The birth of quartz watches can be traced back to 1969, the year Seiko released the groundbreaking Astron 35SQ - the world's first quartz watch. Compared to traditional mechanical watches, quartz watches are accurate, affordable and easy to maintain, which makes them the first watch many people buy.
I've always worn quartz watches myself, they're hassle-free and reliable. But because they seem so ‘indestructible’, I used to wonder: how long does a quartz watch last? How long does a quartz watch last and what are the factors that determine its longevity?
The lifespan of quartz watches: can they last 20-30 years?
The answer is: the life span of most quartz watches is between 20-30 years, and the life span of some models can be longer if they are properly maintained.
l Life span of general quartz movement
Many general quartz watches on the market, such as Casio, Timex, etc., have no problem using the movement itself for 20 years. The key depends on whether the battery is replaced in time, and whether it has been affected by external forces such as water ingress and dropping.
l Difference between high-end vs low-end quartz movement
High-end brands such as Grand Seiko, Citizen's HAQ (high-precision quartz) series, not only in the timekeeping accuracy is far better than the general quartz watch, in the temperature control, circuit protection and other details are more solid, the life expectancy is relatively longer.
l Battery replacement cycle
Most of the batteries of quartz watches need to be replaced once in 1.5 to 5 years, depending on the functions of the watch, the frequency of use and the quality of the battery. Some solar models (such as Eco-Drive) hardly need to replace the battery, which is a great relief!
The common causes of damage to quartz watches
Although quartz watches do not require as complicated maintenance as mechanical watches, they do have their fragile side, and common causes of damage include:
l Battery depletion
Many times when a watch doesn't go, it's actually just a dead battery, in which case you just need to replace the battery.
l Circuit failure or water ingress
Quartz watches have electronic components inside, if water, moisture or fall, it will cause circuit damage, the cost of repair is not low.
l Coil aging, chip damage
Prolonged use or improper placement may also lead to circuit aging. Especially when placed in an environment with high humidity or large temperature difference, it is easier to affect the life of the movement.
Can a quartz watch last a lifetime?
It depends on how we define ‘lifetime’. Some quartz watches can indeed be used for decades, especially if they are properly maintained; however, some can only be used as collector's items and can no longer be worn due to the aging of core parts or discontinuation of spare parts by manufacturers. Batteries, straps, glass, etc. are replaceable wearing parts, and replacement does not affect the continued use of the watch. However, if the main chip, circuit boards and other key electronic parts are damaged, especially for the old movement, once it is impossible to find the original spare parts, the repair will become very difficult.
Nevertheless, there are still many quartz watches that have been worn for more than 20 or 30 years that are still as accurate as ever. Examples include the Citizen Quartz Crystron from the 1970's and the Seiko Quartz SQ series from the 1980's, and many watch owners still wear these older watches today and keep them in good working order simply by replacing the batteries and straps on a regular basis.
When a quartz watch breaks, should it be repaired or replaced?
There's really no standard answer, it all depends on what the watch means to you. If it's a practical-oriented, inexpensive watch, and the cost of repair is close to or even more than buying a new watch, it may be more cost-effective to just replace it. However, if the watch is a gift from someone else, a keepsake, or has been with you for a lot of time, it may be worth keeping, even if it is slightly more expensive to repair. We suggest that before deciding, you find out the cost of repair, and then weigh it against the condition of the watch and your own thoughts, and just pick the one that suits you best.
How to extend the service life of quartz watches?
If you want your quartz watch to run stably for a long time, in addition to paying attention to the way you wear it on a daily basis, regular maintenance and proper storage are also key. Here are a few practical suggestions:
l Replace the battery regularly (recommended cycle: 1.5 - 5 years)
The battery is the ‘power source’ of a quartz watch, once it dies, the watch will stop working. However, it is important to note that not replacing the battery in a timely manner may cause it to leak and corrode the circuit board, which may result in more serious damage.
Battery replacement intervals vary for different types of quartz watches:
l Avoid extreme environment
Try to stay away from strong magnetic fields, high humidity, and drastic temperature changes, for example, don't wear it in a hot shower or near items with strong magnetism.
l Proper storage and simple maintenance
When not wearing it, you can put it in a dry box or drawer; watch mirror dust can be gently wiped with a soft cloth to keep it clean, which helps to prolong its life.
Repairing or replacing a quartz watch when it breaks?
There's really no standard answer, it all depends on what the watch means to you. If it's a practical-oriented, inexpensive watch, and the cost of repair is close to or even more than buying a new one, it might be more cost-effective to just replace it.
However, if the watch is a gift from someone else, a keepsake, or has been with you for a lot of time, it may be worth keeping, even if it is slightly more expensive to repair. It is advisable to find out the cost of repair before deciding, and then make a trade-off, taking into account the watch's condition of use and your own thoughts on the matter.
Five Recommendations for Affordable and Long-Wearing Quartz Watches
1. Milifortic Solar Watch M069
Vintage military watch design, case polished in place, movement stable and durable, a style and durable quartz watch, suitable for daily wear.
2. Seiko Solar Watch SNE095P2
Solar powered to eliminate the hassle of changing batteries, classic styling, and Seiko's reliability needs no introduction.
3. Timex Waterbury Chronograph watch TW2U88300
With its practical chronograph function and vintage look, this is a daily quartz watch with a strong American style.
4. Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz H69401930
Classic field watch model, simple design, solid quality, quartz version is light to wear, perfect for outdoor and daily use.
5. Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch BM8180-03E
Equipped with the Eco-Drive solar energy system, combined with the appearance of a military watch, it is a very well-balanced watch in terms of form and function.
Summarize
Although quartz watches are not as ‘romantic’ as mechanical watches, their practicality, accuracy and low maintenance costs are definitely reassuring. With proper care, many quartz watches can last for decades.
If you're looking for a quartz watch that suits your needs, feel free to leave a comment and I'll be happy to recommend one!
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