What is a quartz watch?
As the name suggests, a quartz watch is a watch that is manufactured using quartz. This small piece of crystal and a small built-in battery distinguish the quartz watch from traditional watches. This watch model first appeared on the market at the end of the 1960s. Here the reaction to the quartz watch was largely divided, as many saw a battery-powered watch as a departure from traditional watchmaking. Others, however, saw the many advantages of a quartz watch, such as ease of maintenance and comfort. Unlike mechanical watches, which are self-powered by a spring, quartz watches contain an electromagnetic movement powered by a quartz crystal and a battery. Quartz watches are true precision timepieces, which is due to the physical properties of the quartz. As soon as pressure is applied to the crystal, something amazing happens. A small amount of electricity is produced, which in turn is used to generate movement in the watch.
Differences between quartz and automatic watches
Nowadays, there is a wide variety of movements on the watch market, which differ from each other in terms of how they work. The best-known and most commonly used movements are the quartz movement and the mechanical movement. Mechanical watches use a wound spring that generates energy and thus continuously moves the second hand. The quartz movement, on the other hand, is powered by a quartz crystal, an electronic circuit board and a battery.
How exactly does the quartz movement work?
To keep a quartz watch running, you only need one thing: a working battery. Unlike automatic watches, which are powered by movement and pure mechanics, quartz watches are powered by a battery and a small quartz crystal. The battery is responsible for setting everything in motion. It supplies energy to small gears in the watch, which are also connected to the hands.
A quartz crystal in a small housing inside the movement ensures the precise rate accuracy of the timepiece. With its tuning fork-like shape, it ensures that the energy from the battery is transferred to the hands. The quartz crystal and the battery are connected by a common part, the so-called stepper motor. This regulates the electrical oscillations generated by the quartz crystal and transmits the energy to the second hand at the correct rate.
In contrast to other watches, the second hand of the quartz watch does not move continuously, but every second. This crucial difference also contributes to the high rate accuracy. In addition, the oscillation of the crystal enables the high precision of the second hand, which moves at 32,768 oscillations per second. This number of oscillations is not simply set at random, but has the advantage that exactly one pulse per second can always be transmitted to the stepper motor.
Advantages of quartz watches
It is not without reason that watches with quartz movements are among the best-selling watches in the world today - after all, no other watch can impress with such precision and accuracy as a quartz watch. They offer a constant frequency of 32 kHz, which results in high time accuracy and low rate deviation. As a reliable timepiece for everyday use and special occasions, quartz watches are becoming increasingly popular.
Quartz watches are particularly uncomplicated. While automatic watches stop running after a while, a quartz watch is always ready for use, even if it is not worn for a long time. This is a clear advantage for watch lovers who like to change their models. There is no need to wind the watch or keep it in motion. Quartz watches therefore offer maximum convenience and are always ready when you are.
Another advantage is the low maintenance requirement. Unlike other watches, quartz watches do not need to be regularly serviced, oiled or calibrated. Thanks to the stable quartz technology, they are extremely reliable and only require periodic battery changes, making them a very beginner-friendly and convenient watch.
Whether classic, sporty or modern - quartz watches are not only precise, but also extremely versatile and available in a wide variety of models. In addition, they can easily be supplemented with all kinds of functions such as date display, compass or alarms.
Another advantage of quartz watches is their affordability. Due to the cost-efficient production and the wide range of products, the timepieces are available in a wide variety of price categories, from inexpensive to exclusive luxury watches. This makes them easily accessible to many buyers.
Are quartz watches inferior to other watches?
Quartz watches have a bad reputation among many - they are often seen as cheap and inferior. But this is a prejudice that we would like to contradict. It is true that quartz watches are often cheaper to produce, which means that many inferior models flood the market. However, this does not mean that all quartz watches are of low quality. Quartz watches also offer high-quality, precise movements and excellent workmanship. Thanks to their low maintenance requirements, they can also be extremely durable. A good quartz watch is therefore by no means a second-rate choice.
How long does a quartz watch last?
As with automatic watches, the lifespan of a quartz watch depends on many different factors, with proper care and cleaning playing a decisive role. With good maintenance, quartz watches made of stainless steel can be worn for many years. For optimum timekeeping, it is advisable to change the battery in the form of a button cell every few years or so. Depending on size, use, quality and the use of certain functions, the service life of each watch can vary. With regular care, you can enjoy your quartz watch for many years and use it as your stylish everyday companion.
At MIYEN MUNICH, you will find a large selection of high-quality timepieces equipped with a Japanese quartz movement. Discover the longevity and variety of quartz watches now.
