The Birth of a Crisis
The quartz era began in 1969 with the Seiko Astron .
This watch was much more accurate, inexpensive, and maintenance-free than its mechanical rivals.
Watches could no longer be made with craftsmanship, but with technology.
This was a shock for Swiss watchmaking.
What Did Switzerland Lose?
- In the 1970s there were over 1600 brands, most of which have disappeared.
- Export share fell from 50% to less than 15%.
- More than 60,000 people were left unemployed.
- Japan became the leader of the industry.
Who Stood, Who Fought?
- Omega fought a war on two fronts: quartz & mechanical.
- Patek Philippe said, “The mechanical watch is art.”
- Rolex was introduced to quartz but did not make it its center.
- Swatch was born: Colorful, plastic and cheap watches… but Swiss made!
The Name of Salvation: Swatch Group
- Swatch was launched in 1983.
- He managed to solve the quartz crisis with quartz.
- Then SMH (today's Swatch Group),
- He bought and saved brands such as Breguet, Blancpain, Omega and Tissot .
- Swiss watchmaking was reborn.
The Lasting Impact of the Quartz Crisis
- Swiss watchmaking was restructured.
- The luxury segment was built on “mechanics”.
- Quartz has become synonymous with accessibility.
- Consumers now value both technology and craftsmanship.
Telling Time, Not Measuring It
The function of a quartz clock was to show the time.
The function of the mechanical clock was to keep time alive .
And this crisis didn't just keep mechanical watchmaking afloat — it elevated it.
| Information | |
| 1 | In 1969, Seiko introduced the Astron, the first quartz watch. |
| 2 | Quartz watches were more accurate and cheaper than mechanical watches. |
| 3 | More than 1,000 brands in the Swiss watch industry have closed. |
| 4 | I Swiss exports fell from 50% to 15%. |
| 5 | In 1983, Swatch revitalized the market with colorful and affordable quartz watches. |
| 6 | SMH Group (today's Swatch Group) rescued many brands. |
| 7 | Omega survived by balancing both quartz and mechanical. |
| 8 | Patek Philippe positioned mechanical watchmaking as art. |
| 9 | Rolex has ventured very little into quartz, leaving the brand's core DNA unchanged. |
| 10 | The quartz crisis was the biggest transformation that redefined watchmaking. |
How Does a Quartz Watch Work?
- It contains a small quartz crystal .
- The battery sends electricity to this crystal.
- Quartz crystal vibrates 32,768 times per second .
- This constant vibration is detected by the circuit and converted into seconds signals.
- These signals turn the needles, starting the engine.
→ In other words, it measures time with vibration frequency .
Is There a Quality Difference in Quartz Watches?
Yes, there is. Not all quartz watches are the same. Here are some details that make a difference:
- Quality and cut of the crystal : The more precise the crystal, the more accurate the time.
- Circuit quality : Good circuits operate more stably.
- Thermocompensation : Prevents deviations due to temperature changes (example: Grand Seiko 9F).
- Assembly and testing quality : More meticulous assembly, longer life.
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Case and protection : The outer material provides protection against moisture, dust and impacts.
| Clock Type | Annual Deviation (seconds) | Explanation |
| Low Quality Quartz | ~180 seconds | It deviates by ~0.5 seconds per day and 3 minutes per year. |
| Standard Quartz | ~60 seconds | Generally deviates by ±15–20 seconds/month |
| HAQ (High Accuracy Quartz) | ~10 seconds | High-quality, non-temperature-compensated models |
| Thermo-Compensated Quartz (TCQ) | ~5 seconds | Ultra-sensitive quartz with temperature sensor (example: GS 9F) |
Mechanical Watch or Quartz Watch?
There are two basic movements in the watch world: mechanical and quartz. Each type has its own advantages and aesthetic appeal. The table below will help you understand the key differences between these two watch types.
| Feature | Mechanical Clock | Quartz Clock |
| Working Principle | It works with springs and gears. | Works with batteries and quartz crystal |
| Energy Source | With crown or automatic rotor | A small battery |
| Movement Type | Continuous and smooth seconds movement | Click-click jumps of seconds |
| Need for Care | Regular maintenance is required (usually every 3-5 years) | Easy to maintain, usually just a battery change |
| Sensibility | Less accurate (may deviate by a few seconds per day) | Very accurate (a few seconds per month) |
| Lifetime | Can be used for a lifetime with proper maintenance | Can be long lasting with battery replacement |
| Price | Can be used for a lifetime with proper maintenance | It is generally more economical |
| Design & Craftsmanship | Contains high watchmaking art | It is mostly done with technological production |
