Quartz Watches - Are They Worth It?

Quartz watches are a bit of an enigma for the watch collectors and the movement snobs (like us). On the one hand there is an amazingly accurate movement at a very affordable price and on the other is the mass production and the ease of manufacturing. Us simple men prefer complexity and complications with our timepieces and thats where Quartz Watches lose out a bit. The current offerings coming in today however from Citizen Eco-Drive and G-Shock Tough Solar and other Quartz movements however is challenging that belief.

As someone who collects automatic watches, I’ve always had a strong preference for mechanical movements. There’s something about the craftsmanship, engineering, and tradition behind a mechanical watch that a quartz movement simply can’t match.

Am I too shallow?

What Is a Quartz Watch?

A quartz watch is powered by a battery and regulated by a quartz crystal oscillator. This setup ensures high accuracy with minimal maintenance. Most quartz watches only deviate by a few seconds per month, making them ideal for everyday wear.

Advantages of Quartz Watches:

• Accurate timekeeping

• Low maintenance – no winding required

• Slimmer and lighter than mechanical watches

• Affordable compared to automatics

Disadvantages of Quartz Watches:

• Requires regular battery replacements

• Lower perceived prestige vs. mechanical watches

• Limited appeal to watch collectors

• Environmental impact of battery waste

• Ticking second hand as against the sweeping motion of a Mechanical watch

• Fewer options in high-end/luxury segments

Are Quartz Watches Worth It?

In short...it depends on the utility of the purchase decision. I would be wary if my doctor during surgery had an automatic watch to say monitor my oxygen flow! 

For anyone looking for a reliable, cost-effective watch, quartz movements offer excellent value. Whether it’s a Citizen Eco-Drive powered by light or a durable G-Shock quartz, these watches provide practicality without sacrificing style.

At StarBuy, we offer a curated collection of quartz watches , all backed by official Australian warranties. Our range includes men’s and women’s quartz watches, dress styles, sports watches, and chronographs.

Shop Quartz Watches at StarBuy

Explore our full selection of quartz watches online. StarBuy is Australia's trusted source for genuine Japanese and Swiss timepieces. View our collection online or feel free to visit our showroom in Alexandria NSW.