Automatic vs Quartz Watches: Which Should You Choose?

Every watch is driven by one of two hearts: a mechanical automatic movement or a battery-powered quartz movement. Both keep excellent time, but they feel very different to own. Here is how to choose the one that suits you.

How an automatic watch works

An automatic (self-winding) watch is powered by a mainspring. A weighted rotor inside the case turns as your wrist moves and winds the spring as you wear the watch, so there is no battery to replace. The seconds hand sweeps smoothly rather than ticking.

On a skeleton watch, the dial is cut away so you can see the balance wheel, gears and rotor at work. It is the most visual way to enjoy fine mechanics, and it is the signature of pieces such as our automatic and skeleton watches.

How a quartz watch works

A quartz watch uses a small battery to send a current through a quartz crystal, which vibrates at a precise frequency. The movement counts those vibrations to keep time. Quartz watches are very accurate, light and low-maintenance: you only need a new battery every few years.

Quartz is also ideal for complications such as stopwatch chronographs, which is why many sport chronographs use a high-precision Japanese quartz movement. Explore our chronograph watches.

Automatic or quartz: a quick comparison

• Power: automatic watches wind themselves as you wear them; quartz watches run on a battery.
• Feel: automatics have a smooth sweeping seconds hand and visible craftsmanship; quartz has a precise tick.
• Accuracy: quartz is typically more accurate day to day; automatics may gain or lose a few seconds a day.
• Care: an automatic stops if you leave it off the wrist for a while, so give it a few turns of the crown or keep it on a watch winder; quartz simply keeps running.

Which one should you choose?

Choose an automatic if you love mechanics, want a watch with character and enjoy wearing it every day. Choose quartz if you want grab-and-go precision, a lighter watch or a sporty chronograph. Many collectors own one of each.

Still not sure? Browse men's watches and women's watches, or contact us and we will help you choose.