Mechanical or quartz movements in watches - which is better? Which wristwatch is better - mechanical or quartz? Comparing mechanisms

14.06.2015

Watches are divided into two main types according to the type of devices used in their mechanism: quartz and mechanical. In turn, a mechanical watch can be pendulum or balance based by type of regulator, and spring or weight driven by type of drive.

Quartz watches are classified according to the type of indication as analog or combined, and according to the power source used for the electronic unit - Kinetic, Ecodrive and battery-powered.

There is also a less common Spring Drive movement. The principle of its operation is to generate electrical energy for control from mechanical energy, because of this, additional power sources are not required.

Comparison of mechanical and quartz types of watch movement

Buyers who have not yet decided on their personal preferences are interested in the age-old question: what type of watch is better: mechanical or quartz? Both watch mechanisms have their strengths and weaknesses. If the history of mechanics dates back centuries, then the quartz clock mechanism appeared not so long ago, about 40 years ago.

Mechanical watches are considered classics of watchmaking; they are more prestigious, emphasizing the status of the owner, his taste and conservatism. The characteristic sound of the winding rotor rotating, the smooth movement of the hands across the dial - all this looks like a ritual that fans of mechanical watches love so much. Due to the fact that the manufacturing process of mechanical watches requires manual work by assemblers and adjusters, they will cost more than quartz watches.

Watches with quartz movements are more convenient to use, they are lighter and thinner. In terms of accuracy, quartz watches are superior to mechanical watches and do not require winding. Another significant advantage of quartz watches is the fact that their accuracy does not depend on external factors (temperature changes, humidity, position, degree of wear of parts, etc.)

There is an opinion that mechanics are much more durable. This is a controversial statement; a high-quality quartz movement has approximately the same working life and safety margin. Therefore, the durability of a wristwatch, under the same operating conditions, depends more on the reputation of the manufacturer and timely maintenance.

Advantages of quartz watches

Accuracy. The quartz watch movement is very accurate, the simplest models show a maximum deviation of 20 seconds per month, while mechanical watches give an accuracy of about 40 seconds per day. Quartz crystal provides amazing precision.

Impact resistance. With any mechanical impact on a quartz watch (shock, fall, etc.), its case is more likely to be damaged than the mechanism itself to fail. Due to the high shock resistance, watches with a quartz movement are much more reliable and convenient to use.

Reasonable price. The mechanism does not have heavy parts or large static loads on them, so inexpensive materials are used for production. And the manufacturing and assembly process itself is fully automated.

Reliability and ease of maintenance. Quartz watches do not require winding; autonomy is one of their main advantages. Even if they just sit on a shelf for a long time, their accuracy will still remain the same. top level. Watch maintenance involves timely replacement of power sources. Batteries need to be changed approximately 2-3 times a year, depending on their quality. Some models have a battery life of more than ten years.

Advantages of mechanical watches

High maintainability. Specialists in watch workshops will be able to manufacture and replace almost any part that has failed. Regardless of the year of manufacture, the mechanics can be restored while preserving the original clockwork. With good care (cleaning and lubrication), the service life of a mechanical watch can be counted in decades.

Independence from external power sources. Mechanical watches do not have batteries or rechargeable batteries that need to be changed periodically.

Having studied the characteristics and principles of operation of the two main types of watch movements, the buyer will be able to draw his own conclusion: which watch is better for him - quartz or mechanical.

The advantages of quartz watch movements are obvious: precise movement, less dependence on external conditions (heating, shaking, shock), they are more difficult to break due to the smaller number of parts, and there is no need to bother with winding. But even among watches with quartz movements, you can find “successful” and not so successful models, especially in the range of budget models.

The accuracy of the movement is also influenced by the caliber: this is the designation of the size and type of movement inside the watch. The caliber marking is usually placed immediately after the name of the movement: for example, Ronda 715. Also, the numbers after the name of the movement can indicate a specific model of the movement, for example, with a chronograph option or a battery charge indicator.

What are the signs of a “successful” watch mechanism?

• Long battery life.
• The accuracy of the watch does not change noticeably with the period of operation of the watch.
• The running error should be no more than 40 seconds per month, anything less is good. However, more accurate watches may use up the battery faster. This is due to the oscillation frequency of the mechanism.
• Operation of all additional options: for example, EOL - battery charge indicator.

Which quartz movements are considered the most reliable?

There is a myth that if a watch movement is from Switzerland, it means it is more accurate. In fact, even a cheap quartz movement can be as accurate as the best Swiss watches. But it is unlikely to show the same reliability, and this is the difference.

So, among reliable quartz movements they mention:

Ronda mechanisms (Switzerland). The company produces calibers for quartz and analog watches. In addition to high precision and durability, Ronda mechanisms have another advantage: many of their parts, even from mechanisms of different calibers, are interchangeable. And if so, then repairs become much cheaper.

ETA mechanisms (Switzerland) - the manufacturing factory is part of The Swatch Group Ltd. Produces a fairly wide range of watch movement calibers, various types and options. The company's products include mechanisms produced for specific companies: for example, T-Touch (quartz) for Tissot - includes a chronograph, altimeter, thermometer, compass, barometer.

Among the series of mechanisms we can highlight:

• THERMOLINE - quartz chronometers with temperature compensation and battery charge indicator. Diameter from 19.4 to 30 mm.
• FLATLINE - round and square quartz movements of low height with gold plating and battery charge indicator.
• NORMFLATLINE - inexpensive movements with metal and synthetic parts, gold plated.
• NORMLINE, ECOLINE - Swiss movements assembled in China. Cheaper, but without the quality guarantee that Swiss-assembled mechanisms have.
• FASHIONLINE - almost completely synthetic mechanisms that, if broken, cannot be repaired. However, they can last a long time.

ETA movements in the production of their watches are used by such “monsters” of the watch business as Tissot, Hamilton, Mido, Certina, Longines, Rado, Oris, Epos, Frederique Constant, Breitling, Chopard, IWC, Omega and others.

Miyota mechanisms (Japan) - a popular type of movement for many famous world watch brands, such as Grion, Citizen, Lee Cooper, Reebok and others: only 20% of world watch production. The production belongs to the largest Japanese concern CITIZEN WATCH CO, LTD. In total, the company's assortment includes 12 lines of watch movements, including mechanics. High precision, reliable assembly, support for various options, and a variety of calibers make it a worthy competitor to Swiss quartz movements.

Seiko quartz movements (Japan) - the company belongs to Seiko Holdings Corporation: the largest Japanese concern for the production of watches, precision movements and jewelry. It was this company that introduced the world's first quartz watch, Astron, in 1969. Since then, this brand has produced quartz watch movements of various calibers, types and options for its own watches.

Marking of any of the specified clock mechanisms on a quartz watch is not a guarantee of perfect operation, but its extremely high probability.

With the development of technology, many mechanisms and devices that were previously actively used by people have sunk into oblivion, replaced by newfangled inventions. However, this does not apply to watches. This measuring mechanism has long since become a status item, emphasizing the good taste and position of its owner. Therefore, the question of how to choose a watch of decent quality is always relevant.

Clockwork

This criterion is key when choosing, because the operating features and reliability of the watch depend on the mechanism. However, there is no clear answer as to which mechanism is better. It all depends on the taste, wishes and habits of the watch owner.

Mechanical watch

Mechanical watches appeared more than four hundred years ago, but they are still the standard of quality and reliability. The source of energy in a mechanical watch is a spring or weights, and time is measured by the mechanical oscillations of a pendulum or balance-spiral. It is on this principle that many branded wristwatches work.

Advantages of mechanical watches:

• work without a power source, there is no need to change the battery and contact a service center for this.
• high maintainability
• service life of 10 years or more with proper care.

Mechanical men's watches are preferred by people who want to purchase a reliable, high-quality, expensive item. After all, they are usually produced in the middle and premium segments. Mechanical watches can be either manually wound or self-winding. With manual winding, by turning the crown, we force the drum shaft to rotate. Thanks to the self-winding system, with each movement of the hand, the gears independently set the watch spring in motion. Manufacturers of mechanical watches often choose a design that allows the wearer to enjoy the sight of a working mechanism.

Quartz watch

Quartz watches appeared relatively recently, about 40 years ago. This is a more common option due to its moderate price. They work on a quartz oscillator that creates electromagnetic oscillations. Available in a variety of designs and versions. These are the kind of women's watches that are most often found on the hands of fashionistas, decorated with bright straps and sparkling stones.

Why do buyers prefer to purchase stylish watches with quartz crystal:

• Affordable price. There are practically no people involved in the assembly of such mechanisms, which reduces their cost;
• Light weight. The tiny weight of the operating mechanism makes the final product almost weightless. That is why women's wristwatches are most often quartz;
• High accuracy. The error in the operation of such a clock mechanism is about 20 seconds per month;
• Reliability. The simplicity of the design and the small number of mechanisms contained in it ensure a low number of breakdowns;
• Durability of use. They function without changing the battery for 5-10 years.

Electronic watch

They are the brainchild of technological progress. Using modern technologies, manufacturers have turned such a simple and familiar mechanism into a real multifunctional device. Particularly “advanced” models combine many options: a notebook, an alarm clock, a telephone, a voice recorder, a pedometer, a heart rate meter and others. Such “gadgets” are usually preferred by supporters of technological progress and lovers of electronic toys.

Features of choice

Having selected the optimal clock mechanism for your needs and requirements, we pay attention to other important parameters:

• Manufacturer. Branded women's watches and high-status men's watches are not produced in Chinese factories. Truly high-quality items are made by watch houses with a long history and traditions passed down from generation to generation;
• Originality. Counterfeits of famous brands help to show off others, but you can’t fool yourself;
• Color and shape. Selected based on your own taste preferences. It is advisable that the accessory fits harmoniously into your image and is ideally matched to the size of your hand.
• Case material. It can be textile, leather, plastic and metal (including precious and semi-precious metals). This factor greatly affects the price of the product.

Regardless of the type of product chosen, the features of its design, you should buy it from a reliable seller who can confirm the quality and originality of the products presented. Otherwise, there is a high probability of purchasing low-quality products at the price of the original watch.

The market is saturated with watches of various mechanisms. Each type has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. To make a choice in favor of one mechanism or another, you need to understand them thoroughly.

Main types of watch mechanisms

Basically, watches are divided into two types: quartz and mechanical. They, in turn, are divided into subspecies. Thus, mechanical watches come with automatic winding and manual winding. Among quartz ones, they are distinguished with an analogue (pointer mechanism), liquid crystal mechanism and a combined mechanism.

Quartz watch

A quartz watch is a chronometer powered by a quartz crystal through which an electric current passes at a certain frequency. Thanks to this principle, the watch shows accurate time. They run on battery power.

If it is easy to answer what a quartz watch movement is, then this is the name given to the system of electronic and mechanical parts that ensures accurate timekeeping. Such chronometers always contain a quartz crystal; the entire operation of the quartz watch mechanism is based on it.

Depending on the features of the mechanism, the watch can show only dial time, only electronic time, or combine two time outputs.

Women's watch, SL (price on the link)

Electronic time output preferred people associated with sports. Such watches are also called electronic. They are usually supplemented with a variety of functions: calendar, timer, calculator, stopwatch, pulse counter. Taking into account modern capabilities, they can replace a small computer. But such watches will be very expensive.

Expensive options additionally have characteristics such as shock resistance and water resistance, and are equipped with unique functions.

Such watch movements are in demand among parents of school-age children. You can choose a relatively inexpensive option for a child who is actively involved in a sports section. Also, watches are often equipped with a GPS function, so it is always possible to find out the place where the child is.

Casio and Orient models are recognized as the best quartz watches. Tissot is chosen by people who pay tribute to the products of Swiss watchmakers

Mechanical watch

Mechanical watches mean that their operation is based on the movement of a spring located in the drum. That is The power source is the energy of the unwinding spring. The owner must wind them himself to unwind the clock spring and bring the mechanism into working condition. Mechanical watches with self-winding are now popular. But they need to be worn constantly so that they do not need to be wound.

Sports men's watch on a metal bracelet, OKAMI(price on the link)

Mechanical watches can also additionally have some characteristics: shockproof, waterproof. Some examples are equipped with an interesting “cuckoo” function - after a certain period of time, a sound signal is given (based on the principle of an old cuckoo clock).

Which watch should you prefer?

Mechanical watches are chosen by people for whom it is important to show their position in society. They have a higher price due to the manufacturer working in this field for more than a hundred years, such as Swiss

The difference between the types of watch mechanisms determines their features. You should choose your watch with this in mind:

1. Quartz wristwatches, unlike mechanical ones, have more accurate time indicator. The time error is no more than 20 seconds per month. Mechanical watches accumulate such an error within a day. Therefore, if a person is important to the exact value of time, the quartz option is suitable for them.
2. The differences between quartz and mechanical watches are also related to the time of their appearance. Mechanical chronometers have a significant history. Quartz is classified as modern technology. They were developed taking into account all the latest developments in the field of electrical, mechanical and many other sciences.
3. Mechanical watches often have a skeleton - a transparent case that allows you to see the operation of the mechanism. This gives them special originality and style.
4. They do not require special care other than timely planting.
5. Quartz watches have a shorter service life, while mechanical watches are famous for their longevity. Mechanical watch repairs will cost less and will be completed faster.
6. The option with a quartz movement is often simply beyond repair due to its complexity.
7. People for whom it is important to show status are recommended to turn to mechanical models. Those who If you need a comfortable watch, it is better to choose a quartz one.

How are mechanical watches different from quartz watches?

Selection by manufacturer

Many manufacturers produce both mechanical and quartz wrist time meters. Therefore, you can choose a reputable company and give preference to one or another mechanism.

Orient produces both quartz and mechanical wristwatches. You can choose from available options among the model line. This is Japanese a company that has been known over since 1901. The assortment is very diverse. You can choose a watch based on your own taste and individual preferences:

1. Orient RE DK 0002 L The model is stylish, shockproof and waterproof. Glass – mineral. Color – black. It will be a good gift for a business and successful man.
2. Orient E.M.7 J00 BB. Cheaper option in the line. Mechanical watch with self-winding. They have mineral shock-resistant glass. Withstands 5 atmospheres. You can swim in the pool in them, but they are no longer suitable for diving. Stylish design, comfortable leather strap.

Orient is a global manufacturer of quartz and mechanical watches

There are models for every taste, with any capabilities. Among the models there are also quartz options, they will cost less.

The models recognized as the best were capable of reflecting world time and having a special curved anti-reflective glass. The minimum water resistance is 50 m. To recharge, they need to be in sunlight for no more than 4 hours. The company produces both men's and women's watches.

It is impossible to determine the best watch at this time. It all depends on the person's preferences. Some pay tribute to the classics, while others value innovation. First of all, you should build on the reputation of the manufacturer.

The first quartz watches were produced and offered to customers in 1961. The developers paid a lot of attention to the functionality of such products, and over time they became more and more advanced. A striking example of this is a model with a microcalculator, released under the Hewlett-Packard brand in 1978.

In quartz watches, the basis of the oscillatory system is a quartz crystal. The device is complemented by a power supply that creates a constant vibration of this crystal, while the electronics measure the voltage fluctuations and measure the seconds, each of which is equal to the resonant frequency of 32768 Hz. The engine, in turn, receives electrical impulses and drives the wheel mechanism, which is responsible for the movement of the clock hands.

All quartz watches work. On average, the charge lasts for 3-5 years, after which the battery needs to be changed. The cost of its purchase and replacement directly depends on the features of a particular watch model and can vary on average from 60 to 500 rubles. Afterwards, the watch will work again without failures for several years. At the same time, unlike mechanical ones, quartz models can be left on the shelf for a couple of months, and all this time they will continue to work.

Due to the precision of electrical impulses, quartz watches run correctly, and the error averages no more than 20 seconds per month. It is enough to adjust the time shown by them only once every six months or even less often. However, it should be remembered that the quartz crystal, which is the basis of the system, “ages” over time. As a result, the clock may begin to rush, sometimes quite quickly.

What are quartz watches?

It should be noted that, as a rule, electromechanical watches are called quartz. However, in fact, this same type also includes electronic devices supplemented with a display with a digital readout, as well as hybrid models that have both arrows and a function for displaying the time on the screen.

Electronic quartz watches are especially popular, since their design features make the thing very compact, easy to use, and at the same time accurately showing time. They are very often used by athletes, for whom every second counts during training and competitions.

Some models of electromechanical quartz watches are complemented by another convenient function - an alarm clock. Such models have a special wheel and arrow that allow you to turn on a signal designed to wake a person at a given time.