Quartz movement in a watch – what does it mean and how does it work?
Quartz watch – the magic of precision on your wrist. How does this technological marvel work?
If you've ever wondered why your watch is so rarely late, you're probably dealing with a quartz mechanism. It is the one responsible for the precision that even expensive mechanical models cannot guarantee. The quartz mechanism is based on a very simple, yet ingenious principle - it uses the vibrations of the quartz crystal, which are extremely regular. This makes a quartz watch measure time to within a few seconds on a monthly basis - and sometimes even better.
This solution is widely used for a reason. Thanks to the fact that quartz watches are powered by a battery, they do not need to be screwed on, do not stop with any prolonged downtime and are almost completely maintenance-free. What's more, they are relatively cheap to produce, so their prices are affordable even for models from reputable brands. For you, this means one thing - you can have a stylish watch that will not let you down during an important meeting or a morning run for the bus. Sound practical? Because that's exactly what quartz watches are.
The Casio Edifice EFB-710D-1AVUEF is a sleek and precise chronograph with sapphire glass and a steel bracelet that combines sporty style with classic watchmaking class.
Quartz mechanism from the kitchen - what is really ticking under the dial?
On the surface, everything looks like the usual - a dial, hands, maybe a digital display. And yet what happens inside is radically different from classic mechanical watches. Quartz mechanism is a fascinating puzzle consisting of a battery, quartz crystal, capacitor and integrated circuit, which work together with great precision. When the battery powers the system, current flows through the crystal, making it vibrate - exactly 32,768 times per second. And this is not a random number, but a carefully chosen value that allows the digital circuit to generate equally one pulse per second.
This pulse goes to a miniature motor, which in turn moves the hands of the watch exactly once per second. This allows you to observe the characteristic "skip" of the seconds hand in analog models. If, on the other hand, you have a digital watch, the pulses are counted electronically and transformed into a digital display. Quartz watches for men and women are based on the same principle of operation, whether you wear a minimalist model or an advanced sports watch. Importantly - this whole process is not only accurate, but also extremely energy-efficient, so the batteries in such watches can last for years.
Why is 32,768 Hz the holy grail of quartz watches? You will be surprised by this explanation
You are probably wondering why exactly 32,768 Hz. Why this number and what does it mean in practice? Despite appearances, it's not a coincidence or the result of a marketing decision from decades ago. This is pure mathematics and electronics. 32, 768 is exactly 2 to the power of 15, a value that can be converted very easily by digital circuits. Thus, the frequency of vibration of the quartz crystal can be divided exactly fifteen times in half to get exactly 1 pulse per second. And it is this pulse that makes your watch work with such precision.
COVER Bracelet One CO219.02 is a minimalist Swiss Made watch that impresses with its subtle elegance, silver dial and perfect finish on a steel bracelet.
This choice also had another justification - quartz crystal at this frequency of vibration remains stable and resistant to temperature changes, which is of great importance in everyday use. You don't have to be an engineer to appreciate this solution. In practice, it means that a quartz watch works whether you are on a mountain trail or in a stuffy office. It was because of this one number that quartz technology proved groundbreaking - so much so that it dominated the watch market in the 1970s, sparking a real revolution in the industry.
Watches that don't need care - is a quartz mechanism your full-time watchmaker?
There are some things you just don't want to remember every day. One of them is undoubtedly the winding of the watch. And that's why the quartz mechanism has gained such popularity. It does not require your attention almost at all. All you have to do is replace the battery once every few years and you're done - the watch will work again for months without a stammer. What's more, compared to automatic watches, you don't have to wear it every day for it to remain punctual - it can lie in a drawer even for a few weeks and still show the correct time.
This is an ideal option for the busy, for the forgetful, for those who like technology, but do not necessarily want to service it. Men's quartz watches are often chosen by people who need a reliable timepiece for work or sports, where accuracy and simplicity are important. Women's quartz watches, on the other hand, combine precision with fashionable design and delicacy - so you can enjoy a functional accessory that simply works. The quartz mechanism has thus become not only an alternative to mechanics, but even an everyday savior for many wearers.
The Casio G-Shock DW-5600RL-1ER is an iconic watch with a legendary design that combines extreme durability, 200M water resistance and a full set of digital functions in a classic form.
Quartz vs. mechanical - a battle of hearts and seconds. Which watch will win your wrist?
Choosing between a quartz watch and a mechanical watch is not just a technical decision - it's also a matter of lifestyle, approach to detail and what you expect from a timepiece. Mechanical watches are a tribute to tradition, precision craftsmanship and the artistry of watchmakers, which has lasted for centuries. They can be beautiful, complex, and for many even have a soul. But their precision - well, they can be capricious at times. And it requires attention - regular winding, servicing, using with care.
On the other hand, you have a quartz watch that simply does its job - reliably, accurately and without complaint. For someone who appreciates functionality, minimalism in operation and simply wants to know what time it is without dithering - this will be the obvious choice. Especially when it comes to quartz watches for men and women in sporty, elegant and casual versions, which are not at all inferior in style to mechanical classics. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide what wins: the technical soul of quartz or the emotional depth of mechanicals. But if you are looking for accuracy, tranquility and convenience - the quartz mechanism certainly has a chance to win this duel. You can find a wide selection of quartz watches - both men's and women's - at our online watch store WestWatches.
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