Quartz/Automatic/etc....??

[WWOODDYY74]

OK, I'm really new at this watch thing, but I was wondering if somebody can explain to me the difference between Quartz, etc.... Is there anything else other than quartz and Automatic?? I take it that most Rolex's are Automatic?? What is hacking? I want to learn! Thank you!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by WWOODDYY74

OK, I'm really new at this watch thing, but I was wondering if somebody can explain to me the difference between Quartz, etc.... Is there anything else other than quartz and Automatic?? I take it that most Rolex's are Automatic?? What is hacking? I want to learn! Thank you!

Well a automatic is a statement of the ability of watchmakers to put hundreds of little parts into a watch case and get them to work all together with close tolerances just to tell time. An automatic watch depends upon movement to power it and purely mechanical. While a quartz watch uses electricity for its power, typically a battery. It's a matter of opinion as to which is better... But all of those little parts mean that there are more things to break,but most mechanical watches are now are very reliable if serviced around every 5 years.. Manual watches do not have a rotor to wind the mechanism, and rely upon the user to wind them.And any quartz watch is going to be far more accurate that any mechanical watch.You have hybrid mechanical Quartz watches now where the spring power to drive is the battery.A quartz watch requires less maintenance than an mechanical M/Wind or automatic. The only maintenance that the quartz watch will need is typically need is a battery change and perhaps a case seal if its not a diving watch.Now all a hacking movement is when you pull the crown out to the reset the time.If stops the second hand for more more accurate time setting its a military term really.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by padi56

It stops the second hand for more more accurate time setting its a military term really.

Wow, I didn't know it was a military term.

Thanks for sharing

[ohlins]

haha now there are watches that come with zero-reset seconds hand..........

[Rubenonfire]

Originally Posted by WWOODDYY74

Is there anything else other than quartz and Automatic?? I take it that most Rolex's are Automatic??

Digital would be the only other one that comes to my mind. Naturally they are all battery-powered and use electronics to perform the functions of the watch. They are usually VERY accurate and perform a lot of really useful functions, and can be made to be QUITE rugged as well.

Most Rollies are, in fact, automatics. The Rolex term they use is "Perpetual." There are some quartz Rolex models, the OysterQuartz and I believe some Cellinis as well, but all the current professional models, DJs and DDs are autos.

[Bama]

How does the old Accutron fit into this discussion? I recently sold a Bulova Accutron (recent model) but it was purely mechanical (automatic). I understand that when the Accutron watch was introduced it used a tuning fork and was thought to be a major inovation at the time and preceded the quartz revolution. Am I right?

[timebroker]

Originally Posted by Bama

How does the old Accutron fit into this discussion? I recently sold a Bulova Accutron (recent model) but it was purely mechanical (automatic). I understand that when the Accutron watch was introduced it used a tuning fork and was thought to be a major inovation at the time and preceded the quartz revolution. Am I right?

It was indeed an innovative watch and many series made but as far as electrical watches go, started around 1920 - 30's somewhere?

[Bama]

The eco drive by Citizen - uses solar power to keep the watch going. I don't know if that's considered another type of movement but I'm a big fan. I've had a Citizen eco drive dive watch for about 11 years and it has been extremely reliable and maintenance free.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Bama

How does the old Accutron fit into this discussion? I recently sold a Bulova Accutron (recent model) but it was purely mechanical (automatic). I understand that when the Accutron watch was introduced it used a tuning fork and was thought to be a major inovation at the time and preceded the quartz revolution. Am I right?

The Bulova Accutron was a pace setter through the 60's and into the 70's until every body got on the Quartz bandwagon..

Here's mine:


And some 60's propaganda:

So you need some parts ?

Heres a bit more modern clearcase:

[Bama]

Good stuff Larry.

[supermarz]

i dunno about you guys .... but as for me .... if i buy relatively expensive watches ie rolex. i would feel slightly cheated if the watch isn;t at least automatic. in my opinion...automatic and manual has a lot more "soul" in it.
i hope i didnt step on someone's wrong foot with that comment above

[ROGU808]

Citizen's Eco Drive as well as Seiko Kenetic's are both still quartz movements. The way they generate and store power is different than most quartz watches...but their movements are still quartz regulated.

I agree with you Marz...and that's why most mechanical watches, both automatic and hand-wound, are quite a bit more expensive than watches using quartz movements...it's the "soul" that went into fitting all those little gears and springs to make it all work together.

Just my 2 cents :)

[nodnarb757]

No one has mentioned Seiko's Spring Drive. Check out the link below.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbmKZ5JXyjo

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by nodnarb757

No one has mentioned Seiko's Spring Drive. Check out the link below.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbmKZ5JXyjo

Good one!

And the Seiko Kinetic Auto Relay, too (I have one of those as well).

BTW: SEIKO is one of the few companies that makes entirely in-house movements.

Rolex, Patek and JlC are the other manufactories.

[Rubenonfire]

Originally Posted by supermarz

i dunno about you guys .... but as for me .... if i buy relatively expensive watches ie rolex. i would feel slightly cheated if the watch isn;t at least automatic. in my opinion...automatic and manual has a lot more "soul" in it.

I know what you're saying. The idea of a mechanical watch is historical, right? It's like a mechanical movement connects you with something pure and simple yet complicated and complex. Not old-fashioned, but nostalgic. Somehow I feel like it's how watches are SUPPOSED to run.