Round-UpSeven Watches That Show You Why Quartz Timepieces Command A Lot More Respect Than You Think
As watch enthusiasts, we’re told from the beginning that serious horology is a space only reserved for mechanical timepieces. However, that’s not entirely true. Allow us to change your mind with these superb quartz watches that have a lot more to offer than one might imagine
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When it comes to expensive watchmaking, quartz watches are considered a big ‘no-no’. They cheapen the value of a watch, or a brand even. And of course, they lack the soul of a mechanical watch… Or at least that’s the malarkey we’re fed every single day by countless watch blogs. Don’t get me wrong, mechanical watchmaking very much deserves its place on the high pedestal it’s often put on. To envision hundreds of tiny pieces synchronously working together requires the mind of a genius, and the skill of a craftsperson. But that shouldn’t mean doors should be slammed on the faces of anyone who brings up the ‘Q’ word. Because here’s the thing: quartz watches are amazing at what they do, which is keeping time. And they do so with incredible efficiency, rarely requiring battery changes or servicing. And to be honest, accurate timekeeping is one of the biggest ironies of mechanical watchmaking, with the best of them losing or gaining several seconds a day—a deviation that you’ll see only over months or a year in quartz watches.
Over the last four decades, as the dust of the quartz crisis gradually settled, there have been some wonderful examples of high-end quartz watchmaking. A huge contributor to this is the fact that quartz movements have already hit the nail on the head when it comes to accurate timekeeping, allowing manufacturers to further develop the technology and add other features in. So we decided to round up some of the best and most unique quartz timepieces that are available today, and to prove to you once and for all that one should not look down on this facet of horology.
Breitling Emergency—A Real Life-Saver
A fascinating example of a true tool-watch, the Emergency by Breitling is capable of literally saving your life. Because apart from telling the time through its SuperQuartz movement, it also features an in-built dual-frequency distress beacon. Once activated, the distress beacon will emit an alert signal that will guide rescue operations straight to you. The movement, Breitling claims, is 10 times more accurate than standard quartz and its chronometer-certified by the COSC (the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute). The movement is also thermo-compensated, meaning that it’ll automatically adjust itself for changes in the temperature. The Emergency has a highly sturdy case made from titanium, a metal that’s light, anti-magnetic, corrosion-resistant and hypoallergenic. Now all of this kit makes the Emergency an appealing choice for the masses with cushy desk jobs. But that shouldn’t deter you from the fact that this is a serious piece of hardware meant for people who find themselves in high-risk environments, such as pilots and mountaineers.
Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33—For The Aerospace Age
The Omega Speedmaster X-33 Skywalker is an organic extension of Omega’s legacy in space. If Omega’s legendary Moonwatch can be likened to NASA, then the Skywalker sits where SpaceX is now. Developed with support and inputs from astronauts, this 21st-century space watch is created to meet the demands of the next generation of aviation and aerospace advancements. On top of a black LCD display are traditional timekeeping hands and, in tandem, they present a slew of features such as three different time zones, a chronograph, a timer, MET (mission elapsed time), PET (phase elapsed time), three alarms and a perpetual calendar. Housed in a 45mm grade-2 titanium case, the X-33 is powered by the multi-functional quartz chronograph movement, calibre 5619. Like the Breitling, this too is a purpose-built watch, and goes to show when the going gets tough and the risks are high, watchmakers immediately turn to quartz as the no-nonsense option.
Longines Conquest V.H.P. GMT—High Precision Deserving Of High Praise
First things first, the ‘VHP’ in Conquest V.H.P. stands for Very High Precision, and we’re happy to report that it holds true, ensuring an impressive deviation limit of just five seconds per year. For context, the limit for a watch to be classified as a high-accuracy quartz (HAQ) watch is 10 seconds per year, which this watch absolutely smashes. However, the most distinctive feature of the watches is what the brand calls ‘flash setting’, which allows you to set the time of a second time zone with the help of a smartphone. This remarkable innovation is a must-have for globetrotters as it allows you to change and set time without the use of the crown while providing outstanding precision in the time displayed. The watch is powered by the quartz calibre L287—known not only for its top-notch accuracy but also for its use of a gear position detection (GDP) system that quickly resets the watch’s hands after impact or exposure to a magnetic field.
Junghans Max Bill Mega—A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing
This unassuming dress watch by Junghans is actually quite the powerhouse. The understated Bauhaus-inspired design of the watch effectively masks a clever quartz movement with multi-frequency radio time setting. What this means is that the movement syncs itself with radio time signals around the world to maintain sheer accuracy, limiting any potential deviation to maximum of eight seconds a year. This puts it very much within the HAQ limit. It also features a perpetual calendar that will remain accurate until the year 2400. Pair this with the fact that the battery charges through solar energy and what you have is an excellent dress watch that is bound to outlast a couple of generations.
Seiko Prospex Special Edition PADI Kinetic GMT Diver SUN065P1—A Little Something Extra
The Japanese are the masters of quartz watchmaking. However, Seiko has further improved on that image with this Prospex. While it is a true quartz diving tool watch, it also has a clever trick up its sleeve. Using a system similar to the rotor of an automatic watch, the battery juices right up as and when you wear the watch. But even if you decide not to wear this 47.5mm behemoth every day, the watch won’t bat an eye as it can run for up to six months without being charged. The Seiko Prospex Special Edition PADI Kinetic GMT Diver also has a GMT hand for a second time zone on the dial indicated in the 24-hour format.
Grand Seiko 9F Quartz GMT—The Rolls-Royce Of Quartz Movements
Here’s something for a serious watch collector who wants to add a fuss-free yet unique quartz timepiece to their collection. The Grand Seiko 9F Quartz GMT is as good as a quartz watch can get in terms of attention to detail and superlative craftsmanship, just like all of Grand Seiko’s other offerings. The calibre 9F86 that powers this watch is extremely accurate, give or take 10 seconds per year at the most. The thermo-compensated movement makes small corrections itself when there are changes in temperatures. The movement itself is beautifully finished with Tokyo stripes. However, the watch doesn’t have a sapphire crystal caseback to take in the view—bummer.
Citizen Eco-Drive Calibre 0100—The Autonomous Pinnacle
This Citizen is honestly one of the most underrated watches in the market right now. It’s a timepiece that gains or loses a single second per year, making it one of the most accurate wristwatches in the world. The movement doesn’t rely on anything but itself to achieve this remarkable feat. No radio signals, no phone connectivity—nothing! This right here is the pinnacle of accurate timekeeping and quartz movements in general. Citizen was able to pull this off by using something called an ‘AT cut’ crystal, which lent more resistance to temperature and position changes, along with an ultra-high frequency of 32kHz.
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Omega Speedmaster
318.90.45.79.01.001
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Longines Conquest V.H.P. GMT
L3.728.4.96.6
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Grand Seiko Sport
SBGN003G
