One of the first things anyone learning about watches needs to understand is the difference between mechanical and quartz. While both do the same thing, they work in very different ways and have different maintenance, repair, and design requirements.
How Mechanical Watches Work
A mechanical watch is made with springs and gears and precise mechanical parts that work together to keep time. Mechanical watches store energy by being wound in a spring that then slowly turns through the movement. The escapement and balance wheel in a mechanical watch act as a gatekeeper to release the stored energy to keep a constant pace. Mechanical watches have a dedicated following for their design, quality, and complexity.
The Evolution of Quartz Technology
A quartz watch is powered by a battery and electric circuit rather than a mainspring. A small quartz crystal is used to send a frequency to the electric movement of a quartz watch, allowing the hands to move at a very precise pace. When the industry switched from a mechanical movement to a quartz, timekeeping became more affordable for the masses and accessible to a broader range of customers.
The Benefits of Both Types
A mechanical movement may be the more expensive and time-consuming option to keep running, but the appeal of mechanicals for collectors and enthusiasts can never be understated. If a watch isn’t a quartz movement, the owner can expect the movement to have been around much longer, be much more difficult to fix or restore, and can expect to pay more for the watch.
The benefit to a quartz movement is the lower cost, accuracy, and simpler nature of the device. The owner does not need to worry about winding the movement or repairing the mainspring. It is a very easy system to make and mass produce for companies, and the resulting watch is usually more slim and less expensive than a mechanical.
What a Watchmaker Should Know
Watchmakers and restorers should know both types of movement because in order to be a watchmaker, you will have to deal with both types. Many watches on the market will need servicing, and while restorers will see mostly mechanical movements, watch repair technicians and restorationists will encounter a wide range of mechanical and quartz movements. It is important to know both types of movements in order to understand their design, repair techniques, and historical context. A mechanical watchmaker will also need to understand the evolution of quartz technology, as many restoration projects may require knowledge of how a quartz movement was made.
Conclusion
The world of watches is vast and intricate, and one cannot understand the evolution of timekeeping without understanding both the mechanical and quartz movement types. The distinction between mechanical and quartz can help to provide watchmaking students with a greater understanding of the industry and its history.