Automatic vs. Quartz Watches
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SkinsFanLarry
Craft Beer Addict!
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A quartz watch is cheaper and more accurate than a mechanical watch. A good mechanical watch can typically be made no more accurate than 2-3 seconds per day. Your typical inexpensive quartz is usually good to 0.5 seconds per day or better. But when you talk of mechanical watches, craftsmanship, aesthetic and tradition are the key attractions, rather than just accuracy! Because the wheel train of an analog quartz watch is not under constant stress from a wound mainspring, it does not need to be as finely finished, nor does it require painstaking skill and precision in assembly.
In respect to durability, a quartz watch is much better on shock resistance over the mechanical, but it is certainly not invulnerable. Low mass of the vital components helps protect them from shocks. The balance wheel's cap jewels, the balance staff, the rotor bearing (in an automatic) and various other parts of the escapement, especially cap jewels are the vulnerable parts in a mechanical watch. Moreover, a quartz watch has few moving parts, which implies, lesser friction and lesser wear and tear. Mechanical watches need to be maintained in good condition.
In terms of reliability, the mechanical watch has a history attached to its name and make. Though, this can be true of a quartz, the battery is a slip. Battery life is not predictable. A mechanical watch can withstand extreme temperatures, unlike a quartz watch.
Replacement parts for mechanical watches are available; you just need to make sure that they are original. But when it comes to age-old quartz watches, the batteries would have become obsolete, which means, that old quartz watches are just matter of memories.
Apparently, mechanical watches can last longer, provided they are taken care of and serviced well. Also, if in good condition, a mechanical watch has a lot of resale value, it is an asset. A quartz watch on the other hand features electronic circuitry that has a limited lifespan.
Bottom line for just accuracy, go for a quartz, for quality, class, precision and historic value, go for a mechanical watch! And for some of you, who cannot decide, buy what you like to wear!
In respect to durability, a quartz watch is much better on shock resistance over the mechanical, but it is certainly not invulnerable. Low mass of the vital components helps protect them from shocks. The balance wheel's cap jewels, the balance staff, the rotor bearing (in an automatic) and various other parts of the escapement, especially cap jewels are the vulnerable parts in a mechanical watch. Moreover, a quartz watch has few moving parts, which implies, lesser friction and lesser wear and tear. Mechanical watches need to be maintained in good condition.
In terms of reliability, the mechanical watch has a history attached to its name and make. Though, this can be true of a quartz, the battery is a slip. Battery life is not predictable. A mechanical watch can withstand extreme temperatures, unlike a quartz watch.
Replacement parts for mechanical watches are available; you just need to make sure that they are original. But when it comes to age-old quartz watches, the batteries would have become obsolete, which means, that old quartz watches are just matter of memories.
Apparently, mechanical watches can last longer, provided they are taken care of and serviced well. Also, if in good condition, a mechanical watch has a lot of resale value, it is an asset. A quartz watch on the other hand features electronic circuitry that has a limited lifespan.
Bottom line for just accuracy, go for a quartz, for quality, class, precision and historic value, go for a mechanical watch! And for some of you, who cannot decide, buy what you like to wear!
I just made the leap to an automatic watch.
I love it. There is just something more classy about it. For example, the second (as in the hand that counts seconds) do not click like a mechanical, they slowly move.
I also like the fact that there is no more batteries to worry over. That said, if you wear the watch everyday you are fine, but if you take if off for 24hrs it will loos the momentum and you will have to reset it unless you buy a watch winder. I also understand it is not good for the automatics to have stop go use like this.
Skins is right though, just buy what you like and enjoy.
Post pics.
I love it. There is just something more classy about it. For example, the second (as in the hand that counts seconds) do not click like a mechanical, they slowly move.
I also like the fact that there is no more batteries to worry over. That said, if you wear the watch everyday you are fine, but if you take if off for 24hrs it will loos the momentum and you will have to reset it unless you buy a watch winder. I also understand it is not good for the automatics to have stop go use like this.
Skins is right though, just buy what you like and enjoy.
Post pics.
While this is true the biggest liability when it comes to owning a quartz as mentioned is the battery life. Much like our digital hygrometers these watches tend to be extremely inaccurate when the battery is running low and can lag from anywhere between 10 minutes to an hour.
I love the new Grand Carrera that thing is awesome but my favourite has to be the Monaco series I love the looks on that bad boy.
Have you looked into Oris? I love mine