Automatic vs. Quartz Watches: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

The choice between the quartz vs. automatic watch pair is not obvious. Both options attract wearers for this or that reason. Join this guide to ultimately settle the automatic vs. quartz watch dispute. You’ll learn how good each movement type is in terms of accuracy, maintenance, and reliability.

What Is a Quartz Watch?

A quartz watch is a time-keeper powered by interaction between a quartz crystal and a battery. Your ticker’s quartz movement means that its battery carries the electric current through a tiny crystal. This current makes the crystal vibrate, and its vibration frequency is tremendously precise.

For time-keeping enthusiasts, having quartz watches means enjoying the next level of accuracy. Compare: mechanical wristwatches lose/gain several seconds every day. In quartz watches, inaccuracy is limited to 10-15 seconds per month. The highest-class tickers may swing by less than 10 seconds per year!

Quartz watches also require a minimum of maintenance. Their batteries are robust and highly durable. So, quartz wins the automatic movement watches vs. quartz argument for those who value high-level precision and low maintenance the most.

What Is an Automatic Watch?

No battery is used in automatic watches – types of mechanical watches that use rotors to keep their mechanism working. The term ‘automatic’ refers to self-winding: wearers don’t wind their watches manually. It’s enough to wear them and move the hand naturally to wind them.

What’s more, the rotor, a rotary winder inside the mechanical clockwork, stores energy. If not worn for short periods of time, these watches continue to work properly. Many prefer automatic watches for their blend of timeless craftsmanship and modern convenience.

In the precision battle of quartz vs. automatic watches, the latter yields. Automatic pieces lose/gain 3-10 seconds per day. Still, they require no battery changes. Professional servicing is needed, but it’ll be your watchmaker’s concern.

Automatic vs. Quartz Watch Movement: Key Differences

Need a side-by-side comparison of these highly popular clockwork mechanics? Let’s stack up automatic watch movement vs. the quartz one and mark their key differences:

Power Source

The mechanical movement of automatic watches is powered by rotors. They rotate even if watches are gently shaken from time to time. Quartz time-keepers are based on batteries that empower vibrating quartz crystals.

Accuracy

Quartz movement wins the quartz vs. automatic accuracy contest. While automatic watches swing from the correct time by at least 2-5 seconds a day, quartz wearables may gain or lose 10-15 seconds per month or even per year!

Maintenance Needs

The maintenance difference between quartz and automatic watches is significant. Automatic watches win this battle. Rotors ensure their work for about 40 hours, even if you don’t wear them. Then, you’ll have to slightly shake them to restart the mechanism.

A battery is a quartz watch’s heart. Modern batteries 'beat' for 2-5 years. However, sooner or later, you’ll have to replace the battery in your quartz. It’s crucial to note such battery ageing signs as lower accuracy and irregular motion of the second hand. Batteries should be substituted on time – this protects the mechanism against early wearout.

Longevity

Time to set off the longevity of quartz watch movement  vs. the automatic one. Based on craftsmanship, automatic watches remain alive for decades. However, they require expertise servicing every 3-5 years.

In quartz watches, you replace the battery, usually at the same frequency. Quartz watches also show excellent durability. So, it’s only a matter of service type that suits you better.

Price Ranges

It all depends on the quality, but quartz watches are cheaper than automatic models. You can buy a decent quartz for $50, while for automatic watches, the ‘decency’ level starts at $120.

The main problem with automatic pieces is that their mechanism is refined and complex. The higher its quality is, the more you’ll have to pay. If you value the style and craftsmanship, the game is worth the candle. However, in terms of accuracy standards, automatic movement has nothing to do with the one offered by quartz.

Battery changing is the main headache with quartz timepieces. If it’s not a problem for you, the winner of the price competition of quartz watches vs. automatic ones is obvious. Quartz is cheaper. It brings the best value for money.

Users Experience

Quartz movement vs. automatic movement? Which is better in everyday use? Here, everything depends on your preferences. Quartz watches bring practicality and high-standard accuracy. Rare battery changes won’t irritate you much.

Automatic watches add special flair to your style. They share the prestige of craftsmanship with classic mechanical timepieces. However, self-winding makes them durable and low-maintenance.

Quartz vs. Automatic: Pros and Cons

There are no bad types of watches. Each movement type has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s observe those that make the difference between automatic and quartz watches:

Quartz Watch Pros and Cons

Before moving to Wixez’s standalone quartz collection, note the key pros and cons of quartz watches:

Automatic Watch Pros and Cons

Ready to shop around for a quality automatic watch at Wixez? Compare this movement’s pros and cons first:

Which Watch Type Is Better for You?

With each movement’s pros and cons in mind, it’s easy to decide if a quartz or automatic watch is best-fitting in this or that situation. Let’s list the most common ones:

1. You need accuracy – opt for quartz! Quartz movement ensures the highest time-keeping accuracy, and you can afford it for a reasonable price.

2. You appreciate prestige & craftsmanship tradition – choose an automatic watch. Automatic timekeepers use the good old mechanical clockwork. They sometimes have the see-through case, thus displaying their inner mechanism and adding an extra chic to your everyday style.

3. You don’t want to bother yourself with maintenance – stick to quartz options. A single battery replacement every 2-5 years is needed to keep your quartz watch working perfectly. No special care from a high-class watchmaker is needed.

4. You collect timepieces - buy automatic watches. Are automatic watches worth it? For a passionate watch collector, there’s no question like this! Automatic watches cost more, but they stand out with intricate designs and priceless heritage.

Automatic vs. Quartz for Gifts

What if you’re going to gift a watch to someone? Here, you weigh the pros and cons of quartz versus automatic watches in the same way. However, you refer to the personal needs of your presentee.

If they’re always on the go and appreciate accurate time-keeping, gift them a quartz watch. They’ll be grateful for this watch’s easy maintenance and longevity in practical use. Quartz watches perfectly match occasions like holidays, business trips, sports challenges, etc.

If your near and dears value smart designs and are looking for a stylish accessory to highlight their personality, opt for an automatic timepiece. You’ll immortalise the handing moment if you present this gift for their anniversary, graduation, or another important milestone.

Summary: Quartz vs. Automatic Watch Differences

Watches are unique wearables that are a pleasure to have and gift. If you compare an automatic watch vs. a quartz movement one, remember the key differences:

1. Quartz watches are cheaper and more accurate.

2. Automatic watches are pricy, but they display craftsmanship and prestige.

3. Quartz watches require only timely battery replacement.

4. Automatic watches work for decades, but they require proper servicing from competent watchmakers.

Ready to choose? Explore Wixez’s collections of quality and affordable automatic and quartz watches. This store provides easy shopping, and international clients have been trusting it  for 10+ years.