Why Are Mechanical Watches So Expensive If Quartz Keeps Better Time

At first glance, it seems illogical: a $300 quartz watch from a reputable brand can keep time within seconds per month, while a $10,000 mechanical timepiece might gain or lose several seconds per day. Yet, mechanical watches continue to command premium prices and maintain devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts. The answer lies not in precision alone, but in a deeper appreciation of artistry, engineering, and legacy. While quartz movements excel in accuracy and affordability, mechanical watches offer something fundamentally different—a blend of human ingenuity, tradition, and emotional resonance that transcends mere functionality.

The Science of Timekeeping: Quartz vs. Mechanical

Quartz watches operate on a simple, efficient principle. A battery sends an electric current through a tiny 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 pulses to drive the hands. This system is highly accurate, low-maintenance, and inexpensive to mass-produce.

Mechanical watches, by contrast, rely entirely on mechanical energy. A mainspring stores power when wound, either manually or automatically via rotor motion from the wearer’s arm. This energy travels through a series of gears and escapements to regulate the release of power in precise increments. The balance wheel oscillates—typically between 4 and 8 times per second—acting as the heartbeat of the movement. No batteries, no circuits, just intricate mechanics calibrated over weeks or months of skilled labor.

The key difference isn’t just technology—it’s philosophy. Quartz tells time efficiently. Mechanical watches perform timekeeping as an act of engineering theater.

Tip: If your priority is pinpoint accuracy for daily use, quartz remains the logical choice. But if you value craftsmanship and horological history, mechanical may be worth the trade-off.

Why Craftsmanship Commands a Premium

A single mechanical movement can contain over 200 individual components, some smaller than a grain of sand. Each part—screws, levers, springs, jewels—is machined, finished, and assembled by hand or with specialized equipment requiring years of training to master. Unlike quartz movements produced by automated lines, high-end mechanical calibers are often built in small batches or even one at a time.

Take the finishing process: surfaces are beveled, polished, and decorated using techniques like perlage (circular graining), Côtes de Genève (striped patterns), and hand-engraving. These aren't just aesthetic flourishes—they serve functional purposes by reducing friction, preventing corrosion, and ensuring longevity. Even parts invisible to the wearer receive meticulous attention because, in fine watchmaking, perfection extends beyond what the eye can see.

“Watchmaking is the marriage of art and science. You can measure accuracy with a timer, but you can’t quantify soul.” — François-Paul Journe, Independent Watchmaker

This level of detail cannot be rushed. A single Grand complication—a watch featuring a tourbillon, perpetual calendar, minute repeater, or other advanced mechanisms—can take hundreds of hours to complete. The Patek Philippe Calibre 89, for example, required nine years of development and contains 1,728 parts. It remains one of the most complex portable timepieces ever made.

Heritage, Exclusivity, and Brand Value

Many luxury watch brands trace their origins to the 18th and 19th centuries. Names like Jaeger LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet have spent generations refining their craft, building reputations for innovation and reliability. Owning a mechanical watch from such a house isn’t just about telling time—it’s about participating in a living history.

Brand prestige also influences pricing. Limited production runs, long waiting lists, and resale desirability amplify value. A Rolex Daytona or Richard Mille RM 011 isn’t merely sold; it’s allocated. These watches often appreciate, turning them into assets rather than disposable accessories.

Moreover, mechanical watches are increasingly rare in an age dominated by digital devices. Their persistence is a form of resistance against disposability. In a world where smartphones update yearly and smartwatches become obsolete in five, a well-maintained mechanical timepiece can last generations—passed down like heirlooms.

Comparative Overview: Mechanical vs. Quartz

Feature	Mechanical Watch	Quartz Watch
Precision (avg. deviation)	+/- 5 to +10 seconds per day	+/- 15 seconds per month
Power Source	Mainspring (manual/automatic winding)	Battery
Lifespan (with care)	50+ years	10–15 years
Maintenance Frequency	Every 5–7 years (full service)	Battery every 1–2 years
Production Method	Hand-assembled, artisanal	Mass-produced, automated
Price Range (entry-level to high-end)	$500 – $1M+	$20 – $5,000
Emotional & Collectible Value	High (heirloom, investment)	Low to moderate

The Emotional Dimension of Ownership

People don’t buy mechanical watches solely for utility. They buy them for the experience—the weight on the wrist, the sweep of the second hand, the subtle ticking sound in a quiet room. That smooth glide of the second hand, moving in near-continuous motion, contrasts sharply with the tick-tick-tick of a quartz watch, which jumps once per second. This “sweep” is more than aesthetic; it symbolizes life, rhythm, and continuity.

For many owners, wearing a mechanical watch creates a personal connection. Knowing the movement was assembled by hand, perhaps even signed by the watchmaker, adds intimacy. Some collectors wind their watches nightly as a ritual, a moment of mindfulness in an otherwise fast-paced world.

“I bought my first mechanical watch after my father passed. He wore the same Omega Seamaster for 30 years. When I wind mine, I feel close to him.” — Daniel R., Watch Collector, Chicago

Step-by-Step: How a Mechanical Movement Is Built

Understanding the complexity helps justify the cost. Here’s a simplified timeline of how a high-end mechanical movement comes to life:

1. Design & Engineering: Engineers use CAD software to design each component, ensuring tolerances within microns. Prototypes are tested for durability and accuracy.
2. Component Manufacturing: Parts are cut from metal alloys using CNC machines, lasers, or traditional tools. Hairsprings and balance wheels may still be made by hand.
3. Finishing: Surfaces are polished, engraved, and decorated. Screw heads are chamfered, bridges are striped. This stage alone can take days.
4. Assembly: A master watchmaker places each part under a microscope. The escapement, gear train, and mainspring barrel must align perfectly.
5. Regulation: The movement is mounted and tested over several days in multiple positions (dial up, crown down, etc.) to adjust for gravitational variance.
6. Casing & Final Testing: Once regulated, the movement is placed in the case, fitted with hands and dial, then tested again for water resistance and performance.
7. Quality Certification: In brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe, movements undergo additional certification (e.g., COSC chronometer standards or proprietary seals).

This entire process can take weeks or months per watch. Automation handles only select stages; the final assembly and regulation remain deeply human endeavors.

FAQ: Common Questions About Mechanical Watches

Do mechanical watches need regular servicing?

Yes. Most manufacturers recommend a full service every 5 to 7 years. Over time, lubricants dry out, dust enters the movement, and wear occurs. Regular maintenance ensures longevity and accuracy. Skipping service can lead to costly repairs or permanent damage.

Can a mechanical watch be more accurate than a quartz?

In standard conditions, no. However, certified chronometer mechanical watches (like those meeting COSC standards) are tested over 15 days in various temperatures and positions and must stay within -4/+6 seconds per day. High-complication pieces from independent makers sometimes exceed this, but they still fall short of quartz precision. The goal isn’t to beat quartz—it’s to achieve excellence within mechanical limits.

Are automatic watches better than manual-wind ones?

Not inherently. Automatic (self-winding) watches use a rotor to wind the mainspring as the wearer moves. Manual-wind watches require daily winding. Both can be equally accurate and durable. Preference depends on lifestyle: automatics suit active wearers; manual watches appeal to purists who enjoy the ritual of winding.

Tips for Choosing Between Mechanical and Quartz

Tip: Ask yourself: Are you buying a tool or a treasure? For pure function, go quartz. For legacy, emotion, and craftsmanship, choose mechanical.

• Consider usage: If you’re in a profession requiring extreme precision (e.g., aviation, diving), quartz or radio-synced atomic watches may be preferable.
• Budget wisely: Entry-level mechanical watches ($500–$2,000) offer great value. Below $300, movements are often basic and less refined.
• Think long-term: Mechanical watches hold or increase value; quartz rarely does. Brands like Rolex, Patek, and A. Lange & Söhne consistently appreciate.
• Try before you buy: Wear both types. Feel the weight, listen to the tick, notice the second-hand motion. Your wrist may tell you what specs cannot.

Conclusion: Valuing More Than Accuracy

The enduring appeal of mechanical watches isn’t defiance of logic—it’s a celebration of human achievement. Yes, quartz keeps better time. But so does a smartphone. The question isn’t why mechanical watches are expensive despite inferior accuracy, but why we continue to cherish things that require effort, skill, and patience in an age of instant results.

These timepieces represent centuries of innovation, artistic expression, and dedication to perfection. They are wearable micro-machines, each with its own heartbeat. To own one is to participate in a tradition that values endurance over convenience, craftsmanship over automation, and meaning over metrics.

💬 What does your watch mean to you? Whether it’s a family heirloom, a milestone gift, or a daily companion, share your story and join the conversation about what makes time truly valuable.