Quartz vs. Mechanical Watches: Which is the Better Choice?
One of the most common questions we hear at WATCHZ is:
“Which is better — quartz or mechanical watches?”
Buyers often assume that mechanical watches are automatically better because they are perceived as the “real” type of watch.
We see it differently.
Mechanical is not better than quartz, and quartz is not better than mechanical. They are simply designed for different buyers and different usage scenarios.
If accuracy, practicality and simplicity matter most, quartz is often the more rational choice. If you value tradition, the engineering of the movement and the very idea of mechanical watchmaking, an automatic watch is worth considering.
Today, quartz and mechanical are not the only options
The modern watch market offers other technologies as well.
Solar usually refers to quartz watches that receive energy from light and store it in an internal rechargeable cell.
For example:
Casio Edifice EQS-960PB-1AV
3 150 000 UZS
Citizen Eco-Drive follows a similar principle: the watch receives energy from natural or artificial light.
Citizen AW0130-85L
5 763 000 UZS
Seiko Kinetic works differently: wrist movement turns an internal generator that produces electricity, while quartz technology provides accurate timekeeping.
Seiko SKA783P1
4 012 992 UZS
Despite the development of these technologies, the main choice for most buyers still remains between quartz and mechanical watches.
What are quartz watches?
A quartz movement uses an electronic oscillator and a quartz crystal to measure time.
The main advantages of this system are high accuracy and practicality.
Standard quartz watches run on a battery and require very little attention from the owner: you set the time and simply use the watch.
An example of an everyday men’s quartz watch:
Casio MTP-B190D-1BV
1 150 000 UZS
What are automatic mechanical watches?
Mechanical watches do not use a conventional battery. Their source of energy is a mainspring.
An automatic movement contains a rotor that turns as the wearer moves their wrist and winds the movement.
For many people, the value of such watches lies not only in displaying the time, but in the mechanical movement itself.
This is especially visible in Open Heart models, where part of the working movement can be seen through the dial.
Citole Ladies Open Heart CT9089LNHR
2 012 500 UZS
Another example of a women’s mechanical watch:
Orient Star RE-ND0022L00B
7 040 000 UZS
Quartz watches: when are they the better choice?
If your main goals are accuracy and practicality, quartz will often be the more rational option.
Quartz is usually more accurate
A quartz oscillator works more consistently than a traditional mechanical regulating system, so quartz watches generally require less frequent time correction.
Quartz is more convenient for everyday use
If you leave a quartz watch unworn for several days or weeks, it will continue running.
Mechanical watches will stop once their power reserve is depleted and will need to be set again.
Maintenance is simpler
Quartz movements generally require less maintenance than mechanical ones. The main periodic procedures are battery replacement and checking the overall condition of the watch.
Who does WATCHZ recommend quartz watches to?
Quartz watches are worth choosing if:
- you need a watch for everyday use;
- accuracy is important;
- you do not want to monitor the power reserve;
- simple maintenance matters;
- the movement itself is not your main interest.
Examples of everyday models:
Beverly Hills Polo Club BP3861X.390
3 300 000 UZS
Casio LTP-1129G-7BR
610 000 UZS
Casio LTP-V300D-7A2UDF
775 000 UZS
For a more classic women’s style:
Citole Ladies CT5247LUUR
1 000 000 UZS
Quartz movements are also widely used in fashion watches:
Bigotti BG.1.10665-4
1 088 000 UZS
When should you choose mechanical watches?
Mechanical watches are worth considering if tradition, the construction of the movement and the emotional side of ownership are important to you.
Automatic watches are often chosen not because they are more accurate than quartz — usually the opposite is true.
They are valued for other reasons:
- operation without a conventional battery;
- an automatic winding rotor;
- complex construction;
- a transparent caseback;
- Open Heart;
- traditional watchmaking.
For someone who is genuinely interested in watches, the movement itself can become part of the enjoyment of ownership.
Are mechanical watches really more prestigious?
Not always.
A mechanical movement alone does not automatically make a watch expensive or prestigious.
Status depends on a combination of factors:
- brand;
- quality of construction;
- materials;
- movement;
- finishing;
- design;
- the manufacturer’s history.
However, in traditional watchmaking, mechanical watches do occupy a special place and are more commonly found in higher price segments.
Mechanical watches require more attention
Automatic watches also come with compromises.
If the watch is not worn for a long period, it will stop once the power reserve is exhausted.
In addition, a mechanical calibre consists of many moving components and over time requires professional servicing, cleaning, lubrication and regulation.
As a result, owning a mechanical watch is generally more expensive than owning a basic quartz watch.
What if you want maximum practicality?
In that case, it is worth looking beyond standard quartz at Solar or **Eco-Drive.
**
These watches retain the advantages of a quartz movement but use light to replenish their energy.
Casio Edifice EQS-960PB-1AV
3 150 000 UZS
Citizen AW0130-85L
5 763 000 UZS
This is an especially interesting option for someone who wants:
accuracy + practicality + minimal need to think about battery replacement.
Which movement should you choose: WATCHZ opinion
We recommend choosing a movement based not on which option is considered more “prestigious,” but on how you actually intend to use the watch.
Choose quartz watches if:
- you need high accuracy;
- the watch will be used every day;
- you value practicality;
- you want minimal maintenance;
- you do not want to monitor the power reserve.
Choose mechanical watches if:
- you value tradition;
- the movement itself interests you;
- you like the idea of automatic winding;
- you are prepared for periodic servicing;
- the emotional value of the watch matters more than maximum accuracy.
Choose Solar or Eco-Drive if:
you want the practicality of quartz but prefer light-powered energy.
**Consider Kinetic if:
**
you are interested in an unusual system where wrist movement generates electrical energy for a quartz movement.
WATCHZ conclusion
One of the most common mistakes is to think that:
mechanical = good watch, quartz = basic option.
That is the wrong approach.
High-quality watches can be both quartz and mechanical.
Quartz has the advantage in accuracy, convenience and simplicity.
Mechanical watches stand out for tradition, construction and emotional appeal.
So the right question is not:
“Which is better?”
but:
“Which is better for me?”
WATCHZ offers a wide selection of quartz, mechanical, Solar, Eco-Drive and Kinetic watches with warranty. The role of our consultants is to help you choose a movement that fits your lifestyle rather than simply choosing the one that is considered more prestigious.
