certified dive watch
- Rotating bezel for diving
Price:
- Brand New: around $600
- Pre-Owned: around $400 to $500
9. Citizen Promaster Tough Quartz (Ref. BN0118-55E)
A durable, military-style watch with Citizen’s Eco-Drive solar quartz technology
Technical Specifications:
- Case: Super Titanium™, 40mm
- Movement: Citizen Eco-Drive (solar-powered quartz)
- Dial: Black with luminous hands
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Strap: Titanium bracelet
Unique Features:
- Scratch-resistant titanium case
- Solar-powered with 6-month battery reserve
- Extreme durability
Price:
- Brand New: around $500
- Pre-Owned: around $350 to $450
10. Tissot PRX Quartz (Ref. T137.410.11.041.00)
An affordable retro-inspired integrated bracelet watch with premium looks
Technical Specifications:
- Case: Stainless steel, 40mm
- Movement: Tissot Swiss quartz
- Dial: Blue with waffle texture
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Strap: Integrated stainless steel bracelet
Unique Features:
- Vintage 1970s design
- Slim, integrated case design
- Sapphire crystal
Price:
- Brand New: around $450
- Pre-Owned: around $300 to $400
Is A Quartz Watch for You?
If you’re looking for a reliable, accurate, low-maintenance, everyday-wear timepiece, a quartz watch is an excellent choice. Unlike mechanical watches, which require regular servicing and manual winding, quartz movements offer hassle-free precision powered by a simple battery.
Many quartz watches also look luxurious, so you'll be wearing a touch of opulence that doesn't hurt your pocket. Many high-end brands, such as Patek Philippe, Cartier, Grand Seiko, and Omega, have perfected quartz technology to deliver exceptional craftsmanship without compromising performance.
Thus, if you value precision, durability, and affordability, a quartz watch is a practical and stylish investment.
