Skip to main content

How do quartz watches work? Understanding the science behind their precision

The science behind quartz watches: how they keep perfect time

how do quartz watches work shutterstock 1813620397
Classically designed timepieces utilize quartz crystals Shutterstock / Shutterstock

The quartz revolution transformed horology with a winning combination of precision and accessibility. Before the ascension of Quartz watches, mechanical watches utilized gears and springs that, although intricate, would eventually drift over time to minutes each month.  It was in 1880 that Jacques and Pierre Curie discovered the amazing properties of quartz, but it was not until 1969 that precision met its match. This was when legendary brand Seiko introduced the Astron, forever changing the quartz era by improving accuracy to within seconds per year. 

The quartz watches of today offer elevated innovation and functionality, coupled with elegance and timeless style, giving men sophisticated options when it comes to modern accessories. To better understand how quartz watches work, it is essential to know all the components and what makes them tick. 

Recommended Videos

What is a quartz watch?

Each of these elegant watches feature quartz movement.
Gorgeous designs boasting the latest technology with quartz crystals GoBros / Shutterstock

Quartz, composed of silicon dioxide, is the same compound found in sand and other rocks, possessing a property called piezoelectricity. The unique property can generate tiny electrical currents when pressure is applied to it through physical stress or heat. Quartz watches use a small crystal watch that vibrates at 32,768 times per second through battery power. This characteristic is what makes it a perfect component for timekeeping — its consistent vibrations can harness power and regulate the movement of quartz watches to precision. 

Quartz watches are those that use quartz as part of their functionality, in addition to a battery and electronic oscillator. Operating under a wholly different system from mechanical or automatic watches, quartz watches are regarded as the most accurate on the market. They are available in a wide range of shapes and designs, with quartz clocks available as wall clocks or even free-standing versions. Since their invention, quartz watches and clocks have been held in high regard and thus dominate the market as the best timekeeping mechanisms.

What is ‘quartz movement’?

Checking out the inner workings of quartz watches.
A closeup of a quartz wristwatch. Vvoe / Shutterstock

Delving into the ticks and tocks of horology, quartz movement refers to how both the quartz crystal and battery work in tandem to mark each second with precision. This separates quartz movement from mechanical and automatic movements, which use gears, springs, and manual winding. In order to better understand the way quartz watches work, know that there are three primary types of watch movements: mechanical, automatic, and quartz (also referred to as solar quartz). 

Both mechanical and automatic watches get their power through intricate mechanisms, while quartz watches use a battery that sends electrical currents through the quartz crystal, resulting in a vibration at a steady, consistent frequency. Each vibration is counted by electronic circuits that drive the watch hands with unparalleled accuracy. 

How do quartz watches store energy?

The fine details of craftsmanship in quartz watches.
A close up view of battery and quartz watch caliber. FERNANDO BLANCO CALZADA / Shutterstock

Quartz watches store their energy in their battery, which is the ideal location as it is easy to swap out as needed and can maintain functionality for several years. Another option is rechargeable batteries, which can be found in solar watches specific to the manufacturer. Although they are more difficult to switch out and replace, that is rarely necessary as they are powered by the sun.

How do the inner workings of quartz watches work?

With quartz watches, all functionality begins with the battery as it sends electrical currents to the microchip circuit. Through this circuit, quartz crystals are energized to vibrate at a consistent frequency of exactly 32,768 times per second. These precise vibrations get detected by another microchip circuit, which then transforms electrical energy into mechanical motion. Next, the stepping motor commandeers a series of tiny gears that sweep the watch hands around the dial to mark the passage of time with pinpoint accuracy. This seamless transaction between electronics and mechanics is what gives quartz watches the reliability and precision that other watches cannot match. 

How do quartz watches maintain precision?

Spectrum watches offer upscale elegance.
Quartz watch Spectrum muzaffar muza / Shutterstock

Quartz watches are able to maintain their precise timing through vibrations that operate at different frequencies across varying temperatures and pressures. Their time-keeping is only minimally affected by changes to the environment around them as it maintains a constant, steady temperature. Quartz watches operate in a reciprocal fashion, vibrating when electricity is applied to it, and conversely giving off electricity when compressed. Quartz watches are at least 100 times more accurate than other mechanisms and are able to last longer. This makes quartz watches an excellent and efficient power source, in addition to the reason why watch batteries last for extended periods of time. 

Quartz watches remain unparalleled with their precision

Tissot is one brand well-known for their quartz watches.
The Tissot PRS 200 quartz watch featuring sapphire crystal. Epov Dmitry / Shutterstock

Quartz watches harness piezoelectric properties from quartz crystals, resulting in unmatched precision. The quartz oscillator functions as the heartbeat of the watch, regulating the high-frequency vibrations and converting them into exact timekeeping signals. Additionally, a feedback loop adjusts for any deviations to ensure accuracy from second to second. 

These components, in combination to their affordability, minimal maintenance, and reliability have made quartz watches the de facto gold standard when it comes to timekeeping. Further advancements in technology have yielded smaller, sleeker designs that offer men more options when deciding on the watch that suits their budget, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic. 

Triston Brewer
Triston Brewer is a journalist, creative director, fashionisto, and jetsetting digital bon vivant. Brace yourself!
Topics
Seiko asks fans to choose next 1965 Diver colorway
Seiko celebrates 62MAS 60th anniversary by letting fans choose next dive watch color
Seiko diver range in different colourways

Seiko has launched an unprecedented fan engagement initiative, allowing enthusiasts to vote on the next colorway for its beloved 1965 Diver throughout July 2025. This marks the first time the Japanese manufacturer has directly solicited fan input for a new watch design.
The poll features four ocean-inspired color schemes based on the limited edition 60th Anniversary Dive Watch released earlier this year, which introduced the distinctive 3D ocean wave textured dial. All options maintain the same technical specifications while offering dramatically different aesthetic approaches.
The four colorways represent different times of day and their interaction with ocean light. "Sunrise Orange" features a yellow-orange dial with burnt orange bezel and dark gray hands. "Daytime Blue" showcases a crystal blue dial with light blue bezel and steel hands. "Late Afternoon Green" presents an emerald dial with dark green bezel and gold hands, while "Sunset Red" displays a fire-engine red dial and bezel with gold hands.
Early social media reactions suggest "Afternoon Green" as the front-runner, though Seiko recently released a similar green variant through its ongoing PADI collaboration. The fan poll represents part of a year-long celebration honoring the 60th anniversary of the 62MAS, Seiko's first professional-grade dive watch.
Originally introduced in 1965, the 62MAS marked Seiko's entry into serious diving timepieces. While the company produced waterproof watches before 1965, none possessed true SCUBA diving capabilities. The design established fundamental elements that continue influencing modern dive watch aesthetics.
Seiko revived the 62MAS design in 2020 under its Prospex collection of sport and tool watches. Since then, over a dozen references beginning with SPB have been released, making it one of Seiko's most successful modern dive watch lines.
The contemporary 1965 Diver features 300-meter water resistance and classic styling that rivals established competitors like the Rolex Submariner and Omega Seamaster. This combination of heritage design and modern capabilities has made it highly sought after among collectors and dive watch enthusiasts.
The winning colorway will launch sometime in 2026, though Seiko has not provided specific timing. The democratic approach to product development represents an unusual strategy for the traditionally conservative manufacturer, demonstrating confidence in its community engagement.
For collectors unable to wait for the poll results, the white-dialed 60th Anniversary Diver remains available as a 6,000-piece limited edition priced at $1,400. This version features the same 3D ocean wave dial texture that will appear on the fan-selected colorway.
The poll continues through July 2025, with results expected to influence not only the winning design but potentially future fan engagement strategies across Seiko's product lines.

Read more
Vacheron Constantin unveils zodiac series with hand-crafted dials
Vacheron Constantin introduces the Métiers d'Art promo shot

Vacheron Constantin has introduced the Métiers d'Art Tribute to the Celestial, a 12-piece series celebrating the beauty and mystery of the night sky. Each timepiece features a hand-guilloché illustration of one zodiac sign and its associated constellation, marked by diamond stars and powered by the ultra-thin Calibre 2160 tourbillon movement.
The collection represents the pinnacle of Vacheron Constantin's artistic craftsmanship, combining 270 years of watchmaking heritage with innovative decorative techniques. Each 39mm white gold case is set with 96 baguette-cut blue sapphires totaling approximately 3.87 carats, creating an uninterrupted circle of light around the dial.
The series showcases the manufacture's mastery of hand-guillochage, a technique developed by Vacheron Constantin's master guillocheur that transforms traditional abstract patterns into figurative art. Each zodiac sign requires approximately 16 hours of meticulous work, involving countless hand-guilloché triangles formed from densely packed straight lines, with each triangle set at a different angle.
The four zodiac signs representing human figures (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Aquarius) feature additional opaline details, while all twelve dials incorporate diamond-set constellations marking principal stars. The gem-setting process requires 27 hours of skilled work, with sapphires channel-set on the bezel to create the impression of floating stones.
Powering these artistic masterpieces is the self-winding Calibre 2160, comprising 188 components yet measuring only 5.65mm thick. The tourbillon movement operates at 2.5 Hz and provides an 80-hour power reserve, with a 22K gold peripheral oscillating weight allowing unobstructed viewing of the meticulously finished movement.
The dial construction involves eight separate steps, with each artisan required to preserve the work of preceding craftsmen. Movement finishing reflects Vacheron Constantin's commitment to haute horlogerie excellence, featuring perlage decoration, hand-bevelled bridges with Côtes de Genève patterns, and Poinçon de Genève certification.
The series draws inspiration from ancient astronomical traditions spanning 5,000 years, continuing Vacheron Constantin's long tradition of celestial timepieces while demonstrating how traditional métiers d'art can evolve into new forms of decorative expression.

Read more
A first look at the understated New Balance 204L for Fall 2025
New Balance unveils its newest fall release
pair of new balance 204L

While summer is still in high gear, that hasn’t stopped brands from unveiling their upcoming fall releases. One of the designs expected to hit shelves later this year comes from New Balance, which has often teased its upcoming releases well in advance, allowing fans to plan accordingly. As recently announced, New Balance is already getting a head start with a preview of their latest 204L model set to hit stores in time for autumn hikes. The 204L sneaker is no stranger to the spotlight, with the brand using the silhouette in recent collaborations with AURALEE and BASKETCASE. This time, the brand is launching its own updated in-house version of the retro design that utilizes metallic hues and textures for a shiny look. 

New Balance goes slim with the 204L in metallic

Read more