Mechanical vs Quartz Watches: The Battle That Never Really Ended
For the past 50 years, the watch world has been split into two camps — those who proudly wind and those who quietly pop in a battery. And while the war between mechanical and quartz has mellowed from its 1970s drama, it still sparks quiet debates between enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
So, what actually is the difference between quartz and mechanical movements? Why did one nearly kill the other? And which one belongs on your wrist?
Let’s break it down.
Quartz vs Mechanical: A Quick Overview
At its most basic, a mechanical watch is powered by a coiled spring (called a mainspring) that stores energy and releases it gradually to drive the hands. It’s old-school, elegant, and requires no battery — just regular winding or your wrist’s natural motion (in automatics).
Quartz watches, on the other hand, use a tiny battery and a quartz crystal that vibrates when electrified. These vibrations are incredibly stable, making quartz watches far more accurate — to the point that they made Swiss watchmakers panic in the 1970s.
But we’ll get to that.
Mechanical Watches: Why They Still Matter
Credit - Minerva
There’s something charmingly analogue about a mechanical watch. You’re not just wearing a timekeeper — you’re strapping a miniature machine to your wrist. Cogs, gears, springs and all. Some are simple, some are absurdly complicated. All are the result of proper watchmaking.
Pros:
Craftsmanship: Mechanical watches represent traditional horology, often finished to beautiful standards.
Emotion & Character: They’re often heirloom pieces — full of story, soul, and something close to romance.
No Battery Required: A fully mechanical system can last generations with proper care.
Cons:
Accuracy: Most lose or gain a few seconds per day — fine for daily wear, but not satellite-synced precision.
Servicing Costs: They need maintenance every 4–7 years, which can be pricey.
Price: You’re often paying for artistry and tradition, not just time-telling.
Quartz Watches: The Revolution That Stuck
Credit - VV Voennyy
In 1969, Seiko released the Astron — the world’s first commercial quartz wristwatch. It was accurate to within 5 seconds per month and didn’t need winding. For a while, the Swiss laughed. Then they panicked.
The Quartz Crisis of the 1970s wasn’t a mild tremor. It was an earthquake. Quartz watches were cheap, mass-produced, and vastly more accurate than their mechanical cousins. Swiss watch brands went bust. Factories closed. Some of the most storied names in horology didn’t survive.
And yet, out of the rubble came reinvention. Brands like Swatch saved the Swiss industry by embracing quartz (and bright colours), while others like Rolex and Patek Philippe doubled down on luxury mechanics.
Today, quartz watches are no longer the enemy — they’re a respected, practical option.
Pros:
Accuracy: Often accurate to within seconds a month, or even better in high-accuracy quartz models.
Low Maintenance: No winding, no fuss. Battery changes once every few years.
Affordability: A quality quartz can be had for a fraction of the price of a mechanical equivalent.
Cons:
Less Soul (arguably): Some see quartz as lacking the “heartbeat” of a mechanical movement.
Shorter Lifespan: While many quartz watches last decades, some are made with cheaper components that aren't built to be serviced.
Perceived Value: Quartz can feel less “special” to collectors, even if it’s technically superior in some ways.
So Which Should You Buy?
The truth is, there’s no one answer. The best watch for you depends on how you wear it, what you value, and what makes you smile when you check the time.
If you love the idea of history ticking away on your wrist — the feel of a winding crown and the rhythm of a smooth seconds sweep — then mechanical might be your thing.
If you prefer precision, convenience, and a “set it and forget it” relationship, quartz makes perfect sense — especially in grab-and-go daily watches or travel beaters.
Notable Picks in Each Camp
Credit - Seiko
Mechanical:
Tudor Black Bay 58 – Classic design, in-house movement, heritage appeal.
Baltic MR01 – Vintage charm with micro-rotor mechanics under £600.
Seiko Presage “Cocktail Time” – Affordable mechanical dress with style.
Credit - Grand Seiko
Quartz:
Grand Seiko SBGN003 (9F GMT) – Arguably the best quartz movement in the world.
Casio F91W – The ultimate daily beater with cult status.
Swatch x Omega Moonswatch – Quartz fun with a collector following.
Final Thoughts: Time Is What You Make It
In the end, choosing between mechanical and quartz isn’t about which one is better. It’s about what matters to you. The joy of watches isn’t just in specs or prices — it’s in the connection you have with what’s on your wrist.
Whether you’re watching the gears turn or just enjoying the simplicity of perfect quartz timing, the best watch is always the one you wear with pride.