Auto or Quartz?

[Progressive]

Apologies if this has already been done to death.

I'm not massively into watches and don't really understand the difference between auto and quartz, other than one has a battery and the other doesn't.

I'm currently looking at Seamasters and can't help but notice the difference in price between the two.

What would I be missing, going for a quartz.

Thanks.

[CommanderJameson]

If you're not massively into watches, then not much. For you, I'd suggest that a mechanical watch would add expense for little return.

OK. An example, based on my favourite watch at the moment, my Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean.

Here's the front:



And here's what's inside:



But I can't see that, because the back of the watch looks like this:



I get a great deal of pleasure (that I can't explain and makes no real sense whatsoever) knowing that there's a little machine on my wrist, that looks like that, deriving its motive power from the swinging of an eccentrically weighted rotor.

If that doesn't float your boat, don't buy a mechanical watch just because a loony like me thinks you should. Buy a quartz and be happy with it.

[glazbagun]

I can only echo the above. There's a reason why Quartz watches wiped out so many mechanical watches, and theres a reason why mechanical watches will always refuse to die out.

[CommanderJameson]

I should probably point out that not all quartz movements are ugly, either. Here's what Seiko fit to their very expensive Grand Seiko quartzes:



The difference to you, OP, is that the cal. 2500 in the Omega has a service interval of about 5 years, and the Seiko about 50.

[ShadownINja]

And then there's the hummers which have a cult following.

[CommanderJameson]

ShadownINja said:

And then there's the hummers which have a cult following.

Oh god yeah

I'm delaying getting into those. I fear it might turn out expensive...

[Progressive]

Thanks for all the information gents. Has cleared a few things up.

Just to add, I wont be slated / frowned upon / have regrets going for a quartz seamaster?

Or will I? Decisions...

[CommanderJameson]

Progressive said:

Thanks for all the information gents. Has cleared a few things up.

Just to add, I wont be slated / frowned upon / have regrets going for a quartz seamaster?

Or will I? Decisions...

I wouldn't slate you at all; you should buy a watch because you like it.

The fit and finish on a quartz Seamaster is going to be just as good as on its mechanical siblings - to wit: very good, and the bracelet in particular is excellent.

Regrets? Well, you might; the sweep of the second hand on an automatic watch is beguiling, and if you see a well-finished movement through a display back, you might find yourself smitten...

[ShadownINja]

Quartz are more rugged than mechanical, if that's important? Less movements means less to fall out of its place in the event of a big knock. Also, if you tend to swap between watches, it's nice to just be able to pick up a watch and go without having to wind it/shake it and reset it.

CommanderJameson said:

ShadownINja said:

And then there's the hummers which have a cult following.

Oh god yeah

I'm delaying getting into those. I fear it might turn out expensive...

That's my thinking. I'm tempted for curiosity value.

Edited by ShadownINja on Sunday 5th July 23:43

[The Contrarian]

Progressive said:

Thanks for all the information gents. Has cleared a few things up.

Just to add, I wont be slated / frowned upon / have regrets going for a quartz seamaster?

Or will I? Decisions...

I think you will regret if you ever get bitten by the watch bug.

My wife surprised me with a quartz seamaster (bless her - it was a beutiful gift).

But I cannot stand to wear it. Seeing the second hand tick and knowing it has a battery really puts me off. I am going to ebay it shortly.

[Progressive]

Auto it is then. Everything people are saying makes sense. I best get saving.

[The Contrarian]

You could do worse than registering on TZ-UK and looking in their sales corner forum (though you need to post 50 times in the normal forum before you can post).

I just picked up a Seiko automatic for £70. Absolute bargain of the highest order.

[mel]

The other question is do you or are you likely to have kids? Would you enjoy the thought that in 50-100 years time your son may be sitting there wearing you Seamaster and saying "This was my dads watch" On the one hand he may have just had to pay a skilled craftsman £5000 to service it but on the other hand he may be saying "Yea it looks good but is no bloody use as batteries are now illegal under enviro land fill laws and nobody makes them anymore"

IMO if you're buying a premium watch then it's a watch for life and then some, I'm just not convinced that a quartz of any description fits the bill.

[Progressive]

How often do autos need servicing against quartz?

[mel]

Manufacturers generally suggest every 5 years, however the reality is it's variable and depends on usage, in my case my everyday Seamaster is now 14 years old and has just had it's second ever service, you soon notice when it's needed as they noticably deteriate on accuracy.

[Maris]

Is it true the Omega Co-axial only needs servicing every 8 years ?

[BigAlinEmbra]

IF you're obsessed about accuracy then get a quartz, if you like machinery and like some watch snobbery then go auto.

My quartz seamaster keeps much better time than my auto heuer monaco.
They're different, but I love them both equally.
(But have to wear the auto more)

[Revs_Addiction]

Progressive said:

Auto it is then. Everything people are saying makes sense. I best get saving.

Good lad!