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Quartz Watch vs. Automatic Watch - Which Should You Choose?

Understand the differences between quartz and automatic watches and which one best fits your lifestyle.

June 2025

Battery or Battery-Free

Trying to choose between a quartz or automatic watch? Each movement offers a different relationship to time, from the pinpoint precision of battery-powered quartz to the self-winding craftsmanship of mechanical automatics. Whether you're seeking reliability, tradition, or design flair, understanding how these two watch types compare is the key to finding your perfect luxury timepiece. In this guide, you’ll learn how both movements function, how to tell them apart, and which one best fits your lifestyle, taste, and expectations.

What You'll Learn

1. What Makes a Quartz Watch Tick
2. How Quartz Movements Keep Time
3. Top Luxury Quartz Watches for Different Styles
4. What Defines an Automatic Watch
5. Explaining Automatic Watch Movements
6. Best Automatic Watches Worth the Investment
7. How to Tell Automatic and Quartz Watches Apart
8. Quartz vs. Automatic: Full Feature Comparison
9. FAQ on Quartz vs. Automatic Watches

Battery or Battery-Free

Trying to choose between a quartz or automatic watch? Each movement offers a different relationship to time, from the pinpoint precision of battery-powered quartz to the self-winding craftsmanship of mechanical automatics. Whether you're seeking reliability, tradition, or design flair, understanding how these two watch types compare is the key to finding your perfect luxury timepiece. In this guide, you’ll learn how both movements function, how to tell them apart, and which one best fits your lifestyle, taste, and expectations.

What You'll Learn

1. What Makes a Quartz Watch Tick

Quartz watches are powered by an electrical battery.

A quartz watch runs on a small battery that sends electricity through a quartz crystal, causing it to vibrate at a precise frequency. These vibrations regulate the movement of the watch hands, delivering consistent and accurate timekeeping with minimal maintenance. Quartz watches are lightweight, reliable, and ideal for those who want convenience and precision without needing to wind or service their timepiece often.

Quartz technology was introduced by Seiko in 1969 with the launch of the Astron, the world’s first quartz wristwatch. This breakthrough marked the beginning of the Quartz Revolution, disrupting the traditional Swiss watch industry by offering affordable, highly accurate watches to the mass market. It shifted the industry’s focus from artisanal craftsmanship to electronic innovation, transforming how people around the world kept time.

The first quartz watch created by Seiko in 1969

2. How Quartz Movements Keep Time

Quartz movements operate by sending a small electric charge from a battery through a quartz crystal, which vibrates consistently at 32,768 times per second. These vibrations regulate a tiny motor that moves the watch hands in accurate one-second intervals. This highly stable frequency allows quartz watches to maintain accuracy to within 15 seconds per month, making them one of the most dependable timekeeping options.

3. Top Luxury Quartz Watches for Different Styles

Whether you’re looking for an everyday reliable companion or a sophisticated statement piece, luxury quartz watches offer a wide range of options. From affordable classics to high-end precision timepieces, these watches combine accuracy with style to suit any occasion.

Rado True Round Thinline

Founded in 1917, Rado is known for pushing boundaries in materials and design, and the True Round Thinline reflects that spirit in a sleek, ultra-slim ceramic case. Its minimalist dial and seamless monobloc construction create a refined silhouette that feels as light as it looks, powered by a precise Swiss quartz movement built for modern living.

Rado True Round Thinline

Model: Rado True Round Thinline
Case Size: 39 x 39mm
Movement: Quartz Calibre R140
Price: $3,300 USD

Grand Seiko SBGX261

It was Seiko and the Hattori family's quest for excellence in the pursuit of making the ideal watch that led to the birth of Grand Seiko. This modern quartz watch incorporates a number of innovative features compared to traditional quartz models. The beautiful mirror surface, which is free of distortion, and the case with its elaborate satin finish quietly emphasizes the presence of the watch. The size of the case was carefully calculated so that the watch would sit nicely on the wrist.

Grand Seiko SBGX261

Model: Grand Seiko SBGX261
Case Size: 37 x 44.6 x 10mm
Movement: Quartz Calibre 9F62 with 100 metres water resistance
Price: $2,200 USD

Longines Conquest Classic

Founded in 1832, Longines has long been synonymous with timeless elegance and Swiss precision. The Conquest Classic captures this legacy in a sleek 34mm case, pairing a crisp blue dial with refined indices and a polished steel bracelet. A reliable Swiss quartz movement keeps things ticking, offering effortless sophistication for daily wear.

Longines Conquest Classic

Model: Longines Conquest Classic
Case Size: 34 x 34 x 8.9mm
Movement: Quartz Calibre L156
Price: $1,000 USD

4. What Defines an Automatic Watch

Automatic watches are self-winding using the motion of your wrist.

An automatic watch is a type of mechanical timepiece that winds itself through everyday movement. As you wear the watch, a rotor inside the case spins and winds the mainspring, storing energy that powers the gears and hands. Automatic watches don’t require batteries, making them a more sustainable and emotionally resonant option for those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and intricate engineering.

Automatic movements were developed in the 18th century by Swiss horologist Abraham Louis Perrelet, but they gained widespread popularity in the early 20th century with brands like Rolex and Harwood refining the technology. These self-winding watches became symbols of fine watchmaking, especially in the post-war era, offering both innovation and the romance of mechanical precision. Today, they remain a favourite among collectors and enthusiasts who value artistry and legacy in timekeeping.

The first automatic self-winding wristwatch created by British watchmaker John Harwood in 1924

5. Explaining Automatic Watch Movements

Automatic watch movements work by using a weighted rotor inside the watch that spins with the natural motion of your wrist, winding the mainspring and storing energy. This stored energy is then gradually released through a series of gears and an escapement mechanism, which powers the movement of the watch hands. Most automatic watches have a power reserve of 40 to 70 hours, allowing them to continue running for one to three days even when not worn.

For a more detailed explanation, check out our full guide on: How Automatic Watches Work?.

6. Best Automatic Watches Worth the Investment

Automatic watches blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, appealing to those who appreciate mechanical complexity and enduring style. Here are some standout Swiss luxury timepieces that showcase the beauty and reliability of self-winding movements for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Tudor Black Bay Ceramic

First introduced in 2010, the Black Bay collection takes inspiration from Tudor’s heritage of dive watches of the 1950s and 60s. The white “Snowflake” hands and hour markers pop against the all-matte black ceramic case. The Tudor Bay Black Ceramic has successfully updated its vintage look into a contemporary monochromatic timepiece. The new automatic movement has an all-black finish as well, including the tungsten oscillating mass for the winding rotor.

Tudor Black Bay Ceramic

Model: Tudor Black Bay Ceramic
Case Size: 41 x 41 x 14.4mm
Movement: Automatic Winding Calibre MT5602-1U with 25 jewels and 70 hour power reserve
Price: $6,400

VIEREN Matte White

A new Swiss luxury watch microbrand, VIEREN is reinventing the modern luxury rectangular watch for today's generation. Their debut OG Collection was inspired by modernist architecture, and Matte White was the design that started it all. Created by award winning designer Sunny Fong and Certified Swiss Made in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, this versatile white dial watch is a minimalist’s dream. The ETA-2671 automatic watch movement and 18k gold rehaut ring will elevate your everyday style from day to night. Limited to 100 pieces.

VIEREN Matte White

Model: VIEREN Matte White Watch
Case Size: 27 x 41.5 x 9.2mm
Movement: Self winding ETA-2671 automatic with 25 jewels and 44 hour power reserve
Price: $2,250

SHOP NOW

Model: VIEREN Matte White Watch
Case Size: 27 x 41.5 x 9.2mm
Movement: Self winding ETA-2671 automatic with 25 jewels and 44 hour power reserve
Price: $2,250

SHOP NOW

Oris Big Crown Pointer Date

Oris has remained proudly independent since 1904, known for its mechanical watchmaking and distinctive design language. The Big Crown Pointer Date revives a vintage pilot’s style with its oversized crown and signature date hand. The 40mm case houses a Swiss automatic movement and vintage-inspired dial, offering everyday charm with a nod to aviation history.

Oris Big Crown Pointer Date

Model: Oris Big Crown Pointer Date
Case Size: 40 x 40mm
Movement: Self-winding Calibre 754-1 with 41 hour power reserve
Price: $2,400

7. How to Tell Automatic and Quartz Watches Apart

One of the easiest ways to differentiate between automatic and quartz watches is by observing the second hand’s movement.

Deciding between a quartz and an automatic watch comes down to what kind of experience you want from your timepiece and what qualities matter most to you. Each movement style offers its own unique benefits, showcasing different priorities in accuracy, craftsmanship, and ease of use. Instead of asking which is better, consider which aligns best with your daily habits and personal connection to your watch.

Quartz Watches: Best suited for individuals seeking dependable accuracy and minimal upkeep. Powered by batteries and regulated electronically, quartz watches deliver precise timekeeping with little intervention, making them excellent companions for those who value practicality and cost-effectiveness.
Automatic Watches: Tailored for those who admire the tradition and complexity of mechanical watchmaking. These watches wind themselves through wrist movement, offering a fascinating blend of engineering skill and timeless elegance, perfect for wearers who enjoy the nuanced beauty of mechanical craftsmanship.

Thinking about an automatic? Discover our guide on: 9 Expert Tips for Buying Your First Automatic Watch.

Quartz Watches: Best suited for individuals seeking dependable accuracy and minimal upkeep. Powered by batteries and regulated electronically, quartz watches deliver precise timekeeping with little intervention, making them excellent companions for those who value practicality and cost-effectiveness.
Automatic Watches: Tailored for those who admire the tradition and complexity of mechanical watchmaking. These watches wind themselves through wrist movement, offering a fascinating blend of engineering skill and timeless elegance, perfect for wearers who enjoy the nuanced beauty of mechanical craftsmanship.

Thinking about an automatic? Discover our guide on: 9 Expert Tips for Buying Your First Automatic Watch.

8. Quartz vs. Automatic: Full Feature Comparison

Quartz Watches: Best suited for individuals seeking dependable accuracy and minimal upkeep. Powered by batteries and regulated electronically, quartz watches deliver precise timekeeping with little intervention, making them excellent companions for those who value practicality and cost-effectiveness.
Automatic Watches: Tailored for those who admire the tradition and complexity of mechanical watchmaking. These watches wind themselves through wrist movement, offering a fascinating blend of engineering skill and timeless elegance, perfect for wearers who enjoy the nuanced beauty of mechanical craftsmanship.

Thinking about an automatic? Discover our guide on: 9 Expert Tips for Buying Your First Automatic Watch.

Quartz Watches: Best suited for individuals seeking dependable accuracy and minimal upkeep. Powered by batteries and regulated electronically, quartz watches deliver precise timekeeping with little intervention, making them excellent companions for those who value practicality and cost-effectiveness.
Automatic Watches: Tailored for those who admire the tradition and complexity of mechanical watchmaking. These watches wind themselves through wrist movement, offering a fascinating blend of engineering skill and timeless elegance, perfect for wearers who enjoy the nuanced beauty of mechanical craftsmanship.

Thinking about an automatic? Discover our guide on: 9 Expert Tips for Buying Your First Automatic Watch.

FAQ on Watch Movement Types

Which is more accurate?
Quartz watches, by far — usually within ±15 seconds/month.

Will an automatic watch stop if I don’t wear it?
Yes, usually after 1–2 days. Just wind it or use a winder.

Can I repair a quartz watch?
Sometimes, but they’re often replaced if the repair isn't cost-effective.

Which lasts longer, quartz or automatic?
Automatics can last decades or longer; quartz may not if parts become obsolete.

Are automatics better for collectors?
Yes — they offer more mechanical complexity and often retain or grow in value.

FAQ on Watch Movement Types

SUMMARY

Choosing between quartz and automatic watches depends largely on personal preference and lifestyle. Quartz watches are valued for their accuracy, affordability, and low maintenance, offering practical reliability. Automatic watches, like those from VIEREN, bring a deeper appeal by combining traditional craftsmanship with elegant self-winding movement. This connection to heritage and mechanical artistry often adds a unique value beyond simple timekeeping. In the end, the best watch is the one that matches your style and feels right on your wrist.

SUMMARY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jess Chow, Founder and CEO VIEREN

As Canada’s first female founder of a luxury watch brand, Jess is passionate about horology and dedicated to crafting Swiss Made automatic timepieces that merge modern artistry and precision to inspire a new generation of collectors with confidence and style.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR