Field Watch - Mechanical/Auto vs Quartz
So I was looking at a field watch today with an automatic movement and the question occured to me, is this a good idea?
Let me explain my thought process. For me a field watch is a rugged little watch that can be used for outdoor activities and take a few knocks.
Now in this regard Quartz seems to be the rock solid choice; compact, lightweight, reliable and can stand being knocked about a bit when I'm working in camp or falling down a hillside! But I always have the niggle in the back of mind, what if the battery dies? Here the mechanicals come into their own. But are they robust enough?
What's your thoughts?
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Mark Law
Scottish, in my 50's and I prefer 20th century styling & design for my watches. Have no preference over movement type, Quartz or mechanical they both have pro's & cons. For me, a watch is for telling...
Aberdeen
Member since
Last active: 1 day ago
8.00” / 20.32 cm
One could argue that with some simple tools and a spare battery that a quartz could be brought back into full service with relative ease, if an automatic breaks it's down to the watch repairers for a full strip down on a work bench by a skilled individual with specialized tools and parts
If you buy a new or recent’s made watch from a reputable watchmaker, you could go with either IMHO. I prefer automatic movements generally, and so voted. But, quartz has its advantages also, and have a couple of them in my budget sub collection.
First, I love automatic field watches. I have a couple. But you can't really beat the reliability and ruggedness of a cheap quartz. My Eagle scout son is on a campout this weekend with his $50 Timex Expedition (even though he wears his FitBit every other day). Great bonus for that watch is the indigo light. I would be wearing my Victorinox Heritage quartz if i were out with them.
I use an automatic Seiko Alpinist if I'm going on holiday or for a nice walk, but if my life depended on it I'd take my Aqua Terra quartz
Like you mentioned Quartz watches have their application, LE, Mil, First responders, etc. where reliability and accuracy primary, also it's cheap enough that if damaged it can be replaced. If you replace your battery periodically ( yearly ) you should not have any worries. I wear a Hamilton Khaki field for my outdoor activities and so far had no issues.
How about solar quartz then? Don't have to worry about battery dying!
I wear quartz for rough duty so a field watch, to me, should be quartz. Mechanical/automatic watches can be harmed by hard knocks. Mark has a video where he shows that NH35 can stand a lot of abuse but I'd rather not subject mine to that. Quartz is just gonna work. If battery life anxiety is a problem get an ecodrive.
For a watch that might take a bumps I like quartz. If you're worried about battery life just pop a new one when you get it so the battery doesn't go out on you for a good long while. I like to wear a solar watch when I get out of town, usually a g shock.
I'm sure that one of my autos can take day to day use but I just play it safe!
Soldiers have been wearing mechanical field watch long before quartz watches became an option. Just sayin’
Soldiers have been wearing mechanical field watch long before quartz watches became an option. Just sayin’
They wear quartz now.
They wear quartz now.
Yes I know. I wore quartz for 30 years in uniform. My point is mechanical is up to the rigors of active service.