The Ongoing Debate: Mechanical vs. Quartz
The watch world has long been divided: should you go for the timeless soul of a mechanical movement, or the no-fuss precision of a quartz watch? In 2025, this debate still matters — maybe more than ever. New technologies, changing consumer habits, and evolving design trends have only added fuel to the fire.
Why This Question Still Matters in 2025
Watches today are more than timekeepers. They're fashion statements, emotional objects, and sometimes even investment pieces. With vintage reissues, microbrand innovations, and smartwatches in the mix, understanding traditional movements helps you make informed decisions in a crowded market.
Whether you're buying your first watch or adding to a growing collection, knowing the difference between mechanical and quartz movements is essential.
What Is a Mechanical Watch?
A mechanical watch is powered by a spring-driven movement that requires no battery. It’s a marvel of micro-engineering — tiny gears, levers, and springs working together in perfect harmony.
There are two main types:
- Manual Mechanical Watches: Require daily winding by hand.
- Automatic Mechanical Watches: Wind themselves as you move your wrist.
Mechanical watches are deeply tied to heritage, craftsmanship, and emotional value.
Pros:
- Timeless engineering and aesthetics
- No battery required
- Often retains or increases in value
- Appeals to collectors and enthusiasts
Cons:
- Less accurate than quartz
- Requires servicing every 3–5 years
- Typically more expensive upfront
What Is a Quartz Watch?
Quartz watches use a battery-powered circuit to send electricity through a quartz crystal. This causes the crystal to vibrate at a precise frequency — 32,768 times per second — moving the second hand with remarkable accuracy.
Pros:
- Extremely accurate (±15 seconds per month)
- Low maintenance
- Affordable across all price points
- Lightweight and slim
Cons:
- Battery changes required
- Less “soul” compared to mechanicals
- Rarely collectible
A Short History: Quartz Crisis and Beyond
The rise of quartz watches in the 1970s led to what the industry calls the Quartz Crisis. Japanese brands like Seiko revolutionized the market with ultra-accurate, affordable quartz watches — threatening the Swiss mechanical watch industry.
By the 1980s, many traditional watchmakers closed. But Swiss brands fought back by emphasizing luxury, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Today, both movements coexist — each with a loyal following.
What’s New in 2025 for Mechanical and Quartz Watches?
In 2025, the lines between mechanical and quartz watches are blurring:
- Solar-powered quartz models are dominating the eco-friendly segment.
- Hybrid watches blend analog displays with smartwatch features.
- Microbrands continue to innovate in both categories.
- Smart quartz technology (e.g., GPS solar) makes quartz more advanced than ever.
- High-accuracy mechanicals like Omega’s Co-Axial and Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive offer near-quartz precision.
Mechanical vs. Quartz: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Mechanical Watch | Quartz Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Mainspring (manual or automatic) | Battery (or solar in some models) |
| Accuracy | ±20 seconds/day | ±15 seconds/month |
| Maintenance | Service every 3–5 years | Battery change every 1–2 years |
| Longevity | Can last generations | Can last decades (with care) |
| Cost | Generally more expensive | More affordable at every level |
| Emotional Value | High (heritage, craftsmanship) | Lower (more utilitarian) |
| Complexity | Highly intricate | Simple and robust |
| Collectibility | Often collectible | Rarely collectible |
Which Type of Watch Is Right for You?
Let’s break it down based on your personal priorities.
1. Lifestyle Factors
- Travel often or live actively? Quartz offers accuracy and durability with no fuss.
- Work in formal settings or appreciate old-school style? Mechanical wins with charm and elegance.
2. Budget Considerations
- Under $500? Go quartz — more variety, better specs.
- Willing to spend $1,000+? Explore mechanical watches with character and resale value.
3. Collector vs. Practical Use
- Daily beater or travel watch? Quartz is unbeatable.
- Passion for horology or storytelling? Mechanical is more rewarding long-term.
Best Mechanical Watches to Consider in 2025
Whether you're new to mechanical watches or ready to upgrade, here are great picks:
Entry-Level ($200–$600)
- Seiko 5 Sports. Reliable, automatic, affordable. Built for everyday adventures, this watch features Seiko’s trusted 4R36 movement, day-date display, and rugged styling. A perfect entry into mechanical watches—bold, durable, and great value for money. Seiko 5 Sports on Ebay
- Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80. Swiss-made elegance. Classic design meets modern innovation. With an 80-hour power reserve, refined Roman numerals, and a textured dial, this automatic watch captures the spirit of traditional Swiss watchmaking in a timeless package. Tissot Le Locle Powermatic 80 on Ebay
Mid-Range ($700–$1,500)
- Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical. Rugged and iconic. Inspired by military heritage, this hand-wound field watch delivers vintage charm with modern reliability. Durable, legible, and built for adventure—it’s a true tool watch with timeless appeal. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical on Ebay
- Oris Big Crown Pointer Date. Classic pilot’s watch with character. With its signature pointer date, fluted bezel, and oversized crown, this Oris icon blends vintage aviation style with everyday versatility. A distinctive mechanical watch that stands out with charm and heritage. Oris Big Crown Pointer Date on Ebay
Luxury ($2,000–$7,000+)
- Omega Speedmaster Professional. Moonwatch legacy. Worn on the moon, trusted on Earth. This legendary chronograph blends space history with precision engineering. Manual-wound, iconic, and eternally cool—the Speedmaster is more than a watch, it’s a legacy. Omega Speedmaster Professional on Ebay
- Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Timeless and versatile. Pure Rolex DNA in its most refined form. With its elegant design, automatic movement, and legendary durability, the Oyster Perpetual is a perfect everyday luxury watch—understated, precise, and built to last. Rolex Oyster Perpetual on Ebay
- Longines Heritage Classic – Hand-wound beauty with flawless finishing. Vintage-inspired with a modern touch, this elegant timepiece features a clean sector dial, slim case, and refined manual movement. A tribute to timeless design and Swiss craftsmanship. Longines Heritage Classic on Ebay
Best Quartz Watches to Consider in 2025
Quartz watches are not just cheap — some are serious contenders in looks and performance.
Affordable ($50–$300)
- Casio Duro – Tough and dive-ready. Built to withstand the depths, this rugged dive watch features a rotating bezel, 200m water resistance, and unmatched durability. A reliable companion for both underwater adventures and daily wear. Casio Duro on Ebay
- Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E – Solar-powered and military style. With its rugged design and solar-powered Eco-Drive movement, this watch blends functionality with military-inspired style. No need for batteries—just solar energy for reliable, everyday performance. Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E on Ebay
Mid-Range ($300–$1,000)
- Seiko Astron GPS Solar – Automatically adjusts to your time zone. Powered by light and guided by satellites, the Astron syncs to your location with pinpoint precision. A smart fusion of cutting-edge tech and classic Seiko craftsmanship—always accurate, wherever you go. Seiko Astron GPS Solar on Ebay
- Bulova Precisionist – High-frequency quartz with sweeping second hand. Exceptionally accurate and visually striking, the Precisionist features a smooth-sweeping second hand and bold design. Its unique 262 kHz quartz movement delivers precision that rivals mechanical watches. Bulova Precisionist on Ebay
Luxury ($1,000–$4,000+)
- Grand Seiko SBGX261 – Incredible accuracy and finishing. A masterclass in minimalist elegance, this quartz timepiece offers ±10 seconds per year precision and flawless Zaratsu polishing. Pure Grand Seiko craftsmanship in a timeless, understated form. Grand Seiko SBGX261 on Ebay
- Cartier Tank Must Quartz – Timeless elegance in a thin package. A design icon with sleek proportions, the Tank Must blends refined aesthetics with quartz convenience. Effortlessly chic and unmistakably Cartier—perfect for modern elegance with a classic soul. Cartier Tank Must Quartz on Ebay
- Longines Conquest V.H.P. – Very High Precision technology. Combining sporty design with cutting-edge quartz accuracy, the Conquest V.H.P. delivers precision to within ±5 seconds per year. A smart choice for those who value reliability and performance. Longines Conquest V.H.P. on Ebay
FAQ: Mechanical vs. Quartz Watches
Is quartz better than mechanical?
Not necessarily. Quartz is more accurate and practical, but mechanical watches offer more emotion, history, and craftsmanship.
How long do mechanical watches last?
With proper care and servicing, mechanical watches can last generations.
Do quartz watches lose value?
Most quartz watches don’t appreciate in value. However, some vintage or limited editions may become collectible.
Can a quartz watch be serviced?
Yes, though many low-cost models are simply replaced. Higher-end quartz watches like those from Grand Seiko or Breitling are fully serviceable.
Is there a mechanical watch as accurate as quartz?
Not quite, but Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive and Omega’s Co-Axial movements come close.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts to Help You Choose
In 2025, choosing between mechanical and quartz watches isn’t about right or wrong — it’s about what you value more.
Mechanical watches give you art, history, and emotional connection. Quartz watches deliver unbeatable accuracy, reliability, and simplicity.
Why not both?
Many collectors and enthusiasts enjoy owning both types. You might wear a quartz watch for work or sports and save your mechanical piece for special occasions. Or you might fall in love with the beauty of automatic movements and go all-in.
Whatever you choose, make sure it feels good on your wrist — and makes you smile every time you check the time.
Learn more about the differences between automatic, manual, and quartz movements in our detailed guide: Watch Mechanism Types: A Comprehensive Guide