Determining which watch movement is best all depends on your personal preference, lifestyle and taste. There is no set formula with many brands manufacturing both quartz and mechanical movements to a very high standard. The watch calibre is a very important part of the timepiece, powering your watch with precision and reliability.
Before you make your final decision, let us provide the all facts to make your choice that much quicker. Finding the best watch movement for you couldn’t be easier with our guide to watch movements.
Why Choose a Mechanical Watch
There are two types of mechanical watch movements – manual and automatic. The first demands to be hand wound daily by the wearer whereas the second is powered by wrist activity throughout the day.
- If you love the artistry and craftsmanship of complex movements then mechanical movements are for you. The gears, springs and components are intricately assembled by skilled, steady hands, which the majority of the time can be viewed via the caseback.
- Typically more expensive due to the skill, time and cost required by the watchmaker, those who purchase mechanical movements are willing to invest more money in a timepiece with a higher price point due to the craftsmanship involved.
- To keep a mechanical movement in great condition a service is recommended every 2-3 years to check all the components are working correctly and to keep precision. These services will guarantee longevity ensuring that your mechanical watch will last a lifetime.
- Mechanical watches do need to be wound even automatic versions need a quick few turns of the crown now and again. With the help of a watch winder, which are becoming more and more stylish for the home you can wind you watch whilst you sleep easily.
- To keep the tradition alive, watch enthusiasts are passionate about the art of watchmaking and do not wish to compromise with a battery-operated timepiece.
Is a Quartz Watch for You?
Quartz watches are battery powered, which came onto the market in the seventies. Their success threatened the production of mechanical watches however, decades later there is room for both in the industry.
- Quartz watches are marked at a lower price point compared to mechanical timepieces due to the cost in manufacture is much less. Therefore, those on a lower budget would be well suited to a quartz movement.
- They require very little maintenance due to the lack of parts. The battery will most likely need replacing every 2-3 years, which is not expensive to do either.
- If you are not fussed about the craftsmanship of a movement and more focused on the cost, practicality and maintenance of a watch then quartz watches are definitely for you. Choose the style you prefer and you can guarantee precision on the wrist.
- Do remember there may be less of a choice where unique design is concerned as skeletonised dials and open casebacks are reserved for mechanical timepieces only.
Would You Prefer a Solar-Powered Watch?
Solar powered watches are a fairly new alternative to a quartz or mechanical watch. Using natural or artificial light as energy to keep the watch working, a solar panel is fitted behind the dial, which converts the light into electrical energy to power the watch.
- If you care for the environment then a solar powered watch is for you as it uses a resource easily available to power the watch rather than a battery or components.
- Although these watches do need charging they last a lot longer than manual movements. Each watch is different and it does ultimately depend on the brand to indicate how long the timepiece can last between charges but we’re talking as a long as six months.
- Solar-powered watches are just as reliable as quartz watches. With technology constantly improving and the ability to store energy when not exposed to light, you do not need to worry about the watch stopping ticking.
