Mechanical Watch Vs Quartz Movement Why Do Collectors Prefer The Less Accurate One

In an age defined by precision and digital perfection, it might seem counterintuitive that many watch enthusiasts would choose a timepiece that loses or gains several seconds per day over one accurate to within a second per month. Yet, across auction houses, collector forums, and luxury boutiques, mechanical watches consistently command higher prices, deeper admiration, and greater emotional investment than their quartz counterparts—despite being objectively less accurate. The answer lies not in technical superiority but in something far more human: artistry, history, and emotional resonance.

While quartz watches revolutionized timekeeping in the 1970s with unmatched accuracy and affordability, mechanical watches have endured as objects of fascination and reverence. They are not just tools for telling time—they are miniature machines, feats of engineering, and wearable heirlooms. This article explores why collectors favor mechanical movements, even when they’re less precise, and what this preference reveals about the deeper values of horology.

The Quartz Revolution and Its Impact

The introduction of the quartz movement in the late 1960s marked a turning point in watchmaking history. Powered by a battery and regulated by the vibrations of a tiny quartz crystal, these watches offered unprecedented accuracy at a fraction of the cost of mechanical ones. By the 1980s, quartz had decimated the Swiss watch industry in what became known as the “Quartz Crisis.” Many traditional manufacturers folded, while others scrambled to adapt.

Yet, from the ashes of that crisis emerged a renewed appreciation for mechanical watches—not because they were better at keeping time, but because they represented something that quartz could not replicate: soul.

Quartz watches are marvels of modern efficiency. They require minimal maintenance, run reliably for years on a single battery, and rarely deviate from true time by more than a few seconds per month. But for collectors, timekeeping is only one aspect of a watch’s value. What matters more is how a watch makes them feel, what it represents, and how it connects them to a legacy of craftsmanship.

Mechanical Movements: Engineering as Art

A mechanical watch is a self-contained micro-mechanical system, often composed of over 100 individual components working in harmony. These parts—the gears, springs, levers, and escapements—are painstakingly assembled by hand or with minimal automation. Each movement beats at a frequency measured in vibrations per hour, creating a rhythmic pulse that mimics a heartbeat.

This complexity is not hidden. On the contrary, many mechanical watches feature sapphire case backs that allow the wearer to admire the intricate dance of the movement. Finishing techniques like perlage, Côtes de Genève, and hand-beveled edges elevate the movement from functional mechanism to visual artwork.

“Mechanical watches are not about telling time. They’re about celebrating the passage of time.” — Dominique Renaud, co-founder of R&D Watchmakers

Unlike quartz, which operates silently and invisibly, a mechanical watch engages the senses. You can hear its tick, feel its weight, and observe the smooth sweep of its second hand—a direct result of the balance wheel oscillating multiple times per second. That sweeping motion alone becomes a signature of authenticity and tradition.

Tip: When evaluating a mechanical watch, pay attention to the finishing details on the movement—these often reflect the brand’s commitment to quality beyond basic functionality.

The Emotional and Cultural Value of Mechanical Watches

Collectors don’t buy mechanical watches solely for utility. They buy them for stories—for the romance of winding a watch each morning, for the connection to generations past who relied on similar mechanisms, and for the knowledge that they own something made with care and intention.

Many high-end mechanical watches are produced in limited numbers, sometimes taking months to assemble. Brands like Patek Philippe, A. Lange & Söhne, and Vacheron Constantin emphasize heritage, exclusivity, and handcraftsmanship. Their marketing often centers on family legacies: “You never truly own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.”

This narrative resonates deeply with collectors. A mechanical watch becomes more than an accessory—it transforms into a personal artifact, a symbol of patience, discipline, and appreciation for slow craftsmanship in a fast world.

Quartz: Efficiency Without Emotion

Quartz watches, by contrast, lack this emotional depth. While some high-end quartz models (like those from Grand Seiko’s 9F line) offer exceptional build quality and precision, they are still fundamentally electronic devices. There’s no ritual of winding, no visible mechanics, and no need for regular servicing beyond battery changes.

To many collectors, quartz feels disposable—even when it’s not. The ease of replacement diminishes perceived longevity. If a quartz movement fails, it’s often cheaper to replace the entire module than to repair it. Mechanical movements, however, can be serviced, restored, and passed down indefinitely. A well-maintained 1950s Omega can keep running today; a 1990s quartz watch may already be obsolete due to unavailable parts.

Accuracy vs. Authenticity: A Fundamental Trade-Off

Let’s be clear: quartz is more accurate. A standard quartz watch typically loses or gains less than 15 seconds per month. A mechanical watch, even a certified chronometer, may vary by -4 to +6 seconds per day—over two minutes per month. In practical terms, this difference is negligible for daily use. Most people check the time against their phones, which sync to atomic clocks.

So why accept lower accuracy?

Because accuracy isn’t the only metric of value. For collectors, authenticity outweighs precision. Owning a mechanical watch means participating in a centuries-old tradition of horological innovation—from John Harrison’s marine chronometers to Abraham-Louis Breguet’s tourbillons. It’s about appreciating the challenge of building a reliable timekeeper without batteries or circuits.

Moreover, the slight imperfection of a mechanical watch adds character. Two identical Rolex Submariners may perform slightly differently based on wear, position, and servicing history. This uniqueness fosters a personal relationship between owner and timepiece—one that mass-produced quartz watches rarely inspire.

Comparing Key Attributes: Mechanical vs. Quartz

Feature	Mechanical Watch	Quartz Watch
Accuracy	±5 to ±10 sec/day (chronometers tighter)	±10 to ±15 sec/month
Power Source	Mainspring (hand-wound or automatic)	Battery
Maintenance	Service every 5–7 years	Battery change every 1–3 years
Lifespan	Generational (with care)	Limited by electronic component availability
Second Hand Motion	Smooth sweep (typically 6–8 ticks/sec)	One tick per second
Emotional Appeal	High (craftsmanship, heritage)	Low to moderate
Price Range (Entry to High-End)	$500 – $500,000+	$20 – $2,000 (rare exceptions higher)

Real Collector Perspective: A Story of Attachment

Consider the story of James Tanaka, a software engineer and longtime watch enthusiast from Portland. He owns both a vintage 1968 Omega Seamaster and a modern Casio G-Shock. The G-Shock is tougher, more accurate, and never needs servicing. Yet, he wears the Omega most often.

“I wind it every night before bed,” he says. “It takes a minute, but it’s become part of my routine. I know every scratch on the case, and I’ve had it serviced twice by the same watchmaker. It’s not perfect—I have to adjust it once a week—but it feels alive. The G-Shock tells better time, but the Omega tells a story.”

This sentiment echoes across collector communities. The value isn’t in flawlessness but in connection. Mechanical watches demand attention, care, and respect. In return, they offer a sense of continuity and presence that digital precision cannot match.

Expert Insight: Why Craftsmanship Matters

“The beauty of a mechanical movement is that it’s a solution to a problem we no longer have. We don’t need it to tell time accurately—we have phones for that. But we still make them because humans crave creation, complexity, and meaning.” — Dr. Rebecca Struthers, Horological Historian and Author of *Hands of Time*

Dr. Struthers, who runs a boutique watch restoration studio in Birmingham, UK, emphasizes that mechanical watches endure because they represent mastery. “Each component is shaped, polished, and adjusted by hand. The tolerances are microscopic. To see a movement come together under a loupe is like watching a symphony take form—one note at a time.”

She notes that younger collectors, particularly those in tech-driven fields, are increasingly drawn to mechanical watches as a form of analog resistance. “They spend all day in front of screens. A mechanical watch is tangible, real, and independent of networks or updates.”

How to Start Appreciating Mechanical Watches: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're new to watch collecting and curious about mechanical timepieces, here’s how to begin developing an appreciation:

1. Visit a local watchmaker or boutique. Seeing a movement up close—especially through a caseback—can be transformative. Ask questions about how it works.
2. Wear a mechanical watch for a month. Notice the ritual of winding it, the sound it makes, and how it responds to your movements (if automatic).
3. Learn basic terminology. Understand terms like escapement, balance wheel, mainspring, and hacking seconds.
4. Compare the second hand motion. Place a mechanical and quartz watch side by side. Observe the smooth sweep versus the ticking motion.
5. Research one historic brand. Dive into the history of brands like Jaeger LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet, or Seiko (which excels in both mechanical and quartz).
6. Attend a watch exhibition or meetup. Engage with collectors who can share firsthand experiences and insights.

Tip: Start with an affordable entry-level mechanical watch—such as a Seiko 5 or Tissot—to experience the mechanics without a major investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are mechanical watches worth the extra cost?

For collectors, yes—if you value craftsmanship, history, and emotional connection. Mechanically powered watches often retain or increase in value over time, especially limited editions or vintage models. However, if your primary goal is accuracy and low maintenance, quartz remains the smarter choice.

Do all mechanical watches need daily winding?

No. Manual-wind watches require daily winding, but automatic (self-winding) watches harness motion from your wrist to stay powered. An automatic watch worn regularly will keep running without manual intervention. If left idle, most store 38–72 hours of power reserve.

Can a quartz watch be a collectible?

Yes, though they are rarer. Certain vintage quartz watches—like the original 1970s Seiko Astron, the Omega Megaquartz Marine Chronometer, or limited Grand Seiko 9F models—are highly sought after. However, collectibility tends to stem from historical significance rather than mechanical appeal.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Meaning Over Metrics

The preference for mechanical watches among collectors isn’t a rejection of progress—it’s a celebration of persistence. In choosing a less accurate timepiece, enthusiasts aren’t ignoring facts; they’re prioritizing values. They choose texture over convenience, process over perfection, and humanity over automation.

Quartz watches solved the problem of accurate timekeeping. Mechanical watches transcend it. They remind us that not everything valuable can be measured in seconds. Sometimes, the most meaningful things in life—including the way we mark time—are imperfect, deliberate, and deeply personal.

🚀 Ready to explore the world of mechanical watches? Start by trying one on, learning its mechanics, and discovering how it changes the way you experience time. Share your journey with others—because the best stories are the ones we pass on.