The journey of quartz watches began with the post-war era when a Swiss engineer discovered the potential of using quartz crystals for timekeeping purposes. This breakthrough led to the development of the first quartz watch by Seiko, the Astron, in 1969. Its arrival marked a pivotal moment in the watchmaking industry, boasting unparalleled accuracy compared to its mechanical counterparts. This signalled the beginning of the Quartz crisis.
Unlike traditional mechanical watches that rely on intricate movements and springs, quartz watches utilize a battery-powered electronic oscillator to generate precise vibrations within a quartz crystal. These vibrations are measured and converted into electrical signals, resulting in accurate timekeeping to within a few seconds per month. The newfound accuracy of quartz watches eliminated the need for daily winding or adjusting, providing users with a hassle-free timekeeping experience.
One of the most remarkable features of quartz watches is their affordability. With the introduction of mass production, manufacturers were able to produce quartz watches at a significantly lower cost compared to their mechanical counterparts. This accessibility made quartz watches a desirable option for the general public, democratizing the luxury of accurate timekeeping. As a result, quartz watches became increasingly popular.
The enduring popularity of quartz watches can be attributed to their reliability and durability. Unlike mechanical watches that require regular servicing and maintenance, quartz watches are known for their robustness and minimal upkeep. The electronic components within quartz watches are designed to withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring longevity and continued accuracy. This reliability has further cemented the position of quartz watches as an indispensable accessory for daily use.
Moreover, the versatility of quartz watches has contributed to their widespread appeal. With a wide range of designs, from sleek and minimalist to bold and sporty, there is a quartz watch to suit every individual’s style and preference. Whether it’s a classic stainless steel model for formal occasions or a vibrant, colourful timepiece for casual outings, quartz watches offer endless options to cater to diverse tastes.
In conclusion, quartz watches have revolutionized the horology industry by reshaping the way we perceive timekeeping. With their remarkable precision, affordability, reliability, and versatility, these electronic timepieces have captured the hearts of millions worldwide. Whether you’re a horology enthusiast or someone looking for a reliable and stylish accessory, a quartz watch remains a timeless choice that combines functionality and fashion effortlessly.
Since its development in the early 1970s, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has enjoyed a remarkable and enduring presence in the watch industry. Through the years, this iconic timepiece has undergone numerous transformations, encompassing a wide range of sizes, materials, colours, and complications. Its versatility has allowed it to cater to the diverse preferences of watch enthusiasts, ensuring a steadfast demand for the Royal Oak that never wanes.
Undoubtedly, the Royal Oak has always held a special place in the hearts of luxury watch aficionados, its price tag consistently reflecting its exclusive status. Its desirability has continued to rise, attracting attention from discerning collectors who appreciate its exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive design. The allure of the Royal Oak lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in its enduring reputation for innovation and technical prowess.
Interestingly, despite its original purpose as a response to the quartz crisis faced by the watchmaking industry, the Royal Oak timepiece created by Audemars Piguet has not refrained from embracing quartz movements in its collection. This unique approach can be observed in specific models, especially those that come with smaller cases or optional diamond embellishments.
These quartz-powered references have been intentionally crafted to cater to the tastes and preferences of women. However, it is worth noting that the Royal Oak also offers a range of 33mm models that possess an allure and appeal for both men and women alike. These versatile timepieces transcend gender boundaries, attracting individuals from all walks of life with their elegance, craftsmanship, and iconic design.
In response to the Quartz crisis, some watch brands began to embrace this new technology. However, renowned brands like Rolex were initially hesitant to produce quartz watches. Despite their reluctance, Rolex eventually released their first quartz watch in 1970. Instead of developing an in-house quartz movement, they utilized the Beta 21 quartz movement, which was also used by other Swiss manufacturers. These manufacturers, including Omega, Piaget, and Patek Philippe, formed the Centre Electronic Horloger (CEH) to create high-quality Swiss-made quartz movements.
However, Rolex didn’t maintain their Beta 21 Quartz model, referred to as the 5100, for an extended period. Only approximately 1,000 of these models were ever released before Rolex retired the reference.
In 1972, Rolex discontinued the production of the reference 5100 and parted ways with the CEH. They embarked on a mission to develop their own in-house quartz movement, a process that took five years. Finally, in 1977, Rolex introduced two new quartz movements to the market: the 5035 caliber for the Oysterquartz Datejust and the 5055 for the Oysterquartz Day-Date.
Rolex produced their quartz watches for approximately 25 years. Only an estimated 25,000 of these watches were ever made, making them highly rare and sought after by collectors.
The Santos Dumont collection is inspired by the iconic aviator Santos Dumont, who made significant contributions to the development of aviation during the early 20th century. He challenged conventions and pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible, embodying the spirit of adventure and innovation.
One notable feature of the Cartier Santos Dumont quartz watches is their sleek and refined aesthetic. The timepieces boast a square-shaped case crafted from a variety of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel, rose gold, or white gold. The square shape with rounded corners creates a balanced and captivating contrast that is instantly recognizable as a Cartier design.
Cartier is known for its attention to detail, and the Santos Dumont collection is no exception. The watches feature a crown adorned with a blue spinel or sapphire cabochon, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to the overall design. The dial is simple yet elegant, often featuring Roman numeral hour markers and Cartier’s signature sword-shaped hands. Some models also incorporate small seconds sub-dials, adding visual interest and functionality to the timepiece.
Another remarkable aspect of these watches is their precision timekeeping. Powered by a quartz movement, the Santos Dumont watches offer accurate and reliable timekeeping, ensuring that you never miss a beat. Quartz movements also require minimal maintenance as compared to mechanical counterparts, making them
For athletes and those with an active, sporty lifestyle, finding the perfect watch that combines high precision and durability with a stylish design can be a challenge. Breitling created the Endurance Pro with this in mind.
Designed to be both a lightweight watch for athletes and a fashionable accessory for everyday wear, the Endurance Pro offers the best of both worlds. It seamlessly blends innovative technology and high precision with a vibrant and colourful design.
One of the standout features of the Endurance Pro is its ultra-light Breitlight® case. This robust material is 3.3 times lighter than titanium and 5.8 times lighter than stainless steel, making the watch incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Inside the Endurance Pro ticks Breitling’s Caliber 82, a COSC-certified SuperQuartz™ chronograph. This movement delivers exceptional precision, ensuring accurate timekeeping even in the most demanding situations. The Endurance Pro ensures reliability, whether you are tracking your workout performance or simply keeping track of time during your daily activities.
The maintenance required for a quartz watch is minimal, with only a battery replacement every one to two years. There is no need to be concerned about winding or any other type of interference to ensure its functionality, so if this sounds like the sort of timepiece that appeals to you, browse our carefully curated selection of quartz watches below.
