Introduction to Quartz Watches
What Is a Quartz Watch?
Quartz watches are powered by a battery and use a tiny piece of quartz crystal to keep time. When electricity hits the crystal, it vibrates at a precise frequency—32,768 times per second, to be exact. This vibration powers the movement of the watch hands or digital display.
The Quartz Movement vs. Mechanical Movements
Mechanical watches rely on gears, springs, and human intervention (winding) to keep ticking. Quartz, on the other hand, is practically maintenance-free, highly accurate, and doesn’t require daily attention. But historically, it wasn’t always respected.
A Brief History of Quartz Watches
The Birth of Quartz Technology in Watches
The concept of using quartz to keep time was born in the 1920s, but it wasn’t until the late 1960s that quartz became commercially viable in wristwatches. Scientists realized that quartz’s vibration frequency made it perfect for accurate timekeeping.
The 1969 Seiko Astron: A Game Changer
Seiko dropped a bomb on the watch world in 1969 with the release of the Astron, the first commercial quartz wristwatch. It was sleek, gold, and priced like a car—but it proved quartz worked. And the rest of the industry took notice.
The Quartz Crisis and Its Global Impact
The 1970s and ‘80s saw what the Swiss watch industry calls “The Quartz Crisis.” Traditional mechanical watchmakers couldn’t keep up with the flood of accurate, affordable quartz watches from Asia. Thousands of Swiss jobs were lost. Brands collapsed. The world of watches changed forever.
Why Quartz Watches Fell Out of Favor
The Rise of Mechanical Snobbery
As quartz became the norm, serious collectors started to view it as mass-produced and soul-less. Mechanical watches—those marvels of engineering with hundreds of hand-assembled parts—became the “real” watches in the eyes of purists.
Collector Preference for Craftsmanship and Tradition
Mechanical timepieces carry legacy, artistry, and romance. They tick with the beat of history. So naturally, collectors gravitated toward pieces that felt timeless and handcrafted.
The “Cheap” Stigma Around Quartz
Let’s be honest: cheap quartz flooded the market. Dollar-store watches. Souvenir shop specials. The quartz movement—despite its precision—was reduced to a punchline in luxury circles.
The Revival of Quartz Watches in the 2020s
Microbrands and the Return of the Retro
Today’s microbrands are embracing quartz—not as a compromise, but as a conscious design choice. Think bold colors, ‘70s and ‘80s aesthetics, funky case shapes. Quartz lets them keep costs down while delivering real style.
Celebrity Influence and Fashion Trends
Celebs like Tyler, The Creator and Dua Lipa have been spotted wearing Casio and vintage Swatch. What was once “basic” is now ironic-chic. Fashion’s pendulum is swinging back, and quartz is in its path.
Gen Z’s Love for Nostalgia and Efficiency
Gen Z doesn’t care about your mechanical supremacy complex. They want something affordable, functional, and stylish. Quartz fits the bill—especially with solar-powered options, minimalist dials, and battery life that stretches for years.
The Modern Appeal of Quartz
Accuracy and Reliability
Quartz watches are more accurate than most mechanical watches—by far. They can stay within a few seconds per month, while mechanicals may drift daily.
Low Maintenance for Everyday Wear
No winding. No servicing every few years. Just set it and forget it (until the battery runs out in 2-5 years—or never, if it’s solar).
Slim Profiles and Bold Design Options
Because quartz movements are compact, they allow for ultra-thin designs. That means sleeker watches that slip under cuffs—or go bold with chunkier retro designs.
Quartz vs. Mechanical: What Should You Choose Today?
Breaking the Binary: Why It’s Not Either-Or
Quartz vs. mechanical shouldn’t be a battle. You can love both. A mechanical might be your weekend flex; a quartz might be your daily driver.
When Quartz Makes More Sense
Traveling? Get a quartz GMT. Just need a reliable everyday piece? A solar-powered quartz will outlast your phone battery. Sometimes, practicality wins.
Iconic Quartz Watches Worth Knowing
The Omega Speedmaster X-33
A quartz tool watch designed for astronauts. That’s right—NASA-level quartz. Fully digital, built to withstand the cosmos.
The Cartier Tank Must SolarBeat
A gorgeous dress watch with heritage appeal and modern solar tech. Luxury meets sustainability.
The Casio F91W and the Cult of Cool
Cheap. Plastic. Iconic. This $20 legend is loved by watch nerds and normies alike. Timeless in its own right.
Grand Seiko’s 9F Quartz: Luxury Accuracy
Hand-assembled in Japan, this movement beats most mechanicals for precision—and has a finishing that rivals high-end automatics.
Are Quartz Watches a Good Investment?
Value Retention vs. Emotional Investment
Most quartz watches won’t appreciate like a Rolex Daytona. But that doesn’t mean they’re worthless. Some vintage quartz models are gaining traction.
Limited Editions and Collector’s Appeal
Limited quartz collabs—like Bamford x G-Shock or rare Swatch releases—have created a niche collector’s market. Buy what you love, and value may follow.
Conclusion: Is Quartz Back for Good?
Quartz watches never truly left—but they’re definitely having a moment again. As watch culture broadens beyond purists and into fashion, function, and nostalgia, quartz is shedding its outdated stigma. Whether you’re new to watches or building your collection, don’t sleep on quartz. It’s cool again. And this time, it’s here to stay.
FAQs
Are quartz watches still popular in 2025?
Yes! Thanks to renewed interest in retro styles, Gen Z influence, and microbrand innovation, quartz watches are not only popular—they’re cool again.
Why did quartz watches become unpopular?
They were once seen as mass-produced and lacking the artistry of mechanical watches, leading to a decline in prestige among collectors.
Are luxury brands making quartz watches again?
Absolutely. Brands like Cartier, Grand Seiko, and Omega continue to produce high-end quartz pieces with premium features and finishing.
Can quartz watches be high-end?
Yes—especially when they include features like solar charging, GPS, or hand-finished movements. Quartz doesn’t always mean cheap.
Should I buy a quartz or mechanical watch?
It depends on your lifestyle and preferences. If you want accuracy and convenience, go quartz. If you value craftsmanship and tradition, go mechanical—or get both