Automatic Watch Vs Quartz Is The Maintenance Of A Mechanical Watch Worth The Hassle

In an age where precision timekeeping fits in your pocket via smartphone, wearing a wristwatch has become less about utility and more about identity. Yet within horology, a quiet debate persists: are automatic (mechanical) watches truly worth their higher maintenance demands when compared to the near-perfect accuracy and minimal upkeep of quartz timepieces? For many enthusiasts, the answer isn’t just technical—it’s emotional. But for practical buyers, the question remains: does the romance of mechanics justify the effort?

This article breaks down the core differences between automatic and quartz watches, evaluates long-term maintenance needs, and helps you decide whether the ritual of caring for a mechanical watch enhances or hinders your relationship with time.

The Fundamental Difference: How They Keep Time

At the heart of the debate lies a simple distinction in operation.

Quartz watches rely on a battery-powered electronic oscillator regulated by a tiny quartz crystal. When electrified, the crystal vibrates at a precise frequency—32,768 times per second—which an integrated circuit translates into one-second pulses. This system delivers exceptional accuracy, typically losing or gaining no more than 15 seconds per month.

Automatic watches, by contrast, are purely mechanical. They use a mainspring wound by the motion of the wearer’s arm. The energy stored in the spring powers a series of gears and a balance wheel that oscillates at a much lower frequency (typically 4–8 beats per second). These intricate movements require no battery but depend on regular wear or manual winding to function.

While both serve the same purpose—telling time—their engineering philosophies couldn't be more different. One celebrates efficiency; the other, craftsmanship.

Maintenance Comparison: Effort Over Time

Where the divide becomes most apparent is in long-term care. Quartz watches demand very little attention beyond replacing the battery every 2–3 years. In contrast, automatic watches require periodic servicing to maintain performance and longevity.

Tip: Even if you don’t wear your automatic watch daily, wind it occasionally to prevent lubricants from drying out and gears from seizing.

Here’s a breakdown of typical maintenance requirements:

Aspect	Quartz Watch	Automatic Watch
Power Source	Battery (lasts 2–3 years)	Mainspring (wound automatically or manually)
Accuracy	±15 seconds per month	±5 to ±30 seconds per day
Service Interval	Only when battery dies or seals degrade (every 5–10 years)	Every 5–7 years for full service
Service Cost	$20–$50 (battery + pressure test)	$200–$600+ (full movement overhaul)
Water Resistance Maintenance	Check every 2 years during battery change	Check during each service; gaskets degrade over time
Durability Under Shock	Generally robust; electronics can fail suddenly	Sensitive to impact; balance staff vulnerable

The data shows a clear pattern: quartz watches win on convenience and cost-efficiency. Automatic watches, while beautiful and enduring, come with recurring responsibilities.

The Emotional Value of Mechanical Watches

Despite the higher maintenance, millions choose automatic watches—not in spite of their complexity, but because of it.

There’s a tactile satisfaction in wearing a device composed of dozens or even hundreds of tiny moving parts, all working in harmony without a single wire or circuit board. Many owners describe a sense of connection to their watch, likening it to caring for a pet or a vintage car. The routine of winding, the sweep of the second hand, the subtle sounds when held to the ear—all contribute to a deeper engagement with the object.

“An automatic watch isn’t just a tool. It’s a mechanical poem worn on the wrist.” — Ben Harrison, Independent Watchmaker & Horology Educator

This emotional resonance often outweighs practical drawbacks. For some, the need for maintenance isn’t a flaw—it’s part of the experience. Just as owning a classic leather jacket improves with age and care, so too does a well-maintained mechanical timepiece gain character over decades.

A Real Example: Two Brothers, Two Watches

Consider the story of Daniel and Mark, brothers who inherited equal sums from their grandfather and each bought a watch.

Daniel chose a modern quartz chronograph—accurate, sleek, and virtually maintenance-free. He wears it daily, swaps the battery once every few years, and never thinks twice about it.

Mark opted for a Swiss-made automatic with a transparent case back. He learned to hand-wind it, researched its movement, and took it in for service after five years. During that visit, the watchmaker discovered minor wear in the escapement and replaced two components. The total bill: $380. Mark was initially frustrated by the cost, but when he got the watch back—cleaned, re-lubricated, and keeping perfect time—he felt a renewed appreciation. “It’s like giving it a second life,” he said.

Today, Daniel’s watch still works flawlessly. But Mark’s has become a family heirloom, passed down with stories of its journey through time and care.

Is the Maintenance Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Whether mechanical watch upkeep is “worth it” depends on your values, lifestyle, and expectations. Use this checklist to evaluate your fit:

• ✅ Do you appreciate craftsmanship and mechanical engineering?
• ✅ Are you willing to invest $200–$600 every 5–7 years for servicing?
• ✅ Do you wear your watch regularly (at least 3–4 times per week)?
• ✅ Do you enjoy routines like hand-winding or using a watch winder?
• ✅ Is sentimental value or legacy important to you?
• ✅ Are you comfortable with slight timekeeping variance (±10 sec/day)?

If you answered “yes” to most of these, an automatic watch may enrich your daily life beyond mere timekeeping.

If not, a high-quality quartz watch—especially one with a premium movement like a Seiko 9F or Longines VHP—offers reliability, precision, and elegance with minimal involvement.

Step-by-Step Guide to Caring for an Automatic Watch

If you’ve chosen the mechanical path, proper care ensures longevity and performance. Follow this timeline-based routine:

1. Daily (if worn): Let natural arm motion wind the watch. Most automatics have 38–70 hours of power reserve.
2. Weekly (if not worn): Wind the crown 20–30 turns to keep the mainspring tensioned and oils distributed.
3. Monthly: Check timekeeping accuracy. If losing/gaining more than 30 seconds daily, consider regulation.
4. Every 6 months: Inspect water resistance if used near water. Gaskets dry out over time.
5. Every 5–7 years: Schedule a full service: disassembly, cleaning, re-lubrication, reassembly, timing adjustment, and pressure testing.
6. After any impact: Have the watch checked for misalignment or damage, especially if the second hand jitters or stops.

Skipping service can lead to increased friction, metal wear, and eventual failure. Unlike quartz watches, which fail quietly when the battery dies, automatics degrade gradually—often without obvious warning until it’s too late.

Tip: Store unused automatic watches in a soft pouch or box, ideally on a watch winder to maintain movement and prevent oil sedimentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I service my automatic watch at any jeweler?

No—not all jewelers have trained watchmakers. Seek authorized service centers or independent horologists certified by organizations like AWCI (American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute). Improper handling can cause irreversible damage.

Do quartz watches last as long as automatic ones?

With basic care, yes—but differently. Quartz movements may become obsolete if replacement parts aren’t available. High-end brands like Citizen and Seiko design their quartz movements for decades of use. However, automatic watches, when serviced, can last generations. Some Rolex and Omega calibers from the 1950s still run today thanks to proper maintenance.

Are smartwatches making both irrelevant?

In terms of functionality, yes—smartwatches offer superior features. But traditional watches endure as symbols of style, heritage, and personal taste. Much like fountain pens survived the keyboard era, mechanical and quartz watches persist not because they’re necessary, but because they’re meaningful.

Conclusion: Time as an Experience, Not Just a Measurement

The choice between automatic and quartz ultimately reflects how you view time itself. Is it something to be measured with cold precision? Or experienced through ritual, craft, and continuity?

Quartz watches excel in accuracy and ease. They’re ideal for those who want dependable timekeeping without ongoing commitment. But automatic watches offer something deeper: a living machine on your wrist, shaped by history, maintained by care, and capable of becoming a legacy.

The maintenance isn’t a flaw—it’s a feature. It transforms ownership into stewardship. And for many, that responsibility doesn’t feel like a hassle. It feels like honor.

💬 What kind of watch do you wear—and why? Share your thoughts, experiences, or questions below. Whether you're team quartz or team mechanical, your perspective adds to the story of time.