Quartz vs Automatic. Why I pick Quartz. (SNK803 v Nixon Ranger) Episode 6

This week I compare Quartz vs. Automatic watches, and look at some of the benefits to building a collection out of Quartz watches, and then investing in that one perfect automatic. Featuring the Nixon Ranger 44 and the Seiko SNK803.

[barreltech]

There’s pros and cons to all movements. If you love horology and all watches, you can appreciate them all. I personally just recently got into vintage watches and the big hit me hard. I love the size of vintage watches on my small wrist and the appeal of a watch that has lasted through decades of wear. They are not for everyone, but I love the style of a worn yet tried and tested watch.

[thepenultimateninja]

A quartz watch can last just as long as a mechanical. You might be right that the movement will only last 30 years, but the movement can be replaced. In a way, this is analogous to having a mechanical watch serviced. I think it's very unlikely that manufacture of quartz movements will cease as long as people are still wearing watches, and the technology is so mature now that they probably won't change much either. I'd say it will probably be possible to find a quartz movement that will fit a given watch for at least as long as there will be 'new old stock' parts available for servicing older mechanical movements.

[chrismenes]

I will take high accuracy quartz any day. I also like solar and satellite watches. After all, it is a "time piece."

[xerotrace]

This is a great video and I agree with your strategy with the collection. I’m in the same boat- I want to find 1-2 good automatics (maybe something from the Longines Master Collection) and the rest good reliable quartz options. I’m also planning on putting a cap on the total number of watches I have. Maybe 6 or so. This way if I want to bring another one in I’ll have to sell one first.

[ZoomZoom-ngsn]

If you have a good Seiko, you can probably get away without service for 15 years plus. I've got one for 15 years now and it still runs like brand new. My rolex was only 7 years before service time.

[charlie-obrien]

My personal collection consists of 3 Autos, 1 hand winder, 4 quartz and 2 Eco-drives ( I also have a 115 yr old pocket watch). Hands down the quartz and Eco-drives keep better time, are lighter and have more complications. I wear the Eco-drives the most often for convenience and they are also pretty sharp pilot watches.
But when it comes to a special occasion or going near the water I pull out my Seagull dress watch or grab one of my divers and I do love the idea of the mechanical movement because of the history and the elegance of the mechanics.
One thing you mentioned about quartz is that you could not pass them down is incorrect. They can be serviced and if they fail, it is easier to replace a quartz movement than a Auto and a lot cheaper too.
To each their own is very true of timepieces and people who look down their noses at one or the other are probably that way about most things in life, but I say enjoy the best of all possible worlds.

[markkulyas]

I found out if you don't have a job where you can wear watches everyday, then having a watch collection is a really bad idea, because they just wind up sitting in a box.

[ccdriver]

I'm now retired but worked in transportation and had to have an accurate watch. Automatic watches were not accurate enough unless I wanted to set the time every couple of weeks. Went to Quartz years ago pretty much set and forget. To me a watch is something to tell time the right time not a minute fast or slow. I do have a couple of autos for when I wear a suit or get dressed up going out.

[danp.torreja]

I have this vintage 90's Seiko Diver's automatic watch that still looked new after 30 years, never been opened and still ticking🙂

[Kikilang]

My boss has a Rolex, and he loves it, or so we thought. So one day we said something, and he said, "The damn thing cost to much to be serviced. I had Seiko mechanics put in, and it keeps better time. If I sell it, I will just have the guts put back in."

[RelativeTime]

Very valid points. I think too many enthusiasts turn their nose up at quartz. They forget that a watch isn't supposed to live in a box in their closet, but on their wrist in the real world. Although from my own experience, sometimes quartz watches also require service. It's just most people don't bother and throw them out. I have an old gold quartz watch that was my grandfathers, probably 30 years old at this point. Electronics work fine, but I've had to lubricate the mechanical side a couple of times since I got it. Otherwise hands get stuck and wont move.

[keysersoze]

I bought my first auto a Spinnaker Croft. It looks very nice but is a real pain in the ass. It has to be reset if you don't wear every day and as far as the date forget it I don't even bother. The Casio Duro Marlin is the absolute best bang for your buck I've seen.

[JR-uynd]

I love quartz and automatic but for much I love automatic, quartz is much more pratical, because Everytime use a automatic I need to set her and it sucks. Said that, solar watch are the best but the problem is I will not make a collection only with Seikos and citizens,

[donp]

Choice of the system that runs the watch (mechanical or quartz) is personal. Two broad schools of thought: Proponents of quartz appreciate the measurable factors such as far superior accuracy; the much higher degree of durability; the ease of service (every several years a do-it-yourself battery change); the far lower costs of both acquisition and ongoing ownership; power reserve that lasts years; the simplicity of not having to wear or wind.
Proponents of mechanicals often claim that along with the dozens and dozens of small, intricate, metal and plastic and mineral parts like springs, wheels, jewels, rotor, gears, connectors, etc. that are all cobbled together....at no extra charge the watch comes with a "soul". Choice of system is personal.

[webherring]

I agree with you. I prefer kinetic or solar watches. That seems to me to be the best of both worlds. They are automatic quartz without the maintenance cost.
The only problem is they don't make quartz watches in iconic styles such as submariner.

[markiangooley]

My quartz solar radio-sync watch is within a second or so of my phone. Every time I’ve checked. Reassuring for some reason. Wore out five leather bands over nearly ten years and now it’s on a stainless steel band I bought via Banggood.

[tantu]

When it comes to daily routine, an accurate, tough, and affordable quartz watch is my choice. And I have a solar one's so with out the hassle of battery matter.
This is 2020 now, but I hadn't lose my interested in the old school mechanical watches, so my dress watch is a -5sec/a day skeleton watch.

[BilalMalick]

Great video and great points. I tend to gravitate towards mechanical/automatics for the reasons you stated. I agree, quartz are objectively ‘better’ in terms of purpose and value. But there’s a certain charm to mechanical pieces, it gives me a feeling that my watch is ‘alive.’ If I just wanted to know time I’d just look at my phone haha. But watch collectors know that it’s much deeper than that. I think a Tissot visodate would suit you well if you want a great automatic watch without breaking the bank!

[MLTUP]

Solar Quartz or "Eco Drive" adds a whole new dimension to Quartz. Because the watch never has to be opened. Maybe once every 20yrs. So if you buy the watch at age 30. You will only service it 2-3 times in your Life. 4 times if you live that long.

[Arthurzeiro]

I've always seen the Mechanical x Quartz debate as I see Carburetors and Electronic Fuel Injection. One is a lot more precise and efficient at its job, but the other has many tiny parts and has the appeal of being classic and the genesis of the other.