Quartz vs. Automatic vs. Solar Watches - Which One to Buy in 2025?
In 2025 more Canadian and American buyers choose watches based on how they live instead of just looks. A student wants something cheap that never stops. A lawyer wants a watch that feels expensive on the wrist. A hiker wants a watch that works forever without battery changes.
Quartz vs. automatic vs. solar watches are the three main movement types you will see in stores today. Each one fits a different lifestyle and budget. In this guide we break down quartz vs. automatic vs. solar watches so you can pick the right one for you.
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What Is a Watch Movement?
The movement is the engine inside the watch. It makes the hands move and keeps time. There are three main watch movement types you need to know in 2025: quartz, automatic, and solar. Each works completely differently and gives you different benefits.
Quartz Watches - Most Accurate and Cheapest
What Is a Quartz Movement Watch?
A quartz watch runs on a battery. The battery sends electricity through a tiny quartz crystal 32,768 times per second. That vibration keeps perfect time.
Pros
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Super accurate (±15 seconds per year)
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Very affordable (many great ones under 300 dollars)
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Light and thin on the wrist
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Almost zero maintenance
Cons
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Battery change every 2 to 4 years
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The second hand ticks once per second.
Who Should Buy Quartz
Students, office workers, first-time buyers, and anyone who just wants a reliable watch that always shows the correct time.
Best Quartz Picks
Automatic Watches - Real Mechanical Luxury
What Is an Automatic Watch?
An automatic watch winds itself when you move your wrist. No battery at all. A small rotor inside spins and tightens the mainspring. That is why people say it feels alive.
Pros
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No battery ever
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Smooth sweeping seconds hand
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Can last 50–100 years
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Real luxury feel and collectible value
Cons
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Loses or gains 5 to 20 seconds per day
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Needs service every 5 to 7 years
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Heavier and thicker
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Who Should Buy Automatic
Watch collectors, professionals who want something special, and anyone who loves mechanical things.
Best Automatic Picks
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Seiko 5 Sports & Presage Automatic
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Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
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Hamilton Khaki Field Auto
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Rado Centrix Automatic
Solar Watches - Best of Both Worlds
What Is a Solar Watch?
A solar watch has tiny solar cells under the dial. Any light (sun or office) charges a rechargeable battery that lasts 10–20 years.
Pros
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Never change the battery
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Very accurate (quartz movement)
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Eco-friendly
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Works forever with normal wear
Cons
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Needs some light (not total darkness for months)
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Fewer super-luxury options
Who Should Buy Solar
For outdoor enthusiasts, travellers, and anyone who hates maintenance, this is the perfect gift watch.
Best Solar Picks
Quartz vs. Automatic vs. Solar – Side-by-Side Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Quartz |
Automatic |
Solar |
|
Power Source |
Battery |
Wrist movement |
Light (any kind) |
|
Accuracy |
±15 sec/year |
±10–25 sec/day |
±15 sec/month |
|
Maintenance |
Battery every 2–4 yrs |
Service every 5–7 yrs |
Almost never |
|
Price Range |
100–800 dollars |
300–2000+ dollars |
200–1000 dollars |
|
Lifespan |
10–15 years |
50–100 years |
20–30 years |
|
Seconds Hand |
Ticks |
Smooth sweep |
Ticks |
|
Water Resistance |
Usually 50–200 m |
Usually 100–200 m |
Usually 100–200 m |
|
Best For |
Accuracy + low price |
Luxury + craftsmanship |
Convenience + eco |
How to Choose the Right Watch for Your Life
Office professional → Automatic (Tissot PRX Powermatic 80, Hamilton Jazzmaster)
Outdoor / travel / hiking → Solar (Citizen Eco-Drive, Seiko Solar diver)
Student or first watch → Quartz (Bulova, Citizen Tsuyosa)
Collector or gift → High-end Automatic (Rado Centrix, Hamilton)
Key Features to Check Before Buying
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Water resistance – 50 m daily, 100 m+ swimming
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Sapphire crystal – scratch proof
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Case size – 36 to 40 mm fits most wrists
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Lume – glow-in-the-dark hands
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Strap—steel bracelet or quick-release leather
Conclusion - Your Perfect Watch in 2025
Choose Quartz if you want dead-on accuracy and a low price.
Choose Automatic if you want real mechanical luxury that lasts generations.
Choose solar if you want zero maintenance and eco-friendly power.
Whatever you pick, we ship free across Canada and the US with a full warranty.
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