When purchasing a new timepiece, you are immediately faced with an important decision. Should you purchase a watch with an automatic movement or one with a quartz movement? Is one better than the other? This article will give you a better understanding of the two movement types and answer all the questions you may have. Let’s begin.
Automatic Mechanical Watches: Capturing Timeless Tradition
Before discussing the advantages and disadvantages of an automatic watch, it is important to have a basic understanding of how one works. An automatic timepiece belongs to the mechanical watch family, therefore it only utilizes mechanical components to function. These timepieces are unique in the fact that they use the movement of your wrist to charge the watch. Inside the watch is a self-winding mechanism known as a rotor that winds up the mainspring, the energy source for the watch. The mainspring then drives all the gears inside of the watch to move the second, minute, and hour hands. Depending on the quality of the timepiece, automatic watches can be as accurate as +/- 2 seconds a day. That's not too bad for a purely mechanical watch. You can easily identify an automatic watch by the “sweeping” second hand.
Seiko SPB155J1
An automatic watch is much more than a timekeeping device, it is a living artifact—a relic of history placed on your wrist. From the ingenious minds of visionary craftsmen to the delicate, synchronized dance of its gears, an automatic watch is a testament to human ingenuity and passion. Every piece of an automatic movement must be arranged and calibrated precisely for it to function properly. Another advantage, and probably the most practical, is the fact that it charges itself and requires no battery to operate. This means you can be in the middle of nowhere and never have to worry about your watch dying. The more you move the more the watch will “charge”.
One downside to an automatic timepiece that I fear many do not think about, is the maintenance and the cost that ensues. The average automatic watch requires servicing, a process that involves the cleaning and lubricating of all components, every 5-7 years. Depending on the complication, quality, and age of the timepiece, each service can cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand. This is not meant to scare or discourage anyone from purchasing an automatic watch, just be mindful that you will continue to put money towards the watch long after the initial purchase.
Automatic watches, especially those with classic designs or intricate complications, are perfect for formal occasions like weddings, galas, or sophisticated business gatherings. Their craftsmanship and traditional appeal complement formal attire. Individuals passionate about watchmaking history or appreciative of intricate engineering might prefer automatic watches for daily wear, showcasing their interest and taste. Certain automatic watches with versatile designs can also elevate everyday wear, adding a touch of elegance to casual outfits without being overly flashy.
Quartz Watches: The Elegance of Precision
Originally released in December 1969, the Seiko Astron was the first quartz watch on the market. Although it took some time for the movement to be perfected and other watch manufacturers to jump on board, the watch industry soon entered the “quartz crisis”. This revolution from mechanical to quartz caused many in the mechanical watch industry to suffer low sales and even unemployment. A quartz watch can be recognized by the distinct “tick” of the second hand.
Seiko SNE549
There are several advantages when it comes to a quartz watch, the first of which is accuracy. The movements are powered by a quartz crystal that vibrates at a very distinct and consistent frequency, 32,768 beats per second to be exact. Those beats are then divided by a microchip and result in 60 “ticks” per minute. Most quartz watches have an accuracy deviation of +/- 10 seconds a month. Another advantage to a quartz watch is the amount of force it can withstand. While automatic watches are designed to withstand a reasonable amount of force, the quartz watch takes the cake on this one. Militaries around the world issue their men and women watches with quartz movements because they are the most durable.
The main disadvantage of a quartz watch would be having to rely on a battery to keep it charged. No one wants to be in the middle of nowhere when their watch battery decides to die. While it may not be expensive to replace the battery every 1-2 years, you are relying on that certain type of battery to remain available for the foreseeable future. Another disadvantage to some, would be the lack of tradition and craftsmanship that goes into making a quartz watch. While the engineering is impressive, it doesn’t take nearly the same amount of time and skill to create a quartz watch like it does an automatic watch.
Quartz watches' durability makes them ideal for individuals with active lifestyles, including athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, or those engaged in physically demanding jobs. Their accuracy and resilience make quartz watches perfect companions for travelers, adventurers, and those who need a reliable timepiece in various environments and climates. In certain professional settings where precision matters, like healthcare or industries requiring strict adherence to schedules, quartz watches could be preferred for their accuracy and dependability.
Conclusion
As you can see there is no clear distinction between which type of watch is “the best”, there is only what’s best for you. If you are someone that loves tradition and the engineering behind an automatic watch captivates you, go with an automatic. If you need the most accurate time or a piece that will take whatever you can throw at it, go quartz. At the end of the day, both watches are an incredible feat in engineering and will serve you for decades to come.
About the author
Jonathan Wigington is a Marine veteran, writer, and watch enthusiast. To see more content, you can follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/quartzandauto.
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