How To Look After Your Quartz Watch
Last updated on the 8th of May 2023 by Huxley Mann.
Taking care of your Quartz watch is essential for maintaining its accuracy, longevity and protecting your investment . Even though Quartz watches are considered low maintenance, there are certain measures you can take to prolong the lifespan of your timepiece for years to come.
Below we'll explore everything from understanding how a quartz watch works, common reasons why they stop working, tips on how to look after your quartz timepiece and more!
What is a quartz watch?
A quartz watch is a type of timepiece powered by a battery or solar cell, in which timekeeping is regulated by a quartz crystal that oscillates at a particular frequency. Unlike mechanical watches, quartz watches have fewer moving parts making them more reliable, accurate and generally less expensive to repair.
Is a quartz watch better than a mechanical watch?
Quartz and mechanical watches both offer their own unique benefits. Quartz watches are usually less expensive than mechanical watches, require less maintenance, and are hands-down more accurate at timekeeping. However, many collectors prefer mechanical watches' classic styling and craftsmanship over quartz. Ultimately, the best watch for you will depend on your lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences.
Why do quartz watches stop working?
90% of the time, when a quartz watch stops working, it's generally down to the timepiece requiring a simple watch battery replacement. Some of the other more common reasons why a quartz watch will stop working include the following:
Dirt has become embedded within the movement
Oxidation or corrosion has formed around the battery
The watches movement has been exposed to water
Watch hands have become misaligned
Damaged watch coil
Faulty circuit board
Your watch has become magnetised
If you believe your quartz watch has been affected by any of the issues mentioned above it is best to have it professionally examined to determine the root cause. It's also worth noting that sometimes it's more cost-effective to replace the movement entirely. When our watchmakers service a quartz watch, they often install a brand-new quartz movement.
Example of a Quartz watch's movement that has succumbed to water damage.
Can a quartz watch be repaired?
Yes, absolutely, quartz watches can be repaired! Common repairs include:
Battery replacement.
Replacing broken glass or crystals.
Restoring dents in the case or bracelet.
Replacing faulty components in the movement.
In most cases, a professional watchmaker can repair quartz watches regardless of the level of damage.
How to look after your quartz watch?
Below we'll explore some tips and precautionary steps to prolong your quartz watch's life.
Remove or replace old batteries.
The longevity of a watch's battery can be affected by multiple factors. It's typical for the battery of a quartz watch to need replacing every 1-3 years. If your watch's battery has died, it's essential to have it removed or replaced as soon as possible. Over time a dead battery can corrode and leak over the internal components of your watch, causing damage and potentially rendering your quartz watch unusable.
(Find out more about knowing when it's time to change your watches battery)
Be aware of watch magnetism.
The delicate internal mechanisms of watches are typically made from metals such as iron, nickel and cobalt. When these metals are exposed to a magnetic field, they can become magnetised, allowing them to pull other metallic objects toward them.
If you're fond of gadgets, exposing your quartz watch for prolonged periods to the magnetic field from these devices can result in your timepiece becoming magnetised, leading to inaccurate timekeeping or even damage to your watch.
You can test if your watch has become magnetised by placing a compass over your quartz watch and observing if the needle is drawn to your timepiece. If so, this is generally a good indication that your timepiece has become magnetised.
It is worth noting that some watches are designed with anti-magnetic materials, which provide an extra layer of protection against magnetic interference.
Avoid sudden temperature changes.
Temperature fluctuations can have a tremendous effect on the performance of a quartz watch. For example:
Extreme temperatures can damage the battery, causing it to deteriorate in performance and longevity.
Temperature fluctuations can cause the crystal quartz to malfunction, affecting your watch's timekeeping accuracy.
Quartz movements are primarily electronic systems. However, like mechanical watches, they still have gears inside them to push the hands around the dial. Temperature changes dry out the lubricant, creating friction, which will affect the timekeeping of your watch.
A transfer from hot to cold temperatures can cause parts inside your watch to expand and contract, affecting the water resistance of your timepiece.
Quartz crystals are most effective when operating at room temperature. To keep your quartz watch functioning correctly, keep it away from extremely hot and cold settings and avoid sudden temperature changes.
Have you watch pressure tested
If you own a water-resistant quartz watch and plan on taking it on vacation, be sure to have your timepiece pressure tested before jumping in the pool or snorkelling in the ocean. If water infiltrates the inner workings of your watch, it will cause the metal components to corrode and rust - potentially damaging your timepiece beyond repair. A simple pressure test will detect any issues with the case, gaskets, or seals which could affect the water resistance of your watch.
Gentle cleaning
If you own a stainless steel watch, cleaning your timepiece at home is possible. But be sure to do so carefully and with caution! The best way to clean a stainless steel watch is to gently rub the watch's surface with a soft cloth dampened in lukewarm soapy water. Once free of dirt and debris, rinse with non-soapy water and dry your timepiece using a soft microfiber cloth.
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives, as this could damage the finish of your stainless steel watch.
Have your quartz watch serviced every 2/3 years.
Having your quartz watch serviced every 2 to 3 years is an essential part of maintaining the performance and reliability of your timepiece. There are several telltale signs that your quartz watch may need service:
Is your watch running too fast or too slow?
The second-hand skips several seconds
Condensation under the watch glass
You can hear a rattling noise in the case
The hands or dial seem loose
Odour coming from your watch
If you're facing any of these issues, we recommend you take your timepiece to a watch repair shop as soon as possible. Ignoring any of these issues could result in further damage and cost you more in the long run.
Is your quartz watch in need of repairs or servicing?
All in all, quartz watches are reliable and accurate timekeeping devices. Although they may not be as prestigious as their mechanical alternatives, quartz models are more affordable, require less maintenance and provide a practical yet stylish aesthetic.
Being mindful of watch magnetism and how sudden temperature changes can affect your timepiece whilst also winding your watch correctly and having your quartz watch serviced every 2 to 3 years will help maintain the accuracy and longevity of your quartz watch.
From Breitling to Cartier or OMEGA to Gucci — Our watch repair shop covers an all-encompassing range of services to return your quartz watch back to showroom standard. So start your watch repair today by posting your timepiece to us for a quote or by dropping by our watch repair shop in London's historic jewellery district, Hatton Garden.
