Two Movements, One Wrist
Every watch is powered by one of two fundamental technologies: quartz (which uses a battery-powered electronic oscillator) or mechanical (which uses a wound spring and a series of gears). These technologies diverged in the early 1970s, when cheap and accurate quartz movements nearly destroyed the Swiss mechanical watch industry — an event watchmakers call the “Quartz Crisis.” Today both co-exist, serve different needs, and appeal to different owners.
At a Glance: Quartz vs Mechanical
| Feature | Quartz | Mechanical |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | ±15 seconds/month | ±5–30 seconds/day |
| Power source | Battery (every 1–3 years) | Mainspring (wound daily or by wrist) |
| Maintenance interval | Battery every 2–3 years | Full service every 5–10 years |
| Entry price | Lower | Higher |
| Lifespan | Indefinite with care | Indefinite with service |
| Collector/resale value | Low–moderate | Moderate–high |
| Shock resistance | High | Moderate |
How a Quartz Movement Works
A small battery sends current through a sliver of quartz crystal, which vibrates at exactly 32,768 times per second — a frequency chosen because it’s a convenient power of two that circuits can divide down easily. An integrated circuit counts those vibrations, and every 32,768 cycles, it sends a signal to a tiny stepper motor that advances the hands by one second. The result is the precise, one-second tick that quartz watches are known for.
Quartz is not a budget compromise. The Rolex Oysterquartz, Patek Philippe’s Ellipse d’Or Quartz, and IWC Ingenieur Quartz are all quartz-powered watches that sell for thousands of euros. Accuracy is a feature, not a concession.
How a Mechanical Movement Works
A mechanical movement stores energy in a coiled steel mainspring. As the mainspring unwinds, it drives a series of gears called the gear train, which in turn drives the escapement — the mechanism that controls how the energy is released. The escapement works with the balance wheel, a weighted wheel that oscillates back and forth at a fixed frequency (typically 6, 8, or 10 times per second) to divide time into equal increments.
There are two subtypes. Hand-wound movements require you to turn the crown daily or every 1–3 days. Automatic (self-winding) movements have a rotor — a weighted segment — that rotates with wrist movement, winding the mainspring automatically. Most modern mechanical watches are automatic.
5 Reasons to Choose Quartz
No winding or attention required
Set it, wear it, forget it. Quartz runs until the battery dies, then a 2-minute replacement at any watchmaker restores it completely.
Superior accuracy
±15 seconds per month versus ±5–30 seconds per day for even a well-regulated mechanical. If accurate timekeeping matters, quartz wins unambiguously.
Better shock and vibration tolerance
No delicate balance wheel to knock out of beat. Quartz handles drops, gym workouts, and rough daily wear more reliably than mechanical.
Lower cost for equivalent quality
For the same brand and case quality, the quartz version is typically significantly cheaper than the mechanical equivalent.
Minimal long-term maintenance
Battery every 2–3 years, and a movement service is rarely needed unless water gets inside. Total cost of ownership is much lower.
5 Reasons to Choose Mechanical
Craftsmanship and tradition
Hundreds of hand-assembled parts working together without electronics. The caseback of a finely finished movement reveals a miniature machine that has fascinated people for 500 years.
No battery, ever
A mechanical watch is powered by winding alone. It can run indefinitely, and will never stop because of a dead cell.
Heirloom potential
Mechanical watches are designed to be serviced and passed down across generations. Many collectors wear their grandfather’s mechanical watches today. Quartz watches are rarely treated this way.
Stronger resale and collector market
The secondhand market for quality mechanical watches is large and active. Quartz watches from the same brands typically depreciate faster, with few exceptions.
The experience of wearing it
The smooth sweep of the seconds hand, the sound of the movement, the ritual of winding — these are subjective but real reasons many people prefer mechanical.
Neither type is maintenance-free forever. Quartz movements need the battery replaced before it leaks — every 2 years is sensible, even if the watch still runs. Mechanical movements need lubricants refreshed every 5–10 years or the oils dry out, metal wears, and timekeeping suffers. Both are worth servicing.
Buying your first serious watch? Quartz is the more practical starting point — better accuracy, lower service costs, and the money saved on the movement can go toward a better case, bracelet, or brand name. Once you understand what you want from a watch, a mechanical piece makes more sense as a considered purchase.
Can a Watchmaker Service Both?
Yes — and this is an important point. At Iglisi Watch in Durrës, we work on both quartz and mechanical movements: battery replacements, movement cleaning and lubrication, regulation (adjusting rate accuracy), crystal replacement, bracelet work, and more. Walk in or send us a message on WhatsApp.
Need a Service — Mechanical or Quartz?
Whether it’s a quartz battery swap or a full mechanical service, walk into our workshop on Rruga Aleksander Goga in Durrës. No appointment needed. We work on both movement types and have done so since 2002.
Rruga Aleksander Goga · Durrës 2001 · Albania · +355 67 636 0510
Published by Iglisi Watch · Durrës, Albania · April 2026.