How does a quartz watch work?
Quartz watches are the best-selling watches in the world: accurate, robust and low-maintenance. The reason is a small component – a crystal of quartz.
The principle: a vibrating crystal
Quartz has a special property: apply an electric voltage and it deforms very slightly – and vice versa. Inside the watch sits a tiny, usually tuning-fork-shaped quartz crystal, set vibrating by the battery. In wristwatches it is cut to vibrate 32,768 times per second.
From vibration to seconds
An integrated circuit counts these vibrations and repeatedly divides them by two. After 15 divisions exactly one pulse per second remains. This pulse drives a small stepper motor that moves the hands via a few gears – hence the typical one-second jump.
Accuracy
Because the crystal vibrates so evenly, standard quartz watches typically achieve around ±15 to 20 seconds per month. High-end, temperature-compensated movements are even more precise. Exact figures are given in the manufacturer's specifications.
Care
- Battery replacement: every few years, depending on movement and functions. Replace an empty battery promptly – leaking batteries can damage the movement.
- Water resistance: gaskets should be checked when the battery is changed.
A brief history
In 1969 Seiko introduced the Astron, the first quartz wristwatch. In the years that followed, quartz technology fundamentally changed the watch world.