Mechanical vs. Quartz: Can You Really Feel the Difference?

Timekeeping has come a long way, from the chiming clocks of the 16th century to the modern and robust styles available on the market today. If you want to invest in a high-quality timepiece, a common question you should ask is: What is the difference between mechanical and quartz luxury watches? While both have their unique features and advantages, understanding their differences can help you make an informed purchase. Whether you are new to the world of luxury watches or a seasoned collector, this guide will help familiarize you with the main distinctions to ensure you make an informed purchase.

About Mechanical Watches

Technological advancements over the years have affected nearly every aspect of daily life, including keeping track of time. While modern luxury watches often rely on quartz or smart systems, older mechanical timepieces run without using batteries or other electronic components. Over the years, mechanical watches have undergone significant modifications, making them more resistant, reliable, and ergonomic. From the numerous complex assemblies of cogs and gears to the current wrist models, mechanical luxury watches have undergone a series of technical developments.

About Quartz Watches

Quartz is an abundant mineral composed of silicon dioxide, or silica. As stated, older watches were powered by manual and automatic movements that required winding to work. Quartz luxury watches solved this problem, as the timepieces made at the end of the 1960s did not rely on input from the wearer. This allowed watch buyers to focus on other daily tasks rather than frequently winding their watches to ensure time didn’t stop ticking. Besides ease of use, quartz watches boast enhanced accuracy, affordability, and craftsmanship, making them popular among collectors and enthusiasts.

How to Tell the Difference Between Mechanical and Quartz Watches?

Before walking into a local watch store, familiarizing yourself with the key differences can help you make informed decisions. Here are the critical factors to consider before investing in a luxury timepiece.

Second Hand

The second hand in mechanical watches moves with a smooth, “sweeping” motion, which is a series of rapid 4-10 ticks per second. On the other hand, quartz watches have a second hand that jumps in distinct, individual ticks. That is one tick per second, which is different from the mechanical counterpart that has rapid ticks within four to ten seconds.

Auditory

Mechanical luxury watches have a more pleasant, rhythmic “ticking” sound that can be heard by holding the timepiece close to the ear. This is a result of the rapid ticks that create a smooth, sweeping motion. Since quartz watches produce individual ticks every second, the sound is usually a simple “tick.” With all the different watches on the market, identifying these auditory differences can guide your decision.

Experience

Mechanical luxury watches use intricate, traditional movements often seen as a marvel of micro-engineering and symbols of craftsmanship. Conversely, the experience of quartz watches is rooted in high-tech reliability and precision, which come from a battery-powered crystal oscillator that vibrates at a constant frequency. 

Feel

Mechanical watches are often considered to have more “soul” due to the complexity of their internal gears and springs. Most of these luxury watches are hand-made using high-quality materials and in-house movements that enhance precision. Quartz timepieces are different, as they feel more purposeful and technology-driven, with a strong emphasis on accuracy.

Whichever brand, model, or movement you prefer, choosing the right mechanical or quartz timepiece is crucial. This helpful guide can help you navigate the market, helping you feel the difference and invest in the right timepiece for your style and personality. Contact us at Atlanta Luxury Watches to book an appointment with our experts and create a list to help you build a valuable collection.