Have you decided it’s time for a new watch? Maybe you don’t have one but you’re forever wondering what the time is and you’re sick of rummaging around in your pockets or purse to locate your phone and find out. Or maybe your existing one has finally given up the ghost.
Whatever your situation, treating yourself to a new timepiece is pretty exciting. It’s certainly not something you shop for regularly, and the vast array of choices can be a little overwhelming. Mechanical watches receive plenty of praise, but are quartz watches actually better?
They certainly offer plenty of advantages but before we get to that, let’s dig a little deeper into how they actually work.
How do quartz watches work?
Quartz watches are a relatively new development in the industry, with the first inceptions seen around 50 years ago. They use a small piece of quartz crystal that acts as the oscillator. A battery sends electricity through the circuit to the crystal, which starts to vibrate due to the electronic charge. These vibrations occur at a consistent frequency, which means the circuit can create one pulse per second. These pulses drive the small motor, which subsequently turns the hands of the watch.
Why are quartz watches a good choice?
Here are just a few reasons to go for a quartz watch:
• Accuracy: When you buy a watch, you want it to tell you the exact time, right? Well, quartz watches are far more accurate than mechanical ones. They may only lose a couple of seconds over the course of a year, whereas a mechanical one may need readjusting every couple of days.
• Cost: They’re often cheaper than mechanical versions, which have far more moving parts and are therefore more expensive to make. The inner workings of quartz pieces, by comparison, consist mainly of the crystal, the circuit and a battery, so manufacturing costs are lower and that’s reflected in the retail price.
• Durability: A quartz watch can withstand much more of a physical bashing and you’ll not see its precise timekeeping affected. They can prove the ideal choice for those with an active lifestyle or those in manual jobs.
• Size: Fewer moving parts within the inner mechanism also means quartz watches can be smaller and lighter than mechanical versions – perfect for those who like to be discreet about their wristwear.
• Practicality: Quartz watches can last for years without needing to change the battery. Their accurate timekeeping capabilities means you can leave them on your nightstand for months and when you put them on again, you’ll be good to go without having to make any adjustments.
