{"id":55752,"date":"2023-08-26T12:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-26T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/?p=55752"},"modified":"2023-08-16T12:33:51","modified_gmt":"2023-08-16T11:33:51","slug":"what-is-a-quartz-watch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/what-is-a-quartz-watch\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a quartz watch?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>After covering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/what-is-a-hand-wound-mechanical-movement\/\">hand-wound watches<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/what-is-an-automatic-watch\">automatic watches<\/a>, naturally, today we move on to quartz watches. Quartz is the youngest of the three types of watch movement and works very differently from its mechanical counterparts. As a result, the quartz watch took the world by storm when it was first introduced in the 1970s. In fact, they have remained the most widely-used movement type since the 1980s. But what is a quartz watch, and why was it so revolutionary?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>The Basics: What is a quartz watch movement and how is it different to mechanical watches?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To refresh your memory, the \u2018movement\u2019 is the powerhouse of the watch. It\u2019s made up of multiple components which work together to power the hands and other functions the watch may have, like a date display. There are three different types of movement, namely: hand-wound mechanical, automatic mechanical and quartz.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main distinguishing factor of quartz watches is that they are powered by a battery instead of a mainspring. So, unlike their mechanical counterparts, quartz watches don\u2019t need to be wound or worn to keep their accuracy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, with this in mind, it&#8217;s easy to see how the invention of the quartz watch destabilised the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Why were quartz watches so revolutionary?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With their convenience and low maintenance reliability in mind, it&#8217;s easy to see how the invention of the quartz watch destabilised the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, the era of their invention was so impactful it became known as the \u2018quartz crisis\u2019 in Switzerland. Lasting from the 1970s until the 1980s, the large shift towards quartz caused a dramatic decline in traditional Swiss watchmaking. As consumers began turning to cheaper quartz alternatives produced by the likes of Seiko, demand for Swiss mechanical pieces fell. In turn, this caused even some of the most popular mechanical watch manufacturers to go out of business. So much so, that by the end of the \u2018crisis\u2019 Swiss watch employment had dropped from 90,000 to 28,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jason-d-k65_6C4hu2E-unsplash.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jason-d-k65_6C4hu2E-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55776\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jason-d-k65_6C4hu2E-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jason-d-k65_6C4hu2E-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jason-d-k65_6C4hu2E-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jason-d-k65_6C4hu2E-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jason-d-k65_6C4hu2E-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jason-d-k65_6C4hu2E-unsplash-1110x740.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jason-d-k65_6C4hu2E-unsplash-930x620.jpg 930w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jason-d-k65_6C4hu2E-unsplash-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jason-d-k65_6C4hu2E-unsplash-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jason-d-k65_6C4hu2E-unsplash-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jason-d-k65_6C4hu2E-unsplash-120x80.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3>Why are they called \u2018quartz movements\u2019? And how do they work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply put, one of the main components of a quartz movement is a quartz crystal, hence its name. But what does the quartz crystal do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Naturally, quartz crystals are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nixon.com\/blogs\/stories\/how-quartz-watches-work\">piezoelectric<\/a>. This means that, with pressure applied to it, quartz crystals have the ability to emit a small electrical charge. Likewise, the reverse is also true. So, when the quartz crystal in the movement is supplied with electricity from the battery, it oscillates at a precise frequency.\u00a0 To be exact, this frequency is 32,768 oscillations per second.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A microchip circuit within the movement detects and counts the frequency of the quartz\u2019s oscillations. When it has counted up to 32,768 oscillations, the microchip circuit then sends out an electric pulse. And with the quartz regulating this frequency to 32,768 oscillations per second, this means the pulse is sent out <a href=\"https:\/\/uk.mondaine.com\/blogs\/news\/how-does-a-quartz-watch-work\">consistently every second<\/a>. It is this pulse that drives the hands of the watches.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are both battery-powered quartz watches and solar-powered quartz watches on the market today. Battery-powered models usually have a life span of a few years before the battery needs replacing, but solar models can last even longer. This is because they can recharge themselves by absorbing and converting light into electrical energy, which they keep as a power reserve. So, with enough exposure to natural and artificial lighting, you won\u2019t need to replace the battery as often.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Why buy a quartz watch?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Quartz watches attract many consumers due to their convenience, low maintenance, cost and reliable functioning.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike both types of mechanical watches, they do not rely on the user for power. Consequently, it\u2019s a great watch collection addition as you don\u2019t need to reset the time after not wearing it for a while. Additionally, this also means they are a lot less high maintenance than their mechanical counterparts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, the precision of the quartz\u2019s oscillations makes it far more accurate than most mechanical watches. As they oscillate at a consistent frequency, many experts predict that quartz watches are usually accurate to within half a second. However, for mechanical watches, this accuracy drops to a range of a few seconds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many quartz watches are also the cheapest option of the three movement types. But, this is not to say that their luxury is sacrificed. Even though they don\u2019t boast a lavish and intricate movement, many high-end brands opt for quartz for its accuracy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested in learning more? We have a whole post breaking down <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2020\/06\/automatic-watches-vs-quartz-watches\/\">quartz vs automatic mechanical watches here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/imani-bahati-dYUvrEmaVLU-unsplash.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"626\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/imani-bahati-dYUvrEmaVLU-unsplash-1024x626.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/imani-bahati-dYUvrEmaVLU-unsplash-1024x626.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/imani-bahati-dYUvrEmaVLU-unsplash-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/imani-bahati-dYUvrEmaVLU-unsplash-768x469.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/imani-bahati-dYUvrEmaVLU-unsplash-1536x939.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/imani-bahati-dYUvrEmaVLU-unsplash-2048x1252.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/imani-bahati-dYUvrEmaVLU-unsplash-1110x678.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/imani-bahati-dYUvrEmaVLU-unsplash-930x568.jpg 930w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/imani-bahati-dYUvrEmaVLU-unsplash-750x458.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/imani-bahati-dYUvrEmaVLU-unsplash-510x312.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/imani-bahati-dYUvrEmaVLU-unsplash-360x220.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/imani-bahati-dYUvrEmaVLU-unsplash-120x73.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3>Our Recommendations for Quartz Watches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product47375-2129_cropped.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product47375-2129_cropped-664x1024.jpg\" alt=\"What is a quartz watch?\" class=\"wp-image-55755\" width=\"183\" height=\"282\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product47375-2129_cropped-664x1024.jpg 664w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product47375-2129_cropped-195x300.jpg 195w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product47375-2129_cropped-768x1184.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product47375-2129_cropped-750x1156.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product47375-2129_cropped-510x786.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product47375-2129_cropped-360x555.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product47375-2129_cropped-300x462.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product47375-2129_cropped-120x185.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product47375-2129_cropped.jpg 794w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 183px) 100vw, 183px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/casio-g-shock-limited-edition-radio-controlled-bluetooth-solar-gmw-b5000d-1er-p-47375\/\">Casio G-Shock Limited Edition Radio Controlled Bluetooth Solar<\/a> GMW-B5000D-1ER<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the brands that thrived in the quartz revolution was Japanese-born <a href=\"https:\/\/www.casio.co.uk\/\">Casio<\/a>. Even today, they remain one of the most influential quartz-oriented brands in the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We love the aesthetic simplicity but mechanical maximalism of this Casio G-Shock piece. A nod to the brand\u2019s heritage, it&#8217;s a quintessentially Casio design. Its digital dial display is housed in a 43.2 mm stainless steel case and finished with a matching bracelet. Although it boasts a slim profile, it&#8217;s packed full of functionality. The first feature is its Bluetooth connectivity, which enables functions like the phone finder. Other functions include alarms, an LED backlight, a stopwatch and a lap timer, as well as a world time function. As it&#8217;s radio-controlled, you can also be assured that all timing functions are exceptionally accurate. Additionally, it&#8217;s also incredibly durable with a water resistance of 200 metres and temperature resistance of up to -10\u00b0C. This is partly owing to its core guard structure, which also protects it against shock and vibration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And to top it all off, it&#8217;s solar-powered, meaning it&#8217;s both sustainable and long-lasting. A truly outstanding quartz piece.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product94414-5932_cropped.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product94414-5932_cropped-603x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55758\" width=\"192\" height=\"326\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product94414-5932_cropped-603x1024.jpg 603w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product94414-5932_cropped-177x300.jpg 177w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product94414-5932_cropped-768x1304.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product94414-5932_cropped-750x1274.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product94414-5932_cropped-510x866.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product94414-5932_cropped-360x611.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product94414-5932_cropped-300x509.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product94414-5932_cropped-120x204.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product94414-5932_cropped.jpg 812w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 192px) 100vw, 192px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/sternglas-naos-quartz-38mm-white-dial-brown-leather-s01-na01-pr04-p-94414\/\">STERNGLAS Naos Quartz (38mm) White Dial \/ Brown Leather<\/a> S01-NA01-PR04<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sternglas.com\/\">Sternglas<\/a> piece exemplifies how you don\u2019t have to sacrifice a traditional design for the benefits of a quartz movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At its centre is a clean white dial coupled with crisp baton indices. To subtly optimise the dial\u2019s legibility, the hour markers are longer at alternating positions. Moreover, at each even-hour position, the batons are accented with double-digit Arabic numerals to complete the contemporary design. Above the 6 o\u2019clock hour marker, there is also a neat date display as an added functional touch. For a traditional edge, two blued hands indicate the hour and minutes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Housing both the dial and Swiss-made Ronda 714 quartz calibre is a circular stainless steel case. In diameter, it measures 38mm in diameter and has a slim profile thickness of 6mm. Finally, completing the silhouette is a brown soft calf leather strap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped-643x1024.jpg\" alt=\"What is a quartz watch?\" class=\"wp-image-55761\" width=\"188\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped-643x1024.jpg 643w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped-188x300.jpg 188w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped-768x1223.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped-965x1536.jpg 965w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped-1286x2048.jpg 1286w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped-1110x1767.jpg 1110w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped-930x1481.jpg 930w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped-750x1194.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped-510x812.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped-360x573.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped-300x478.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped-120x191.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product122324-1734_cropped.jpg 1520w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 188px) 100vw, 188px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/seiko-prospex-black-on-black-one-hundredth-of-a-second-speedtimer-chronograph-sfj003p1-p-122324\/\">Seiko Prospex \u2018Black On Black\u2019 One Hundredth Of A Second Speedtimer Chronograph<\/a> SFJ003P1<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.seikowatches.com\/\">Seiko<\/a> is also at the top of its game in the quartz industry. Its recently released Prospex Speedtimer is the embodiment of an exceptionally performing solar quartz chronograph, made particularly appealing by its unique look.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of one main dial, the watch\u2019s functions split into four subdials. The lowermost subdial displays the primary hour and minute functions, whilst the other three divide up the chronographic functions. The chronograph itself is incredibly accurate and has the ability to measure time to one-hundredth of a second. Framed in a 42mm stainless steel case, both the background and the subdials themselves are black with steel trimmings. Finally, an elegant three-link stainless steel bracelet secures the watch to the wrist.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product123200-9506_cropped-1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product123200-9506_cropped-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-55764\" width=\"204\" height=\"317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product123200-9506_cropped-1.jpg 486w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product123200-9506_cropped-1-193x300.jpg 193w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product123200-9506_cropped-1-360x560.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product123200-9506_cropped-1-300x467.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product123200-9506_cropped-1-120x187.jpg 120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 204px) 100vw, 204px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/citizen-womens-moonphase-eco-drive-365mm-mother-of-pearl-dial-gold-stainless-steel-bracelet-fd0002-57d-p-123200\/\">Citizen Women&#8217;s Moonphase Eco-Drive (36.5mm) Mother-of-Pearl Dial \/ Gold Stainless Steel Bracelet<\/a> FD0002-57D<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>One of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizenwatch.co.uk\/\">Citizen<\/a>\u2019s specialities is its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/2023\/08\/best-japanese-watch-brands\/\">Eco-Drive technology<\/a>, which is the brand\u2019s exclusive solar-powered quartz movement. Impressively, Eco-Drive models can last up to six months on a singular full charge and take power from both artificial and natural light. It powers much of the brand\u2019s portfolio, including this stunning gold Moonphase piece.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A dreamy white mother-of-pearl dial set with twelve diamond indices forms the centrepiece of the design. Its off-beat design features three subdials as well as an unusual date ring that encircles the outer dial. Whilst the gold-tone hands indicate hours, minutes, seconds and the date, the subdials display the weekday, month and moon phases. So that the time is readable even in limited lighting, the hour and minute hands feature a luminescent inlay. Topping off this gorgeous design is a luxurious five-link gold stainless steel bracelet.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beautiful and opulent without a hefty price tag, this Citizen is a real winner for us.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product115064-5041_cropped.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product115064-5041_cropped-553x1024.jpg\" alt=\"What is a quartz watch?\" class=\"wp-image-55767\" width=\"190\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product115064-5041_cropped-553x1024.jpg 553w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product115064-5041_cropped-162x300.jpg 162w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product115064-5041_cropped-510x944.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product115064-5041_cropped-360x666.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product115064-5041_cropped-300x555.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product115064-5041_cropped-120x222.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/product115064-5041_cropped.jpg 677w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 190px) 100vw, 190px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasswatches.co.uk\/swatch-louvre-abu-dhabi-the-great-wave-by-hokusai-astrolabe-suoz351-p-115064\/\">Swatch Louvre Abu Dhabi THE GREAT WAVE BY HOKUSAI &amp; ASTROLABE<\/a> SUOZ351<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>For a fun closing recommendation to round off our list, a Swatch is a must. One of our particular favourite collections is the brand\u2019s Art Journey line, which transforms masterpieces into wearable works of art.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In collaboration with the Louvre Abu Dhabi, this particular piece features extracts from Hokusai\u2019s \u2018The Great Wave\u2019 and \u2018The Astrolabe\u2019 by Muhammad ibn Ahmad Al-Batt\u00fbt\u00ee. Hokusai\u2019s painting extends across the plastic case, dial and silicone strap. Meanwhile, the \u2018Astrolabe\u2019 coats the underside of the watch. Emphasising the incredible detail in the painting, the dial only features two steel hour and minute hands. To contrast them, there is also a bright red second hand. So that the watch makes an unmissable statement on the wrist, the case measures a sturdy 41mm in width. Fun, playful, and perfect for budding art lovers, this Swatch is a brilliant everyday quartz piece.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope that our post today clarified what a quartz watch is and that you liked our quartz recommendations! But, to help out some budding watch collectors, be sure to leave your favourite quartz pieces down below.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After covering hand-wound watches and automatic watches, naturally, today we move on to quartz watches. Quartz is the youngest of the three types of watch movement and works very differently&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":55773,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[11,28],"tags":[14958,7001,14880,14955],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v18.4.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is a quartz watch? - First Class Watches Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"They&#039;re one of the most popular movement types today, but what is a quartz watch? 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