How to tell watch types apart? Are mechanical, quartz or digital watches better?

　　Watch types are generally divided intoQuartz watchesandMechanical watch, where quartz watches belong to a subcategory of electronic watches. Their operating principle is based on the vibration of a quartz crystal as the timing benchmark, on which basis liquid crystal displays can show the time, or stepping motors can control the hands to display the time. Therefore, electronic and quartz watches are the same class of item. Mechanical watches, however, keep time via the vibration of mechanical structures. Theoretically, the higher the vibration frequency, the more accurate the timekeeping, which is why quartz watches are significantly more precise than mechanical watches.

　　How to tell the difference between a quartz watch and a mechanical watch

　　To determine whether a watch is electronic or mechanical, look at two points. First, whether it uses a battery for energy storage and output. Second, whether it uses a regulator system similar to a "balance spring and balance wheel" (note: although new regulation systems now exist, such as TAG Heuer's springless magnetic balance wheel, they are still mechanical in practice). If either of these two conditions is not met, it can be called an electronic watch.

　　Another simplest way is to observe the movement of the second hand. In most cases, the second hand of an analogue quartz watch ticks, moving one space per second. The second hand of a mechanical watch sweeps smoothly across the dial. This method can distinguish ninety-nine percent of watches, but there are still some special exceptions.

　　If strictly for telling the time, quartz watches are more accurate than mechanical watches (generally, quartz watches are within ±15 seconds per month, and high-end ones can achieve an error of within ±5 seconds per year, whereas mechanical watches can be out by over ten seconds in a single day), simpler to maintain (changing the battery every two to three years, and solar-powered watches do not even require regular battery replacement, whereas mechanical watches require regular servicing to ensure timekeeping precision), and quartz watches can achieve more functions such as stopwatches, perpetual calendars, alarms, and countdowns. Achieving the same functions on a mechanical watch would cost an unaffordable amount for ordinary people.

Related reading:

How long can a quartz watch be worn and what is its lifespan?

Which are better: Omega mechanical watches or quartz watches?

How to judge the "good" and "bad" of a mechanical watch