Lately, quartz appeal to me ever since Grand Seiko’s 9F movement and realizing that Rolex once made a quartz watch via the Qysterquartz that is not only thermocompensated, some models are actually COSC certified AND the best part of both movements? Their serviceability and finishing! Also add to the fact the the quartz model of the Must de Cartier Tank watches have nicely finished and robust quartz movements despite being an entry-level brand for Cartier. The only issue I have with quartz is the battery change every 2-3 years but I’ll get used to it plus solar watches are getting better in design anyway, so there’s that.
This brings me to the title’s discussion, since there have been watches since WW1 that are still working today (you can Google 'trench watches" and still find them working), can a quartz watch last that long?
Now the usual argument for this is parts and I’ve read here that over time, the microchip of a quartz would eventually make the movement useless even if it’s taken care of, however, isn’t that the same issue with finding parts for a really old mechanical watch (a great example would be dead second complication watches and bumper movements)? Also, I’m aware of some quartz watches not being serviceable, however, old manual-wound Timex watches, which originally had their movements be somewhat disposable, can still be serviced if one wants them, so I wonder if that’s the case for similar-priced quartz movements. As far as fabricating mechanical watch parts, is it really possible for every part of the watch nowadays?
Curious to know how this discussion would go.
Excellent write-up! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and glad that you contributed this!
Next question would be, should you really fancy a vintage quartz watch, what would be the best thing you can do to keep it running aside from sourcing a donor movement? Would retrofitting a manual-wind movement be possible? Also, for the case of the Rolex Oysterquartz and Grand Seiko 9F movement, will they suffer the same fate as most quartz watches do?
A parts watch may or may not do you much good. It will have aged a bit, too, plus being out of original packaging it’s now subject to humidity, electrostatic discharge, ionic contaminants, etc. The ideal thing would be a NOS replacement circuit board in electrostatic dispersive original packaging, sealed and packed with dessicant, as circuit boards are usually packed. Keep that in a cool, dry place, and it’s basically a whole new life for a quartz watch, sitting there ready to go. It will have some age related degradation of the plastic bits, that can’t be entirely stopped, but it should keep for a few decades pretty well.
Putting a new movement in is pretty much making it another watch, in my opinion. I buy watches mostly for the movements, not the case or dial. I find movements interesting. If there’s no NOS parts, or a well preserved donor movement that could be sealed away in an electrostatic dispersive bag with dessicant, it’s just going to live until it dies, and that’s it. But, if it’s something like an unexceptional three hand quartz movement in a nicely finished gold case, it can often be replaced with any old current model quartz movement, and keep the watch functional. I tend to think of this as a sort of reanimated zombie, but I tend not to be interested in watches that are primarily jewelry pieces that just happen to tell time.
High quality quartz movements, like the Rolex Oysterquartz, the Grand Seiko 9F, or the JLC cal 631, will have better lifespans for the mechanical parts, and may even have better quality circuit boards than cheaper quartz, but they still have ICs and circuit boards which will age faster than mechanical parts. Usually, though, this grade of quartz movements is better supported with replacement parts, as well as being designed to be maintained, not just disposed of. Plus, they’re actually fairly beautifully made, and for the JLC and Grand Seiko, sometimes found in watches with exhibition backs showing off what a quartz device can look like if you aren’t worried too much about cutting costs.
Thanks for the additional info! So basically if Imma venture into having a vintage quartz watch, go with high-quality ones that resemble the Rolex Oysterquartz and keep in mind that they may suddenly die after 70+ years?