Two Broke Watch Snobs
What Is a Quartz Watch (And Do You Really Need One)?
A 101 guide to quartz watches: how they work, why they last, and what makes them a smart, low-maintenance pick.
686 articles · 3 videos found · page 7 of 23
Two Broke Watch Snobs
A 101 guide to quartz watches: how they work, why they last, and what makes them a smart, low-maintenance pick.
Fratello
Quartz movements took a next step when light started charging the power source. Tissot started using light as a “fuel” in 2014 when it introduced the T-Touch Expert Solar. This year, the brand from Le Locle presents the next technological step in the shape of the Lightmaster solar quartz movement. The movement is the heart […] Visit Behind The Scenes At Tissot: Inside The Light-Powered Tissot PRC 100 Solar Quartz to read the full article.
Worn & Wound
We love quartz watches at Worn & Wound for a huge variety of reasons. Very often, a quartz watch is someone’s first watch, the watch that sets them down a path of enthusiasm and collecting that so many of us are familiar with. Quartz watches are often (but not always) an affordable alternative to a mechanical watch that doesn’t need to sacrifice anything in terms of design. Also, the technology is just incredibly cool, and so many great watchmaking minds have contributed to refining it and making it even better over the years. We decided to ask our editorial team members to write a little bit about their favorite quartz watches. Some of these are watches they own personally, some are historic, and others are just fun examples of watches that might not make as much sense with a mechanical movement. Be sure to let us know what your favorite quartz watch is in the comments below. Zach Weiss – Seiko Sportura SLQ009 Kinetic Chronograph Well, this is an easy one for me, as I happen to have it in my collection: the Seiko Sportura SLQ009 Kinetic Chronograph. Where to even begin with this one… I’ll start by explaining why I like it. Long before I was properly afflicted with the watch-collecting-itis, I was simply a teenager in NYC with an appreciation for watches. My dad and I would occasionally go to the Tourneau TimeMachine on 57th Street for fun on the weekends, and for a time, they had a Seiko Kinetic Chronograph on display. It had, as I recall, a special vitrin...
Time+Tide
From Geneva to London: 2025's impressive run of watch auctions continues, with Watches of Knightsbridge offering up some heat.The post Vintage stunners, quartz oddities, and a highly unusual Cartier to hit Watches of Knightsbridge auction block appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Timex reinvents its Q series with the Continental GMT-an integrated bracelet, quartz watch inspired by sports models, priced under $200.
Time+Tide
Here's a few reasons why quartz watches should not just be low-cost alternatives to their mechanical counterparts.The post 13 of the best quartz watches that rub it into quartz snobs’ faces appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Quartz movements were once seen as the ticking death knell of the mechanical watch industry. Many collectors scoff at these electronic pieces and will not consider them. However, there are pockets of enthusiasts who enjoy finely crafted quartz movements in equally well-made cases. Perhaps the largest knock on quartz is that its movements lack the […] Visit Modern Brands That Should Offer Quartz - Rolex, Omega, Ming, And More to read the full article.
Time+Tide
The tick may give some the ick, but quartz watches are undeniably making a strong comeback.The post Andrew tells the New York Times why quartz watches are ticking upward in interest appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Minimal, elevated and unashamed of its meca-quartz movement, the HZ.02 Chronograph delivers on all possible aspects of value.The post The Hz Watches HZ.02 Chronograph worships quartz with staggering value for money appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Quartz can be cool, and these super collectable models from Rolex to MoonSwatch prove just how cool it can be.The post The most collectable quartz watches to annoy the snobs appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Praesidus is one of those brands I have quickly come to love. It focuses on introducing vintage-inspired military watches with unique stories. The brand has a knack for finding remarkable military stories and using them as inspiration for its timepieces. The latest addition to the growing lineup is the Praesidus Type H-75 Chronograph. This watch’s […] Visit Hands-On With The New Meca-Quartz Praesidus Type H-75 Chronograph to read the full article.
Time+Tide
If interesting design now trumps mechanical innovation in watchmaking, quartz technology like TAG Heuer's Solargraph has an important edge, Biebuyck explains.The post Nicholas Biebuyck, Heritage Director of TAG Heuer, believes “consumer interest is improving in quartz” appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Two paper dials cover high-end quartz perpetual calendar movements, drawing inspiration from Japan's captivating nature. The post The Citizen Iconic Nature collection turns paper and quartz into a luxury combo appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
When shopping for a new watch, the movement is often a point of consideration for many enthusiasts. But what does it do? Simply put, the movement, often referred to as a “caliber,” is the engine powering the watch and regulating the rotation of its hands. While some may feature additional features called complications, their primary duty is accurate time-telling. Today, we’ll walk through the basic differences between manual, automatic, and quartz movements. When shopping for a new watch, the movement is often a point of consideration for many enthusiasts. But what does it do? Simply put, the movement, often referred to as a “caliber,” is the engine powering the watch and regulating the rotation of its hands. While some may feature additional features called complications, their primary duty is accurate time-telling. Today, we’ll walk through the basic differences between manual, automatic, and quartz movements. The post The Difference Between Quartz, Manual, and Automatic Movements appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Time+Tide
These durable, affordable quartz models make one of Hamilton’s most accessible watches an even easier choice.The post The Hamilton Khaki Field just became even more reliable thanks to quartz appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Seiko engineer Yoshikazu Akahane dreamt up the revolutionary Spring Drive movement technology in the late 1970s. But what is it?The post What is Seiko Spring Drive? Is it quartz? Is it mechanical? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
Whether you’re a seasoned high horology watch enthusiast, or a dedicated sports watch collector, everyone needs at least 1 or 2 easy to wear quartz watches. There are times when you don’t want something attention grabbing on your wrist, times when you’re in a rush out the door, and also some situations where you don’t want to risk damaging or getting a valuable watch unnecessarily dirty if you can avoid it. This is where the lovely quartz watch segment saves us. Not all Quartz watches fall into this ideology though, after all there are Quartz powered Royal Oaks and various other ultra high-end quartz watches that would serve no replacement as a beater watch. The watches we’re going to discuss today generally veer more towards affordability without compromise. These are watches that can be just as interesting as their mechanical counterparts – but they also serve as a “simple decision” watch, or perhaps just as a change of pace away from the mechanical theme within your personal collection. G-SHOCK GWM5610-1 ($150) Does G-SHOCK really need an introduction? Not really. This is a brand that’s become just as venerable as some of the most prestigious watch houses in the industry. They’ve built a name for themselves as being indestructible digital sports watches with resin cases that make excellent everyday wear watches. While the brand has a huge repertoire of models, some of them such as the GWM5610-1, truly stand out for their aesthetics as well as their...
Fratello
It’s always exciting to discover a new watch brand, even more so when it was founded in your hometown. As we’re practically neighbors, I sat down for lunch with Vincent Bakker, one of the three founders of Calgari, to learn more about this Amsterdam-based brand and its watches. The adventure started by selling off-the-shelf watches, […] Visit Hands-On With The Calgari Dimora Panda And Pierre Morlet - Two Affordable Meca-Quartz Chronographs to read the full article.
Fratello
In March 2022, the global watch market was at an all-time high. A stainless steel Rolex Daytona was worth just over €50,000, any new limited-edition watch would sell out in a matter of minutes, and sites like Fratello attracted a lot of new readers. Since then, things have cooled down substantially. According to Chrono24, that […] Visit Weekend Contemplation: The Watch Market Isn’t In Crisis, But How Should We Describe Its Current State? to read the full article.
Quill & Pad
When starting out on a watch journey, one of the first questions to consider is the choice between quartz and automatic watches, with the perception that mechanical watches are "better" and more expensive, while quartz watches are entry-level and lower quality. While this may hold some truth, luxury brands also produce high-end quartz pieces that are equally impressive from a technological standpoint.
Fratello
Ever since Alpina introduced the updated aesthetic for its Alpiner Extreme collection in 2022, we have slowly seen more introductions with the same design signature. The newest addition to the Alpiner Extreme collection is a series of exciting quartz models. The four new releases include smaller cases, a Swiss quartz movement, and new dial colors. […] Visit Alpina Unveils The Alpiner Extreme Quartz And The Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic to read the full article.
Quill & Pad
Nothing can stir up the watch world these days quite as much the launch of a new Apple watch. For some it's a must-have gadget, for others it just isn't a real watch. But quartz watches face perhaps more competition from smartwatches than mechanical watches. Does quartz even have a real future?
Fratello
Let’s just say I have too many Honda cars. No, I’m not ready for a full coming-out. However, I am ready to share with you three vintage watches carrying the Honda logo that made my heart skip a beat. Let’s see how many fans of classic Honda cars we have among the Fratelli. Put a […] Visit #TBT Three Honda Watches I Wanted - A Rolex Date, Steering Wheel, And Cheap Quartz F-1 to read the full article.
Fratello
The speed at which Christopher Ward releases new watches is impressive. But it’s even more impressive that the brand maintains a certain level of variety that keeps every release fresh. There’s truly something for everyone in Christopher Ward’s rapidly expanding collection. The newest creation from the CW kitchens is the C63 Valour. This quartz timepiece […] Visit Christopher Ward Introduces The C63 Valour - A Quartz Chronograph Inspired By Military Watches From The 1980s to read the full article.
Time+Tide
These days vintage quartz and electric waches can be found for a steal! But, buyer beware, they can be a costly pain in the neck to service.The post Buyer beware! Vintage quartz and electric watches may be impossible to repair appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Quill & Pad
When starting out on a watch journey, one of the first questions to consider is the choice between quartz and automatic watches, with the perception that mechanical watches are "better" and more expensive, while quartz watches are entry-level and lower quality. While this may hold some truth, luxury brands also produce high-end quartz pieces that are equally impressive from a technological standpoint.
Worn & Wound
eBay Finds is back! This bi-monthly installment will feature a selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have caught the eye of editor Christoph McNeil (@vintagediver). If you come across any hidden gems on the ‘Bay drop us a note at info@wornandwound.com for potential inclusion! Vintage Seiko Speedmaster Chronograph Starting off this week with a killer vintage Seiko Speedmaster with the amazing 7A28 quartz chronograph movement. While I’m not usually a fan of quartz, you really can’t beat the 7A28 for quality, function and reliability. I don’t know how Seiko got away with usurping the Speedmaster name, but nevertheless this is a great watch. The 40mm bead blasted steel case looks unpolished, and the original bracelet with “Speedmaster” branded buckle is excellent. Dial and bezel are mint…what more can you want? Seller states it is functioning perfectly as it should. This is one that doesn’t show up all that often for auction, especially in this condition. Not one to be missed! View auction here Vintage Wittnauer Revue From 1980s sleek quartzness to 1950s fancy dress-watchness. Here is a wild vintage Wittnauer Revue with waffle textured dial and insanely curved fancy lugs. The 22mm wide 10k yellow gold case is mint, with super sharp edges and brushed finish on the back. You really don’t see watches from this era with cases this sharp very often. And the cream dial is mint, with applied gold markers and gold hands. But man, look at those lugs...
Time+Tide
D.C. speculates on the craze that'll follow integrated bracelets and Tiffany blue dials.The post Is the future of neo-vintage collecting luxury quartz? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
As watch lovers, we tend to be drawn to mechanical movements. There is something mysterious about the dozens of springs, wheels, pinions, jewels, screws, and plates that conspire to unwind a mainspring and turn its stored tension into a precise display of the time. I think the allure is in the fact that it is […] Visit Five Analog Quartz Watches That Prove The Snobs Wrong to read the full article.
Time+Tide
Initially a plan to fill a slot in a personal collection, the HZ.01 aims to be the ideal, affordable everyday watch.The post The Hz Watches HZ.01 sports Swiss quartz, hardened titanium, and GADA proportions for less than $200 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
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