If you had little knowledge of watches, we would hazard a guess that you would instantly believe that mechanical watches are by far the best. Why? Well, you would have seen antique television shows, watched movies, and seen the level of workmanship that goes into these timepieces.
Actually, you might be surprised that both types of watch have their own strengths and benefits. It really is not a clear case in either direction as to which is the best – it mainly comes down to your own preferences.
Accuracy – Quartz
There is only one winner when it comes to accuracy and despite not offering the artistic beauty that the inside of a mechanical watch comprises, quartz watches are by far the most accurate. It is not even close.
A mechanical watch will lose at least 5 seconds a day on the actual time which equates to 2 minutes and 30 seconds a month – meaning the time should be adjusted regularly unless you want to be late for everything. As for quartz watches, these will lose 4 seconds a month.
Reliability – Tie
There is nothing in the reliability factor of both types of timings. Both will last a very long time if looked after adequately and are made by a well-known brand with a reputation for producingGerman made watches.
If you really had to pick a winner, it would perhaps be mechanical watches due to the lifespan of these watches being timeless in some cases. There is a reason mechanical watches that have been handed down generations go for lots of money in auctions.
Maintenance – Quartz
Mechanical watches are often seen as the true luxury watch thanks to the intricate work that has gone into creating the timings. However, the timing mechanism inside the watch has to be looked after. Maintenance will involve getting the watch serviced at least once every three years.
Quartz watches need maintenance too but this will involve replacing a battery every few years. The difference between the two? Servicing a mechanical watch requires someone with expertise and thus costs upwards of $100 each time. A battery is a battery.
Price – Quartz
The mechanism which is crafted by hand in a mechanical watch is what makes them expensive. The time and expertise required far outweighs that needed to mass produce a quartz watch. For that reason, quartz watches are far more affordable than their competitor.
Longevity – Mechanical
As we just touched upon earlier, the mechanical watch, when in caring hands, will easily outlive a quartz watch. In fact, when looked after immaculately, a mechanical watch can last many generations.
On The other hand, while accurate, cost-effective, and easy to maintain, a quartz watch will never last forever. Powered by battery and with electronic parts, the lifespan of a quartz watch is not indefinite.
The Result
If you were to judge just on who wins each category above, you would have to say that quartz watches were the best. However, it is not as simple as that. Which you choose comes down to you and what you want from a watch. Romanticists will always go for mechanical watches that can increase in price over generations and stand the test of time. If you wanted something more affordable, accurate, and easier to maintain, mind you, it is difficult to argue against quartz.