The history of the quartz watch - the quartz shock
Quartz watches have become an important part of the watch market since their commercial introduction in the 1960s. Compared to traditional mechanical watches, they offer many advantages that make them a popular choice for many wearers.
The first quartz watch was invented in 1927 by Warren Marrison, an American engineer. This clock was based on the vibration of a quartz crystal, which has a very constant frequency. The first commercial quartz watches were produced in the 1960s and the technology has continued to evolve ever since.
The quartz crisis of the 70s
The quartz crisis was a severe crisis that hit the Swiss watch industry in the 1970s. The aggressive marketing of quartz watches caused massive disruption in the industry and led to a massive decline in mechanical watch production.
Up to this point, the Swiss watch industry had a monopoly on the production of high-quality mechanical watches and dominated the world market. However, the introduction of quartz watches fundamentally changed the game and led to a massive collapse in demand for mechanical watches.
Quartz watches were not only more accurate and reliable than mechanical watches, they were also cheaper to manufacture. With fewer moving parts, they were also less prone to wear and tear and required less maintenance. This made them an attractive choice for consumers looking for an affordable and reliable watch.
The Swiss watch industry, which previously specialized in mechanical watches, was not able to switch to the new technology fast enough. They struggled to keep up with the new competition.
The quartz crisis was a turning point in the history of the watch industry and forced the Swiss watch industry to reorient their production and focus on the manufacture of high-quality mechanical watches, which are still very popular today. Despite this, quartz watches have had a major impact on the watchmaking industry since their inception and today continue to be an important choice for many consumers around the world.
Why are quartz watches so popular?
One of the biggest advantages of quartz watches is their accuracy. Unlike mechanical watches, which rely on a series of moving parts that can easily be detuned, quartz watches accurately measure time through the vibrations of a crystal. The crystal's frequency remains constant, resulting in a much more accurate timekeeping. In addition, the reduction in moving parts means that the watch is even more resistant to external influences. Quartz watches are perfect for sports activities.
Another benefit of quartz watches is their reliability. Because they are less susceptible to interference from magnetic fields or shock, they are more accurate and reliable than mechanical watches. Quartz watches also require less maintenance than mechanical watches because they have fewer moving parts.
Movements such as the Miyota 6S20 in our chronographs deliver maximum reliability with precise timekeeping. They are able to measure time in fractions of a second, making them an ideal choice for athletes or others who need very precise timing. Many quartz watches have numerous functions - our MACHIA chronographs offer a stopwatch, for example.
Overall, quartz watches offer a combination of accuracy, reliability, and functionality that make them a popular choice for many people. While not as traditional as mechanical watches, they have become an important part of the watch market and are able to offer a variety of features to suit every need.
