Mechanical Watch Vs Quartz Watch Which Holds Value Better Over Time

When investing in a luxury timepiece, one of the most critical considerations isn’t just how it looks or functions today—but how well it will retain or even increase its value over time. The debate between mechanical watches and quartz watches often centers on precision, craftsmanship, and prestige. But from an investment perspective, the question shifts: which type truly stands the test of time in terms of financial worth?

The answer isn't always straightforward, but historical trends, collector behavior, and market dynamics consistently favor one side. While quartz watches dominate in accuracy and affordability, mechanical watches—particularly high-end automatics and hand-wound models—have proven to be far superior when it comes to long-term value retention and appreciation.

Understanding the Core Differences

Before assessing value retention, it's essential to understand what fundamentally separates mechanical and quartz watches.

• Mechanical Watches: Powered by a mainspring that must be wound either manually or automatically through wrist movement. These watches contain hundreds of intricate moving parts and are celebrated for their engineering complexity and traditional craftsmanship.
• Quartz Watches: Battery-powered, using a tiny quartz crystal that vibrates at a precise frequency when electrified. This vibration regulates timekeeping, resulting in exceptional accuracy—often within seconds per month.

While quartz technology revolutionized the watch industry in the 1970s (the so-called \"Quartz Crisis\"), it also disrupted centuries of mechanical tradition. Today, quartz dominates the mass market due to low cost and high reliability, but among collectors and investors, mechanical watches remain the gold standard—not just symbolically, but literally.

Why Mechanical Watches Hold Value Better

The primary reason mechanical watches outperform quartz in value retention lies in perception, scarcity, and emotional appeal.

Unlike quartz movements, which are largely standardized and easily replaceable, mechanical movements—especially those developed in-house by brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, or A. Lange & Söhne—are seen as miniature works of art. Their production involves skilled artisans, extensive finishing, and years of research and development. This human touch adds intangible value that machines cannot replicate.

Moreover, mechanical watches are often produced in limited numbers. High-end brands control supply tightly, creating demand that can drive resale prices well above retail. In contrast, most quartz watches are mass-produced, making them less rare and therefore less desirable to collectors.

“Timepieces that tell a story—of innovation, heritage, or horological mastery—are the ones that appreciate. Quartz may keep better time, but it doesn’t capture hearts.” — Daniel Rochet, Senior Watch Curator at Geneva Horology Museum

Rarity and Craftsmanship Drive Demand

Take, for example, the Patek Philippe Calatrava. A simple-looking dress watch powered by a mechanical movement, yet certain vintage references have sold for over $1 million at auction. Its value isn’t derived from functionality alone, but from its lineage, finishing, and status as a symbol of refined taste.

Compare this to a Seiko quartz chronograph from the same era. Despite being technologically groundbreaking at the time, its resale value remains modest—typically below original retail. The difference? Emotional resonance and perceived exclusivity.

Tip: When evaluating a watch’s long-term value, consider not just brand reputation, but whether the model is part of a limited run or features unique craftsmanship.

Market Trends: Resale Data and Collector Behavior

Secondary markets offer clear evidence of the disparity in value retention. Platforms like Chrono24, WatchBox, and Christie’s auction records show consistent patterns:

• Vintage Rolex Submariners (mechanical) regularly sell for 3–5x their original price after 20+ years.
• Newer mechanical models like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or Omega Speedmaster Professional maintain strong resale values, often near or above MSRP.
• Most quartz watches depreciate rapidly after purchase, with few exceptions.

There are notable outliers—such as the original 1970s Omega Marine Chronometer or certain high-complication quartz pieces from Citizen’s “The Citizen” line—which have gained cult followings. However, these cases are rare and typically depend on historical significance rather than inherent mechanics.

Depreciation Timeline Comparison

Type	Value After 1 Year	Value After 5 Years	Value After 20 Years
Luxury Mechanical (e.g., Rolex Datejust)	~85% of MSRP	~75–80%	Often exceeds original MSRP
Mid-Range Mechanical (e.g., Tissot Powermatic)	~60%	~40–50%	Steady decline; rarely appreciates
Luxury Quartz (e.g., Cartier Tank Française Quartz)	~50%	~30%	Below 20%; minimal collector interest
Mass-Market Quartz (e.g., Casio Edifice)	~30%	~10–15%	Near zero; treated as disposable

This table illustrates a stark reality: unless a quartz watch has historical importance or was part of a limited release, it will almost certainly lose value faster than even an entry-level mechanical counterpart.

Exceptions That Prove the Rule

It would be inaccurate to claim that *no* quartz watches hold value. There are select cases where quartz timepieces have appreciated significantly:

• Rolex Oysterquartz: Discontinued in 2001 after limited production, these rare quartz Rolexes now command premium prices among collectors seeking novelty and brand pedigree.
• Citizen X8 Chronometer: A high-accuracy quartz movement certified to stringent standards. Original models in good condition now sell for several times their initial cost.
• Jean Lassale ultra-thin quartz: Known for elegant design and Swiss craftsmanship, some vintage models have become sought-after by minimalist collectors.

Still, these examples reinforce the broader principle: value retention depends more on scarcity, brand legacy, and collector sentiment than on movement type alone. Even then, the pool of appreciating quartz watches is small compared to the vast number of valuable mechanical models.

Mini Case Study: The Rolex Oysterquartz Ref. 17000

In the late 1970s, Rolex introduced the Oysterquartz line as a response to the Quartz Crisis. Built with angular cases and integrated bracelets, they featured thermocompensated quartz movements for extreme accuracy. Despite their technical merits, sales were low, and production ended quietly.

Fast forward to 2023: a well-preserved Oysterquartz Datejust (Ref. 17000) sold at Phillips auction for CHF 28,000—over 10 times its original retail price. Why? Not because it kept better time than a mechanical Rolex, but because it represented a curious chapter in Rolex history—a blend of tradition meeting modernity.

Collectors prize it not for its quartz heart, but for its rarity and narrative. Had it been mass-produced like a typical quartz watch, it would likely be forgotten.

How to Maximize Your Watch’s Long-Term Value

Whether you choose mechanical or quartz, certain practices dramatically influence how well your watch holds value. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preserving—and potentially increasing—your investment.

1. Purchase from Reputable Brands: Stick to manufacturers known for quality and heritage. Rolex, Patek Philippe, Jaeger LeCoultre, and Grand Seiko consistently perform well in secondary markets.
2. Keep Full Documentation: Original box, warranty card, service records, and receipts all boost buyer confidence and sale price.
3. Maintain Regular Servicing: Mechanical watches should be serviced every 5–7 years. Quartz watches need battery replacements and occasional seal checks to prevent moisture damage.
4. Avoid Over-Polishing: Excessive polishing removes metal and alters case shape, reducing authenticity and desirability, especially among purists.
5. Store Properly: Keep in a dry, temperature-controlled environment. Use a watch winder for automatics if not worn regularly.

Tip: For mechanical watches, consider having movements photographed before servicing. This provides proof of authenticity and internal condition.

Checklist: What Makes a Watch a Good Investment?

• ✅ Produced by a respected brand with horological heritage
• ✅ Limited production or discontinued status
• ✅ Original parts and unmodified condition
• ✅ Complete set (box, papers, tags)
• ✅ Strong community following or collector base
• ✅ Historical significance or innovative design
• ❌ Mass-produced without distinction
• ❌ Heavily customized or aftermarket parts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a quartz watch ever be considered a luxury item?

Yes—some high-end quartz watches are classified as luxury due to brand prestige, materials, and finishing. Examples include the Breitling SuperQuartz™ or certain Jaeger LeCoultre Atmos clocks. However, even these rarely appreciate like mechanical equivalents.

Is it worth buying a new quartz watch as an investment?

Generally, no. With very few exceptions, quartz watches depreciate quickly and lack the secondary market infrastructure that supports mechanical collectibles. If investment is your goal, prioritize mechanical movements from elite brands.

Do hybrid watches (like Seiko Spring Drive) hold value?

Seiko’s Spring Drive is a unique hybrid combining mechanical power with quartz-level accuracy. Due to its innovation and limited global availability, certain Grand Seiko Spring Drive models have shown strong value retention—sometimes approaching mechanical Grand Seikos in price. They represent a rare middle ground, but still derive value more from craftsmanship than their electronic regulation.

Conclusion: Choosing for the Future

If your goal is to own a timepiece that not only serves you daily but may also grow in worth over decades, mechanical watches are overwhelmingly the better choice. Their blend of artistry, engineering, and emotional appeal creates lasting demand that quartz simply cannot match—at least not yet.

That said, quartz watches excel in practicality, precision, and affordability. They make excellent daily wearers, travel companions, or tools for specific tasks. But when it comes to legacy and long-term value, the heartbeat of a finely tuned mechanical movement continues to resonate more deeply with collectors, historians, and connoisseurs alike.

The next time you stand at the crossroads of quartz efficiency and mechanical soul, ask yourself: do you want a tool that tells time perfectly today—or a treasure that tells a story for generations?

💬 Have a watch that surprised you in its value growth? Share your experience in the comments—your story could help others make smarter choices.