Quartz vs Mechanical watch which is better

When most people discuss about a watch’s technology, they’re usually referring to either a quartz or a mechanical movement. Some also use the term ‘automatic’ to describe a type of mechanical movement that winds itself through the motion of the wearer’s wrist. These terms describe how the watch keeps time, not how it looks. 

A mechanical watch, as the name suggests, uses a series of moving metal components to power the movement that drives the hands, date mechanism, and other functions. Modern mechanical watches aren’t made purely of metal—many parts are now produced from alloys, ceramics, or even plastics. Over time, these components naturally wear down or degrade, which reduces the watch’s accuracy. Most mechanical watches rely on a mainspring for power, and many are ‘automatic,’ meaning they wind themselves through motion. However, this self‑winding system still depends on consistent movement. For example, even a Rolex mechanical watch will drift outside its advertised accuracy in less than a year of daily use. 

A quartz watch uses completely different technology. When accuracy, reliability, and affordability became the priority, quartz technology made all of it possible. A small electrical charge from a battery makes a quartz crystal vibrate at a precise frequency, and a simple integrated circuit counts those vibrations to drive the hands and date mechanism. An IC isn’t a CPU or a computer—unless you work in marketing. Because of this design, quartz watches need a battery and occasional battery changes. Mechanical watches, by contrast, require regular servicing to stay accurate—and especially if they were Swiss, they often stopped working altogether. Quartz movements however, typically remain accurate for their entire lifespan as long as the battery is replaced periodically. I have a couple of quartz watches that are over 30 years old and still run perfectly. In many ways, quartz technology pushed mechanical watchmakers to improve their reliability.

Mechanical watches and the brands behind them enjoy a high level of prestige largely because of marketing. It’s similar to the ‘diamonds are forever’ slogan—both ideas tap into the appeal of tradition and the notion of passing something down through generations. The idea that a watch has been hand made is often marketed rather than actual truth. 

In 2026, we’re still fascinated by old things: classic cars, vintage styling, and the simplicity of designs that can be repaired by ordinary people. But there’s a limit to how long these things stay practical, especially as parts become harder to find. Ultimately, it’s a struggle to stay relevant. The same goes for certain YouTubers who claim to influence the watch world but mostly act as brand or shop marketers, desperately trying to pivot toward newer, more popular models. If you constantly hype old Rolex and other Swiss brands, you lose credibility when you suddenly try to promote the latest Casio. It feels inauthentic. You’ve carved out your niche—and now live with it. People will see you as an entertainer or fan and honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that just be truthful.

Which type of watch is ‘better’ really depends on how you use it. If you only wear a watch occasionally—say, for special events—a mechanical watch might suit you just fine. But if you rely on a watch for accurate timekeeping on the job, especially in environments where fitness trackers, smartwatches, or phones aren’t allowed, a quartz watch is the more practical choice. Since this site is still focused on motorcycles and automotive topics, a quartz watch—particularly a G‑Shock—is the most sensible recommendation for obvious durability reasons. While none of the mechanical watches I’ve worn have physically broken, their accuracy has noticeably declined over a relatively short period of regular use.

The marketing of mechanical watches as luxury versus Quartz as not. We all know this was due to the strength of Swiss marketing of the day and that they didn’t know how to make quartz watches. (and of course the influencers just repeating ad nauseum) It is also ironic that the Swatch watch company a quartz based brand saved the Swiss mechanical watch industry from collapse with the establishment of the ETA movement company. 

Unfortunately the watch marketers and most influencers are binary, Mechanical good – Quartz equals  bad. Mechanical means hand made hence has an elevate status. The brutal truth is that very few brands hand make anything and machines supervised by humans do all the work. Videos are curated and edited to show some humans at work and the reality is that most mechanical watches are made and put together by machines. Thankfully there is a growing number that are less binary and that includes myself in knowing that there is more to watches than just Mechanical Vs Quartz.