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 fewer parts, and there is no need to struggle 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, higher precision watches may use up the battery faster. This is due to the oscillation frequency of the mechanism.
- Everyone's work 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 accuracy 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 movements on a quartz watch is not a guarantee perfect job, but its extremely high probability.
Choosing a watch can be a daunting task. Today on the market there is great amount models. How not to get lost among this diversity? Which is better - quartz or mechanical watches?
Types of watch movements
First, let's figure out what types of watch mechanisms there are.
Mechanical watches use a weight or spring mechanism to generate energy (depending on the type of watch), and a balancer or pendulum is used as an oscillating system. The trigger mechanism is responsible for converting rotational energy into reciprocating or oscillatory energy. It is connected to the spring using a gear system.
A quartz watch is a device much like a mechanical watch, but with several fundamental differences in the oscillatory system and power source. There are hybrid models that combine elements of both devices.
Electronic devices contain quartz elements, as well as a display instead of a dial and a microcircuit. They often have an expanded set of functions. Almost all are equipped with a stopwatch and calendar, and may have a built-in alarm clock, thermometer, barometer, and calculator.
How quartz movements came to be
Quartz watches are not something that was invented overnight. Their invention was preceded by long work, numerous Scientific research and achievements.
The design of mechanical watches was constantly being improved; they were complex and expensive. In an effort to make watches a simpler and more accessible item, W. A. Marrison in 1927 proposed a fundamental new mechanism clock - quartz. The first instruments built according to the new principle were bulky and were used in scientific laboratories as more accurate than mechanical ones.
Scientists from three countries - the USA, Switzerland and Japan - worked independently on improving and reducing quartz watches. The Japanese company Seiko has provided the most accurate quartz stopwatch for Olympic Games in Tokyo in 1964, and their first wrist watch launched on the market in 1969 - they became the first in the world. The first Swiss quartz wristwatches were developed in 1967 and went on sale in 1970. It was a real breakthrough, and discoveries started pouring in. In 1972, quartz watches, that is, electronic ones, were released, in 1978 they were equipped with a calculator, in 1979 - super-flat ones, in 1988, hybrids appeared with a battery charged from kinetic energy - from hand movements.
How do quartz watches work?
An electronic unit located in a quartz watch sends impulses to a stepper motor that turns the hands. Quartz provides a constant pulse frequency. The motor and unit are powered by a battery. There is no need to wind such a watch, because the battery provides long term work.
A quartz watch is a universal mechanism that can become multifunctional device. An alarm clock, chronometer, stopwatch can be designed on this basis, and this will minimally increase the cost of the finished product.
The quartz movement can be equipped with both a dial and a digital display. We call watches with a liquid crystal display electronic.
Why does a watch need a crystal?
Why is quartz crystal used in watches? He has unique properties: when exposed electric current it contracts and in doing so generates electrical impulses. With the help of current, quartz can be forced to compress and unclench at a constant frequency. These vibrations should have a resonance frequency of 32768 hertz, which is controlled by the size of the crystal. The quartz crystal stabilizes the electrical oscillations of the generator at its resonant frequency.
How long can a quartz watch last?
When buying a quartz wristwatch, we often wonder how long it will last. What happens if the battery starts to run out or the quartz crystal starts to deteriorate? By the way, those who buy men's quartz wristwatches are more concerned about the service life of the product. Women are more likely to care about their appearance.
In terms of longevity, quartz devices are not inferior to mechanical ones. There is an opinion that mechanics are more reliable - after all, there are watches that have been working for centuries. But the quartz movement was invented relatively recently, and many simply throw away their boring watches before they break, preferring to periodically change models.
If a quartz watch's battery runs out, it may lag. If quartz begins to collapse, they will begin to rush. Both the battery and the crystal can be replaced.
Watches and fashion
Today, not only accuracy and reliability are valued in watches; watches are also produced in a variety of styles - casual for every day, classic models that are ideal for a business suit, large sports watches with a variety of additional functions, bright trendy watch unusual shape, pilot's watches in aviation style and elite luxury movements that can become a real family heirloom.
A quartz watch is not necessarily an affordable and inexpensive thing. Models famous brands can have a very high cost. Men's quartz watches are usually made in classic style, elegant, do not have flashy details. Models for young people may be more vibrant.
Women's quartz watches are elegant, their purpose is not only to show the exact time, but also to complement the image of the hostess. Many fashion brands produce watches with unusual design. Women's watches can be made in both classic and modern styles. They can be decorated with semi-precious and precious stones, resemble bracelets, stand out with an unusual strap, for example in the form of a bright satin scarf.
Which ones are more accurate?
Accuracy is another important factor when choosing a watch. After all, no one likes it when they are constantly in a hurry or behind.
The accuracy of a mechanical watch may depend on temperature, adjustment, degree of gear wear, position in space, and spring winding.
The quartz watch mechanism is more accurate. The generator produces constant impulses, on which the movement of the hands depends.
For mechanical watches, a deviation of 20 seconds per day in one direction or another is considered normal; for the best branded watches - 5 seconds. The best quartz watches can provide accuracy of up to 5 seconds per year, ordinary representatives - 20 seconds per month. Thus, even the highest quality mechanical watches cannot surpass quartz watches in accuracy.
Pros and cons of mechanical watches
Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical watches. Experts have been working on their improvement for hundreds of years; they are quite reliable and have not lost popularity to this day.
The watch mechanism may be fragile. Take them with you on an extreme hike or intensive sports training not worth it. An exception may be special impact-resistant models.
Mechanical watches can be repaired. The master can make any part to order and restore your great-grandfather’s inherited watch.
The mechanics do not depend on batteries. The disadvantage is that they need to be constantly wound, but this problem can be solved with the help of automatic winding. Autonomy can be up to 20 days.
Modern mechanical devices accurate, but still significantly inferior to quartz.
Mechanical watches are assembled personally by a master, which increases their cost, especially considering that handmade is highly valued today.
The mechanism of the watch is interesting, it’s nice to watch the gears moving. This is used by many manufacturers - recently models with transparent bodies have become popular, allowing you to observe the movement of parts - “skeletons”.
Mechanical watches are usually housed in a metal case and can be heavy.
A watch may have a large range of functions, but this significantly increases its cost.
When the temperature changes, they lose accuracy.
Service life more than 10 years with good care.
Pros and cons of quartz watches
What important qualities Do you have quartz wristwatches for men and women?
Quartz watches are shock resistant and can be used active people, lovers of extreme sports and tourism.
Have a large number of functions thanks to an electronic chip.
The body is made of plastic, which makes the product lightweight and durable. Even children can wear them.
Thanks to the built-in battery, the watch does not need to be wound. A high-quality battery will ensure continuous operation for 10 years.
Quartz devices can only be repaired if spare parts are available, which are produced in-house. If the model is outdated and parts are not produced, it will be difficult to repair the watch.
Quartz watches are characterized by high accuracy of +/- 5 seconds per year. This factor is independent of temperature changes.
Which ones to choose
It is impossible to say for sure which watch is better - quartz or mechanical. Indeed, despite the wide popularity of modern electronic products, traditional mechanics has found its loyal fans, especially in Lately, when an abundance of new materials, including transparent durable plastic, allows you to enjoy the sight of a well-coordinated clockwork mechanism.
Quartz watches are considered more accurate and practical to use, while mechanical watches are timeless classics of watchmaking. If we consider the issue of price, then hand-made mechanics are more expensive than mass-produced quartz, although in both categories you can find both high-cost luxury models and budget ones.
Of course, quartz watches are suitable for an active life and sports, and a “mechanical” watch can complement the classic look.
Quartz and mechanics – which is better? This age-old question still occupies us, despite the emergence and popularization of electronic watches, as well as smart watches that perform many functions in addition to showing the time. As practice shows, none smart devices The classics will never be completely replaced from our lives.
What is the difference between mechanics and quartz?
The main difference is in the source of energy that powers the clock mechanism. Mechanical watches are powered by a coil spring that is wound by hand when winding the watch. Quartz clocks are powered by a battery, which powers the electronic unit and the clock's stepper motor.
How else do quartz watches differ from mechanical watches: accuracy, smooth movement of the hand, weight, method of maintenance, cost. And to understand what to choose between mechanics or quartz, you need to know a little more about them.
Lower accuracy of time display is the main disadvantage of mechanical watches. Uneven spring unwinding, temperature dependent environment, the position of the watch, the degree of wear of parts - all these factors lead to a discrepancy with the exact time by -20/+60 seconds per day.
Quartz watches are more accurate, their discrepancy with the exact time is only 15-25 seconds per month. Such indicators are provided by a quartz crystal, which guarantees the highest stability of the pulse frequency and, accordingly, the accuracy of the hand and the operation of the entire mechanism.
It would seem that quartz watches are superior to mechanical ones in everything - they are lighter, easier to maintain, more accurate and no less durable than mechanical ones, and at the same time they cost much less. Nevertheless, there is a demand for mechanics, and a considerable one. What is this connected with? Probably due to the fact that mechanical watches are almost entirely made by hand and keep a piece of the master’s soul.
It is considered prestigious to wear a mechanical watch. The classics of watchmaking, the smooth movement of the hand, the pleasant heaviness on the hand - all this makes a mechanical watch desirable. And even when choosing, quartz or mechanics will always compete, leaving the future owner the right to choose depending on his personal preferences and taste.
Choosing a watch these days is quite a difficult task. There are a huge number of models on the market, differing in appearance, materials, functionality. In this article we will find out which type of mechanism is better, that is Which watch is better, quartz or mechanical?
Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical watches
Mechanical watches Hundreds of them have been produced and improved, and in our time the mechanism has fairly good reliability. Mechanical watches are a kind of symbol of status and prestige. These watches are perfect for everyday wear and special occasions.
- During sports games and extreme sports, it is better not to wear a mechanical watch, as the mechanism is quite fragile. However, there are models that have high impact resistance (for example).
- Any mechanical watch can be repaired, and a broken part can be made in a watch workshop. Therefore, even watches left over from grandmothers can be brought back to life.
- Mechanical watches do not have batteries; they are a kind of perpetual mechanism. The drawback needs to be constantly wound, but there are self-winding models and you don’t have to think about it as long as you wear them every day.
- Mechanical watches have a greater accuracy than quartz watches. But modern manufacturers have reduced this difference to a minimum (we mean world-famous watch companies).
- The watch mechanism is assembled entirely by hand, which is why mechanical watches are more expensive than quartz watches.
- The mechanism has beautiful view, and some models have a transparent body (), through which you can observe the rotating parts.
- The watch case must be made of metal, since the mechanism is constantly under tension, which makes the watch heavier.
Pros and cons of quartz watches
Perfect for lovers of tourism and extreme sports. Their main advantage is a large set of functions.
- Since the mechanism is based on an electronic chip, they have a wide range of functions (compass, altimeter, barometer) and are less sensitive to shocks than mechanical ones. It should be noted that mechanical watches may also have these functions, but they will cost much more.
- The watch case can be made of plastics. These watches are well suited for children, as they are practically weightless.
- Quartz watches do not need to be wound. Energy comes from a built-in battery, which can last up to 10 years.
- The clock mechanism is less repairable. If the company stopped producing spare parts ( electronic chips), then they are almost impossible to repair.
- Quartz watches have very high accuracy. For some models, the deviation may be only +/- 5 sec/year. It is worth noting that most well-known companies equip their watches with automatic movement of the hands, based on radio signals of the exact time (not used in Russia).
- The production of parts and assembly of quartz watches is almost completely automated, which reduces their cost.
That's probably all. Determine why you need a watch and go ahead and buy it. Write in the comments what watch mechanism you chose and why.
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