Pocket Watches With Quartz Movements

Choosing pocket watches with quartz movements or otherwise known as battery operated watches have their advantages and drawbacks. Generally speaking, quartz movements are far more accurate then mechanical movements. Pocket watches with quartz movements operate by dividing time segments using a quartz oscillator, an integrated circuit, stepping motor, gear train and "trimmer" that regulates the frequency. Connected to a small battery inside, a quartz pocket watch will keep running up to 5 years. The quartz oscillator vibrates in high frequency which enables your pocket watch to remain accurate within one minute per year. 

The face is usually available in two styles. Analog pocket watch faces have hour and minute hands which may or may not include a sweep second hand. Digital display watches or LCD watches have a liquid crystal display that is sent directly from the quartz movement and requires no mechanical intervention.

Pocket Watches With Mechanical Movements

Unlike quartz pocket watches - mechanical versions can involve well over 100 different parts consisting in three main groups - the power source, regulating assembly (also called the ebauche) and the face assembly. Broken down in segments, mechanical pocket watches consist of the barrel or main spring assembly which provides power and the escapement which provides impulses. The division of time is accomplished via an oscillating balance wheel and hair spring. The winding stem is used for manual winding of the main spring and setting the time. The dial train drives the hours, minutes and second hands. On more complicated mechanical pocket watches you may also find an oscillating weight that will wind the main spring automatically when the watch is being used on a daily basis. A hybrid modern day version of a quartz pocket watch and mechanical pocket watch incorporates an oscillating weight that actually converts mechanical energy into electrical energy which is then stored in a capacitor.

Purchasing A Swiss Made Pocket Watch

Many people are very surprised to find out that the Swiss made wristwatch or pocket watch they just purchased contains many parts that are not Swiss made. It is not uncommon for a Swiss made watch or pocket watch to contain components such as the bezel, case, case back and strap that are actually made in China and other countries. Generally speaking, the price tells all. If you are spending under $300 for your Swiss Made pocket watch then chances are there are probably many parts that are not made in Switzerland. In fact - the Swiss government decides on how many components in s Swiss watch or pocket watch have to be made in Switzerland in order to be called Swiss made. If you are about to purchase a $2,000 Rolex, you can rest assured that every component is meticulously made in Switzerland. There are many manufacturers that sell Swiss made watches and pocket watches for under $200 - but remember, chances are there are numerous parts in these less expensive timepieces that are not made in Switzerland.

Choosing The Right Pocket Watch For You

Should you purchase a quartz pocket watch or a mechanical pocket watch? As stated above - a quartz pocket watch has substantially fewer parts then its mechanical cousin and should be considered the more accurate of the two. If you are planning on using your pocket watch on a daily basis then we recommend purchasing a quartz model which is always less expensive and will in most cases give you trouble free operation for years before needing to change its battery. However - if you are purchasing a pocket watch that is destined to become a family heirloom, then we recommend choosing a mechanical style. Old fashioned and not as accurate as a quartz version - mechanical pocket watches make up the difference in shear form and beauty of function. Nothing is more impressive then winding a mechanical pocket watch and then marveling at the dozens of tiny moving parts that drive the mechanism. What they lack in accuracy, they make up for in beauty.

We hope this short tutorial will help you to decide on what is the best choice of pocket watch for you.