Once seen as the nemesis of mechanical watches, quartz timepieces are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Accurate and reliable, affordable and easier to maintain than their more complicated cousins, there has been a cultural shift and growing appreciation for the practical benefits of battery-powered timekeepers.
Today brands are integrating quartz movements into increasingly stylish designs, which has helped them to gain traction as fashionable and useful accessories. Added to this, is the nostalgia of a bygone era. The influence of the 1970s and 1980s is on the rise and with it, quartz watches are becoming “cool” again.
Take a look at our edit of some of the best quartz watches below and let us know where you stand on the quartz vs mechanical debate.
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Rado True Square Thinline
Powered by a reliable Quartz Rado caliber R420 movement, Rado’s True Square Thinline is as precise as it is elegant. Its 37 mm case is crafted from polished black high-tech ceramic, while its monobloc construction and flat sapphire crystal emphasizes its blocky form.
£1,850
Maurice Lacroix Aikon Quartz
Inspired by the brand’s iconic Calypso watch of the 1990s, the Aikon has become a new Maurice Lacroix signature courtesy of its six “claws” design to the bezel. Aesthetically striking with its bold turquoise dial, its 40mm stainless steel case conceals a classic quartz movement that powers hours, minutes and seconds hands with a date window at 3 o’clock.
$1,200
Seiko Prospex Professional Diver’s ‘Tuna’
Nicknamed by Seiko fans as a ‘Tuna’ because of its larger diameter and bold tuna tin-like shape, this chunky piece features an accordion-style silicone strap, invented by Seiko in 1975 as a practical solution to the expansion and contraction of a diver’s wrist at different depths. With a Caliber 7C46 quartz movement, its designed for sports lovers and adventure seekers alike.
$2,400
Victorinox Dive Pro Quartz
Engineered, manufactured and tested at the Victorinox factory in Delémont, Switzerland, this one is for the professional diver. With ISO 6425 certification and water resistance up to 300 meters, it’s crafted in resilient titanium and has a unidirectional bezel with a highly visible 20-minute scale.
$1,200
Tissot PRX Quartz Gold
Distinctly 1970s with its tonneau shape, golden dial, yellow gold PVD coating and stainless steel bracelet, the Tissot PRX Quartz Gold pairs 21st century features with an original case shape from 1978. Housing a Swiss quartz movement, it’s water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar (100 meters / 330 ft).
$495
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph
TAG Heuer steers towards the quartz trend with its Formula 1 Chronograph watch. The motor-racing-inspired timepiece features a fine-brushed finish, deep blue dial, 200-meter water resistance, and is entirely built of the same highly resistant materials as those used in Formula One, including black titanium carbide coated steel for the bezel.
$2,150
Herbelin Cap Camarat Square Chrono Quartz
Square watches have had a bit of a moment this year, and Herbelin’s Cap Camarat Square Chrono Quartz definitely makes it into the top releases. Inspired by the 1970s and the eponymous French region, its sculpted design features beveled indexes and faceted luminescent hands, while its automatic movement Swiss 11 ½ SW200-1 has a reliable eight hours of power reserve.
Approx. $1,075
Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz
Hamilton looks to its military heritage for the Khaki Field Quartz watch. Available in two size options, 33mm and 38mm, it has a matte-finish stainless steel case and a “railway” minute track, along with a classic NATO strap for wearability.
$395
Timex Q Timex Chronograph
Timex looks to life on the open road to inspire its Q Timex Chronograph watch. It’s equipped with an hour hand and red second hour hand which can be set independently to track two different time zones, while a rotating top ring accommodates a third time zone using either of the hour hands, and a standard chronograph function. It recalls the design aesthetics of Timex’s original dive-inspired Q, updated with a modernized logo and a 24-hour format sub-dial at the 12 o’clock position of its black, white, or forest green dial.
$209
Citizen Zenshin Three-hand
Made from Citizen’s signature Super Titanium which is five times harder and 40% lighter than stainless steel, the Zenshin Three-hand features a finely brushed finish to its 39mm case and bracelet. Sustainably powered by any light with Eco-Drive technology and never needing a battery, this versatile watch is also water resistant to 100 meters.
£399
