Quartz Versus Automatic Watches
There are two types of watches: quartz and automatic. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages, so if you’re looking for a new watch, which one is right for you? Quartz watches, the most popular timekeepers on the market today, control the inner mechanics of the watch through the use of a battery. They continue to function even when they’re not on your wrist, therefore, they do not need to be wound regularly. Batteries can last anywhere from a year to several years, so it really depends on the watch brand. Batteries usually do not cost very much, but it’s important to maintain the watch and get the battery fixed as soon as the old one starts wearing down. It’s usually better to have a watch professional change out the battery for you, which may or may not cost you, but it’s still better than accidentally breaking the watch if you try doing it yourself. Automatic watches do not rely on batteries to function, so you won’t have to think about changing one out every couple of years. Automatic watches keep track of time through various gears in the inner portion of the watch, in lieu of the battery. These are “self-winding” watches, which means that they rely on the natural movement of your wrist to be able to accurately monitor the time. The movement ceases within 1-3 days of taking it off of your wrist. They require regular winding to ensure the workability of all the parts. Again, there are benefits and downsides to both watches. While automatic watches require biweekly maintenance through the winding processes, quartz watches need their batteries changed every year or so, and that actually costs money. After weighing the advantages and disadvantages to each, you will then be able to decide what will be the best fit for you.