Choosing a watch isn’t just about telling time - it’s about aligning with your lifestyle, values, and aspirations. Whether you’re a practical minimalist or a watch lover, this side-by-side comparison of quartz and mechanical watches will help you decide. Let’s dive into their movements, materials, accuracy, cost, and more, so you can pick the best fit.
Movement:
Quartz watches are powered by a battery that sends electricity to a quartz crystal, vibrating 32,768 times per second to drive the hands (second, minute, hour). The seconds hand ‘ticks’ once per second.
While mechanical watches are powered by a wound spring (manual) or wrist motion (automatic). Energy flows through gears and a balance wheel (28,800 vibrations per hour), creating a smooth, sweeping seconds hand.
Quartz watches are known for its low cost, high accuracy, and effortless reliability. While mechanical watches are known for mechanical brilliance, luxury feel, premium materials, unique key functions, and it has an emotional connection to watch enthusiasts.
Materials:
Quartz watch uses lightweight, low-cost materials like mineral glass, plastic, or basic stainless steel. Prioritizes practicality over luxury.
On the other hand, mechanical watch is built with premium quality materials like sapphire crystal (scratch proof), 316L stainless steel, titanium, or 18k gold. Hand polished finishes and engravings add luxury.
Accuracy:
Quartz watches only gains/losses ±15 seconds/month, and has high accuracy without any doubt.
While mechanical watches gains/losses ±5-10 seconds/day. Tiny “imperfections” reflect human craftsmanship. Features like moon phase or tourbillon add artistry, each mechanical watch has a unique soul.
Style & Design:
Quartz watches come in all shapes, they are lightweight, modern, and mimics the luxury styles but lacks depth. Quartz is suitable for sports sessions, gym, travel, or casual outfits.
Mechanical watches have unique designs, mechanical brilliance, and stand out when you need to make a statement at work, weddings, or special events.
When you wear a watch like this, you don’t have to tell who you are and what you do - everyone knows you’re something!
Maintenance:
Quartz watch requires battery replacement every 1-3 years or needs maintenance in case of damage or broken. The maintenance of quartz watch can cost $5-$50.
On the other hand, mechanical watch requires maintenance service every 3-5 years to clean gears and keep it running efficiently, which can cost about $200-$500 per service, but preserves value for decades.
If you own a mechanical watch from Behrens, visit official Behrens Service Center Page to inquire about maintenance and after-sale services.
Price Breakdown:
Quartz watches deliver precision and affordability, which costs around $20 to $1000.
Mechanical watches offer craftsmanship, luxury investment, and legacy. The starting price of a mechanical watch can be $1000 goes up to couple of million dollars. Limited editions often appreciate (e.g Behrens Kung Fu, Behrens Ultralight 11g, Behrens Dark Knight).
Why Mechanical Watches are a Smart Investment?
1. They Grow in Value:
Mechanical watches from respected brands often appreciate due to scarcity and craftsmanship. Limited editions or vintage models become collector’s choice. For example, a $5000 watch would worth $15000+ in next 10 years.
2. Luxury Experience:
The craftsmanship, hand-finished gears, engraved rotors, guilloche dials are the symbol of status and signals refined taste and appreciation for heritage. The limited number of pieces makes them valuable and unique piece of art.
3. Sustainability:
Mechanical watches are built to last for generation, reducing waste compared to disposable quartz watches.
What Should You Choose?
Pick Quartz Watch if You…
· Want a hassle-free, affordable watch.
· Need ultra-precise timekeeping.
· Prefer swapping styles often.
Pick Mechanical Watch If You…
· Want to be a status symbol, and keep something unique and luxury.
· Value craftsmanship and heritage.
· Want a watch that grows in value and meaning.
· Love the ritual of winding or admiring gears.
Discover Behrens Mechanical Watches
While many brands excel in traditional designs, Behrens stands out by redefining mechanical watchmaking:
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Unique & Original Designs
Bold and unique designs, openworked movements that explains mechanical brilliance.
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Luxury Meets Affordability
Premium materials like sapphire crystal and titanium at accessible prices.
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Innovative Mechanics:
In-house movements with extended power reserves and modern durability.
Behrens proves that luxury isn’t about heritage alone—it’s about daring creativity and craftsmanship for the modern era.
Conclusion
Quartz watches are practical tools to tell the time, but mechanical watches are wearable legacies. Whether you prioritize precision or passion, your choice reflects what you value most.
Quartz watches are like smartphones—practical and replaceable. Mechanical watches are like heirloom jewelry—crafted with care and meant to last lifetimes.
For those seeking mechanical brilliance without the traditional price tag, explore Behrens brand that prioritize uniqueness and modern affordability. These watches prove luxury isn’t about following trends—it’s about owning a piece of artistry that tells your story.