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The lifespan of Quartz watches has been a subject of debate since the inception of the quartz movement.
Can Quartz Watches Last Forever?
Plenty of people have seriously old quartz watches, such as the 1978 Seiko Diver, 1979 Seiko King with twin quartz movements, and the Citizen A660, which are still working like new.
With some of the original quartz watches still running after 40 years, it’s easy to speculate that maybe they will just run forever.
So, what makes them so durable?
Quartz is basically an electronic watch that also makes use of Quartz minerals for extra precision.
The following are the reasons why the timepieces are long-lasting:
Simple In Design
In contrast to their mechanical watch cousins, quartz timepieces are very simple. Quartz watches feature a coil with a stepper motor that drives the hands and other features.
Mechanical watches are known for their complexity. Quartz watches are known for their simplicity.
Despite their simplicity, they are among the most accurate in regard to timekeeping.
Some top-of-the-range watches will only change by a mere second in a month.
The best mechanical counterparts or automatic watches, on the other hand, move out of precision by about 3 seconds.
Fewer Parts
A typical structure of quartz will have less than 30 parts, while a normal mechanical one will have between 60 and 200 parts.
This means that the system becomes more complex, and the chances of failure are also high.
Fewer parts also mean that the watch has less friction and also requires less maintenance.
People who’ve owned Quartz watches for decades say that the only thing it required was battery replacements (after 2 years or more), keeping it clean, and proper handling.
Did you also know that quartz technology is less susceptible to magnetism in comparison to mechanical timepieces or automatic movement?
Even Fewer Moving Parts
You’ll find very few moving parts in Quartz technology.
This contributes to the watch’s lightweight weight, which also makes it less likely to get damaged in case of bangs or falls.
The hermetically sealed crystal will remain safe even after exposure to dirt, dust, magnetism, and more.
The digital-analog type seems to last longer than the analog version.
How To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Quartz Watch
- Proper care: Avoid exposing the watch to dust, moisture, heat, strong magnetism, and lots of vibration.
- High-quality battery: Install excellent batteries to avoid them leaking and damaging the internal mechanism due to leakage.
- The recommended changing interval is 2 years. However, top brands like Seiko boost units that will last for as many as 5 years.
- Change your battery before it fails! This will avoid leaks.
- Get any damage to your watch repaired immediately by a professional watchmaker.
Quartz Watch Movement Video
Top Brands of Quartz Watches
Seiko
Seiko, a Japanese brand, is not just a leading name in the watch industry but also a trailblazer. In 1969, Seiko unveiled the world’s first quartz wristwatch, the Seiko Quartz Astron, forever altering the landscape of horology. With this, they set the gold standard for accuracy and affordability in wristwatches. Over the decades, Seiko has continued to innovate, offering a diverse range of quartz watches that cater to various styles and preferences, from the sporty Seiko Diver’s series to the elegant Seiko Presage collection.
Citizen
Citizen, another heavyweight from Japan, brings a unique blend of innovation and sustainability to the quartz realm with its Eco-Drive technology. This groundbreaking feature enables watches to harness light, both artificial and natural, converting it into energy, thereby eliminating the need for regular battery replacements. Such technology underscores Citizen’s commitment to eco-friendly initiatives. Beyond this, their design philosophy ensures that every watch, be it the sleek Citizen Axiom or the rugged Citizen Promaster, offers a harmonious balance of form and function.
Casio
Casio’s foray into quartz watchmaking has yielded some of the most durable and functional watches in the industry. The G-Shock series, in particular, is celebrated for its almost indestructible nature, designed to withstand tough conditions and extreme activities. Moreover, Casio’s watches often come packed with features, from world time and alarms to barometers and compasses. Their watches, such as the elegant Sheen series for women, showcase Casio’s versatility as a brand, proving their prowess isn’t just limited to rugged timepieces.
Bulova
Bulova, rooted in American heritage, embodies a relentless pursuit of precision. One of their standout innovations in the quartz domain is the Precisionist series, known for its exceptional accuracy. Bulova’s quartz movements are designed to be accurate to within seconds a year, setting them apart from many competitors. Moreover, the brand’s aesthetic range is vast, with designs that echo vintage elegance to those that capture contemporary chic. Bulova’s commitment to quality craftsmanship, even in their quartz collection, is a testament to their century-old legacy in watchmaking.
These brands, each with its unique strengths and contributions, have played pivotal roles in elevating and popularizing quartz watchmaking across the globe.
Summary
The Citizen A660 is backed by a 10-year guarantee, while the Seiko 9F movement claims that it won’t require service for as many as 50 years!
Many consumers have claimed to have worn a Quartz watch for more than 4 decades.
With proper care and giving it basic maintenance, a Quartz watch should last a long time…possibly forever??
See more: How to Keep a Mechanical Watch Running for Years: A Practical Guide.
