Why Are Mechanical Watches Less Accurate Than Quartz But More Expensive

In an age of digital precision, where a $20 smartwatch can track time down to the millisecond, it’s natural to wonder: why do people spend thousands—sometimes hundreds of thousands—on mechanical watches that lose or gain seconds each day? On paper, quartz watches outperform their mechanical counterparts in accuracy, battery life, and maintenance. Yet, mechanical timepieces remain coveted symbols of status, artistry, and horological tradition. The answer lies not in technical superiority, but in human value—craftsmanship, history, emotion, and exclusivity.

The Science of Timekeeping: How Quartz Wins on Accuracy

Quartz watches operate using a simple yet highly efficient principle. A small battery sends an electric current through a quartz crystal, which vibrates at a precise frequency—typically 32,768 times per second. These vibrations are counted by a microchip, which translates them into one-second increments to drive the watch hands or digital display.

This system is inherently stable and resistant to environmental variables like temperature shifts or positional changes. As a result, most quartz watches drift by only ±15 seconds per month. High-end quartz movements, such as those in Citizen’s Chronomaster or Seiko’s 9F series, achieve astonishing precision of ±5 to ±10 seconds per year.

In contrast, mechanical watches rely entirely on physical mechanics: a wound mainspring releases energy through a series of gears, regulated by a balance wheel and hairspring. This oscillating system typically beats between 4 Hz (28,800 vph) and 5 Hz (36,000 vph). Even under ideal conditions, mechanical movements may vary by -10 to +30 seconds per day—over ten times less accurate than standard quartz.

“Accuracy is no longer the primary measure of a watch’s worth. It’s about what happens between the ticks.” — François-Paul Journe, Independent Watchmaker

Why Mechanical Watches Cost More: The Hidden Value of Craftsmanship

If quartz is more accurate and cheaper to produce, why do mechanical watches command premium prices? The answer begins with manufacturing complexity.

A typical quartz movement contains fewer than 50 parts and is assembled largely by machine. In contrast, even a basic mechanical movement consists of 130–200 individual components, many of which are hand-finished, polished, and adjusted. Luxury calibers from brands like Patek Philippe or A. Lange & Söhne can contain over 300 parts, each shaped, beveled, and decorated by skilled artisans.

Consider the process of anglage—hand-beveling edges of movement plates. This isn’t functional; it’s aesthetic. Yet, it requires hours of meticulous labor using traditional tools. Perlage (circular graining), Geneva stripes, and hand-engraved balance cocks are all hallmarks of high-end finishing that add zero to accuracy but immense value to the collector.

Tip: When evaluating a mechanical watch, look beyond brand names—examine the movement finishing. Hand-crafted details signal true horological value.

Emotional and Cultural Capital: Beyond the Numbers

Watches were once essential tools. Today, they are heirlooms, statements, and works of art. Mechanical watches connect wearers to centuries of tradition—from John Harrison’s marine chronometers to the golden age of Swiss watchmaking in the 19th century.

Unlike quartz, which democratized timekeeping in the 1970s (the so-called “Quartz Crisis”), mechanical watches survived because they represent something deeper than utility. They embody patience, dedication, and mastery. Winding a watch each morning becomes a ritual. Hearing the subtle tick, seeing the smooth sweep of the second hand—it’s a tactile relationship with time itself.

Luxury brands amplify this emotional appeal through storytelling, limited editions, and generational marketing. A Rolex Submariner isn’t just a dive watch; it’s associated with exploration, resilience, and success. A Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso evokes Art Deco elegance and wartime ingenuity. These narratives can’t be replicated in mass-produced electronics.

Production Economics: Why Scale Favors Quartz

From a manufacturing standpoint, economies of scale favor quartz overwhelmingly. A Seiko quartz movement costs less than $10 to produce at volume. Even premium quartz watches rarely exceed $1,000 due to low component and labor costs.

Mechanical movements, however, require specialized machinery, trained watchmakers, and extensive quality control. A single master watchmaker may spend weeks assembling and regulating a grand complication like a perpetual calendar or tourbillon. Labor alone can account for 60–70% of a luxury watch’s cost.

Additionally, mechanical watches demand ongoing maintenance. Most manufacturers recommend servicing every 5–7 years at a cost of $300–$1,000. Quartz watches, by comparison, need only a battery change every 2–5 years ($10–$30).

Comparative Overview: Mechanical vs. Quartz

Feature	Mechanical Watch	Quartz Watch
Accuracy	±10 to ±30 sec/day	±15 sec/month
Power Source	Mainspring (manual/automatic)	Battery
Service Interval	5–7 years	2–5 years (battery)
Avg. Service Cost	$300–$1,000+	$10–$50
Production Cost	$200–$10,000+	$5–$50
Lifespan (with care)	50+ years	10–20 years
Second Hand Motion	Smooth sweep (6–10 ticks/sec)	One tick per second

Real Example: The Omega Speedmaster vs. Casio F91W

Consider two iconic timepieces: the Omega Speedmaster Professional, known as the \"Moonwatch,\" and the Casio F91W, a digital quartz staple since 1989.

The Speedmaster, powered by the Caliber 3861 mechanical movement, retails for around $5,500. It’s accurate to within ±5 seconds per day and requires regular servicing. It was worn during NASA’s Apollo missions and remains flight-qualified for space travel.

The F91W sells for under $20. It keeps time to ±15 seconds per month, runs for seven years on a single battery, and needs no maintenance. It’s been used by military personnel, athletes, and everyday users worldwide.

Technically, the Casio is superior. Culturally, the Omega carries unmatched prestige. Both have earned their place in horological history—not because one is better, but because they serve different human needs.

Step-by-Step: Understanding the True Value of a Mechanical Watch

When evaluating why mechanical watches are more expensive despite lower accuracy, follow this framework:

1. Assess the movement type: Is it automatic or manual? Does it use an in-house caliber or a generic ETA base?
2. Inspect the finishing: Are bridges polished? Are screws blued? Is there perlage or Côtes de Genève?
3. Check complications: Does it include date, chronograph, moonphase, or tourbillon? Each adds complexity and cost.
4. Research brand heritage: Brands with long histories (e.g., Patek, Vacheron Constantin) command premiums due to legacy and exclusivity.
5. Consider rarity: Limited editions or hand-assembled models often appreciate in value.
6. Evaluate emotional resonance: Does the design speak to you? Will it be passed down?

Tip: Don’t buy a mechanical watch for accuracy. Buy it for its soul, story, and the way it connects you to time differently.

Expert Insight: What Watchmakers Say About Value

Independent watchmakers often emphasize the philosophical difference between measuring time and experiencing it.

“The beauty of a mechanical watch is in its imperfection. It breathes, it lives, it responds to how you live. A quartz watch tells time. A mechanical one shares your journey.” — Kari Voutilainen, Finnish Horologist

Voutilainen, renowned for his handcrafted movements, spends months on a single piece. His watches sell for over $100,000—not because they’re accurate, but because they represent the pinnacle of artisanal expression.

FAQ: Common Questions About Mechanical vs. Quartz

Can a mechanical watch ever be as accurate as quartz?

Standard mechanical watches cannot match quartz accuracy. However, chronometer-certified movements (like COSC in Switzerland) are tested to -4/+6 seconds per day. Even then, they fall short of quartz. Only high-precision mechanical pieces, such as Zenith’s Defy Lab (accurate to ±0.3 sec/day), approach quartz-level performance—but at exceptional cost and rarity.

Are mechanical watches a good investment?

Most watches depreciate. But certain models—especially limited editions from Rolex, Patek Philippe, or Audemars Piguet—can appreciate significantly. For example, a Rolex Daytona “Paul Newman” sold for $17.8 million in 2018. Investment potential depends on brand, rarity, condition, and provenance—not accuracy.

Why do luxury brands still make mechanical watches if quartz is better?

Luxury thrives on intangibles: craftsmanship, heritage, and emotional connection. While quartz excels technically, it lacks the romance of gears, springs, and human touch. For high-end brands, mechanical watches are not products—they are cultural artifacts.

Checklist: Choosing Between Mechanical and Quartz

• ✅ Need pinpoint accuracy? → Choose quartz
• ✅ Want low maintenance? → Choose quartz
• ✅ Seeking a family heirloom? → Choose mechanical
• ✅ Appreciate fine craftsmanship? → Choose mechanical
• ✅ On a tight budget? → Choose quartz
• ✅ Desire a statement piece? → Choose mechanical
• ✅ Plan to collect or resell? → Research mechanical resale markets

Conclusion: Valuing Time Differently

The paradox of mechanical watches being less accurate yet more expensive resolves when we shift perspective. We don’t value them for telling time perfectly—we value them for reminding us that time is precious, personal, and finite. Their imperfections mirror our own. Their intricate mechanics reflect human ingenuity. And their endurance across generations speaks to our desire to leave a mark.

In a world obsessed with efficiency, mechanical watches offer a counterpoint: slow, deliberate, and meaningful. They are not outdated relics but enduring symbols of what machines cannot replicate—artistry, soul, and legacy.

💬 What does your watch mean to you? Is it a tool, a treasure, or a tradition? Share your story and join the conversation about what time truly costs.