[toc]
Watch movement is quite important. There are many choices, from automatic to mechanical, and of course, quartz. The inner mechanics of watches are getting more advanced year by year, and the simple quartz movement seems almost outdated compared to their counterparts. However, the other movements have nothing on the quartz watch in terms of price, maintenance, and accuracy.
Sure, a quartz watch is not a master art piece, but most people who purchase these mid-range watches are focused more on the basics of time-telling. Quartz movement is pretty great, and even some big-name luxury brands, such as Tag Heuer, have adopted the quartz into their product lineup.
A quartz watch offers the best of both worlds – accuracy, and affordability. The best quartz watches will be low maintenance and last for quite a while. They also come in cheaper watch models but still offer superior performance. Let’s take a look at our very own best quartz watches lineup.
View The Best Quartz Watch Below
1. Fossil Townsman Quartz Watch
Slightly fancier than a dress watch, this beautiful work of art from Fossil features a blue dial sitting snugly in a stainless steel case with a 3-hand analog display and two chronograph dials. Most chronograph watches are pretty heavy duty and feature many knobs and markers, but this one tones down the traditional look for a more sophisticated quartz watch that will go with the simplest of outfits.
The genuine brown leather strap just feels high quality and soft, giving you maximum comfort. The watch also boasts water resistance of 50 m, which is great for light water sports but not serious diving.
Pros:
+ Low-key chronograph design
+ Stainless steel case
+ Quartz movements
+ Genuine leather strap
Why We Like It – If the genuine leather strap isn’t to your liking, Fossil offers interchangeable bands for all their watch designs!
2. Seiko COUTURA
They may as well have named the watch the “Cobra.” The interesting shape of the metal links gives the stainless steel watch case and band a snake-like look. The black dial is covered by a synthetic sapphire crystal lens that keeps the surface safe from scratches and bumps.
Another chronograph design, this Coutura features a perpetual calendar window that keeps track of the date accurately up to the last day of the year 2099. What’s awesome about this quartz watch is it also receives radio signals! Get an accurate time in 25 different time zones, complete with an overcharge prevention function.
Pros:
+ Stainless steel watch case
+ Sapphire crystal lens
+ 25 time zones
+ Receives radio signals
Why We Like It – The Seiko Coutra quartz movement watch is prepared to give you accurate time and dates in 25 different time zones up to the year 2099!
3. Infantry Military Wrist Watch
If you want something more understated and not as complicated as chronograph watches, this military wristwatch does everything the more advanced watches can do in terms of timekeeping. The Japanese quartz movement is low-maintenance and will last. The Arabic numeral markers on the black dial feature both 12 and 24 hour time.
It’s a watch suitable for the military because of its stainless steel case and mineral crystal lens. It’s only suitable for daily wear and not extreme water sports. Feel free to wear it as you run your hands under the tap, but don’t keep it on for baths and showers.
Pros:
+ Military-grade build and black dial
+ Features both 12 and 24-hour time
+ Mineral crystal lens
+ Japanese quartz movement
Why We Like It – It features a simpler black dial design that still gives accurate time in both 12 and 24-hour formats, depending on which you are more used to.
4. Invicta Pro Diver Quartz Watch
This is one of our favorites, and not only because it comes in different colors, but because of the affordable price and sleek exterior. Choose from gold, silver, or two-tone stainless steel watch bands with either black or blue dials. It’s called a pro diver watch, and not without good reason.
This quartz watch is water-resistant up to 200m! Invicta is Latin for “invincible”, which is properly named. The supreme craftsmanship with the stainless steel case and band, plus flame fusion crystal dial window, is a recipe for a watch that truly is “invincible.”
Pros:
+ Stainless steel case
+ Various colors and dial faces
+ 200 m water-resistance, a true pro diver watch
+ Date window at 3-hour mark
Why We Like It – We love how price doesn’t always have a direct effect on the overall feel and look of a product. For an affordable price, the Invicta Pro Diver Quartz Watch looks very luxurious.
5. Seiko RECRAFT Series
Japanese brands utilize the Japanese quartz movement for supreme accuracy. Once the watch is fully charged, it features a power reserve that lasts for six months! No battery is required, just natural or indoor lighting – talk about sustainability! Don’t let the nylon band fool you – the watch is suitable for water sports and is waterproof up to 100m!
The stainless steel case holds a blue dial with Lumibrite hands that allows you to tell the time even in low light environments. It also features a date calendar, and the chronograph measures 60 mins in 1/5 increments.
Pros:
+ No battery required
+ Accurate quartz movement
+ 100m of water-resistance
+ Power reserve of up to 6 months!
Why We Like It – Quartz movement in watches not only provides accurate time but also low maintenance. As a light-powered watch, you can expect this model to last a lifetime!
6. Casio Super Illuminator Diver Watch
This is a three-hand analog display watch. The second-hand arrow features a red tip to make it easy to follow against the black dial. The robust design on these quartz watches have an anti-reverse rotary bezel and also features a day and date display, so you never forget which day of the week it is.
The mineral glass surface protects the watch dial from minor bumps and scrapes. The entire watch case measures at 44mm, a pretty standard size for men’s quartz watches, and will complement almost any wrist size.
Pros:
+ Water-resistant up to 330 ft
+ Lightweight stainless steel design
+ Mineral glass window
+ Anti-reverse rotary bezel
Why We Like It – It offers a heavy-duty chronograph and accurate time with the quartz movement. Dive deep and still be able to tell time with the super illuminator LED light.
7. Bulova Classic Quartz Watch
If you like the simplicity and sophistication of a Rolex, you can get the same style from these much more affordable quartz watches. The quartz movement powers this two-tone stainless steel watch. The dial is covered safely and securely with mineral glass. Quartz watches not only tell the time but also the date as well, with date windows over the 3-hour mark like this classic design.
It also features a second hand, aside from the minute and hour markers, and is water-resistant up to 30m, making it more splashproof than anything else. Measuring at 39mm, this watch is great for ladies and gentlemen who are after a refined watch.
Pros:
+ Stainless steel watch case and band
+ Mineral glass window
+ Date window
+ Water-resistant up to 30 m
Why We Like It – Not only does it feature a date window, but it also features a day window that sits nicely at the top of the dial.
8. Victorinox Original Watch
This watch runs on Swiss quartz, which is more coveted than Japanese quartz. It features a stainless steel case and an aluminum top ring, which makes this watch also extra lightweight. To add to its lightness, the band is nylon. It not only offers breathability but flexibility as well.
The black dial is simple, only featuring 12/24 hour time, three hands, and a date window. It’s perfectly suited to those who just want a simple timepiece to tell the accurate time, date and nothing more. You also won’t need to take off this watch when you wash your hands and even when you go swimming!
Pros:
+ Water-resistant up to 100m
+ Simple black dial design
+ Lightweight
+ Swiss quartz movement
Why We Like It – Even for such a simple watch, it’s more waterproof than a lot of other options. It can even go swimming with you.
9. Citizen Quartz Watch
Citizen is a trusted brand for reliable timepieces, and that includes their quartz watches. The beautiful metallic blue dial is the perfect contrast to the silver stainless steel watch case and bracelet. There are no numeral hour markers; the only numbers you will see are found in the day-date window.
This sleek and stylish timepiece comes from a brand known for innovation and pioneering the watch-making industry. You can fasten the quartz watch around your wrist with one hand, thanks to the foldover clasp.
Pros:
+ Quartz movement
+ Stainless steel silver
+ Day and date window
+ Mineral glass lens
Why We Like It – We like this stylish design. It just exudes simplicity and makes for a perfect accessory to complement any outfit.
10. Casio Quartz Resin Watch
Sometimes the thought of a metallic watch can be too heavy, and a nylon or fabric watch can be too restricting. Enter the resin watchband. The black resin case and white dial are protected by mineral crystal glass. There never was a simpler watch face, without any fancy frills or extra add-ons.
This watch will tell time, and that’s it. It’s also a smaller design, at 35mm. This men’s watch will also look good on any women’s wrists too. This simple watch is also water-resistant, but only up to 50m, so remember to take it off for water activities.
Pros:
+ Quartz movement
+ Resin band and case
+ The embodiment of simplicity
+ Mineral crystal glass
Why We Like It – We like how easy this watch is; the black resin is soft and flexible, and the simple watch dial makes telling time easy.
Quartz Watch Buyer’s Guide
Quartz watches are ubiquitous in the watch industry, but that doesn’t make them any less sought-after. These options require much less of your attention compared to mechanical and automatic options. It might need maybe just the occasional change of the battery (unless you have a light-powered quartz watch).
This is a quartz watch that offers the best in price and requires a little amount of care. We know that quartz is among the most accurate movements, and accuracy is what you will get. What else can you expect from a quartz watch? Read on to find out!
Accuracy
Quartz movement nowadays is the epitome of accuracy and reliability. So much so in fact that they can be used for celestial navigation. These quartz watch second hand beats one movement per second, and that will never change. This is also the reason why they are so accurate.
Since quartz watches are known for accuracy, this isn’t something you need to specifically pay attention to when searching for the best quartz. Japanese and Swiss quartz are among the best and tested for their supreme performance.
Water-Resistance
It boggles the mind how not all watches are waterproof. You would expect them to be in this day and age, but you can’t have everything. For convenience and the longevity of your watch, we would suggest models that are waterproof down to at least 50m. Anything more than that can endure light swimming and water sports, but maybe not diving.
Anything less than 50m would only be splashproof, meaning you don’t necessarily need to take it off when you wash your hands, but you need to before swimming. Watches that have the capability of up to 200m are diver watches, meaning they can go deep into the vast ocean with you.
Does Brand Matter?
A lot of people wonder if the brand really matters. You may not need to purchase a Tag Heuer to get accurate quartz movement; a reliable Seiko can do the job just as well. We would advise you to buy from a reputable brand if you are thinking about purchasing a mechanical watch because the craftsmanship is something that requires years of experience to perfect. A watch brand often has decades, and sometimes a century, of accumulated skill that can be seen and felt in every mm of your timepiece.
While a Tag Heuer is nice, when it comes to the best quartz watches, you can settle for a Casio or Citizen. If you are going for quartz in watches, the brand matters a bit less. Also, keep in mind that if the watch features the word “Swiss” stamped anywhere, the pricing could also jump up, even though Japanese quartz is just as accurate.
Watch Crystal
The watch crystal is what protects your watch dial from damage. The best quartz watches will have sapphire crystal windows as they are the most resilient to abrasion and external force. However, don’t fret if your dream watch doesn’t have the sapphire crystal and instead features a mineral crystal window. Sapphire crystals are the premium choice but are also more often seen in higher-end watches.
Material
Watch cases and bands come in a variety of materials. For mid-range models, and any model really, (unless you can afford 18/24k plated gold) we suggest a stainless steel case. It’s rust and corrosion-proof and is somewhat comfortable and lightweight. Yes, a leather strap would feel much softer against your skin, but it isn’t waterproof.
Nylon holds in moisture which could irritate your skin. We also have resin, which is also lightweight, but nowhere near as durable as stainless steel. The best watch cases will come in aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum is much lighter, but again, steel is much more durable. Think about what you’ll be wearing the watch for the most, and what sort of occasion.
Functions
We won’t say the best quartz watches must have certain features because we all have different needs. Sometimes a stainless steel case is all that matters, while other people need a heavy-duty chronograph watch with a day and date window, alarm clocks, and light power. Decide what’s important to you to find your best watch.
The Band
Do you want a strap or a bracelet watch? A strap is locked in place with a buckle and usually comes in leather, nylon or resin and silicone. Bracelet watch straps have links or mesh and are usually some type of metal. This is more a consideration for style, as both are comfortable.
Why is A Quartz Watch So Accurate?
Everywhere you go you hear people say that quartz watches are accurate, but has anyone ever asked why? The first one was created in 1972, and the quartz movement has been a consistent presence in the watch industry ever since. The mineral quartz is piezoelectric, which means that when the crystal is charged with electricity, it vibrates.
They always vibrate at the same frequency, which can be used to tell time accurately when placed in a watch. The power in a quartz watch, either from battery or light, is constantly being charged through the quartz crystal. As it vibrates, at 32,678 times per second to be exact, it measures the passage of time accurately.
Conclusion
Quartz movement comes from a natural substance placed in a manmade device, and it has been offering humans accurate time since 1972. As the technology is perfected (even used in tandem with light power), these quartz watches become more advanced year after year.
Luckily for consumers, something that seems like it should cost an arm and a leg is actually the most affordable option. With quartz movement embedded in low-end to luxurious designer watches, the price of this reliable technology is up to you.
Did You Know?
Quartz crystals always vibrate the same number of times every second, which is 32,678. Who can say they knew that number off the top of their heads?
Expert Tip
To maintain your quartz watch, all you need to do is to store it away from sunlight in a cool and dry place. Sapphire crystal windows are the toughest, but they can also trap heat and intensify the light (much like a magnifying glass), which can harm the mechanisms within your watch.
