Automatic Vs Quartz Watch Is The Extra Cost Of Automatic Watches Really Worth It

When shopping for a wristwatch, one of the first decisions you'll face is choosing between an automatic and a quartz movement. While quartz watches dominate the market in terms of accuracy and affordability, automatic watches continue to command premium prices and passionate followings. But is that extra cost truly justified? For many, the answer depends on what they value most: precision and convenience, or craftsmanship and legacy.

This article dives deep into the mechanics, maintenance, emotional appeal, and long-term value of both types to help you make an informed decision—whether you're buying your first luxury timepiece or expanding a growing collection.

How Automatic and Quartz Movements Work

The core difference between automatic and quartz watches lies in how they keep time. Understanding this distinction is key to evaluating their respective value propositions.

Quartz watches rely on a battery-powered electronic oscillator regulated by a tiny quartz crystal. When electricity passes through the crystal, it vibrates at a precise frequency (32,768 times per second), which the circuit translates into regular pulses that drive the motor moving the hands. This system is highly accurate, typically losing or gaining only about 15 seconds per month.

Automatic watches, also known as self-winding mechanical watches, operate entirely through mechanical energy. A rotor inside the watch spins with the motion of your wrist, winding the mainspring. As the spring unwinds, it releases energy that powers the gear train and escapement, regulating the movement of the hands. No battery is involved—just intricate engineering refined over centuries.

“An automatic watch isn’t just a tool to tell time—it’s a miniature machine worn on the wrist, a testament to human ingenuity.” — Daniel Rochefort, Horology Curator at Geneva Time Museum

Comparing Key Factors: Accuracy, Maintenance, and Longevity

To assess whether the premium for automatic watches is worth it, consider these critical factors side by side.

Feature	Quartz Watch	Automatic Watch
Average Accuracy	±15 seconds per month	±5 to ±30 seconds per day
Power Source	Battery (lasts 1–3 years)	Mainspring (wound by motion or hand)
Maintenance Interval	Every 3–5 years (battery + seal check)	Every 5–7 years (full service)
Service Cost	$10–$50	$200–$600+
Lifespan Potential	10–20 years (electronics degrade)	Generational (with care)
Price Range (Entry-Level)	$20–$200	$300–$800
Premium Model Price	$300–$1,000	$1,500–$20,000+

While quartz watches win hands-down in accuracy and low upkeep, automatics offer something different: longevity rooted in repairability. Unlike quartz movements, which may become obsolete when integrated circuits fail, automatic movements can be serviced indefinitely using traditional techniques. Many vintage automatic watches from the 1950s still function perfectly today thanks to skilled watchmakers.

Tip: If you wear your automatic watch daily, it will maintain power. For occasional wear, consider a watch winder to keep it running smoothly.

The Emotional and Aesthetic Value of Automatic Watches

For many enthusiasts, the appeal of an automatic watch transcends functionality. It’s about connection—the subtle sweep of the second hand, the visible complexity of a skeleton dial, or the quiet pride of wearing a device built by hand.

Unlike the ticking motion of a quartz watch, where the second hand jumps once per second, automatic watches exhibit a smooth, continuous glide. This visual rhythm is often described as more natural and mesmerizing. The craftsmanship involved—from hand-beveled bridges to perlage finishing—is frequently showcased through exhibition casebacks, turning the watch into a wearable art piece.

Brands like Rolex, Omega, and Grand Seiko invest heavily in refining their movements not just for performance but for beauty. A well-finished automatic movement can take hundreds of hours to assemble and decorate. That labor contributes significantly to the final price.

Real Example: Mark’s Journey from Quartz to Automatic

Mark, a software engineer in his early 30s, owned several affordable quartz watches. They were reliable and accurate, but he never felt attached to any of them. After inheriting his grandfather’s 1968 Hamilton automatic, he had it serviced and began wearing it weekly. “It felt alive,” he said. “I could hear the tick, feel the weight, see the rotor move when I shook it. I ended up selling all my quartz watches and bought a vintage Tudor. Now I understand why people collect these.”

His story reflects a common shift: from seeing watches as tools to viewing them as heirlooms.

Is the Extra Cost Justified? A Practical Checklist

Before spending hundreds or thousands more on an automatic watch, ask yourself the following. Use this checklist to determine if the investment aligns with your lifestyle and values.

• ✅ Do I appreciate mechanical craftsmanship and horological history?
• ✅ Will I wear the watch regularly enough to keep it wound?
• ✅ Am I prepared for periodic servicing costs every 5–7 years?
• ✅ Do I value design details like exhibition casebacks and hand-finishing?
• ✅ Am I buying for long-term ownership, not just short-term use?
• ✅ Is budget flexibility available beyond the initial purchase?

If most answers are yes, an automatic watch is likely worth the premium. If you prioritize precision, minimal maintenance, and lower upfront cost, quartz remains an excellent choice—especially high-end models like those from Citizen’s Chronomaster line, which achieve ±5 seconds per year accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do automatic watches need to be wound every day?

Not necessarily. Most modern automatic watches have a power reserve of 38–70 hours. If worn daily, the motion of your arm keeps it wound. If left idle, it will stop after a few days and need manual winding or a winder to restart.

Are quartz watches considered \"cheap\"?

Not inherently. While entry-level quartz watches are inexpensive, brands like Grand Seiko, Breitling, and Longines produce high-accuracy quartz movements (often called “high-torque” or “thermocompensated”) that rival mechanical ones in finish and performance. These premium quartz watches can cost over $2,000.

Can a quartz watch become a family heirloom?

Possibly, but it's less common. Electronic components degrade over decades, and replacements may no longer be available. In contrast, mechanical parts can be fabricated or repaired even 100 years later. Heirloom potential favors automatic watches.

Final Verdict: Worth It for the Right Reasons

The extra cost of an automatic watch isn’t about better timekeeping—it’s about owning a piece of enduring engineering, tradition, and personal expression. You’re paying for micro-machined components, skilled assembly, and a legacy that spans generations.

Quartz watches deliver unmatched practicality and precision at accessible prices. They’re ideal for travelers, athletes, or anyone who wants a “set and forget” timepiece. But automatic watches offer something deeper: a relationship with an object that moves, breathes, and ages with you.

If you value stories over specs, craftsmanship over convenience, and legacy over immediacy, then yes—the extra cost is worth it. But if your priority is simply knowing the correct time with minimal effort, a quality quartz watch will serve you just as well, if not better.

🚀 Ready to choose your next watch with confidence? Reflect on what matters most—function or feeling—and let that guide your decision. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.