In order to check if something is good, we usually pit it against something else. If it can measure up to standards, only then is it worth buying or, at the very least, trying out.

Mechanical watches have been the tradition since the 14th century while quartz watches just started making waves around 1970s. Between the mechanical type of watch and its quartz counterpart, it is clear which is considered customary. Notable leaders in the watchmaking industry pride themselves of producing mechanical watches which are truly works of fine craftsmanship. Nowadays however, more and more people are buying quartz watches making several watch manufacturers think twice in creating mechanical watches.

What exactly are the differences between mechanical watches and quartz watches? Why are quartz watches more preferred lately?

Mechanical watches refer to those timekeeping devices which run thanks to the energy generated from the wound spring (which is also called the hand spring), balance wheel and other gears. Of course, an escapement is also present. On one full winding of the wound spring, mechanical watches can run solely on its components, without the aid of any outside electrical source, for more or less 40 hours.

Quartz watches, on the other hand, are able to run through man-made quartz which oscillates in response to the electric charges released from a battery or an electrical generator. The vibration of the paper-thin synthetic quartz is steadily consistent which makes for accurate timekeeping.

Mechanical watches are more expensive. If you take into consideration the watch parts needed for a mechanical watch to run smoothly plus the time and effort needed to put the pieces together, it is not surprising why watch manufacturers charge a higher price.

Quartz watches are relatively cheaper since they are also relatively easier to produce. On top of this, quartz watches are also low-maintenance. All you will need to make sure that your quartz watch is always on time is a working battery.

Last but not least, the main reason why the quartz watch is seemingly the standard these days (instead of the original mechanical watch) is that it is proven to be more accurate. You have to wind a mechanical watch every now and then to be certain that it is still on the dot--something you do not have to do when what you own is a quartz watch.

It may seem that quartz watches totally won over mechanical watches but there are still those who favor mechanical timepieces. There are many innovations being introduced lately to develop mechanical watches into something more accurate than quartz watches. Granted that it can be tricky since quartz movement are really precise, but watch manufacturers, particularly Swiss ones, are set on reviving the mechanical watch trend.

Power reserve of mechanical watches is increased. From an average of 8 to 10 days, there are some mechanical watches which now have up to 30 days of power reserve.  Materials used in creating mechanical watches are also a step higher in quality because the watch components are essential in the mechanical watch movement.

Then there is the fact that certified watch aficionados lean towards mechanical watches because of the simple matter of appreciation. Mechanical watches appeal to their sense of aesthetics. For a beautiful timepiece, these watch enthusiasts are more than willing to pay the hefty price tag. After all, in this time and day where quartz watches are at every turn, having a mechanical watch is somewhat a privilege and at the same time, a good investment. Since majority like to be practical with their choice of watches, it is very possible for the value of mechanical watches to increase in the years to come as they will be seen as rare collectibles.

Our writer loves watching movies and reading novels. She devotes most of her time with her family. She is currently helping out with Where To Buy Luxury Watches