If you spend long enough around watch enthusiasts, you can come away with the impression that automatic watches are ‘proper’ watches and quartz watches are somehow second class. We do not agree.
We love mechanical watches. A lot of the watches that got us into collecting are automatic. But quartz is brilliant technology, and for plenty of people it is the better choice.
What is an automatic watch?
An automatic watch is mechanical. Inside the case, a rotor moves as you wear the watch and helps wind the mainspring. That stored energy drives a system of gears and components that keeps the hands moving.
What is a quartz watch?
A quartz watch uses a battery and a quartz crystal to regulate timekeeping. In general, quartz watches are more accurate, more resistant to everyday knocks and far less demanding if you just want to pick up a watch and go.
Our answer
Buy the watch you actually like. If the thought of a mechanical movement fascinates you, automatic is probably worth it. If you want accuracy and convenience, quartz may suit you better. The worst reason to buy either is because somebody on the internet told you the other one is not a ‘real watch’.
Editorial image: Unsplash.
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