Last updated on September 28th, 2023
As a watch enthusiast, it is easy to get carried away by fascinating mechanical movements and cool automatic watches.
However, is there a place for quartz watches to be in your collection? You see, a mechanical watch with a mechanical movement has flair and are piece of art.
Whereas quartz watches tend to be sensible, deadly accurate, no-nonsense, and reliable when you need them to be. But what else do you look for? Are all quartz watches built the same?
Well, buckle up, because in this article I’m going to go through the best quartz watches you can buy with your hard-earned money!
What Are The Best Quartz Watches?
1. Tissot PRX Quartz (Editor’s Choice)
The Tissot PRX Quartz has got to be one of my favorite watches, not just for its aesthetic, but also for its functionality and heritage. To keep it short, the PRX line is like an homage to the 1970s. Tissot is one of the oldest brands in the watchmaking world, being founded in 1853, which means that the history part of the brand is sorted!
This watch is undoubtedly inspired by Gerald Genta’s design, which you might know from the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. The symmetry and quality of this watch could (almost) rival that of the two giants!
The hexagonal case, paired with the simple dial, baton hands, and minimalist hour markers make this a timeless, classic, and elegant watch. A lot of people really like the whole integrated bracelet look, and I can confirm that this’ll scratch that itch!
Watch Specifications:
- Case Material: Stainless Steel Case
- Water Resistance: 100 Meters
- Thickness: 10.4mm
- Diameter: 40mm
- Lug Width: N/A
- Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
- Movement: ETA Quartz Caliber F06.115
- Price: Check Now on Amazon
Pros
- Great Brand History and Heritage
- Awesome Water Resistance
- Good Aesthetics
- Impeccable Value For Money
Cons
- The bracelet might be flimsy for some.
2. Victorinox Inox (Most Robust Analog)
A slightly pricier option on this list, the Victorinox Inox is a perfect everyday watch, encompassing many distinct features such as having 200 meters of water resistance, a solid stainless steel case, and sturdy crown guards.
You might have heard of Victorinox, as they’ve been and currently are the biggest Swiss Army Knife maker on the planet. Watches from Victorinox are known to be absurdly high-quality and tested vigorously.
To put things into perspective, here’s a video of them literally running the watch over with a literal bulldozer, as well as a construction excavator.
Watch Specifications:
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel Case
- Water Resistance: 200 Meters
- Thickness: 14mm
- Diameter: 43mm
- Lug Width: 21mm
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Ronda 715 Quartz Movement
- Price: Check Now on Amazon
Pros
- Incredibly Durable
- Very Good Water Resistance
- Reliable and Robust Ronda Quartz Movement
- A Do-It-All Watch
Cons
- Might Be Too Big For Some
3. Zeppelin Hindenburg Moon Phase (Most Complications)
You probably won’t be very familiar with Zeppelin if you’re new to the watch-collecting hobby. Zeppelin is a relatively new brand, founded in Germany in 2002. But I can say their watches pack a huge punch. The model we’re looking at today is the Zeppelin Hindenburg.
At first glance, you’d probably think that this watch must cost a ton, with those fancy decorations and all. Honestly, it’s probably a lot cheaper than you might be expecting! This watch comes with 3 subdials, sub-seconds, a date function, and a moon phase! This is great since moon phases are usually only found in higher-end watches!
However, I have to warn you that it only has 30 meters of water resistance and comes with a Hesalite crystal. But, for the price, it’s really hard to beat! I would only recommend wearing it as a dress watch since the crystal and water resistance might not make it ideal to be an everyday watch.
Watch Specifications:
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel Case
- Water Resistance: 30 Meters
- Thickness: 10mm
- Diameter: 40mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Crystal: Hesalite
- Movement: Ronda Caliber 706B
- Price: Check Now on Amazon
Pros
- A very unique watch that draws attention.
- Perfect as a dress watch.
- Good quality with a great vintage look.
Cons
- Only 30 meters of water resistance.
- Crystal isn’t as good as Sapphire.
4. Citizen Corso Eco-Drive (Most Long-Lasting)
Whether you’re a watch enthusiast or not, you’ve probably heard of Citizen. Citizen is one of the big three in the Japanese watchmaking world, the other two being Seiko and Orient. Citizen watches have some of the best quartz movements on the market, many of them being solar quartz watches that can last over 50 years on paper!
The model we’re looking at today is the Corso Eco-Drive. To me, this is one of the most handsome watches in Citizen’s modern lineup, making it perfect for almost any occasion. You know what’s the best thing? – You’ll get blued-looking hands and an elegant dial rivaling even the most expensive Longines Master Collection!
Being an Eco-Drive movement, this watch is able to be charged with light, whether it be from sunlight or even from the lamp on your office desk. These movements are known to last a long long time, some even lasting for over a decade!
Watch Specifications:
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel Case
- Water Resistance: 30 meters
- Thickness: 11mm
- Diameter: 42mm
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Crystal: Mineral
- Movement: Citizen Caliber 8365 Eco-Drive
- Price: Check Now on Amazon
Pros
- Great brand history and awesome reliability!
- Insane value-for-money.
- Looks way more expensive than it is.
- No need for regular battery changes.
Cons
- Could be smaller for most.
- Mineral crystals aren’t very durable.
5. Junghans Max Bill Quarzwerk (Most Classy)
Junghans is one of the few German brands on this list, with a huge list of achievements and great history. Founded in 1861, Junghans is one of the oldest, and they are dominating the mid-range watch market.
Now, what’s special about this watch is that the Max Bill Quarzwerk was originally designed by the Bauhaus legend, Max Bill himself! If you want to know why that is a big deal, you can get more information here.
To keep it short, Max Bill was the guy that made Bauhaus cool back in the day. All the Max Bills are incredibly made, as I’ve felt and worn a few of them while in the Junghans boutique in Singapore and I can say that they feel very premium, considering the price.
This watch comes with a good Ronda movement and everything you’d expect from a premium watch like a domed Sapphire crystal, a very solid mesh bracelet, and just a well-made watch all around!
Watch Specifications:
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel Case
- Water Resistance: 30 Meters
- Thickness: 7.9mm
- Diameter: 38mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
- Movement: Junghans Caliber J645.33 (Modified ETA Quartz Movement)
- Price: Check Now on Amazon!
Pros
- Great quality for the price!
- Incredible Brand History.
- An iconic watch designed by an icon.
- Awesome everyday dress watch!
Cons
- Low water resistance (30 meters)
- Some people might not like the minimalism.
6. Seiko SSC813 Solar Chronograph (Best Features)
Seiko is arguably one of the most iconic watch brands in the world, dominating not just the Japanese watchmaking scene but the entry-level and mid-range categories as well.
The watch in question is the Seiko SSC813 Solar Chronograph. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a quartz chronograph that is powered by solar energy.
The incredible thing about this watch is that you don’t have to change the batteries (unless it’s time for a full overhaul every 6 to 10 years), and just like Citizen’s Eco-Drive, you can charge with either sunlight or just a lamp on your desk!
The SSC813 is one hell of a beauty, as I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets mistaken for a Rolex Daytona Panda from far away! Being a quartz chronograph, the timing feature is going to be more accurate than traditional mechanical ones, which is great!
Unlike most Seikos, you’ll get a sapphire crystal instead of the typical Hardlex, which is much more durable. This watch also comes with a tachymeter and 100 meters of water resistance, making it amazing as an everyday watch!
Watch Specifications:
- Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel Case
- Water Resistance: 100 Meters
- Thickness: 13.3mm
- Diameter: 39mm
- Lug Width:20mm
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Seiko Caliber v192
- Price: Check Now on Amazon!
Pros
- One of the most iconic in watchmaking!
- Great value and features for the money.
- Sapphire crystal!
- Solar-powered and low-maintenance
- Great everyday piece!
- Perfect size for almost everyone.
Cons
- Seiko bracelets tend to be a bit rattly.
- Not everyone likes a domed crystal.
7. Longines Conquest VHP (Most Sporty)
Longines, one of the most iconic Swiss brands on the planet, is a hefty contender on this list with the Longines Conquest VHP. This watch is both elegant and utilitarian in its design, making it eligible for business meetings, as well as on the beach.
VHP stands for Very High Precision, which is accurate to +- 5 seconds per year, which is quite literally almost 365 times as accurate as the most accurate mechanical watches. The most accurate mechanical watches are about +- 5 seconds per day.
This watch is for the watch enthusiasts who live and breathe accuracy, being reliable and deadly accurate anytime and anywhere. If you’re interested, you can check out my other article where I review the automatic version of the Longines Hydroconquest.
Watch Specifications:
- Case Material: Stainless Steel Case
- Water Resistance: 50 Meters
- Thickness: 12.2mm
- Diameter: 43mm
- Lug Width: 22mm
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: L288
- Price: Check Now on Amazon
Pros
- Great brand history that rivals many big names.
- One of the most accurate movements on this list.
- Classic and elegant aesthetic.
- Versatile and robust!
Cons
- Only 50m Water Resistance
8. Mondaine Evo 2 (Best Gift)
Now, Mondaine is one of those brands that you either love or hate. Don’t get me wrong, the build quality is amazing, but the design might be a tad bland for some. Nevertheless, if you’re a minimalist, this is the watch for you.
Being a brand that hails from Switzerland, you can expect impeccable quality and awesome watchmaking. Mondaine watches are known to be some of the most minimalistic and elegant dress watches around, and for them to be Swiss-made at this price point, it’s (almost) unheard of!
Watch Specifications:
- Case Material: Stainless Steel Case
- Water Resistance: 30 Meters
- Thickness: 10mm
- Diameter: 40mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Ronda 514 Swiss Quartz Movement
- Price: Check Now on Amazon
Pros
- Minimalist and elegant design.
- Swiss-made and pretty good in terms of quality!
- Great value for money!
- A good dress watch for any occasion.
Cons
- Not For Everyone
- Only 30m of Water Resistance
9. Casio G Shock (Most Robust)
You might already expect this on the list, the famous Casio G-Shock. This watch is the perfect example of a tool watch, a watch that can do it all. You can wear this every day, use it as a beater watch and it will run perfectly.
My personal G-Shock is going on strong after more than a decade of abuse and use. For the G-Shock, I think the one that can fit most people’s criteria would be the GA-2100. This watch is the amalgamation of a digital and analog watch, with very distinct analog hands on the dial.
This is also an amazing watch to go diving with, with its artificial backlight and water-resistant materials. I mean G-Shocks are specifically designed to take big tumbles and step up to challenges, might as well bring it on an adventure!
Watch Specifications:
- Case Material: Carbon and Resin
- Water Resistance: 200 Meters
- Thickness: 11.8mm
- Diameter: 46mm
- Lug Width: N/A
- Crystal: Mineral
- Movement: N/A
- Price: Check Now on Amazon
Pros
- Incredibly durable and robust.
- Tons of features like alarms, lighting, and timers.
- Great for casual outfits and everyday wear.
Cons
- Not as Versatile (Hard To Wear on Formal Occasions)
- Might Be Too Big For Some
- Mineral Crystal
10. Bulova Lunar Pilot (Most Iconic)
Bulova might have the most historical significance as a brand on this list. Everyone knows that the Omega Speedmaster was the first watch ever worn on the moon, hence why it’s called the “Moonwatch“.
However, did you know that the Bulova Lunar Pilot, famously worn by astronaut Dave Scott was actually on the surface of the moon, on more than one occasion? The actual Lunar Pilot that went on the moon, was sold in an auction for a whopping $1.6 million!
But unlike that watch, you can get yourself a real piece of history for less than $500 on most sites. Just like the Bulova Accutron and the Grand Seiko line, this watch has a smooth sweeping motion just like mechanical watches! This holds true for both the seconds and chronograph hands, which have 262 kHz vibrational frequency.
Also, did you know that the first commercial ever aired on TV in the United States was from Bulova? If you want to learn more about Bulova as a brand, I have a dedicated article reviewing Bulova as a brand!
Watch Specifications:
- Case Material: Stainless Steel Case
- Water Resistance: 50 Meters
- Thickness: 15.5mm
- Diameter: 45mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Bulova High-Frequency Quartz
- Price: Check Now on Amazon
Pros
- An iconic piece that watch enthusiasts love!
- Illustrious brand history.
- Versatile and suitable for many occasions.
- Awesome-looking watch with great features.
Cons
- 50m of Water Resistance
- Might wear a little big for some.
11. Seiko SNA411 (Best Quartz Aviation Watch)
This Seiko watch caught my eye the first time I saw it on display in the dealer’s window, and I fell in love with it. Seiko is definitely one of those companies that need no introduction, with years of craftsmanship and engineering under its belt.
The SNA411 is a quartz chronograph watch that is solar-powered, Awesome right? So, besides being powered by solar energy (It can last 6 months on a full charge by the way), you can also use it as a full-fledged chronograph to time whatever you need to time, on top of being deadly accurate.
If you need a do-it-all watch, this is it right here. Being a Seiko, you know that it can handle whatever you throw at it and then some. If you want to learn more about Japanese quartz watches, click here to read my article on the complete guide to Japanese quartz movements!
Watch Specifications:
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 200 Meters
- Thickness: 12mm
- Diameter: 43mm
- Lug Width: 21mm
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Movement: Seiko Quartz Movement
- Price: Check Now on Amazon
Pros
- Robust and sport-looking watch.
- Packed with features and practical (if you know how to use them!)
- Solar-powered quartz movement.
- Japanese reliability and rich brand heritage.
Cons
- Limited Availability
- Might be too big for some people.
- Hardlex isn’t as good as Sapphire.
12. Seiko SUP 880 (Most Affordable)
You know a brand is awesome when it comes up so many times in a list. They need no introduction and will be in most people’s top 5 list of greatest watch brands of all time.
Now, if you’re looking for a great-looking quartz dress watch at an affordable price, look no further than the Seiko SUP 880.
It looks familiar, doesn’t it? That’s because this watch is meant to pay homage to the Cartier Tank! I personally think that this watch is 90% of the way there to a Cartier Tank, and it’s a steal for this price!
For your money, you get a reliable Seiko movement, a solid case, and a timeless design. However, keep in mind that you’ll have to bear with 30 meters of water resistance!
If you’re on a budget, this watch is a no-brainer. I can also guarantee that even the snobbiest of watch snobs will nod at this watch with respect because of how refined Seiko watches have come!
Watch Specifications:
- Case Material: Gold-plated Stainless Steel Case
- Water Resistance: 30 Meters
- Thickness: 12mm
- Diameter: 28mm
- Lug Width: 10mm
- Crystal: Seiko Hardlex
- Movement: Seiko Caliber 4N30
- Price: Check Now on Amazon
Pros
- An iconic piece that watch enthusiasts love!
- Illustrious brand history.
- Versatile and suitable for many occasions
Conclusion
All in all, finding yourself a good quartz watch is a question of how much you feel for the watch. Being quartz, accuracy doesn’t matter too much in this regard, as the most accurate quartz watches in the world aren’t that far off most average quartz watches.
If you’re still on the fence about quartz vs. mechanical, you can consider checking out my other article on:
