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“Automatic vs. Quartz Watches: Which is Better?”

“Automatic vs. Quartz Watches: Which is Better?”

“Automatic vs. Quartz Watches: Which is Better?”

 

 

When shopping for a new watch, one of the first questions many people ask is simple but important: Should I buy an automatic or a quartz watch? Both have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and what you value in a timepiece.

What Is a Quartz Watch?

Quartz watches are powered by a small battery. The battery sends an electric current through a quartz crystal, which vibrates at a precise frequency. These vibrations regulate the movement of the hands, usually in a distinct “tick” once per second.

Key features of quartz watches:

 

  • Highly accurate—typically only losing or gaining a few seconds per month
  • Affordable compared to mechanical options
  • Low maintenance, requiring only a battery change every 1–3 years
  • Slim, lightweight designs are common

 

Quartz watch

What Is an Automatic Watch?

An automatic watch—also called a self-winding watch—is a type of mechanical watch that winds itself using the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist.

Inside the watch is a semi-circular metal weight called a rotor. As you move your wrist, the rotor spins around and transfers energy through a series of gears to wind the mainspring (the “power source” of the watch). The mainspring stores this energy and slowly releases it, driving the gears that move the watch’s hands.

Key Features of Automatic watches:

  • Self-Winding Mechanism – Uses the wearer’s wrist movement to wind the mainspring, so no daily manual winding or battery is required.

  • Mechanical Movement – Powered by gears, springs, and rotors instead of electronics, showcasing traditional watchmaking craftsmanship.

  • Power Reserve – Stores energy (usually 36–80 hours) so the watch keeps running even when not worn for a day or two.

  • Smooth Sweeping Second Hand – Unlike quartz watches that “tick” once per second, automatic watches usually have a smoother, continuous sweep of the second hand.

 

An automatic watch—also called a self-winding watch—is a type of mechanical watch that winds itself using the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist. Inside the watch is a semi-circular metal weight called a rotor. As you move your wrist, the rotor spins around and transfers energy through a series of gears to wind the mainspring (the “power source” of the watch). The mainspring stores this energy and slowly releases it, driving the gears that move the watch’s hands.

Quartz and Automatic watch comparison table:

Feature Quartz Watch Automatic Watch
Power Source Battery Wrist movement (self-winding)
Accuracy Very high (± few seconds/month) Moderate (± few seconds/day)
Maintenance Battery change every 1–2 years Service every 3–5 years
Cost Generally affordable Usually more expensive
Longevity Good, but limited by electronics Can last generations with care
Second Hand Ticks once per second Smooth sweeping motion
Design/Build Slim, lightweight Bulkier due to rotor
Appeal Practical, convenient Traditional, crafted, prestigious