by Dana Li
There are few topics more hotly debated within the watch world than that one about mechanical and quartz movements. Some people prefer collecting solely mechanical watches while others enjoy the convenience and accuracy that quartz watches provide. Regardless of where you stand on your preferences, both quartz and mechanical movements have contributed greatly to horological developments and have played important roles in shaping the watch industry. Despite quartz movements sometimes getting a bad rep as a “cheaper” movement, here are four reasons why watches with thoughtfully done quartz movements are also worth appreciating.
You won’t need to constantly set the time.
If you’re looking for a watch you can easily pick up and wear, a quartz watch is a great, low-maintenance option. Because of the battery-powered movement, you won’t need to worry about winding your watch or setting the time if you haven’t worn it in a while. The FP Journe Élégante takes it a step further and will even automatically set the time for you if you haven’t worn it in a while.
Maintenance is often easier and cheaper.
Compared to a mechanical watch, the quartz one will be easier and cheaper to service and maintain in the long-term. Because a mechanical movement has hundreds of components, servicing costs can quickly add up, especially for vintage watches where a watchmaker may need to source discontinued parts. In contrast, a quartz movement typically needs fewer repairs, with a battery change being the biggest service the watch will likely require with normal wear.
Quartz watches tend to be more lightweight and slim.
Because quartz movements have fewer parts, they can fit slimmer case designs and tend to be more lightweight, making quartz watches perfect for those with smaller wrists who may not want a larger statement piece. Particularly for vintage pieces, the same sized watches tend to be thinner when equipped with quartz movements rather than mechanical ones. Quartz watches can even come with complications, such as the date, chronograph, GMT, and moon phases while still maintaining their slim profile.
Watches with quartz movements are often priced lower than their mechanical counterparts.
If you have an eye on a particular watch that might be out of your budget, there may just be a quartz version of it that may work for you. Watches with quartz movements tend to be priced lower than the same one with a mechanical movement, yet often offer the same look on the wrist. With that being said, a quartz watch can still run the gamut of prices, with some watches reaching well over 5 figures, like a Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce or a vintage Rolex Oysterquartz Day-Date.
