Mechanical Watch Vs Quartz Is The Automatic Movement Maintenance A Hassle

For decades, the debate between mechanical (specifically automatic) and quartz watches has divided enthusiasts, collectors, and casual wearers alike. At the heart of this discussion lies not just precision or prestige, but practicality—especially when it comes to maintenance. Many people wonder: Is the allure of an automatic movement worth the upkeep? Are those ticking gears and coiled springs really more trouble than a battery-powered quartz?

The answer isn’t black and white. It depends on your lifestyle, expectations, and appreciation for horological craftsmanship. Understanding the true nature of automatic watch care—what it involves, how often it’s needed, and what happens if you skip it—can help you decide whether the romance of mechanics outweighs the convenience of quartz.

How Automatic and Quartz Movements Work Differently

Before diving into maintenance, it’s essential to understand the fundamental differences between these two types of movements.

An automatic (or self-winding mechanical) watch uses a complex system of gears, springs, and oscillating weights to keep time. The mainspring stores energy as you move your wrist throughout the day, transferring power through the gear train to regulate the hands. No battery is involved—just physics and precision engineering.

In contrast, a quartz watch relies on a battery to send electrical current through a tiny quartz crystal. This crystal vibrates at a precise frequency (32,768 times per second), and an integrated circuit counts these vibrations to drive the motor that moves the hands. The result is exceptional accuracy with minimal intervention.

These core differences shape everything from performance to long-term ownership costs.

Maintenance Realities: What Each Watch Actually Requires

Quartz watches are often marketed as “maintenance-free,” but that’s a myth. They do require attention—just less frequently and in different forms.

• Quartz Maintenance: Replace the battery every 1–3 years; clean seals during replacement to prevent moisture ingress; occasionally check for circuit corrosion in humid environments.
• Automatic Maintenance: Requires servicing every 5–7 years, including disassembly, cleaning, re-lubrication, and reassembly. Must be worn regularly or kept in a watch winder to stay running.

While quartz watches demand fewer visits to a watchmaker, ignoring them completely can lead to leakage damage from dead batteries or degraded gaskets compromising water resistance. On the other hand, automatics thrive on use but suffer when neglected—dried lubricants can cause wear, and dirt buildup accelerates deterioration.

Tip: Never leave a dead battery inside a quartz watch. Corrosion from leaked electrolytes can destroy the movement permanently.

Comparing Long-Term Ownership: A Practical Breakdown

Maintenance Factor	Automatic Watch	Quartz Watch
Servicing Frequency	Every 5–7 years	Battery change every 1–3 years
Service Cost (Average)	$300–$600	$20–$50 per battery + pressure test
Daily Effort	Wear daily or use a winder	None beyond occasional setting
Lifespan Potential	Generational (with care)	10–20 years (movement may become obsolete)
Accuracy Drift	±5 to ±30 seconds/day	±15 seconds/month
Environmental Sensitivity	Shock, magnetism, position affect rate	Extreme cold affects battery life

This comparison reveals a key insight: automatic watches require higher upfront effort and periodic investment, but they’re built to last decades—or even centuries—with proper care. Quartz movements, while accurate and low-effort initially, often reach a point where repair isn’t economical due to discontinued parts or integrated circuits that can’t be replaced.

“An automatic watch isn’t high-maintenance—it’s high-reward. You’re not just telling time; you’re participating in a tradition of craftsmanship.” — Daniel Leclair, Master Watchmaker & Horology Instructor

Is Servicing an Automatic Watch Really a Hassle?

To some, scheduling a service every six years sounds like a burden. To others, it’s part of the ritual of ownership—akin to tuning a fine piano or restoring a classic car.

Let’s break down what a typical service entails:

1. Diagnosis: The watchmaker evaluates timekeeping, power reserve, and external condition.
2. Disassembly: Case, dial, hands, and movement are carefully taken apart.
3. Cleaning: Every component is ultrasonically cleaned to remove old oil, dust, and debris.
4. Re-lubrication: Critical friction points receive specialized synthetic oils designed for micro-movements.
5. Reassembly & Regulation: The movement is rebuilt, tested, and adjusted for optimal performance.
6. Case & Bracelet Refinishing: Optional polishing or brushing restores appearance.
7. Water Resistance Test: Gaskets are replaced and pressure-tested to original specs.

The entire process takes 2–4 weeks and should only be performed by a qualified technician. While the cost may seem steep, consider this: a well-serviced Rolex or Omega from the 1970s still functions flawlessly today. Try finding a working Seiko quartz from the same era.

Tip: Keep a service logbook. Record dates, findings, and costs. It adds value and helps track long-term health.

A Real Owner’s Experience: Sarah’s Journey with Her First Automatic

Sarah, a graphic designer in Portland, bought her first automatic watch—a modest Tissot Powermatic 80—as a milestone gift after landing a major client. She loved its sleek design and smooth sweeping second hand. But within three months, she noticed it was losing over 10 minutes a day.

Confused, she brought it to a local jeweler who explained she wasn’t wearing it enough. Her desk job meant limited arm movement, so the rotor wasn’t winding the mainspring sufficiently. After wearing it more consistently and adjusting her sleep habits (she now places it face-up on her nightstand), the watch stabilized.

Two years later, she invested in a simple $80 watch winder for weekends when she doesn’t wear it. “It felt like extra work at first,” she admits, “but now it’s part of my routine—like charging my phone, but more meaningful.”

She recently had it pressure-tested before a beach vacation. The jeweler found a cracked case back gasket and replaced it for $35. “I realized I wasn’t just maintaining a watch—I was protecting a memory.”

Sarah’s story reflects a common arc: initial frustration, followed by understanding, then appreciation. The maintenance isn’t inherently difficult—it’s about developing awareness.

When Automatic Maintenance Becomes a Problem

Not all lifestyles suit automatic watches. If you:

• Rarely wear wristwatches
• Work in environments with strong magnetic fields (e.g., hospitals, industrial sites)
• Prefer absolute accuracy without adjustment
• Don’t want to think about winding or servicing

…then a quartz watch is likely the better choice. Even hybrid options like Spring Drive (Seiko) or Eco-Drive (Citizen), which merge mechanical aesthetics with solar-powered quartz accuracy, offer compelling alternatives.

But if you value longevity, sustainability, and the tactile experience of owning a miniature machine on your wrist, automatic maintenance isn’t a hassle—it’s a commitment to quality.

Practical Checklist: Keeping Your Automatic Watch Healthy

Follow these steps to minimize issues and extend service intervals:

1. Wear your watch for at least 8–10 hours daily to maintain power reserve.
2. If not worn daily, store it in a watch winder set to 650–800 turns per day.
3. Check timekeeping weekly; note any sudden changes in accuracy.
4. Remove the watch before exposure to strong magnets (e.g., speakers, MRI machines).
5. Have water resistance tested every 2 years, especially if used near water.
6. Wipe the case and bracelet monthly with a soft, dry cloth.
7. Schedule full servicing every 5–7 years, even if it seems to run fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do automatic watches stop if I don’t wear them?

Yes. Most have a power reserve of 38–80 hours. Once depleted, the watch stops. When reworn, you’ll need to reset the time and date. Some models with longer reserves (e.g., Panerai, Omega Co-Axial) can last up to 10 days.

Can I service my automatic watch at any jeweler?

No. Not all jewelers have trained watchmakers. Look for authorized service centers or independent technicians certified by brands like Rolex, Omega, or Swatch Group. Improper servicing can cause irreversible damage.

Are quartz watches cheaper to own long-term?

Initially, yes—but over 20+ years, the math shifts. Multiple battery changes, potential movement replacements, and eventual obsolescence can make quartz less economical. An automatic watch, properly maintained, can outlive its owner.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Ritual, Not Avoiding the Work

The idea that automatic watch maintenance is a “hassle” often stems from misunderstanding. It’s not about constant tinkering or fragile mechanisms. It’s about respecting a device that operates without digital shortcuts—where time is measured through balance wheels and escapements, not microchips.

Yes, you must wind it. Yes, you’ll pay for servicing. But in return, you gain a connection to history, engineering, and personal expression that no battery can replicate. These watches improve with age, tell stories through patina, and often become family heirlooms.

Quartz watches excel at utility. They’re reliable, affordable, and perfect for those who want time without ceremony. But if you seek meaning in mechanics—if you appreciate the quiet sweep of the second hand, the weight of steel on your wrist, the satisfaction of a job well maintained—then the so-called “hassle” is actually the heart of the experience.

🚀 Ready to choose your next watch? Whether you lean toward quartz precision or mechanical soul, make your decision with clarity. Share your thoughts below—what matters most to you: convenience, craftsmanship, or something in between?