Watch Movements | Differences Between Mechanical & Quartz
14/02/2022 | andiotwatches
Watch Movements
A watch movement (also known as a “calibre”) is the engine of a watch that acts as the powerhouse to make the watch and its functions operate. This internal mechanism moves the hands and powers any complications such as a chronograph, annual calendar or dual time zone. The movement drives all timekeeping functions and is essential to keeping accurate time. A watch would not function without it.
There are countless different movements created by watch manufactures that utilize proprietary innovations, but each of these movements falls into one of two categories: quartz or mechanical.
Mechanical Movement
Sweeping motion Quartz Movement
Individual ticks
An easy way to differentiate a quartz from a mechanical movement is by looking at the second hand. On a quartz watch, the second hand has the tick-tick motion that moves once per second while mechanical watches have a smooth, sweeping seconds motion.
Quartz Movement
Quartz movements are very accurate and require minimal maintenance aside from battery replacements. They tend to be low-cost since they are battery powered and have few moving parts. Quartz watches aren’t as desirable to most watch enthusiasts because they lack the technical craftsmanship and engineering of mechanical timepieces. Quartz movements in fine Swiss watch brands, such as Patek Philippe, are designed to comply with their strict quality standards.
How a Quartz Movement Works:
A quartz movement utilizes a battery as its primary power source and is typically the type of movement that you will find in your standard, no-frills watch. To create power in quartz watch movements, a battery sends an electrical current through a small quartz crystal, electrifying the crystal to create vibrations. These vibrations keep the movement oscillating and drive the motor to move the watch hands.
Mechanical Movement
Mechanical movements are often chosen over quartz movements for luxury watches due to their high level of quality and craftsmanship. Skillfully created by expert watchmakers, these move