
When it comes to choosing a watch, understanding the type of movement is important. The movement, or caliber, is the heart of the watch, driving the hands and powering any complications like the date or chronograph functions. The two primary types of movements are quartz and mechanical. Automatic watches, and manual winding watches are mechanical watches. Here's a detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and benefits of each.
I have both quartz and mechanical watches in my collection, and I have a place for both in my daily wearing of watches. My personal preference is an automatic Swiss movement watch, but I still enjoy wearing all the watches I own and work them into wearing them in a regular rotation. Here are some quick insights that might help you decide, or at least clarify the difference between quartz and mechanical movements.

Swiss ETA Quartz Movement
Quartz Movements
How They Work
Quartz movements are powered by a battery. The battery sends an electrical current through a small quartz crystal, causing it to vibrate at a precise frequency (32,768 times per second). These vibrations are measured and converted into a consistent pulse that drives an electronic motor, which in turn moves the watch hands.
Advantages
1. Accuracy: Quartz watches are extremely accurate, typically deviating by only a few seconds per month.
2. Low Maintenance: Aside from battery replacements every few years, quartz watches require minimal maintenance.
3. Cost-Effective: Generally, quartz watches are less expensive to produce, making them more affordable than mechanical watches.
4. Durability: Fewer moving parts mean less wear and tear, making quartz watches quite durable.
Disadvantages
1. Battery Dependency: Quartz watches rely on batteries, which need to be replaced periodically. Batteries can leak and cause damage to the delicate quartz movement.
2. Less Craftsmanship: Quartz movements are often mass-produced and lack the intricate craftsmanship of mechanical movements.
3. Less Prestige: Among watch enthusiasts, quartz watches are often considered less prestigious than mechanical watches.
4. Quartz movements, if equipped with a seconds hand, typically don’t offer a sweeping seconds hand which many watch enthusiasts prefer, rather they will increment 1 second to the next second, moving 60 times per minute.

ETA 2824-2 Movement from my Oris Watch
Mechanical Movements
How They Work
Types
1. Manual-Wind: Requires the wearer to wind the crown regularly to keep the watch running.
2. Automatic: Equipped with a rotor that winds the mainspring using the natural motion of the wearer's wrist.
Advantages
1. Craftsmanship: Mechanical watches are often hand-assembled with intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail, making them works of art.
2. No Battery Needed: Mechanical watches do not require batteries, running solely on the mechanical energy stored in the mainspring.
3. Heritage and Prestige: Mechanical movements are prized for their engineering complexity and historical significance.
Disadvantages
1. Maintenance: Mechanical watches require regular servicing (every 3-5 years) to maintain accuracy and functionality.
2. Accuracy: While precise, mechanical watches are generally less accurate than quartz watches, with deviations of up to 3 to 15 seconds per day depending on a number of factors.
3. Cost: The craftsmanship involved in making mechanical watches often makes them more expensive than quartz watches.
Which is Right for You?
Choosing between a quartz or a mechanical watch depends on your personal preferences. In a nutshell many people feel that these are some of the factors:
• Quartz Watch: Ideal if you prioritize accuracy, low maintenance, and lower cost affordability.
• Mechanical Watch: Perfect if you value craftsmanship, tradition, and the intricate mechanics of a timepiece.
Frankly, both quartz and mechanical watches have their unique advantages and appeal, and I am not one to say this one or that one is what is right for you. I am a really big fan of telling folks to get the watch that you love, because that is the watch that you will wear. That said, I definitely experience some of the conveniences and recognize those that a quartz watches offers, and it has amazing accuracy and the convenience of usually always being correct even after weeks of not wearing it.
However, I deeply treasure my mechanical watches. They exude a rich heritage, demonstrate craftsmanship, and I have a deep appreciation for the intricate art of watchmaking. I also have a strong bias towards the watches I've made myself; which makes sense. I designed them because I like the designs.
I hope exploring these differences can help you make an informed decision when selecting your next timepiece. I invite you to reach out to me if you’d like to chat about your next watch. I’d love to hear from you.
You can explore all the watches I make, by visiting the product pages of my site at Barger Watch Company.