Automatic watch or quartz watch: Which watch suits your everyday life?

Automatic watch or quartz watch? Both technologies can be a good choice in everyday life, but they have different priorities. An automatic watch works mechanically and uses wrist movement to wind itself. A quartz watch is electronically regulated and usually powered by a battery. Therefore, it's not about which technology is generally "better," but rather which one better suits your wearing habits.

How do automatic and quartz watches differ?

How does an automatic watch work?

In an automatic watch, a mainspring stores energy. A rotor in the movement moves with the wrist and transfers this motion to the winding mechanism. Gears, escapement, and balance wheel then regulate time display without electronic control.

If the watch is worn regularly, it continuously winds itself through movement. However, after a longer break from wearing, the stored energy can be depleted. Then the watch stops and must – depending on the specific movement and its instructions – be restarted and potentially set.

Mechanical watches react more strongly to their environment and use. Position, temperature, shocks, and wearing time can influence the accuracy. The instructions for each model are therefore decisive for operation, power reserve, and accuracy.

How does a quartz watch work?

A quartz watch uses a quartz crystal as a timekeeper. When electrically stimulated, it vibrates at a very consistent frequency. The electronics process this rhythm and, in an analog watch, control the stepper motor that moves the hands.

In everyday life, this usually means: The watch runs continuously without needing to be wound by daily movement. After a certain time, a battery change is required. Which battery is used and how long it lasts depends on the specific movement and its functions.

Which watch suits which habits?

An automatic watch might suit you if…

• You appreciate the visible or tangible mechanics of a watch.
• You wear your watch frequently and don't mind occasional readjustment.
• You view the movement as part of the design and not just as a means of telling time.

A quartz watch might suit you if…

• You are looking for an uncomplicated watch for work, travel, or leisure.
• You wear different watches alternately and don't want to reset them every time.
• Generally high accuracy and little daily effort are important to you.

What else is important when choosing?

The movement is only one part of the decision. Also check the case size, height, strap material, readability, functions, and confirmed water resistance of the respective model. A technically interesting watch is not automatically comfortable, and a precise quartz watch does not automatically suit every style.

At Uhrglanz, you will find both mechanical and quartz-controlled models. The OPK 8180 is designed as an automatic watch with an open dial. The OPK 6023 uses a quartz movement. The information on the product page is binding; not every feature of a watch type automatically applies to every model.

View OPK Wristwatches

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a quartz watch generally more accurate?

Quartz movements generally achieve higher accuracy than classic mechanical movements. However, the specific deviation depends on the installed caliber and should be taken from the respective product specification.

Does an automatic watch need to be worn every day?

No. However, after a longer break, its power reserve may be depleted. Then the watch must be restarted and set. The exact procedure depends on the movement and the operating instructions.

Does every quartz watch require a traditional battery?

Not every one. In addition to battery-powered quartz movements, there are, for example, solar or kinetic systems. The specific product information is decisive; only the respective data for the currently linked OPK models apply.