Quartz and mechanical movements: operation and differences

Regardless of the mechanism, all watches work in a similar way, only the power source and the nature of the components differ. To better understand all this, we have prepared a simplified diagram for you.

Force : This force is what will power the entire movement. It is the source of energy and it aims to power the regulator with constant energy.

The regulator : To be accurate, your watch must have a constant. The goal is to cut the force/energy into small sections. The more regular the cutting, the more accurate your watch will be. This rhythm produced by the regulator is then transmitted to the timer.

The timer : In watchmaking jargon, this is the part of the watch which, with various gears, transmits the rhythm produced by the regulator to the rest of the movement in order to move the seconds, minutes and hours hands, all to show you the time.

Now that the main points have been covered and the general operation is understood, let's see together what the differences are between these two mechanisms: quartz and mechanical.

How a quartz or battery movement works

As you will have understood, a quartz movement has a battery as its strength (energy source) . This battery generates energy which is then sent to the regulator . The regulator takes the form of a small electronic card equipped with circuits which are responsible for transmitting and managing this energy.

The regulator, also called an electronic oscillator, is a quartz crystal. This crystal is called piezoelectric, that is to say, once electrified, it produces a frequency of vibrations.

This frequency is constant and is of the order of 32,768 Hz (or 32,768 vibrations per second). Once cut by a frequency divider, we then obtain a frequency of 1 Hz. In common language: the energy has been cut into sections of one oscillation per second.

This energy is transmitted to a stepper motor which, with each oscillation, moves the needle once per second.

How a mechanical movement works

Unlike the quartz movement, we find the mechanical movement. The operation of the movement remains the same , but in a mechanical movement there is no electronic circuit, but only a set of cogs and mechanical elements . Let's return to our simplified diagram:

Force: In a mechanical movement, the force is provided by a spring. Also called a “ barrel ”. This spring, once compressed, wants to return to its initial position. By trying to relax and return to its initial shape. In this way, it will release energy and drive in its course cogs which transmit this energy to the regulator .

The regulator : In a mechanical watch, the regulating organ is composed of the balance spring: it is the heart of the movement. Its role is to “cut the energy” into small sections, at a given rhythm. This rhythm is obtained thanks to the oscillation of the balance spring. This frequency obtained is then transmitted to the timer.

The timer : The energy cut into regular sections is received in different cogs, each linked to a hand. One being linked to the other, we therefore have the second wheel which drives the minute wheel and it, in turn, turns the hour wheel. (Be careful, depending on the movements, we can find different assemblies and transmission chains).

Specifications and technical details

The balance spring can produce different frequencies due to its swing and construction. With each impulse, the balance comes to oscillate in one direction, then in the other. This is therefore two alternations in a single oscillation, hence the famous tic (go) and tac (return) so particular to mechanical watches.

On a mechanical watch, the most common frequency is 4Hz or 4 vibrations per second, which gives us 28,000 vibrations / hour. Depending on the movements and their quality, we find other frequency levels such as:

21,600 alternations / hour,
28,800 alternations / hour,
or 36,000 alternations/hour.

Generally speaking, the higher the frequency, the more accurate the watch will be.

Wear and maintenance

All components of a mechanical watch are subject to friction. In order to limit this, natural and synthetic rubies are used. These rubies accommodate the axes of the various parts and gears in their center. To further limit friction, an oil is applied to these rubies and to certain components of the movement to allow the various elements to turn more freely.

On the other hand, this oil can oxidize, solidify over time and thus reduce the reliability of the watch and damage the components. For this reason, every 5 years, a revision is recommended in particular to renew the seals and the watertightness.

Mechanical movement and quartz movement, how to distinguish them?

If you are a beginner in the field of watchmaking then sometimes it is not so easy to tell the difference between a mechanical watch and a quartz watch. That is why we are going to present you some techniques that will allow you to distinguish the mechanism hidden in your watch without having to open it.

The second hand

If your watch has a second hand, look at how often it moves. If it only moves once a second and the hand “beats the second”, then it is most likely a quartz watch (with a few exceptions such as a mechanical movement with a deadbeat second).

If your hand has a higher frequency and it seems to “slide” on the dial, it is probably a mechanical watch! (except for a few exceptions).

The reassembly

Your watch is equipped with a crown , which acts differently depending on the mechanism. If your watch is Quartz, this crown will only be used to set the time or the date.

For a mechanical watch, you can wind your watch by turning the crown clockwise. You will hear “ticks” with each rotation of the crown.

This is a simple way to tell the difference between a Quartz watch and a watch equipped with a manual or even automatic mechanical caliber.

The noise

As seen a little higher in the article, your mechanical watch emits a sound with each oscillation: the famous tick-tock . Stick your ear against the back of it and you will have a nice noise if your timepiece is mechanical. In addition, if your watch is automatic you will probably hear the oscillating weight when moving the watch.

Otherwise, it is probably a quartz watch.

Registrations

On the vast majority of watches, the type of movement inside is written on the dial . If there is an inscription mentioning the movement, you will know, otherwise you will have to look at the case back (back of the watch) for information.

Some case backs are also engraved with the word “automatic”. If the back is made of glass and offers a view of the movement. You can be sure that it is mechanical.

Autonomy

A mechanical watch generally has 42 hours of autonomy: called power reserve. The power reserve is the time it will take for the spring to recover its initial shape and therefore release all of its energy.

Once the power reserve limit is reached, the mechanical watch stops. You simply wind the movement with the crown to start it again.

So, to recognize a mechanical movement, simply leave your watch on a static place. If it still works after 4-5 days, it is certainly a Quartz watch (except for a few exceptions, some watches have significant power reserves of more than 5 days).

A quartz watch has several months or even years of autonomy.

Advantages and disadvantages of these 2 types of movement .

Quartz and mechanical movements are two very different worlds in watchmaking and each movement has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s discover these together to help you make the right choice.

The advantages and disadvantages of a quartz watch

As you will have understood, the advantage of a quartz watch is that it is much more precise than a mechanical watch. In addition, it works for months or even years without ever stopping and without any maintenance.

The price is also a strong point of these mechanisms. Nowadays, they are very inexpensive and allow brands to offer attractive entry-level timepieces with more or less advanced complications (date, chrono, moon phase, etc.).

The big downside of these Quartz movements is their lifespan. The first battery will last about 3 years, the second 2 then 1 and so on until it reaches a few months only. Your timepiece becomes obsolete in about twenty years unless you change said movement.

It is very rare to be able to maintain an entry-level quartz movement, or at least it is easier to change the entire movement with a new one.

The advantages and disadvantages of a mechanical movement

Unlike quartz watches, the downside of mechanical watches is that they are not as accurate, at least, ignoring the latest technological advances like Zenith's with its Defy Lab Zenith.

The mechanical watches that you come across on a daily basis fluctuate between -10 and +10 seconds per day for the most picky of them.

One of the advantages of a mechanical watch is of course the artisanal side, the passion for the object. You are the source of energy for your watch, either by winding the mechanism or by moving if you have a self-winding watch.

Without you, your mechanical watch does not live, it needs us as we need it. The more we cherish it, the more it will be faithful to us through its operation and longevity. Indeed, a mechanical watch is imperishable, if it is well treated and maintained, it will last a lifetime.

Price-wise, this is no longer a disadvantage these days because we can find them at the entry level for a few hundred euros more than a quartz watch. We can also find them in high-end watchmaking for several thousand euros.

Which movement should you choose?

Quartz or mechanical? That is the question! Unfortunately, deciding isn’t always easy, which is why we’re here to help.

If you are looking for a watch for practicality, functionality and accuracy, then a quartz movement is for you. You don't want to bother with a watch that needs to be wound, maintained and set when it hasn't been worn for a week. You'll probably want to opt for a quartz watch, which is more accurate than a watch that requires as much attention as a mechanical watch.

Lovers of mechanics and watchmaking enthusiasts find satisfaction in a mechanical watch, more sophisticated and more lively than a quartz watch.

But that's not all, your budget will also be a determining factor. Set one, consider your desires, and who knows, invest in the watch that makes you dream.

In summary:

Quartz: Simple to operate, low maintenance, near-perfect timekeeping and affordable.
Mechanics: Craftsmanship, attention to detail, passion for movement, investment, maintenance and pampering.

SOURCES:
Photo Omega Geneve: Watch Forum
Photo FP Journe Octa: Watches.de