What is a quartz watch movement?

What Is a Quartz Watch Movement?

A quartz watch movement is a type of watch mechanism that is powered by a battery and regulated by a quartz crystal. Quartz movements are known for their exceptional accuracy, reliability, and low maintenance, making them one of the most popular choices in modern watchmaking.

Unlike mechanical watches, quartz watches do not rely on springs or manual winding to keep time.

How Does a Quartz Watch Movement Work?

Inside a quartz watch is a small battery that sends an electrical current through a quartz crystal. This causes the crystal to vibrate at a precise frequency (32,768 times per second). These vibrations are converted into regular electrical pulses, which drive a motor that moves the hands or digital display accurately.

This electronic regulation is what gives quartz watches their high level of precision.

Key Characteristics of Quartz Watch Movements

Battery powered
Extremely accurate timekeeping
Low maintenance
Resistant to shocks and everyday wear
Usually feature a ticking seconds hand
Slim and lightweight design

Most quartz watches only require battery replacement every one to three years, depending on the model.

Quartz vs Mechanical Movements

Feature	Quartz	Mechanical
Power Source	Battery	Mainspring
Accuracy	Very high	Slight variation
Maintenance	Minimal	Regular servicing
Seconds Hand	Ticking	Sweeping
Convenience	High	Moderate

Quartz watches are ideal for those who prioritise accuracy and ease of use, while mechanical watches appeal to those who value craftsmanship and tradition.

Why Choose a Quartz Watch?

Reliable and highly accurate
Affordable across many styles and brands
Ideal for everyday wear
Minimal maintenance required
Suitable for sports, dress, and casual watches

Quartz watch movements offer practicality without compromising on style or quality.

Discover Quartz Watches at Clarindon Jewellers

At Clarindon Jewellers, we offer a wide selection of quartz watches, combining precision timekeeping with stylish design. Explore our collection and find a watch that suits your lifestyle and preferences.

The UK’s Leading Independent Luxury & Specialist Watch Retailer

At Clarindon Luxury Watches, we specialise in the world’s finest independent, specialist and luxury watch brands, offering collectors and enthusiasts access to exceptional Swiss, German and heritage timepieces. As one of the UK’s leading independent luxury watch retailers, we curate a carefully selected portfolio of mechanical watches, automatic watches, professional dive watches, pilot watches, chronographs and limited-edition collector models from some of the most respected names in horology.

Our specialist watch collections include renowned Swiss and German manufacturers such as Sinn, Raymond Weil, Doxa, Ball Watch Company, Baume et Mercier, Maurice Lacroix, Squale, Laco, MeisterSinger, Junghans, Mühle Glashütte, Tutima, Fortis, U-Boat, Victorinox, Vulcain and many more. We also proudly showcase independent and enthusiast-led watchmakers including ArtyA, HTD, Orient, Nivada Grenchen, Delma, Davosa, QLOCKTWO and Reservoir, alongside iconic heritage-inspired designs from Orient Star, Giuliano Mazzuoli and Marathon.

As an authorised luxury watch retailer, we provide genuine manufacturer warranties, expert advice and an exceptional customer experience backed by decades of specialist jewellery and watch expertise. From modern sports watches and vintage-inspired timepieces to contemporary independent watchmaking, our collection reflects the very best of global horology.

Explore luxury watches from leading brands, Swiss-made watches and specialist mechanical timepieces at Clarindon — the destination for watch enthusiasts, collectors and discerning buyers across the UK.