Grand Seiko 9F - Quartz Watches Appreciation

I'm not sure if acceptance of quartz is a general thing, but I have personally become more accepting of them. I still have a huge preference for mechanical movements simply because I am more impressed by the ability of a mechanical device to keep accurate time than I am of an electronic device being able to do the same. I'll gladly add quartz watches to my collection if they offer something special.

My most recent addition to the collection was an Omega Speedmaster X-33 Skywalker with a high accuracy thermally compensated quartz movement rated for +/- 10 seconds per year, very similar in specs to the 9F quartz movement in the SGBX097.  

The tick of a Grand Seiko is very satisfying. The way it is engineered to hit the markers each time with no wobble is very comforting to watch.

I do think watches like Grand Seiko have made more quartz more acceptable, I like way they seem to give the same care and attention to their watches no matter what the movement. 
 

At all price points I think where quartz is used intentionally as a deliberate choice rather than a way to maximise revenue helps.

Thats a very classy watch! I think indeed, that quartz are coming back with us watch nerds - mainstream it never went away! I bought a CWC G10 app 2 years ago, as a watch for more ”active activities”😉 Clearly not at the GS quality level, its today one of my most worn watches (I tend to wear auto and manual chronos), as its precise, robust and always ready to go. 

I think I'm in the same position since getting a 9F. I've really learned to appreciate them more now that I own a 'higher end' quartz piece. 

That Omega is so cool, very underrated piece! 

I still prefer mechanical, but I wouldn’t change my mind on a watch I like just because it’s quartz. Hell, my Flightmaster is quartz, and it’s one of my favorite watches. 
 

The 9F is sui generis, though. That’s an amazing movement, and I’d take it over most mechanical watches given the opportunity. 

It was actually the 9F movement that got me going down the HAQ rabbit hole that resulted in me picking up the X33. I had originally been interested in an SBGP001 but then stumbled upon a deal for a pre-owned X-33 that was too good to pass up. Omega is one of my favorite brands, and I have a few other Speedmasters, which made it even more appealing.  

Thats a fine watch. Tekes less maintenance than the spring drive without the hamster cage in it.

Always makes me laugh that a lot of people moan about quartz watches not hitting all the markers etc as such a bad thing because mechanical watches have a sweep second hand. The sweep is usually juddering when you watch it though really (except spring drive and the odd few others) and if slowed down enough probably don't hit the markers either but you don't notice as much

As with many others here, I thought mechanical watches were the only way to go. I guess my problem with quartz were 1) they often felt uninspired and 2) why get a quartz for x amount of money with a cheap movement inside?

I guess I've come to realize that 1) the movement is not the issue, it's just lazy watch-making that's the issue and 2) the same can be said for mechanical movements.

I do think that Seiko and their 9F movements allowed people to delve deeper into quartz movements and realize that quartz isn't soulless and boring. They're just soulless 😂 (I kid).

I've been stalking them for a while (9F GS) but haven't pulled the trigger yet.  I have a manual wind 2nd gen version GS (1965) and it has served me well over many years.

Never ever ever would have considered a quartz watch...  and then came across this.  Now, I wish I'd not been such an a$$hat all this time, and started out my collection with just 9F Quartz watches!

I have three current quartz watches in rotation - a GS GMT, a Rado dual time and a Tissot perpetual calendar. All are fine watches.

Electronic Engineers create quartz watches.  Watch makers create mechanical watches. Quartz watches lack much of the craftsmanship and artisan work of a mechanical watch.  Quartz is pretty amazing. Especially the micro size integrated circuit that controls them.  But after the design phase is complete, they knock out the movements in high production for pennies.  Even if every spring, wheel and gear on a mechanical watch is CNC produced.  It takes human assembly and experience to make certain that the components mesh together perfectly.  It takes hand polishing, not just for beauty but to makes sure every burr that may cause trouble down the road has been removed.  You get skill, love, artistic ability and craftsmanship in a mechanical watch that you may not get with quartz.

I have nothing against quartz, only bad quality. I would consider a GS quartz if they made a couple with interesting dails (not black or white) and still in the smaller case size ☺️ It might happen 🙏

9F is neat. I think Quartz its arguably even better than Mechanical because of lower maintenance costs and better accuracy. 

I still like Mechanical more because I appreciate the time and knowledge that goes into a Mechanical movement, but 9F is for me a better choice when dropping a bigger sum on a watch. I dont think its fair to simply shove 9F into the quartz category because they are so much better than your average miyota throwaway movement.

I just bought my first GS quartz. Accuracy and convenience was something that I have been obsessing over the last few weeks. Yes my metas co-axial movements give me great pleasure, but there is something really satisfying about watching the second hand hit the mark crisply each and every single time. 

God damn that's a handsome watch.