Quartz, would you buy.....???

[Thomas]

We all love mechanical watches, but would you consider a quartz model? Would you buy a "high end" quartz watch, for example a dress watch? Not something run of the mill that we see everyday on wrists, in stores and advertisements but a nice piece from a respected maker such as Rolex (Cellini), JLC, IWC, etc, you get the idea. I was under the impression that "quartz is quartz" and there isn't much one can do to the movement but I understand the "high end" pieces are much better, how, I don't know. The watch could be for everyday wear or for the "special evening out" Most of the big mfgrs. produce a model or two in quartz. What do you think??

Tom

[yachtsales]

I vote no! I just couldnt do it

[Paulie]

Sure, why not? Automatics are great fun, amazing pieces of engineering, but not everyone wants one. Some people want to tell the time with their watches! No kidding!

I'm looking for a watch for the spouse, and I'm seriously considering an Omega Ladies Aqua Terra quartz. She likes watches, but the mechanics matter little to her. Though I'd love to give her a Tudor automatic, it's not an option right now in the US market.

[Jedi]

I have a quartz watch in The Collection, a Suunto Mariner designed as a yacht racing watch, it's digital, looks cool, and it takes its place on rotation on my wrist alongside every other watch in The Collection.

As for 'high-end' brands, Breitling produces a fantastic range of quartz watches, featuring analog movements and digital displays.

[Tools]

Sure....Everybody should have at least one Famous Name quartz watch...

Here's mine:

[puffnmo]

Originally Posted by Tools

Sure....Everybody should have at least one quartz watch...

Here's mine:

Love that watch. I was going to say I would not want a quartz, they are pretty much impossible to resell, but now my thoughts have shifted.

A quartz can be cool, just don't put a lot of $ down for it. That way there is nothing lost, and if it's as unique and interesting as that Hard Rock, I would do it.

Tools, mind sharing how and where you came by it, also how much it cost??? Larry.

[roadcarver]

Sure why not? I started off with quartz watches, and I have one from Citizen (Promaster Wingman).



Like Larry said, everybody should have at least one, similar to WIS' having one Seiko in their collection.

The higher end quartz movememnts from Breitling are called SuperQuartz which are themo-compensated for super accuracy.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by puffnmo

Love that watch. I was going to say I would not want a quartz, they are pretty much impossible to resell, but now my thoughts have shifted.

Tools, mind sharing how and where you came by it, also how much it cost??? Larry.

I bought the Hard Rock watch at the Hard Rock Hotel (Cafe) in Las Vegas in it's early years... Probably ~1985..

It's a vintage now, I can't get rid of it.......Don't recall what it cost at the time.... I think ~$35

[Alcan]

Sure, what's wrong with quartz? My collection runs the gamut from Rolex TT Sub to this quartz Movado. Each is interesting to me in it's own right.

[watchloverdave]

Sure, I'd buy a quartz watch, and I have a number of them. I also bought my wife a quartz Movado museum watch that she loves and keeps perfect time with no attention other than a battery every 3 years or so.

I also often wear a Timex expedition quartz (about $20 I think) when I'm getting my hands in the dirt gardening or clearing brush. Sure, my Rolex sub or DJ would probably handle the abuse, but why do it? It's like having a Porsche Cayenne. Sure, it'll go off road, but no one does it because it's just too nice a vehicle to abuse off road even though it's capable. I'll use my Timex when I'm clearing brush and a Jeep Wrangler when I want to go off road.

[timebroker]

I only have one quartz, an Omega Constellation Megaquartz 2.4 Mhz SS from around 1974 and it is actually the most expensive watch I currently own, if it is accuracy you seek ... go with a quartz.

[KJacques]

Why not? I wouldn't mind having a quartz watch that was durable and super accurate. But then, I'm not an insufferable watch snob.

[Mrdi]

Originally Posted by KJacques

Why not? I wouldn't mind having a quartz watch that was durable and super accurate. But then, I'm not an insufferable watch snob.

But, your coming along quickly.

[lostsub]

To me all quartz are similar(I did not say equal), I would buy one if only $25 or less...

[Lowrdr]

Hi again, new reader catching up. So am I to infer that real watch aficionados’ consider the automatic watch to be the best? Or perhaps purer?

[timebroker]

Originally Posted by Lowrdr

Hi again, new reader catching up. So am I to infer that real watch aficionados’ consider the automatic watch to be the best? Or perhaps purer?

Just an example of pure genius when it comes down to mechanical things.

[nodnarb757]

You say why quartz, I say why not?
I only have two in my rotation, but I do like them. Not as much as an auto though. Omega makes some nice pieces. Here is my Citizen to go along with Vernon's. A NaviHawk United Staes Air Force Thunderbirds Edition

[bfh]

I've got an oysterquartz (it's on my avatar as of the date of this post)... It's nice to have a watch that I don't have to set time/date on when I want to wear it (I don't have winders), just pick up and wear. The battery change can be a bit of a hassle though (time-wise to deliver and pickup), and the oysterquartz battery seems to die frequently, every 1 to 2 years. I've resisted buying more quartz watches for just that reason, though I like a couple by Omega, Bell & Ross, etc., in the $1000 - $2000 range. I wouldn't want to spend any more than that on a quartz.

Nice watch photo accompanyment there nodbarb!

[maverick]

Originally Posted by bfh

I've got an oysterquartz (it's on my avatar as of the date of this post)... It's nice to have a watch that I don't have to set time/date on when I want to wear it (I don't have winders), just pick up and wear. The battery change can be a bit of a hassle though (time-wise to deliver and pickup), and the oysterquartz battery seems to die frequently, every 1 to 2 years. I've resisted buying more quartz watches for just that reason, though I like a couple by Omega, Bell & Ross, etc., in the $1000 - $2000 range. I wouldn't want to spend any more than that on a quartz.

Nice watch photo accompanyment there nodbarb!

Very nice Oysterquartz! I would love to find a nice 17000. =) maverick

[blueface]

I have no problem with quartz watches, I just don't want one!!!

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Lowrdr

Hi again, new reader catching up. So am I to infer that real watch aficionados’ consider the automatic watch to be the best? Or perhaps purer?

I don't think best is really the right word...

From an engineering perspective, the wrist watch is little short of a miracle with it's near 99.9% accuracy and durability...

The workmanship and history, particularly of the Rolex we follow here, is also of a caliber not found in many of the products produced today..

Plus the internet is a miracle of sorts as well, bringing together collectors and admirers of the brand where, in years past, the two mindsets would never cross paths..

So we know quartz is more accurate, and other brands are more intricate, but the Rolex marquee is a star still...

[supermarz]

i dont think i could justify spending on quartz watch ..... in my humble opinion.... it sort of has no soul...... ( please dont kill me )
automatic winding or manual winding is the way to go.....
for a great accuracy ...i'll just look into my digital radio clock or this forum

[Welshwatchman]

My Tissot was a quartz watch.

Ten years service, just one battery change required and all for £90.

[jjs]

sure, how else are u going to set the proper time - for that i keep a Tag Kirium F1

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by jjs

sure, how else are u going to set the proper time

[lostsub]

Originally Posted by jjs

sure, how else are u going to set the proper time.

We have at home one of those self-correct digital clock. It's quite acurate. If not...I can always use the time from upper-middle of this forum. It's quite acurate too.

[AndrewG]

When Cartier are charging nearly as much for a quartz Panthere as an automatic Santos I have to ask myself where the money is going.
Personally I prefer mechanical watches and wouldn't pay more than a few pounds for a quartz watch.

[Rawhyde]

Quartz watches are more accurate by their very nature, but I have never had one last a year on me. Is it a coincidence, or are there just some people who have body chemistry and/or electrical field that give electric watches fits? I've had Seiko, Benrus, several Casios, Armitron, Timex, etc with no luck at all. Because of my bad experiences, I won't give more than $20 for a quartz watch. I hope I don't sound snobby, but they just do not work on me.