Quartz or automatic? The pros and cons explained – mastersintime.ch
Posted September 20, 2026 by Miriam Reading time approximately 5 minutesAutomatic vs. quartz: what is the difference?
Mechanical automatic watches wind themselves using the wearer's movements, unlike quartz watches, which run on a battery. Before the 1960s, all watches featured mechanical movements. The introduction of electronic quartz movements marked a difficult period for the traditional Swiss watch industry, as Japanese quartz watches were cheaper, more accurate, and faster to produce than mechanical ones. Yet, there are still many enthusiasts of automatic mechanical watches who consciously choose this exquisite piece of watchmaking technology.
How does a quartz watch work?
The movement of a quartz watch is powered by a battery that sends an electrical signal through a small quartz crystal embedded in the circuitry. When electricity passes through a quartz crystal, it oscillates (vibrates) at a nearly perfectly constant frequency of 32,768 times per second. The consistency of these vibrations forms the basis of the movement mechanism, ensuring highly accurate timekeeping.
Because a quartz movement contains few mechanical parts, the watch requires very little maintenance. However, the battery does need to be replaced and the watch's water resistance checked every two to three years (depending on usage).
The advantages of quartz watches: reliable, low-maintenance, and versatile
When Seiko introduced the first mass-produced electronic quartz watch, the Astron, in 1969, it marked a true revolution. From that moment on, watches became more reliable (thanks to greater accuracy) and more versatile. Because a quartz movement contains fewer mechanical parts, it is significantly thinner and lighter. The watch was no longer merely an instrument for telling time; it became a fashion statement. When chip technology was added to watches in the mid-1970s, the possibilities became limitless. Both analog and digital quartz watches can incorporate a multitude of functions that are impossible with traditional mechanical movements, and often at a very affordable price. However, there are now also high-end (solar) quartz watches on the market that stand out due to their quality materials, superior finishing, and advanced technology.
How does an automatic watch work?
There are two different types of mechanical movements: manual-wind and automatic. With manual-wind watches, turning the crown winds a mainspring; as it unwinds, it powers the watch mechanism. Once the spring is fully unwound, the watch stops running and must be wound again. Most mechanical watches produced today feature an automatic movement, so you don't have to worry about this. Automatic watches contain a counterweight (the rotor) that spins with the wearer's movements, automatically winding the mainspring. Hence the name "automatic." When fully wound, the watch will run for approximately 24 to 72 hours (depending on the movement) without needing to be wound again. As long as the watch is worn regularly, it keeps running.
The Powermatic movement used in Swatch Group brands like Tissot and Hamilton runs for up to 80 hours !
Many automatic watches feature a power reserve indicator on the dial (usually a small hand) that shows how many hours of running time remain. If you do not wear the watch for an extended period, it is advisable to purchase a watch winder. This device keeps the watch in constant motion, ensuring the movement continues to run smoothly and requires less maintenance.
The benefits of automatic watches: traditional craftsmanship and sustainability
Why choose an automatic watch despite all the advantages of quartz? It is partly a matter of taste, as automatic watches possess their own unique characteristics. Automatic movements were produced as early as the eighteenth century, but the modern automatic watch really took off with the introduction of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual in 1930. Since then, automatic movements have been continuously improved and refined, and are now available across all price ranges; from the excellent, affordable Seiko 5 watches to the intricate, handcrafted Masterpiece models by Maurice Lacroix.What all these watches have in common is that the movement itself is a delight to behold. It is no coincidence that many automatic watches feature a transparent case back, allowing the movement to be admired.
Automatic watch designs tend to be somewhat more traditional than those of quartz watches, making them timeless and immune to passing trends. While they may be slightly less accurate than quartz watches, any deviation is easily corrected manually. With higher-end (Swiss) movements that meet COSC standards (–4 to +6 seconds per day), the variance is minimal. You can find an overview of the most common movements on our information page, "Accuracy of automatic movements."
Automatic watches require servicing by a watchmaker approximately every five years. However, if you give the movement the care it deserves, an automatic watch can last a lifetime. This longevity, combined with the fact that they do not rely on polluting disposable batteries, makes the automatic watch a sustainable choice, well worth the investment!
Which type of movement for which use?
There is a perfect movement to match the lifestyle of every type of watch wearer. For everyday wear, a quartz watch is the best choice; this type is highly accurate, affordable, and ready to use immediately, without the need to worry about charging. For watch enthusiasts and collectors, the automatic watch is the perfect choice. These watches are all about emotion, craftsmanship, and the fascinating engineering of a mechanical movement, transforming the timepiece into a living work of art designed to last a lifetime. Finally, there is the sports and outdoor enthusiast, who demands maximum reliability and ruggedness. A solar-powered quartz watch is the superior choice for the great outdoors or athletic activities; these watches charge themselves using light (including sunlight). Thanks to this innovative technology, you never have to worry about a dead battery during an adventurous excursion. Curious about exactly how this technology works? Be sure to read our in-depth blog post on solar watches.
Quartz or automatic? The pros and cons at a glance
Choosing between a quartz and an automatic watch is a highly personal decision, whether you prefer the convenience of quartz or are captivated by the aesthetics of an automatic’s 'sweeping' second hand. Both types of watches have their own qualities and drawbacks.
| Quartz watches | Automatic watches |
| Accurate (on average -10 to +20 seconds deviation per month) | Less accurate than quartz (depending on the movement -4/+6 seconds per day, up to -20/+40 sec. per day) |
| Thin and lightweight | Somewhat thicker and heavier |
| Fashion sensitive | Craftsmanship and tradition |
| Battery change every 12-36 months and a water resistance check | Maintenance 1x per 5-6 years |
| Available at all price points | Available from approx. € 150 |
| If not worn for an extended period, the battery may leak and damage the movement. | A watch winder is recommended to prevent the watch from stopping. |
You can also compare both types of watches yourself within our range. Use the handy search filters to find your favorite watch. Need help deciding? Our customer service team are ready to assist you with your choice.
FAQ: Quartz or Automatic
What is the difference between a quartz and an automatic watch?
An automatic watch is a mechanical watch; this means it is not powered by electricity, but by a mainspring that is wound by the wearer's movements. A quartz watch, on the other hand, uses a battery as its power source.
Does an automatic watch stop running?
If an automatic watch is not worn after being fully wound, it will eventually stop running on its own after 24 to 80 hours (depending on the movement). If the watch is worn, it continuously winds itself and keeps running. Should your automatic watch stop, you can restart it by gently moving the case back and forth (do not shake it!) about 10 times until the second hand starts moving again. With some automatic watches, it is also possible to wind the mainspring manually by turning the crown.
Which movement is the most accurate?
A quartz watch (deviation of -10 to +20 seconds per month) is more accurate than an automatic watch (depending on the movement, a deviation of up to -20/+40 seconds per day). The most accurate type is a radio-controlled watch that receives a time signal from an atomic clock; such a clock deviates by only 1 second every 100,000 years!
How much does an automatic watch cost?
At mastersintime.ch, a basic automatic Lorus watch starts at €149. In the €200–€400 price range, you will primarily find automatic watches from fashion brands like Timberland, Armani, and Fossil, as well as entry-level models from brands like Citizen, Seiko, and Timex. Brands such as Orient, Swiss Military, and Tissot are well-represented in the €400–€750 segment. In the €750–€1,000 range, you will find primarily automatic watches from Swiss brands such as MIDO, Victorinox, Certina, and Hamilton. Above €1,000, the selection consists mainly of premium lines from brands like Seiko, Tissot, Raymond Weil, and Frederique Constant, as well as absolute top-tier models, limited editions, and *manufacture* watches from brands including Maurice Lacroix and Edox.
What is Autoquartz?
An Autoquartz (or Kinetic) movement is a hybrid between an automatic watch and a quartz watch. The wearer's movements generate energy, which is stored in a rechargeable battery that powers the quartz movement. You can read more about this unique type of watch in our blog post: "What is the difference between an automatic watch and an Autoquartz watch?"
This article was first published in 2022, and updated in september 2026.