What does quartz watch mean?

Every time we step into a jewellery shop, or come across a specialised website, we encounter names and realities that seem distant from everyday language and too "technical" to be understood. Yet, the curiosity and thirst for knowledge are great... For example, what does "quartz watch" mean? What differences are there compared to other types of watches? Let’s find out together!

The history

The first use of quartz to measure the passage of time dates back to 1928, thanks to an invention by the Americans Horton and Morrison. The first real application of the mechanism happened 10 years later, in 1939, at the Greenwich observatory. Only in the 1960s did portable watches with this mechanism appear. In 1971, the first wristwatch with a digital display also entered the international market.

The mechanism

How is the passage of time calculated? Quite simply: through the oscillations made by a quartz crystal when it comes into contact with electricity. A quartz crystal, in fact, when subjected to compression, produces an electric potential difference: conversely, if an electric voltage is applied to it, it shows mechanical deformation.

The power source

Obviously, to activate the vibration of the quartz crystal, a source of electric power is needed. This is easily found in a simple battery. The quartz, activated by the battery, sends electric pulses to the watch’s motor, which at precise intervals exerts a force to move the hands. In wristwatches, the oscillation frequency of the crystal is set at 32,768 Hertz. Through electronic division (about 16 times!) of this number, it reaches 1... and at this point, the hand moves by one second.

Components of the quartz watch

Besides the quartz and the battery, obviously inside the watch there is an electric circuit to connect the two main components and a whole series of mechanical gears to allow the movement of the hands.

The difference compared to other models

Do you know the margin of error in calculating seconds for a quartz watch? About 2 seconds per month. A real guarantee, especially compared to mechanical movement watches, where the difference can reach 6 seconds per day... Quartz movement watches can also be extremely slim. They make up the majority of products currently on the market, with a highly sought-after mechanism, easy to maintain. Of course, it must be remembered that from time to time, the battery needs to be replaced! A service on the mechanism after several years of use is necessary to ensure all components are working well and lubricated. In short: an excellent investment, long-lasting and practical to use.

Our suggestions

After discussing the mechanism, it is time to introduce some quartz watches that prove to be among the best on the market. Appreciated for quality, design, operation, and an elegant yet lively appearance, Tissot watches are one of the brands we warmly recommend. You can find them in-store or on our online shop, with models to suit every taste. We hope today’s article has been interesting and useful to learn more about the world of watches.