Automatic vs Quartz Watches: Which One Is Right for You?

One of the first decisions you will run into when buying a watch is whether to choose automatic or quartz.

Neither movement is automatically better. They offer different experiences.

What is a quartz watch?

A quartz watch uses an electronic movement powered by a battery or another electrical energy source. Quartz watches are popular because they are:

• Accurate
• Convenient
• Easy to own
• Generally low maintenance

Put it on, set the time when necessary and wear it.

Some watches build on the basic quartz idea. Citizen Eco-Drive, for example, generates its electrical energy from light rather than relying on routine battery changes, and Bulova's high-frequency quartz movements are built for exceptional accuracy.

What is an automatic watch?

An automatic watch is mechanical. Inside are gears, springs, an escapement and a weighted rotor. As the rotor swings while you wear the watch, it winds the mainspring that powers the movement. There is no battery.

For many enthusiasts, this mechanical engineering is a major part of the appeal.

Accuracy

For everyday accuracy, quartz has the advantage. A mechanical watch can gain or lose more time in normal use because its timekeeping depends on physical components.

For many automatic-watch owners, perfect accuracy isn't the point. They are buying the engineering, craftsmanship and mechanical experience.

Maintenance

Quartz watches are simple to own. Traditional battery-powered models eventually need a battery change; Eco-Drive approaches power differently.

Automatic watches contain many more moving parts and will eventually need mechanical servicing. Our own watchmakers handle watch servicing in-house at our North York store.

The experience

This is where automatic watches become special. There is something satisfying about knowing the watch on your wrist is running purely mechanically. Quartz makes tremendous sense when convenience is your main priority.

Which should you choose?

Consider quartz if you prioritize:

• Accuracy
• Convenience
• Easy everyday ownership
• Grab-and-go usability

Consider automatic if you prioritize:

• Mechanical watchmaking
• Traditional horology
• Collecting
• The experience of owning a mechanical movement

And you don't have to choose only one. A watch collection can easily contain both.

At Golden Gate Jewellery you can explore quartz and Eco-Drive watches alongside automatics such as the Citizen Tsuyosa, Citizen Promaster divers and Bulova's Sutton and Marine Star automatics. If this is your first watch, our first watch guide walks through the other decisions too.