Mechanical vs Quartz

[trajan]

What are the main objections against the quartz watches?

--trajan

 

[oldseed]

i have both. i much prefer the quartz watch. the mechanical/automatics need to be well-maintained/etc. if u want a watch you know will be accurate all the time, go for the quartz. with my mechanical/automatics i feel like a slave to the watch.

just my opinion.

seed

 

[maomao1980]

Originally Posted by trajan

What are the main objections against the quartz watches?

--trajan

you asking the difference between a super model girlfriend and a plastic pu$$y?

 

[rajesh06]

Originally Posted by trajan

What are the main objections against the quartz watches?

--trajan

I'd say its more like the diffiernce between a clip on and a real necktie.

 

[grimslade]

In a perverse way, this thread does its job of summing up the difference. Do you want a watch that tells time? Or a watch as Aesthetic object and piece of craftsmanship? The Quartz will do the former job much better than the mechanical will. But the latter, not so much.

 

[texas_jack]

Mechanical watchs are cool and represent hundreds of years of watchmaking. They require occasional lubrication and as they get old they may drop time. Quartz watches are pretty much infalible but they are cold and can be produced by very low skilled workers.

 

[grimslade]

See, that's what I said. Do you want to tell time, or wear the representation of hundreds of years of (obsolete) tradition? Nothing wrong with either choice, mind you.

 

[coatandthai]

cubic zirconia vs. diamond
margarine vs. butter
honda vs. bmw
silicone vs. natural

Many times the substitute has genuine benefits over the original. Just depends what your preference is.

 

[countdemoney]

Good grief. A mechanical can tell time just fine. If you need to tell time to the second, buy a watch that's updated by the atomic clock.

Mechanicals will go off by a few seconds each month, but as long as you know, you can check them periodically and reset.

The main objections to quartz are that they die and die much sooner. Death is permamanent. Their time also goes way wrong when they go bad. If you view your watch as disposable, this won't be an issue for you. If you want to buy a watch that you keep and one day pass on, look at getting a popular mechanical model (more replacement parts as it ages). A mechanical will be more expensive overall, but they usually have nicer styling and design. If you're dropping more than $300 on your watch, look at getting a mechanical.

Sporting mechanicals (Rolex submariner and sea-dweller, Omega speedmaster) tend to be more durable and able to better withstand extreme conditions. The sporting mechanicals normally have an element of the professionals tools in them. Pilot watches, dive watches, racing watches, etc.

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by countdemoney

Mechanicals will go off by a few seconds each month
That's quartzlike performance.

 

[arutha]

The idea behind quartzies is that they're cheap, disposable, and a great deal for those who buy watches just to know the time and don't want to think about watches again until their sub-$50 investment breaks and needs to be replaced.

Mechies are neat just because they're way harder to make, require way more parts, are way higher maintenace, and are technically obsolete, all of which makes them ideal as a luxury item for those willing to put up with their quirks. It's kind of like an old Jag that has to be serviced every few months: rarified and a way for the owner to differentiate from the masses.

Plus, with certain mechies you can get some pretty crazy designs you could never do with quartz.

 

[coatandthai]

Ew, there's arm hair in your watch monement!

 

[Artisan Fan]

Quartz while more precise does not generally hold resale value well at all.

Mechanical watchs can often be as accurate as +/- 2 seconds a day and generally are better crafted, hold value well, and in some cases increase in value.

A friend of mine just bought a slightly used Omega Quartz with a MSRP of $1,750. Less than a year old, my friend found it on ebay for $500. Ouch.

 

[arutha]

Omegas in general tend to drop in value pretty quickly once they're off the lot, so to speak. It's best to shop around a lot when buying new and make sure you negotiate a good price if you're buying from a dealer. Buying from a dealer will virtually eliminate the risk of getting a fake. eBay is loaded with fakes.

Vintage is usually a good way to go. As long as the watch is in good shape to begin with, it will last a LONG time and can be sold at cost or maybe even at a profit.

 

[Mute]

I save the quartz watches for the Casio G-shoks. To me quartz = no soul. But that's just me.