Round-UpThe Perfect 10: Quartz Watches That Define Precision And Superior Aesthetics

The ultimate stroke of genius graced the watch industry in 1969—the accurate quartz crystal-powered movement. The 60s were a decade of events and inventions, but it was all somewhat jaded by the explosion of the quartz movement on December 25, 1969. Seiko’s brainchild, the phenomenon of the quartz wristwatch posed a serious threat to mechanical watches, which were a symbol of luxury and distinction. Quartz watches created a furore in the watch industry as now everyone could be a proud owner of a timepiece promising shocking precision without charring a hole in your pocket.

Seiko devised the first quartz watch but the trend that spread like wildfire not only threatened the existence of Swiss mechanical watch industry, but also had to be adopted by them in a bid to survive. So much so that brands such as Rolex too jumped onto the bandwagon. Even though these watches are considered to lack the ‘soul’ of mechanical watches, they cannot be written off despite their bulk production and lucrative price range.

The Watch Guide lists down 10 quartz watches that are particularly impressive for what they have to offer. Ranging from fashion brands such as Hugo Boss and Fossil, to pioneering watchmaking brands such as Seiko and Alpina, these watches stay true to the reputation of quartz watches being affordable. All these timepieces are available for under ₹50,000.

Seiko Prospex

It is only fitting to begin this list with the very brand that revolutionised and continues to set standards for quartz technology worldwide. Driven by innovation, this Seiko Prospex timepiece is a globetrotter powered by Seiko’s renowned solar technology. Extremely durable, the highlight of the watch is the dual time zone feature, which allows you to keep a track of local time while on the go while also displaying the time of your home city. Its accuracy remains undeterred, deviating only about ±15 seconds per month. The watch is available in a handsome, 44.6mm stainless steel case, with a black dial that is busy but not cluttered. Furthermore, it is extremely legible due to the superior LumiBrite on the hands and indexes. It houses three sub-dials for the chronograph function, a power reserve indicator and a date window at four o’clock. The quartz watch also has functions such as a daily alarm, overcharge prevention and a world time feature. All in all, this quartz timepiece is a brilliant investment for there is no need to reset the time making it hassle-free.

Tissot T-Race Cycling

Tissot packs in sporty adrenaline and renders it is so glamorously that this T-Race quartz timepiece is going to be your indispensable everyday watch from the moment you strap it on. The T-Race collection is an ode to bikers worldwide, but its racing aesthetics appeal to all outdoor aficionados alike. The solid 44.5mm case made of stainless steel cuts a minimalistic image with grey PVD coating which is in stark contrast to the yellow seen in the chronograph hand, strap and outer bezel. Every feature on the watch makes an analogy to a racing cycle. For instance, the pushers on the case are representative of the brakes seen on these cycles while the black strip on the strap is tailored after the tyres. Even the sub-dials create the illusion of a bike silhouette. This watch is not just a pretty face though, as the Swiss quartz movement—the ETA G10.211—powers a 60-second timer, a 1/10th-second timer, a 30-minute timer and a date window. The watch is a robust, masculine chronograph designed for daring individuals who are far from ordinary.

Movado Edge

A dress watch so spectacular, this will not only add a dash of glamour on the wrist, but will also garner unassailable appreciation from onlookers. Clean, clear and enticing, this amalgamation of modern art and horology is powered by a minute yet precise quartz movement. An aesthetic brainchild of Swiss designer Yves Béhar, the 40mm stainless steel case with tube-style lugs exudes a contemporary vibe. However, the highlight of the watch lies in the sculpted, concave silver-toned dial, which has the iconic Movado dot at 12 o’clock. The artistic aspect is exemplified by the ray-textured edges, while the hour hand in matte stainless steel adds to the legibility of the watch. With an exquisite brown leather strap, the minimalistic appeal of the watch is right up the alley of those who believe in stylish timekeeping without flaunting too much.

Victorinox I.N.O.X.

If you are looking for a quartz watch that is virtually indestructible, backed by a name with over 130 years of creating sturdy, military-grade tools, then the answer is the I.N.O.X. by Victorinox. The supremely solid watch is built to survive the worst conditions, and it is the everyday watch that can be put to test and still handle the most rigorous situations. Inherently durable, courtesy the Victorinox genes, the 43mm steel case with beefy protrusions around the crown and lugs are the genesis an unbreakable image. The robust dial infuses boldness, drenched in black, while legibility is evidently of paramount importance, as simple indices with lume denote the hours. A functional tool watch, it has a date window between four and five o’clock. The watch gets a rigorous nod of approval as it comes fitted with an extremely comfortable strap in the same colour as the dial. The watch is unquestionably accurate as it is powered by Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement and is a steal for the price it is available at.

Alpina Startimer Pilot Big Date Chronograph Military

With Alpina’s Swiss watchmaking legacy of over 130 years, you can rest assured that this quartz watch delivers way beyond its pleasant aesthetics. Featuring a dial design inspired by watches specially created for military pilots, this chronograph displays an assortment of numerals and indices, skipping 10 and two o’clock, by giving prominence to the three sub-dials that take centre-stage. Even the three pushers fixed securely on the 44mm stainless steel case with black PVD are reminiscent of vintage pilot watches which allowed pilots to access the watch function without taking off their gloves. The watch has a host of features such as a chronograph, a big date window and a beautifully engraved caseback depicting the picturesque Alps. The quartz movement (AL-372) that powers this watch endows it with a mammoth power reserve of 48 hours, with 13 jewels. It is truly a svelte treasure from Alpina, a brand that delivers impeccable lifestyle-sport watches at very affordable prices as compared with several other Swiss contemporaries.

Casio G-Shock

All that glitters is gold and Casio delivers the gloss you need in a quartz watch to drown out any competition. The all-rounder watch from the G-Shock series is built to endure mud, sweat, and everything you throw its way, with nothing impacting its good looks. A favourite with celebrities such as Eminem, Pharrell Williams, Chris Martin, Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Bradley Cooper and many more, the Casio G shock promises to make you feel like an empowered star. The extra-large case sizes up to 51mm and marks its presence on the wrist secured by a solid resin band. The gold face of the watch illuminates against a black dial and the quartz movement supports high-tech features such as the time in 29 cities from around the world, an auto light switch, a complete auto-calendar till 2099. All of this is water resistant up to 200m. A stellar watch with an ocean of features, all this is for less than 10K!

Swiss Military Chrono

The ultimate quartz offering comes from Swiss Military, matched with outstanding quality and aesthetics. The watch is the right timepiece for those who are always on the lookout for a new adventure, be it at business or leisure.  The fashionable watch has black dial with stencilled Arabic numerals at 12, three, six and nine o’clock, while the inner peripheral has a 24-hour military, analogue dial. The 40mm steel case sits perfectly on a masculine wrist and has a single, functional crown to set time. The watch altogether is rugged enough to take on mighty challenges, especially with its durable leather strap. The black leather band comes with a pin buckle and a double loop, enhancing the sportive look.

AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II

Inspired by the Hawker Harrier—a fighter plane reputed as a technological miracle—this watch is no different. The case of the watch is crafted out of 316L stainless steel and measures 45mm while the caseback exhibits a jet turbine motif. The pushers on the watch are piston-styled for easy handling and accessibility. The über-sporty, three-dimensional blue dial has myriad textures and is reminiscent of an altimeter, set with sword-shaped hour and minute hands. Though extremely busy with a day indicator, a date window, a retrograde display and a running seconds disc, it is still legible. Equipped with a Miyota FS80 retrograde chronograph quartz movement and a genuine leather strap in a blue hue to match the dial, AVI-8 has set mighty standards for quartz watches.

Hugo Boss Orange

Fusing in the best of new-age vigour, edgy designs and a 93-year-old legacy, the Hugo Boss Orange collection is suave. The sleek watch exudes a laidback perception with a 46mm steel and black PVD case that makes a bold statement with a vibrant dial. The black ‘sand-inspired dial’ has three sub dials at 12, six and nine o’clock and contrasting silver hour markers. The quirky orange hue of the Hugo Boss logo, chronograph hand and in the crown strikes a chord with the easy-going millennial. The quartz movement makes the watch precise to the T, and the natural grained, brown leather strap adds to the style quotient.

Fossil Coachman

A vintage-inspired design with rugged appeal and powered by a quartz movement, Fossil offers a watch made to stand out in any given occasion. ‘Built to outlast fleeting trends’, the watch cuts a sharp figure flaunting a 44mm steel case with pushers to operate the tachymeter and set the time. The handsome black analogue dial has fine gold details to highlight the date window and the three sub-dials that indicate the chronograph function, running seconds and 24-hour indicator. The multifunctional watch effortlessly delivers on the rich style quotient with a high-quality, brown leather cuff. With an ability to withstand water depth of 100ft, it is extremely precise owing to the Japanese quartz movement, and it will surely prove to be a worthy investment. The timepiece promises to complement a business ensemble as effortlessly as it can transform into a perfect accessory by night.

 Military, dress, sportive or tool, quartz watches come in all sizes, hues and shapes. There is something for everyone. Do mention which one you would pick in the comments section below.

 All the above quartz watches are available at Ethos Watch Boutiques