If you are shopping for a watch, you will quickly meet two words: automatic and quartz. They describe how the watch keeps time, and the choice affects price, maintenance, accuracy and even the way the second hand moves.
Here is the short version: quartz is more accurate and cheaper to run; automatic is a small mechanical marvel you never need to charge. Let us look at both.
What is an automatic watch?
An automatic watch is a mechanical watch that winds itself. A weighted rotor inside the case spins as you move your wrist, and that movement powers the mainspring. There is no battery. The second hand usually sweeps smoothly around the dial rather than ticking once per second.
Automatic watches are prized for their craftsmanship. You can see the engineering through a glass case back on many models, and a well-maintained automatic can last for decades. The trade-off is that they are less accurate than quartz (a few seconds per day is normal), and they stop if left unworn for a couple of days.
What is a quartz watch?
A quartz watch uses a small battery and a quartz crystal that vibrates at a precise frequency. It is extremely accurate – typically within a few seconds per month – and needs almost no attention beyond a battery change every one to three years.
Quartz watches are usually slimmer, lighter and less expensive than automatics. The second hand ticks rather than sweeps. For most people, a quartz watch is simply the practical choice: set it once and forget it.
Automatic vs quartz at a glance
| Automatic | Quartz | |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | Wrist movement | Battery |
| Accuracy | Seconds per day | Seconds per month |
| Maintenance | Service every few years | Battery every 1–3 years |
| Second hand | Sweeping | Ticking |
| Typical price | Higher | Lower |
| Character | Mechanical craft | Effortless practicality |
Which should you choose?
Choose quartz if you want a watch that is always ready, never needs winding, stays accurate for months and costs less to own. It is the sensible choice for a first watch or a daily beater.
Choose automatic if you enjoy the idea of a mechanical object, like the smooth sweep of the second hand, and do not mind setting the time after a few days off. It is the choice for people who want their watch to feel like a small piece of engineering.
There is no wrong answer. Many collectors own both: an automatic for weekends and a quartz for travel.
Where to start
If you are leaning towards an automatic, look for a clean dial and a comfortable case – the movement is only half the story. If quartz suits you better, spend the savings on a better bracelet or a design you love.
Browse OLEVS men’s watches and women’s watches, or read our guide on how to choose a men’s watch. Every OLEVS watch includes free worldwide shipping, a 2-year warranty and 30-day returns.