What does quartz watch mean?

Every time we set foot in a jewelry store, or come across a specialized website, we come into contact with names and realities that seem far from common language and too "technical" to be understood. And yet, the curiosity and thirst for knowledge is great... For example, what does "quartz watch" mean? What are the differences compared to other types of watches? Let's find out together!

The story

The first application of quartz to measure the passage of time dates back to 1928 , for an invention by the Americans Horton and Morrison. The first real application of the mechanism occurred 10 years later, in 1939, at the Greenwich Observatory. Only in the 1960s were portable watches with this mechanism born. In 1971, the first wristwatch with a digital display also entered the international market.

The mechanism

How is the passage of time calculated? Simple enough: through the oscillations that a quartz crystal makes when it comes into contact with electricity . In fact, a quartz crystal, if subjected to compression, produces a difference in electrical potential: on the contrary, if an electrical voltage is applied to it, it shows mechanical deformation.

The source of energy

Obviously, to activate the vibration of the quartz crystal, a source of electrical energy is needed. We can easily find it in a simple battery. The quartz, activated by the battery , sends electrical impulses to the watch's motor, which at precise intervals, exerts a force to move the hands. In wristwatches , the oscillation frequency of the crystal is fixed at 32768 Hertz . Through the electronic division (of about 16 times!) of this number, we arrive at 1...and at this point, the hand moves by one second.

Quartz Watch Components

In addition to the quartz and the battery, there is obviously an electrical circuit inside the watch to connect the two main components and a whole series of mechanical gears to allow the hands to move.

The difference compared to other models

Do you know what the margin of error is in calculating seconds for a quartz watch? About 2 seconds per month . A real guarantee, especially against mechanical movement colleagues, where you can get a difference in rate of 6 seconds per day... Watches with quartz movement can also be extremely thin. These are the majority of products currently on the market, with a highly sought-after mechanism, easy to maintain. Obviously, you must remember that, from time to time, it is necessary to replace the battery ! A review of the mechanism after several years of use is necessary, to ensure that all the components are well-functioning and lubricated. In short: an excellent investment, long-lasting and practical to use.

Our suggestions

After talking about the mechanism, it is time to present you some quartz watches that are among the best on the market. Appreciated for their quality, design, operation and elegant but jaunty aesthetics, Tissot watches are one of the brands that we feel we can recommend to you with the most fervor. You can find them in store or on our online shop, with models for every taste available. I hope that today's article has been interesting and useful for learning something more about the world of watches.