Choosing between quartz and mechanical watches? At Watch Repair Piccadilly, nestled in Piccadilly Circus Station, we service both. But if you’re asking “Which watch requires more upkeep?”, the short answer is: mechanical watches demand more maintenance. Here’s why.
1. Components & Complexity
Quartz watches contain just a battery, quartz crystal, and stepping motor minimal moving parts making them more robust and low maintenance.
Mechanical watches feature intricate gear trains, mainsprings, escapements, and jewels hundreds of components that need lubrication, alignment, calibration, and cleaning .
2. Maintenance Intervals & Cost
- Quartz: Usually needs a battery every 2–5 years. Aside from that, a casual clean or gasket check rarely needed. Battery replacements cost around £10–£20.
- Mechanical: Requires a full service every 3–5 years—dismantle, clean, lubricate, calibrate. In London, including Piccadilly, costs often start at £150+.
3. Accuracy & Life Span
- Quartz: Extremely accurate (±0.5 sec/day) both indoors and outdoor.
- Mechanical: Tends to drift several seconds/day and must be regulated periodically movement watch.
Although mechanical watches can last generations with proper service, quartz watches may eventually need electronic parts unlike mechanical parts, these may not be available decades later
4. Repairability
Quartz watches? If the circuit dies, we often just swap the movement module.
Mechanical watches? Even 19th-century movements can be cleaned or repaired, and parts can be custom-made if needed .
5. Durability & Resistance
Quartz fares better under shocks and harsh conditions due to fewer moving parts.
Mechanical are tougher in high-end form, but inherently more sensitive to drops, magnetism, and wear—requiring timely servicing.
Why This Matters in Piccadilly
Here at Watch Repair Piccadilly, we expertly service both:
- Quartz battery replacements from just £12.
- Full mechanical servicing including calibration, lubricants, and pressure testing starting around £150
Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Quartz | Mechanical |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Low (battery only) | High (full service every 3–5 years) |
| Accuracy | Ultra-precise | Decent but variable |
| Durability | Tough, fewer failure points | Delicate, needs care |
| Repairability | Basic; limited lifespan | Can be revived repeatedly |
If you want set-and-forget reliability with simple upkeep, quartz is ideal. But if you appreciate intricate craftsmanship, a mechanical watch may be worth the extra care.
Visit Us in Piccadilly
Wondering which watch suits your lifestyle best? Pop into our Piccadilly Circus workshop for personalized advice or book a service right here. We ensure your timepiece keeps ticking perfectly, whatever its movement.
1. Do quartz or mechanical watches need more maintenance?
Mechanical watches need more maintenance due to complex parts and regular servicing needs. Quartz watches mostly require battery changes.
2. How often should I service a mechanical watch?
Typically every 3–5 years. Mechanical watches require cleaning, oiling, and regulation to keep accurate and functioning.
3. How often should a quartz watch be serviced?
Quartz watches usually only need a battery replacement every 2–5 years and occasional gasket or pressure testing.
4. Which is more accurate: quartz or mechanical watches?
Quartz watches are more accurate, usually deviating by just a few seconds per month, compared to mechanical’s few seconds per day.
5. Are quartz watches cheaper to maintain?
Yes, quartz watches are typically more affordable to maintain due to fewer moving parts and simpler repairs.
6. Can mechanical watches last longer than quartz?
With regular servicing, mechanical watches can last generations. Quartz watches often have limited lifespan due to electronic failure over time.
7. Where can I get both types serviced in London?
At Watch Repair Piccadilly, we service both quartz and mechanical watches using expert techniques and original parts.
About Me:
My name is Joel Britos and I am a highly respected watch servicing expert with over 25 years of hands-on experience in the fine art of horology. As the lead technician at Watch Repair Piccadilly, I have built a reputation for precision, integrity, and heritage craftsmanship.
Having serviced thousands of timepieces from Rolex and Omega to Cartier and Breitling. I bring an unmatched level of expertise to vintage restorations, movement overhauls, ultrasonic cleaning, and luxury watch diagnostics.
A trusted figure in London’s Piccadilly watch repair community, I am passionate about helping collectors and everyday watch enthusiasts keep their timepieces in peak condition.
📍 Location:
Watch Repair Piccadilly
Inside Piccadilly Circus Underground Station
London W1J 9HP, United Kingdom
📧 Email: info@watchrepairpiccadilly.co.uk
📞 Phone: +44 20 3006 2072
