Hey there, watch connoisseurs and curious minds alike! If you've ever wondered why quartz seems to be the love interest of watches, you've come to the right place.
In this article, we’re going on an exciting journey into the fascinating world of quartz watches, and we’ll discuss the reasons behind this captivating mineral attraction to watches as well as the mystery behind its presence in our cherished timepieces. So, the first question that comes to mind is, “Why do watches use quartz?”
It’s because- quartz watches measure time using an electronic oscillator that is controlled by a quartz crystal. Because of the extremely precise frequency that this crystal oscillator produces, quartz watches and clocks are at least ten times more accurate than mechanical clocks.
Now that you have a straightforward answer, let's go over some specific details. If you'd like to understand more about this topic, consider reading this article. Without more delay, let's get going!
What Is Quartz?
It's important to know a bit about the nature of quartz to fully understand why watches use it.
Quartz is a kind of mineral that is widely distributed throughout the crust of the entire earth. It is made from the atoms of silicon and oxygen and has a crystalline, clear structure.
Quartz is known as piezoelectric because it produces a tiny but measurable electrical current when it gets pressured via heat or physical stress. Quartz crystals in watches produce electricity when they are precisely stressed mechanically. Because of this quality, quartz is a perfect material for use in present-day timekeeping.
Now you know quartz isn't only a fancy component of expensive watches but also, it's very essential to their accuracy and precision.
How Does a Quartz Watch Work?
Inside each quartz watch, there are small quartz pieces that are typically formed like a musician's tuning fork. An electronic circuit powered by the battery in a quartz watch delivers energy to the quartz crystal.
The quartz crystal creates vibrations that are reflected into the internal forks of the watch and around it.
After measuring the vibrations, the circuit produces one electronic pulse for every 32,768 vibrations.
The vibrations of a properly tuned quartz clock should equal one electrical pulse each second. These pulses drive the gear wheels forward, which causes the hands of the clock to move around the dial in a clockwise direction.
The Differences Between Quartz and Mechanical Watches
Quartz watches are a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking high-quality timepieces because of how reliable and accurate they are.
Quartz watches don't lose a few seconds a day like mechanical watches do so you won't have to worry about winding them at all.
But because quartz watches rely on electrical pulses to work, their connected hands aren’t always moving. The hands of mechanical clocks move continuously as they are driven by gears that are in a constant state of rotation.
Quartz watches often create a more abrupt and rapid movement, whereas mechanical watches produce smoother hand movement.
Pros
- Extremely accurate ( an average quartz watch loses approximately 5 seconds a day)
- Don’t require winding
- Affordable
Cons
- Battery replacement is required
- Lack of style/craftsmanship
FAQs
Does a Quartz watch need a battery?
Yes, a battery is required for quartz watches to provide an electrical charge to the quartz crystal. As the watch doesn't need that much power to keep running, these batteries typically last for many years.
How long do Quartz watches last?
If you change the battery when it runs out, you can easily use quartz watches for 20 to 30 years before the electrical parts of it wear out.
I have a Casio Illuminator in my collection that was passed on to me by my late grandfather. He had been using the watch for more than 26 years, and I have been using it for 3 years since his demise. The watch looks rusty, and the buttons don’t work as well, but the timekeeping is working perfectly!
Conclusion
Because of their appealing qualities, we can see quartz watches everywhere. With a cheap price tag and carefree maintenance, it gives unbeatable accuracy. So, if you are looking for a timepiece that is focused on functionality (which is showing the time obviously), then you should opt for a quartz watch.
Stay tuned to our site as we will test out some low-budget quartz watches as well as some expensive ones and provide a comprehensive buying guide on quartz watches!