A quartz watch measures time by using electrical energy from a battery to make a quartz crystal oscillate 32,768 times per second. Because this oscillation is far more stable than a mechanical movement, quartz watches drift by only 15–20 seconds per month; mechanical watches drift by several seconds per day. The advantages are high accuracy, a slim case and low maintenance; the disadvantages are a battery change every 2–4 years and the absence of craftsmanship value.
The vast majority of wristwatches produced in the world today run on a quartz movement. Even so, quartz is often dismissed in watch conversations as "the cheap option". Yet the quartz movement is the most radical technical leap in the history of watchmaking, and in timekeeping accuracy it still stands well ahead of mechanical watches. This guide explains how a quartz watch works, when it is a more sensible choice than an automatic, how many years it lasts and how to care for it.
In 30 seconds
- How it works: battery → quartz crystal at 32,768 Hz → circuit counts → stepper motor moves the hands.
- Accuracy: ±15–20 sec per month (mechanical: ±5–15 sec per day).
- Maintenance: a battery every 2–4 years, with a gasket check; no servicing.
- Case: the slimmest; 7–9 mm is possible in women's watches.
- Lifespan: 10–20 years with regular battery and gasket care.
What is a quartz watch and how does it work?
Short answer: Four components: a battery, a quartz crystal, an integrated circuit and a stepper motor. The battery supplies current, the crystal oscillates 32,768 times per second through the piezoelectric effect, the circuit counts these oscillations and converts them into one second, and the stepper motor advances the hands one step every second. This is why the seconds hand moves with a "tick, tick".
- Battery. Supplies a steady electrical current to the circuit; in wristwatches, silver oxide at 1.55 V.
- Quartz crystal. Cut in the form of a tiny tuning fork; when electricity is applied it oscillates through the piezoelectric effect. The frequency is exactly 32,768 per second.
- Integrated circuit. Counts the oscillations and converts 32,768 of them into one second.
- Stepper motor. Receives one electrical pulse every second and moves the hour and minute hands.
The number 32,768 is no coincidence: it equals 2 to the power of 15. The circuit reduces the oscillation to one second through fifteen successive halvings, a very simple and energy-efficient process. In Turkish, "kuvars saat" and "quartz saat" mean the same thing.
The quartz revolution: a short history
Short answer: The first commercial quartz wristwatch was introduced in 1969 (the Seiko Astron). Over the following decade, because quartz could be produced both more accurately and far more cheaply, the Swiss watch industry went through the "quartz crisis" and repositioned itself around craftsmanship and design. Today's landscape is the product of that transformation: quartz represents function, the mechanical watch represents craft; they are not rivals but answers to different questions.
What are the advantages of a quartz watch?
- High accuracy. A standard quartz watch drifts by ±15–20 seconds per month; for a good mechanical watch the figure is ±5–10 seconds per day.
- Slim case. A quartz movement takes up less space; this is why 7–9 mm slim cases are possible in women's watches.
- "Put it on and forget it" comfort. An automatic watch stops if it is not worn for a few days; a quartz watch keeps accurate time even while waiting in a drawer.
- Low maintenance cost. Mechanical watches need a full service every few years; quartz usually needs nothing more than a battery change.
- More resistant to shocks. There are fewer delicate mechanical parts.
- Accessible price. At the same material and design quality, quartz is noticeably more affordable than its mechanical counterpart; a larger share of the budget goes to the case, crystal and design.
What are the disadvantages of a quartz watch?
- Battery dependence. A battery change is needed every 2–4 years and should be carried out by an authorised service centre.
- Absence of craftsmanship value. A quartz movement is a product of engineering; if hand finishing and the aesthetics of complications are what you are looking for, it will not deliver them.
- Resale value. Collectable value generally forms around mechanical watches.
- Movement of the seconds hand. The stepped "tick, tick" motion can be considered an aesthetic shortcoming by those who love the smooth sweep of an automatic watch.
Quartz or automatic? Comparison table
Short answer: If timekeeping accuracy, a slim case, low maintenance and irregular wear matter, quartz; if craftsmanship, battery-free operation and collectable value are what you are after, automatic. For someone who does not wear their watch every day, quartz is noticeably more practical.
| Quartz | Automatic | Hand-wound mechanical | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power source | Battery | Wrist motion (rotor) | Manual winding |
| Typical drift | ±15–20 sec per month | ±5–15 sec per day | ±5–20 sec per day |
| Maintenance | Battery every 2–4 years | Service every 4–7 years | Service every 4–7 years |
| Case thickness | Slimmest | Thick | Medium |
| When not worn | Keeps running | Stops in 1–3 days | Stops in 1–2 days |
| Seconds hand | Jumps once a second | Smooth sweep | Smooth sweep |
| Defining value | Function and accuracy | Craft and continuity | Tradition and ritual |
The technical reason quartz is so common in women's watches is case thickness; for the relationship between measurements, see how to choose a women's watch. For an assessment of brands by the source of their movements: the best watch brands.
How long does a quartz watch battery last?
Short answer: On average 2–4 years; 3–5 years in simple three-hand models, shorter in date and chronograph models. The circuit runs and the battery drains even when the watch is not worn; if a dead battery stays inside for a long time, it can leak and cause permanent damage to the movement.
Some quartz watches have an EOL (End of Life) indicator: the seconds hand jumps every 2 or 4 seconds instead of every second, meaning the battery will run out within a few weeks. For a battery life table by type, battery codes (such as SR626SW) and the replacement process: how long does a watch battery last.
How many years does a quartz watch last?
Short answer: 10–20 years with regular battery changes and gasket care. The case, crystal and strap wear out before the movement; if the movement fails, most quartz calibres can be replaced at a reasonable cost rather than repaired. The most common cause of a shortened lifespan is a dead battery left inside the watch for a long time.
How do you care for a quartz watch?
- Have the battery changed by an authorised service centre. When the case back is opened, the gasket should be checked and replaced if necessary; otherwise water resistance is lost. At Dice Kayek, battery replacement is not covered by the warranty and is carried out by the authorised service centre: warranty and service.
- Keep the crown fully closed. A crown left half open after setting the time is the most common way water reaches the movement.
- Keep it away from magnetic fields. Quartz watches are less affected by magnetism than mechanical watches; still, strong magnets (speakers, some bag clasps) can affect the stepper motor.
- Clean the strap regularly: watch strap types.
- If you will not be using it for a long time, have the battery removed; this eliminates the risk of leakage. General habits: watch care guide.
Who is quartz the right choice for?
- Those who do not wear their watch every day. An automatic watch stops if it is not worn regularly; quartz does not.
- Those who want a slim case. Especially decisive for proportion on slender wrists.
- Those who do not want the burden of maintenance. Nothing beyond a battery change is needed.
- Those buying a gift. When it is unknown whether the recipient will look after a watch, quartz is the safest choice: what to consider when giving a woman a watch.
- Those who want better materials for the same budget. A quartz movement allows a larger share of the budget to go to the case, crystal and design.
Models with a quartz movement
The strip below reads stock levels live; sold-out models do not appear in the list. The entire Dice Kayek collection runs on quartz movements.
Additional function
Date and multifunction models
Everyday practicality with a date window and multifunction dial options. A quartz movement, a solid stainless steel case and hardened mineral crystal are standard on all models; the water resistance rating is stated on the product page.
Explore date watches →Frequently asked questions
What is a quartz watch?
A quartz watch measures time by using electrical energy from a battery to make a quartz crystal oscillate 32,768 times per second. An integrated circuit counts these oscillations and converts them into seconds, and a stepper motor moves the hour and minute hands. This construction delivers far higher timekeeping accuracy than a mechanical movement.
How much does a quartz watch drift?
A standard quartz watch drifts by roughly ±15–20 seconds per month. For comparison, a well-regulated mechanical watch drifts by ±5–15 seconds per day, so its total monthly deviation is far higher.
Which is better, quartz or automatic?
They answer different needs. If timekeeping accuracy, a slim case, low maintenance and irregular wear matter, quartz is the better fit; if craftsmanship, battery-free operation and collectable value are what you are after, automatic is more suitable. For someone who does not wear their watch every day, quartz is noticeably more practical.
How many years does a quartz watch last?
With regular battery changes and gasket care, a quartz watch runs without trouble for 10–20 years; the case, crystal and strap wear out before the movement does. If the movement fails, most quartz calibres can be replaced at a reasonable cost rather than repaired. Leaving a dead battery inside for a long time is the most common cause of a shortened lifespan.
How long does a quartz watch battery last?
On average 2–4 years. Additional functions such as a date or chronograph, extreme temperatures and low-quality batteries shorten this period. The circuit keeps running even when the watch is not worn, so the battery still drains.
What happens when a quartz watch battery dies?
The watch stops. Some models have an EOL (End of Life) indicator: the seconds hand jumps every 2 or 4 seconds instead of every second. Because a dead battery left inside the watch for a long time can leak and cause permanent damage to the movement, the battery should be replaced promptly.
Are quartz watches good quality?
Quality is determined by materials and manufacturing standards, not by the type of movement. At the same budget, a quartz movement generally allows better material quality, because a larger share of the budget can go to the case, crystal and design. In timekeeping accuracy, quartz is ahead of mechanical movements.
About this article
Prepared by: Dice Kayek Timepieces Editorial Team · Editorial review: Dice Kayek product and customer experience team · Last updated: 22 September 2026
Movement information is based on technical standards widely accepted in watchmaking; drift and battery life figures are averages and vary by model and use. The entire Dice Kayek Timepieces collection runs on quartz movements.
Related guides: Watch care guide · Warranty and service · Frequently asked questions
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