Automatic Watch vs Quartz: Which One Is Right for You?
The Great Debate: Automatic vs Quartz
Choosing between an automatic watch and a quartz watch is one of the first decisions every watch buyer faces. Both have their strengths. Both have loyal followings. And both can be found at Funny Items — our NH35 and NH34 watches are automatic, while our VK63 watches are quartz chronograph.
Here is everything you need to know to pick the right type for your lifestyle.
How Each Movement Works
Automatic Watch
An automatic watch is powered by a mechanical movement that winds itself using a rotor — a weighted metal disc that spins as you move your wrist. The energy from the rotor is stored in a mainspring, which drives the gears and hands.
The NH35 movement inside most Funny Items watches is an automatic mechanical movement. It has no battery. It runs on kinetic energy from your body.
Key characteristics:
- Powered by wrist movement (no battery)
- 41-hour power reserve (runs 41 hours without wearing)
- Needs to be worn or wound regularly to keep running
- Uses gears, springs, and jewels — pure mechanical engineering
- Rated accuracy: -20 to +40 seconds per day
Quartz Watch
A quartz watch is powered by a battery that sends electricity through a tiny quartz crystal. The crystal vibrates at exactly 32,768 times per second, creating a precise electrical signal that drives the motor.
The VK63 movement inside our Funny Items chronograph watches is a quartz chronograph. It combines quartz accuracy with stopwatch functionality.
Key characteristics:
- Powered by a battery (lasts 2-3 years typically)
- No winding or wearing required to keep running
- Uses a quartz crystal for timekeeping
- Rated accuracy: +/-15 seconds per month (not per day)
- Chronograph models have stopwatch function
Automatic vs Quartz: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Automatic | Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | Kinetic energy (wrist movement) | Battery |
| Accuracy | -20 to +40 seconds/day | +/-15 seconds/month |
| Maintenance | Servicing every 5-10 years | Battery replacement every 2-3 years |
| Power reserve | 41 hours (NH35) | N/A (battery) |
| Wearing requirement | Must wear regularly | Can sit for months |
| Movement type | Mechanical (gears, springs) | Electronic (quartz crystal) |
| Thickness | Thicker (rotor + mainspring) | Thinner (no rotor) |
| Sound | Smooth sweep (3 ticks/sec) | Distinct tick (1 tick/sec) |
| Price | Higher (complex mechanism) | Lower (simpler mechanism) |
| Soul factor | Mechanical artistry | Precision engineering |
Advantages of Automatic Watches
- No battery changes — Runs on your energy, never needs a battery replacement
- Mechanical beauty — The movement inside is a work of engineering art
- Smooth sweep — The second hand glides smoothly rather than ticking once per second
- Longevity — A well-maintained mechanical movement can last decades or even centuries
- Conversation starter — People are fascinated by watches that run on kinetic energy
- Resale value — Automatic watches generally hold value better than quartz
Advantages of Quartz Watches
- Accuracy — Quartz is far more accurate than mechanical movements
- Convenience — Pick it up and wear it, no winding needed
- Low maintenance — Just replace the battery every few years
- Thinner cases — No rotor means slimmer, more comfortable watches
- Chronograph function — Stopwatch features at an affordable price
- Lower price — Quartz movements are cheaper to produce
Which Should You Choose?
Choose automatic if:
- You appreciate mechanical craftsmanship
- You wear a watch daily (or at least every other day)
- You want the smooth sweep of a mechanical second hand
- You want a watch that can last a lifetime with proper care
- You enjoy the ritual of winding or wearing your watch
Choose quartz if:
- Accuracy is your top priority
- You do not wear a watch every day
- You want a thin, lightweight watch
- You want chronograph function at a lower price
- You want "grab and go" convenience
Funny Items Watch Options
Automatic watches (NH35/NH34):
- 43.5mm Relax Automatic Watch With NH35 Movement
- Vintage Bronze Watch
- Pepsi NH34 GMT
- Batman NH34 GMT
- Black Sub NH35 With Date
Quartz watches (VK63):
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more accurate?
Quartz is far more accurate. +/-15 seconds per month vs -20 to +40 seconds per day for automatic. If accuracy matters most, choose quartz.
Do automatic watches need batteries?
No. Automatic watches are powered by kinetic energy. They have no battery.
How long does an automatic watch last?
With regular servicing every 5-10 years, an automatic movement can last decades or even a lifetime.
Can I leave an automatic watch unworn?
Yes, but it will stop after the power reserve runs out (41 hours for NH35). Just wear it again or wind it manually to restart.
Related Articles
- NH35 vs NH34 Movement Guide — Compare Seiko automatic movements
- GMT vs Dual Time Watch — GMT watches use the NH34 automatic movement
- What Is the Seiko NH35 Movement? — Deep dive into the NH35