Automatic vs. Quartz: Which Watch Is Right for You?
Watches do more than tell time—they tell the world something about you. Whether you prefer modern precision or traditional craftsmanship, choosing between an automatic or quartz movement is one of the most important decisions in your timepiece journey.
At Stührling, we offer both. And we do it with style, quality, and unbeatable value.
Let’s break down the differences—so you can find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
⏱️ The Core Difference: What Powers the Watch?
Quartz Watches
Powered by: A battery and a vibrating quartz crystal
Accuracy: Extremely precise, often within a few seconds per month
Maintenance: Minimal (just change the battery every couple of years)
Movement Feel: The second hand “ticks” once per second
Automatic Watches
Powered by: A self-winding mechanical movement powered by your wrist’s motion
Accuracy: Slightly less accurate than quartz, but reliable
Maintenance: Needs servicing every few years; no battery required
Movement Feel: Smooth “sweep” of the second hand—typically 6 to 8 beats per second
🧠 Why Choose a Quartz Watch?
For those who want:
✅ Set-it-and-forget-it convenience
✅ High accuracy
✅ Affordability
✅ Slim profile and lightweight comfort
You’ll love it if you:
Want a low-maintenance daily driver
Prefer modern simplicity
Travel often and don’t want to reset your watch
Like a thinner, lighter feel on your wrist
Stührling Quartz Picks:
Symphony 790 – Understated sophistication with a reliable quartz heart
Depthmaster 3950A – Rugged and ready, great for active lifestyles
Concorso 816 – Racing-inspired, bold design with a quartz chronograph
🌀 Why Choose an Automatic Watch?
For those who want:
✅ Horological craftsmanship
✅ A piece of mechanical art
✅ Classic prestige
✅ A connection to tradition
You’ll love it if you:
Appreciate the beauty of gears, balance wheels, and rotors
Want a watch that gains character over time
Prefer the smooth, sweeping second hand
Like feeling connected to centuries of watchmaking heritage
Stührling Automatic Picks:
Legacy 3952 – Stunning open-heart dial with exposed mechanics
Aquadiver 675 – A diver’s dream with self-winding reliability
Triumph 42mm Tourbillon – High complication, high impact
🤔 So… Which Watch Is Right for You?
| Quartz | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | ✅ Superior (±15 sec/month) | ❌ Less precise (±10–20 sec/day) |
| Maintenance | ✅ Minimal (battery change every 2 years) | ❌ Needs servicing every 3–5 years |
| Power Source | ✅ Battery | ❌ Your wrist (or winding) |
| Price | ✅ Generally more affordable | ❌ Slightly higher due to complexity |
| Vibe | Modern, practical | Traditional, artistic |
🏁 The Bottom Line
Go quartz if: you want the easiest, most reliable option for everyday wear.
Go automatic if: you appreciate the mechanics, tradition, and soul of fine watchmaking.
At Stührling, we believe that everyone deserves a watch that matches their lifestyle, taste, and story—whether that’s a high-performance quartz or a hand-assembled automatic.
Ready to find yours?
👉 Shop Quartz Watches
👉 Shop Automatic Watches