A watch whose rate is regulated electronically by a vibrating quartz crystal, usually powered by a battery.
In a quartz watch, an electronic circuit uses a vibrating quartz crystal as its timekeeping reference. The industry commonly uses crystals operating at 32,768 Hz. In an analogue movement, the electronics control a motor that drives the hands. The quartz oscillator performs the regulating role that the balance and balance spring perform in a mechanical watch. Diagnosis can involve more than replacing a battery: a quartz movement tester can check rate, current consumption, operating voltage and coil condition. Those electrical checks help distinguish a power problem from other faults within the movement.
In job listings
A watch repair role may name quartz alongside mechanical work, and the skills differ. A sales advisor may also need to explain to a client why a quartz watch needs a new battery and a mechanical one does not. Search local jobs for “quartz watch”.
