Good evening everyone!
This week, we have a new series, In this new project, we will explain the basics of luxury watches in an easy-to-understand way, for those who are not very familiar with luxury watches and those who want to learn more about them.
This is the 10th time
[ Introduction to Luxury Watches ]: " Mechanical " and " Quartz "
When you think, "I want to buy a watch," the first thing you'll worry about is whether to get a "mechanical" or "quartz" watch. You might have the impression that "mechanical" watches are expensive and "quartz" watches are cheap, but that's not all; each has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and I would like to explain those points in this article. This article is a must-read for those who are "buying a watch for the first time," as well as those who want to know the difference between "mechanical" and "quartz" watches!
The difference between "mechanical" and "quartz"
"Mechanical" and "quartz" watches have different mechanisms that make them work. Let's take a look at how each mechanism works.
What is "mechanical"?
"Mechanical" means that the power source is a mainspring. It is driven by an escapement mechanism, such as a balance, anchor, and escape wheel, and a transmission wheel train, such as gears. To put it simply, it has the same structure as the wind-up toy "Choro-Q". In the case of a watch, the speed at which the mainspring unwinds can be adjusted with various parts, allowing it to keep running for a long period of time.
Furthermore, mechanical watches can be broadly divided into "automatic winding" and "hand-wound" watches. "Hand-wound" watches literally wind the mainspring by turning the crown by hand, while "automatic" watches automatically wind the mainspring by moving the internal weight (rotor) with the movement of the hand.
What is "Quartz"?
"Quartz" watches are powered by batteries. Quartz refers to quartz crystals, which are embedded in a watch and run an electric current through them, and the energy generated by the vibrations is used to power the watch. In 1969, Seiko of Japan released the world's first "quartz" watch, the "Astron," and quartz watches quickly took over from the "mechanical" watches that were mainstream at the time.
The advantages and disadvantages of mechanical
Next, we will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of each mechanical system.
The advantages of the mechanical type
・Higher asset value than the "quartz type"
A wide range of designs
The biggest advantage of a mechanical watch is that each part can be replaced, so even if one part breaks, you can continue to use it for a long time by simply replacing the damaged part. If properly maintained, it can be passed down from parent to child for generations.
Another major benefit is that they have high asset value. Even if you use them for a long time, depending on the model, their value will be maintained and may even be higher than when you purchased them.
Another point is that there are many design variations. Because the torque force that moves the gears is stronger than that of the "quartz type," thicker and longer hands can be placed on it, which expands the range of designs. It is also possible to install complicated mechanisms, which is an important factor for watch lovers.
Disadvantages of the "mechanical"
・Vulnerable to magnetism and impact
·Price is high
The disadvantage of "mechanical" is that it is less accurate than "quartz". Each brand is developing high-precision mechanical movements, and although they are much more accurate than before, they are still inferior to the accuracy of "quartz". The accuracy of "mechanical" is said to be within the acceptable range of about ±20 seconds per day, but for "quartz", the difference is overwhelming, with a monthly difference of about ±20 seconds.
In addition, it is vulnerable to magnetism and shocks, so care must be taken when using it. In today's internet society, care must be taken when storing it.
Furthermore, mechanical watches, which are made by hand by assembling hundreds of parts, are naturally more expensive than quartz watches.
Advantages and disadvantages of the quartz type
The advantages and disadvantages of the quartz type are as follows:
Advantages of the "Quartz"
No need to wind the mainspring
・It is cheaper than the "mechanical" type
The biggest advantage of the quartz movement is its high accuracy. As mentioned in the mechanical movement section, the quartz movement is highly accurate and requires little time adjustment.
Also, unlike a mechanical watch that needs to be wound up, a quartz watch will not stop working unless the battery runs out of life. The battery life is said to be about three years, and the watch will not stop even if it is stored without being worn, so it can be said that there is almost no trouble.
Furthermore, since they are more affordable than mechanical watches, the barrier to purchase is low and you can try out a variety of models, which is another major attraction.
Disadvantages of the "Quartz"
Weak power to move the needle
・Lower asset value compared to "mechanical"
The disadvantage is that it has a shorter lifespan than a mechanical watch. It will continue to work if you replace the battery, but once the electronic circuitry reaches the end of its lifespan, it is often not possible to repair it. The electronic circuitry is said to last 10 years, and even if it can be replaced, the repair costs will be high. For this reason, if you want a watch that will last a lifetime, we recommend purchasing a mechanical watch.
In terms of asset value and resale value, they are also inferior to "mechanical" watches. This is something you should be aware of before purchasing.
summary
This time we explained the differences between "mechanical" and "quartz" watches. What did you think?
Both types of watches have different mechanisms for moving the watch, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The "mechanical" type uses a mainspring as its power source and can be used for many years with proper maintenance. The "quartz" type is highly accurate and hassle-free. Each has its own unique appeal, so be sure to find a watch that suits your needs and preferences.
Once again, I hope that this article will pique your interest in luxury watches!
see you!