Quartz vs automatic watch: which one should you buy? This is the first question most people ask before buying a good watch. Both look the same from the outside, but inside they work in very different ways. That changes how accurate the watch is, how you look after it, how the seconds hand moves and how much it costs. This guide explains the difference between quartz and automatic watches in simple words, with comparison charts, so you can pick the right one for your wrist.
Table of Contents
- What is a quartz watch?
- What is an automatic watch?
- Quartz vs automatic: comparison chart
- Score chart: how they rate
- Pros and cons of each
- Which watch is better for me?
- Best Franklord quartz watches
- Best Franklord automatic watches
- Care tips for both
What is a Quartz Watch?
Definition: a quartz watch is a battery-powered watch that keeps time using a tiny quartz crystal. The battery sends electricity through the crystal, which makes it vibrate at exactly 32,768 times per second. A small circuit counts these vibrations and moves the hands forward once every second.
Quartz technology arrived in the late 1960s and changed watchmaking forever, because it made watches very accurate and affordable. Curious about the exact movement we use? Read our Miyota GM17 movement explainer. You can also read more on Wikipedia's quartz clock page.
How to spot a quartz watch: the seconds hand jumps in clear one-second "ticks".
Franklord quartz watches use trusted Japanese movements such as the Miyota GM17 (in The Classic Roman Collection) and the Miyota 2115 (in the Maha Vastu Roman Series). For an ultra-thin dress watch, our Ultra-Slim Watches use a Swiss quartz movement in a case just 5mm thick.
What is an Automatic Watch?
Definition: an automatic watch (also called a self-winding watch) is a mechanical watch that needs no battery. It runs on a wound spring called the mainspring. A weighted rotor inside the watch spins as you move your wrist, and this winds the mainspring automatically. The spring then slowly releases its energy through a set of tiny gears and a balance wheel, which keeps time.
Automatic watches are a type of mechanical watch, and they have been made for over 200 years. Learn the history on Wikipedia's automatic watch page.
How to spot an automatic watch: the seconds hand sweeps smoothly around the dial, and many models have a see-through case back or an open-heart dial so you can watch the movement work.
Most Franklord automatics use the Japanese Miyota 8215 21-jewel movement, known around the world for being tough and reliable (what is a Miyota movement?). Our women's Empress collection uses the premium Miyota 6T15 calibre. If you love seeing the gears move, explore our Mechanis skeleton watches and Heritage open-heart watches.
Quartz vs Automatic Watch: Comparison Chart
Here is the difference between quartz and automatic watches at a glance:
| Feature | Quartz Watch | Automatic Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | Battery | Your wrist movement (self-winding spring) |
| Accuracy | Very high, about ±15 seconds a month | Good, about −20 to +40 seconds a day (Miyota 8215) |
| Seconds hand | Ticks once per second | Smooth sweeping motion |
| Battery needed? | Yes, change every 2 to 3 years | Never |
| If you don't wear it | Keeps running | Stops after about 40 hours (wind or wear to restart) |
| Maintenance | Very low | Service every 4 to 5 years |
| Thickness | Can be very slim (as thin as 5mm) | Usually thicker because of the rotor |
| Craftsmanship | Electronic, simple | Hundreds of tiny mechanical parts, 21 jewels |
| Franklord price range | From ₹3,999 | From ₹8,999 |
| Best for | Daily use, gifting, grab-and-go | Watch lovers, collectors, statement pieces |
Score Chart: How Quartz and Automatic Rate (out of 10)
A quick visual score of each type on the things buyers care about most.
| Accuracy |
Quartz 9.5
Automatic 7
|
| Low maintenance |
Quartz 9
Automatic 6
|
| Value for money |
Quartz 9
Automatic 8
|
| Craftsmanship |
Quartz 5.5
Automatic 9.5
|
| Prestige & collectability |
Quartz 6
Automatic 9.5
|
| No battery needed |
Quartz 2
Automatic 10
|
Scores are a general guide based on how each movement type works, not lab test results.
Pros and Cons of Quartz and Automatic Watches
Quartz watch pros
- Most accurate, loses or gains only seconds a month
- Low price and almost no maintenance
- Always ready to wear, even after weeks in a drawer
- Can be made extremely slim and light
Quartz watch cons
- Needs a battery change every few years
- Less "soul" for watch lovers who enjoy mechanics
Automatic watch pros
- No battery ever; powered by your own movement
- Beautiful sweeping seconds hand
- Real mechanical craftsmanship you can see through the case back
- Lasts for generations with basic servicing, a true heirloom
Automatic watch cons
- Slightly less accurate than quartz
- Stops if not worn for about two days (see how long an automatic watch runs without wearing it)
- Needs servicing every few years and should be kept away from strong magnets
Which Watch is Better for Me: Quartz or Automatic?
There is no single winner. The right watch depends on how you live and what you enjoy:
Choose a quartz watch if:
- You want a watch that is always on time with zero effort
- You rotate between many watches and don't want to reset them
- You're buying a stylish gift on a budget
- You want a super-slim dress watch that slides under a shirt cuff
Choose an automatic watch if:
- You love craftsmanship and want to feel connected to your watch
- You wear one watch daily (it keeps itself wound)
- You want a statement or heirloom piece, or a special gift for a wedding, anniversary or promotion
- You enjoy the smooth sweep of the seconds hand and an exhibition case back
Our honest tip: if this is your first good watch and you want low effort, start with quartz. If you already own a watch or two and want something special, it's time for your first automatic. Many of our customers end up owning one of each!
Best Franklord Quartz Watches
The Classic Roman Men's Watch – Obsidian Black
Japan Miyota GM17 quartz, date window at 6 o'clock, genuine leather strap. A bold everyday watch at ₹3,999. Shop the Classic Roman →
Franklord Maha Vastu Watch – Golden Royale
Vastu-inspired design powered by the reliable Japanese Miyota 2115 quartz movement, at ₹4,999. Shop Golden Royale →
Franklord Diamond Élan – Emerald Ultra-Slim Swiss Watch (5mm)
Just 5mm thin with a Swiss quartz movement: the kind of slim profile only quartz can achieve. Shop Diamond Élan →
See more: Classic Roman Collection · Maha Vastu Roman Series · Ultra-Slim Watches
Best Franklord Automatic Watches
Franklord Regal Sapphire Roman Automatic – Imperial Emerald
Self-winding automatic movement, emerald green Roman-numeral dial and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, at ₹11,999. Shop Imperial Emerald →
Franklord Eternal Roman Automatic – Emerald Steel Edition
The trusted Japan Miyota 8215 automatic in a classic Roman-numeral dress watch, at ₹8,999. A perfect first automatic. Shop Eternal Roman →
The Terrain – Obsidian, Japanese Automatic Field Watch
A rugged everyday field watch with a Japanese 21-jewel automatic movement, at ₹8,999. Shop The Terrain →
Franklord Regal Sapphire Vanguard – Blue on Silver
A bold blue dial with the celebrated Miyota 8215 automatic movement, at ₹8,999. Shop Vanguard →
Franklord Empress Emerald Green – Women's Automatic Watch
For her: the premium Miyota 6T15 automatic calibre in an elegant gold case, at ₹16,999. Shop Empress →
See more: Regal Sapphire Roman Series · The Terrain · Empress Women's Automatics · Callista Collection · Loved by Watch Enthusiasts
Care Tips for Quartz and Automatic Watches
- Quartz: replace the battery at a trusted service centre every 2 to 3 years, and don't leave a dead battery inside the watch.
- Automatic: if it has stopped, wind the crown gently 20 to 30 turns, then set the time. Keep it away from speakers, phone cases with magnets and laptops.
- Both: check the water resistance rating before swimming. Read Water Resistance Explained: Can You Swim with Your Automatic Watch? or this guide to water resistance ratings. Wipe the strap and case with a soft dry cloth.
Find Your Perfect Watch
Still confused? Browse our full range and filter by style: Shop All Franklord Watches. Every Franklord watch is designed to look premium and built with trusted Japanese and Swiss movements, whether you choose the precision of quartz or the soul of an automatic.
