The Best Quartz Watches You Should Add to Your Collection

Automatic. Manual. Quartz. Although it’s often frowned upon to play favorites, there is a clear pecking order when it comes to watch movements. For the sake of convenience and maintenance, it’s unsurprising that automatic calibres are preferred amongst the majority and are favored for daily wear. On the other hand, the history and intricacy of manual watch movements make them synonymous with the classic archetypal wrist watch and are beloved as timepieces that possess a more sophisticated, refined appeal – as their cases are often much thinner. Then there’s the quartz movement.

The history of the quartz movement is both nuanced and extremely charged. The first quartz watch was introduced in 1969 by none other than Seiko. At the time, its invention was groundbreaking. So much so that its development almost wiped out the entire Swiss watch industry. Its impact at the time was so consequential that the revolution it instigated became known as the Quartz Crisis. With its significantly lower cost – a dramatically decreased barrier to entry for the consumer – and improved convenience in the form of prolonged battery life, less maintenance and eventually even digital displays, watches entered an era in which virtually anyone could own one. Watches were no longer confined to the corners of the elite, in which the wealthy were the only ones who could afford to own a quality timepiece.

When it comes to building your own watch collection, it would be naive to reflexively point your nose up at quartz watches, without even offering their vast variety at least consideration. The most significant factors that should be taken into deliberation are price point and availability. Although obvious, it’s often not talked about enough that quartz watches are more financially accessible. For those who are looking to build their watch collections but are perhaps not quite ready to lay down the equivalent of a car payment, quartz timepieces are an admirable alternative. The aesthetics, design, artistry and craftsmanship of quartz watches are nothing to frown upon and as another significant upside, these watches are often readily available – of which the same could not be said about their mechanical counterparts, which are more often than not, unattainable, plain and simple. 

It should also be considered that quartz versions can in many cases be aesthetically indistinguishable from their mechanical peers when worn on the wrist. Although a mentality of “well, the real ones know” or “I may get less resale value from a quartz watch” may deter many collectors from investing in quartz watches, I say, “Who cares?” Watches are for wearing. As long as you experience joy from your watch, you like looking at it on your wrist, and you feel good about having it in your collection, it shouldn’t matter whether your watch is quartz or mechanical. With that being said, read on to explore our list of 8 quartz watches you should add to your collection right now.

Within the 55th Anniversary Box Set are three iconic Grand Seiko watches, one of which is the SBGV009 that is crafted with the brand’s esteemed in-house 9F Quartz movement – known as one of the most accurate quartz timepieces available. Designed with classic, dress watch sensibilities, all three timepieces are beautiful additions to any collection.  

Grand Seiko 55th Anniversary Box Set Historical Collection

Within the 55th Anniversary Box Set are three iconic Grand Seiko watches, one of which is the SBGV009 that is crafted with the brand’s esteemed in-house 9F Quartz movement – known as one of the most accurate quartz timepieces available. Designed with classic, dress watch sensibilities, all three timepieces are beautiful additions to any collection.  

Panthère de Cartier Stainless Steel White Dial

The Panthère is a timeless classic that transitions seamlessly from any occasion, whether that be day to evening, or work to formal. Its refined sophistication adds an elegant statement to any look. With the rising popularity of small watches, its chic design also makes it an ideal companion for any gender.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Quartz Stainless Steel Blue Dial

With the Royal Oak still going strong as one of the most sought-after watches on the market, its prestige is matched only by its scarcity. The smaller quartz models, luckily, are much more readily available. They offer a timeless charm and unique discernment that only comes from vintage models – and also at a fraction of the price of its mechanical peers on the secondary market.

Cartier Mini Tank Allongee Quartz Rose Gold White Dial

The Mini Tank Allongee’s unconventionally elongated shape makes it a unique silhouette that is immediately recognizable. This particular model is made of rose gold, providing the watch with a warmness that beautifully complements neutral-toned outfits. Crafted with a stunning “beads of rice” bracelet, this watch functions exquisitely as both a timepiece and as a jewelry piece.

Cartier Mini Tank Yellow Gold Quartz White Dial

As an alternative to the revered Tank Louis Cartier, the Cartier Mini Tank Quartz is a refined, smaller model that is much more accessible and an excellent piece to add to either a starting collection or one with an appreciation for smaller timepieces. With a yellow gold case and a black leather strap, this watch looks equally chic with formal wear or a jeans and T-shirt.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Mini

The launch of the AP Royal Oak Mini back in May earlier this year set the watch world ablaze, introducing a trio of covetable jewelry watches that ooze opulence and finesse. Its Calibre 2730 quartz movement also highlights a unique feature: a “switch” that can be activated by pulling on the crown, allowing the wearer to temporarily deactivate the battery and thus, extending the watch’s already impressive battery life of seven years. Within this list, the RO Mini is definitely an outlier in terms of its accessibility, with the Frosted Gold composition granting these models a $34,000 USD price tag.

Piaget Extremely Lady Watch

2024 saw a rise in popularity of vintage Piaget watches amongst collectors, with the Piaget Polo attracting especial attention. With a newfound interest in the brand, Piaget’s more idiosyncratic silhouettes also seem to be experiencing a resurgence within the fashion world. With its delicately crafted “ribbon-like” bracelet and minimalist dial, the Extremely Lady Watch stands out as a truly unmatched jewelry-watch, especially since it was a model favored by Jackie O. In terms of movement, don’t let the watch’s good looks fool you – this model is equipped with Piaget’s renowned in-house 56P quartz movement.  

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monoface

As one of the watch world’s most recognized silhouettes, the quartz iteration of the JLC Reverso Classic Monoface is an excellent entry-level watch for new collectors. Boasting the iconic Art Deco style of the silhouette, this model is ideal for those who enjoy the chic refinement of smaller timepieces.