Quartz vs. Automatic Watches: Which One Should I Choose?

Are you looking for a new Rolex watch? If so, you’ve probably heard the terms automatic and quartz. While both luxury watches have pros and cons, understanding how they operate in terms of accuracy, performance, and reliability can inform your decision. At Atlanta Luxury Watches, we offer a vast catalog of unique pieces to ensure you find one that fits your design and functionality preferences. Here’s an overview of quartz and automatic timepieces to help make the right choice.

Reliability

The most vital consideration before visiting a watch store is reliability. With all the different manufacturers in the market, finding the right timepiece can ensure longevity without compromising value. Quartz luxury watches often have few moving parts, making them more shock resistant than automatic pieces. If you want a watch for daily use, quartz is the most ideal solution. However, an automatic Rolex watch can go the distance with proper care, ensuring you get your money’s worth.

Accuracy

Luxury watches enhance accuracy, whether you prefer a quartz or an automatic piece. However, quartz watches are more accurate as they use quartz crystals as a timing base. This allows quartz timepieces to translate 32,768 oscillations into one second by sending a pulse that activates the stepping motor to move the second hand forward. With automatic watches, the power comes from wheels, levels, and springs, which make up the escarpment mechanism. These components work together to release power in the wound mainspring, allowing automatic pieces to operate at a steady rate of six or eight beats per second.

Performance

Another vital factor you should consider when purchasing a Rolex watch is performance. While quartz timepieces are reliable and consistent with proper care, automatic watches perform exceptionally. A freshly tuned automatic watch with lubricated moving parts can be more accurate, but these watches lose accuracy with time. If you don’t have access to the fine watchmaking oil needed to lubricate automatic luxury watches, quartz might be the best option. However, both automatic and quartz luxury watches are accurate for practical purposes.

Maintenance and Cost of Ownership

Quartz watches run on batteries, which may not be expensive initially. However, the cost can add up over time, depending on the watchmaker and battery brand. Before replacing the battery in a quartz watch, ensure the task is performed by a professional to ensure proper sealing and waterproof testing. The last thing you want is a malfunction when deep-sea diving or engaging in water-related activities. You don’t have to worry about such issues with an automatic watch, since they don’t require routinely scheduled battery changes. It is advisable to lubricate moving parts regularly in automatic luxury watches to maintain accuracy.

If you are unsure which watch type is suitable for your needs, visit a professional watch store for guidance. Whether you prefer the affordability and simplicity of quartz watches or the efficiency of automatic pieces, Atlanta Luxury Watches can help you make the right investment. Contact us today and schedule a consultation with our experts for pertinent information and guidance on automatic and quartz luxury watches.