subject: Choosing Between Quartz And Mechanical Watches [print this page] The first mechanical watches were designed as early as the 14th century, and the concept behind these survived to present times. The mechanism is based on a wound spring that powers it and a balance wheel that regulates the time. The quartz watch is a much more recent invention, having its inception in the 70's. Nowadays it is the one to dominate the market. Up to 90% of the watches you are going to find are functioning on quartz. At this point you may wonder why, in these conditions, mechanical watches are still being manufactured and people are still interested in buying them.
Mechanical Watches - Durability and Easy Repairs
A mechanical watch needs winding up. Once this is done properly, it functions for 40 hours, when it has to be wound up again. If it is the automatic type, then it relies on your wrist movement to work. Frequent wear is essential, because the mechanism is powered when the movements let the gravity force action upon it from different angles. In case you don't wear it often, you will noticed it has stopped. Whenever this happens you are required to adjust the time.
To allow the watch to function in good condition, you must schedule a servicing once in three years. This ensures that it keeps working, showing the time with precision. When kept well, mechanical watches last longer than the ones with quartz. There is no such time as "the end" for these, not when maintenance and careful wear is ensured. If it happens to break down, you can always take it to a specialist to replace the faulty parts. When you've had enough of it, you can resell it as a collectible. If it's a rare model, the resale price could be very advantageous.
Quartz Watches - Reliability and Constant Functioning
These reliable watches function based on electronic circuits, which rarely stop but have a limited lifespan. There are fewer mobile parts inside, and therefore the wear will not affect the structure just as much, resulting in fewer errors. The type that works with a battery is continuously powered until this one runs out.
Then, the battery has to be replaced. While the battery is lasting, you need to make no time adjustments, because it functions accurately at all times. Besides, batteries can last very long, for about two to three years. However, when it gets broken it is useless to try replacing components, as these are constantly evolving and you will not find anything that matches. Therefore, acquiring a new watch is the solution. Do not think your quartz watch is totally compromised if it stops functioning in extreme cold. Freezing weather may shut down its battery, but this is only temporary.
If you aim for durability and resistance in very cold weather, mechanical watches are the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer to change your style constantly and make new acquisitions every now and then, the quartz type allows you to experiment.
