Automatic vs quartz watches: Which type of movement should you choose for your new wristwatch?
When buying a new wristwatch, one of the most important decisions you have to make is choosing a movement. In the world of watches, there are two main types of mechanisms: automatic (mechanical) and quartz. In this article, we'll compare the two types of movements, explore their pros and cons, and help you make an informed decision when choosing your new watch.
Automatic (mechanical) mechanism
Automatic watches are mechanical watches that use the kinetic energy of your wrist to wind themselves. The movement of the wrist drives a rotor inside the watch which transfers energy to the spring, which then moves the watch movement. Some of the automatic watch manufacturers we stock include Seiko , Citizen and Swiss Military Hanowa .
Advantages of automatic watches:
- No need to replace the battery
- Greater precision and quality of production
- Complex and attractive mechanism design
Disadvantages of automatic watches:
- More expensive than quartz watches
- They require regular maintenance and servicing
- Less precise than quartz watches
Quartz movement
Quartz watches use a quartz crystal and a battery to create a pulse that moves the hands of the watch. The quartz movement is popular for its simplicity, precision and affordability. Some of the quartz watch manufacturers we carry include Casio , Tommy Hilfiger and Fossil .
Advantages of quartz watches:
- Very precise and reliable
- More affordable than automatic watches
- Less maintenance and servicing is required
Disadvantages of quartz watches:
- It is necessary to change the battery periodically
- A less attractive mechanism than automatic watches
- It can be considered less prestigious than automatic watches
Conclusion
Choosing between automatic and quartz movement ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you appreciate the complexity and quality of making automatic mechanisms and you don't mind regular maintenance and servicing, automatic watches may be the right choice for you. Our collection of automatic watches offers a wide selection of models from well-known brands.
On the other hand, if you want a watch that is accurate, reliable and affordable, a quartz movement may be a better choice. Our collection of quartz watches offers various models for every taste and style.
Regardless of your choice, in Urarna Čakovec you will find a wide selection of quality wristwatches that will meet your needs and expectations. If you need additional advice or help choosing the perfect watch, please feel free to contact us or visit our store.
History
Automatic mechanisms have a long history dating back to the 18th century. The first automatic watches, known as self-winding watches, were developed in the mid-1700s. A pioneer in this field was the Swiss watchmaker Abraham-Louis Perrelet, who invented a rotor system that would use the movements of the watch wearer to wind the spring. This innovative design allowed automatic watches to remain wound without the need for manual winding.
Quartz movements, on the other hand, have a much shorter but equally impressive history. The first quartz watch, the Seiko Astron, was introduced in 1969. Quartz watches use a quartz crystal that vibrates when an electrical voltage is applied to it, allowing for accurate timekeeping. Thanks to their precision, reliability and affordability, quartz watches quickly gained popularity and today make up the majority of watches manufactured worldwide.
While automatic watches represent the tradition and art of watchmaking, quartz watches symbolize progress and technological innovation. Both movements have left a lasting impact on the watch industry and continue to satisfy the needs of watch lovers around the world. 
The most common watch mechanism manufacturers
In the world of watches, there are many well-known and common mechanisms from various manufacturers. The most famous movements include ETA, Sellita, Miyota, Seiko and Ronda.
ETA is a Swiss movement manufacturer that offers a wide range of automatic and quartz movements.
- Sellita is also a Swiss manufacturer, often compared to ETA, and produces high-quality automatic movements.
- Miyota, part of the Citizen Watch group, produces precise and reliable Japanese movements.
- Seiko, another Japanese giant, offers a wide range of movements used in different watch models.
- Ronda, a Swiss manufacturer, is known for its quartz and mechanical movements that offer precision and reliability.
These mechanisms are one of the most common and are often used in watches.
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ETA 2824-2 - This automatic movement is one of the most famous and widely used movements in the industry, manufactured by the Swiss giant ETA.
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Miyota 8215 - This reliable and affordable automatic movement is a product of the Japanese manufacturer Miyota, which is part of the Citizen Watch Group.
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Seiko NH35A - Another popular automatic movement, the NH35A comes from the famous Japanese manufacturer Seiko and is used in many watches from different brands.
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Sellita SW200-1 - Sellita, a Swiss movement manufacturer, produces this automatic movement that is often compared to the ETA 2824-2 due to similarities in design and function.
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Ronda 715 - This quartz movement comes from the Swiss manufacturer Ronda and is known for its precision, reliability and durability.
These movements represent some of the most popular and widely used movements in the watch industry, and are used in many well-known watch brands.
FAQ
- What is the main difference between automatic and quartz watches?
Automatic watches use a mechanical movement that is wound by the movements of the wearer's wrist, while quartz watches use an electronic movement that uses the vibrations of a quartz crystal to measure time.
- What are the advantages of automatic watches?
Automatic watches are often valued more for their traditional craftsmanship, quality and complexity of the mechanism. They do not need to replace the battery because they are powered by wrist movements.
- What are the advantages of quartz watches?
Quartz watches are generally more accurate, reliable and often more affordable than automatic watches. They also have a longer battery life and require less maintenance.
- How are automatic and quartz watches maintained?
Automatic watches require regular servicing, usually every 5 to 10 years, to ensure proper functioning and durability. Quartz watches require minimal maintenance, usually just replacing the battery every few years.
- Can automatic watches lose accuracy over time?
Yes, automatic watches can lose accuracy due to wearing parts or the influence of magnetic fields. Regular servicing and degaussing can help preserve the accuracy of your automatic watch.
- How to choose between automatic and quartz watch?
The choice between an automatic and a quartz watch depends on your personal preferences, budget and needs. If you appreciate the traditional craftsmanship, complexity and aesthetics of an automatic watch, this may be the right choice for you. If you are looking for an accurate, reliable and affordable watch with less maintenance, a quartz watch may be a better option.
Image sources: https://ronda.ch, https://miyotamovement.com
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