The Quest for Meaning: Why Does Modern Efficiency in Quartz Watches Fail to Satisfy?
Grand Seiko 9F movement. Image credit: Time + Tide Watches
The disdain for quartz watches amongst some enthusiasts delves deep into a philosophical and existential reflection on human values and our quest for meaning. Fundamentally, this aversion is more than a mere preference for mechanical complexities over technological precision. It is a reflection of our struggle to reconcile the transient and the enduring, the personal and the impersonal. Hodinkee Editor, Tony Traina, insightfully notes, "Most people that are even slightly enlightened know quartz has a (worthy) place in the world and in a collection."
Quartz watches epitomize the relentless efficiency of modernity. They measure time with an unerring precision, driven by a battery and a quartz crystal, making them the ultimate tool of exactitude. Yet, this very precision can feel sterile, devoid of the warmth and human touch that characterize our most cherished creations. In a world where every moment is carefully accounted for, quartz watches symbolizes a kind of existential emptiness. They are perfect timekeepers, but in their mechanical perfection, they risk stripping time of its deeper significance.
Mechanical watches, conversely, are imbued with an existential richness. Each piece is a convergence of centuries-old traditions, reflecting the human quest for beauty, craftsmanship, and the fleeting nature of existence itself. The elaborate interaction of gears and springs, the necessity of winding, the periodic servicing—these are not mere functions but rituals that connect us to our past and to ourselves. A mechanical watch is a metaphor for the human condition: complex, imperfect, and inherently precious. It encapsulates the philosophical pursuit of meaning within the constraints of our own limitations, celebrating the beauty of the process and the journey rather than the outcome.
Quartz watches are everywhere, almost too accessible at any price point, reflecting a world where value is increasingly determined by functionality rather than profundity. Their omnipresence in the market can make them seem like symbols of a homogenized reality—efficient, but lacking in unique significance. This mass production and efficiency echo existential concerns about the loss of individuality and the dehumanization that accompanies a world driven by pure pragmatism. Another common concern with quartz watches is battery life, which typically lasts around 2 to 3 years. This duration can vary depending on factors such as the watch's design and features. While quartz watches are generally known for their accuracy and reliability, the need to replace the battery periodically can be seen as a drawback for some. Though, not all quartz watches are made the same.
Take, for instance, the Grand Seiko 9F. This watch is a remarkable exemplar of quartz technology, celebrated for its exceptional accuracy and durability. The 9F movement, introduced by Grand Seiko in the 1990s, represents a pinnacle of quartz precision, with a deviation of only a few seconds per year. What sets the 9F apart is not just its technical reliability but its craftsmanship. Here, quartz technology is married to a tradition of fine watchmaking, demonstrating that even within the parameters of precision, there can be artistry and soul.
Cal. 1210 inside the Élégante. Image credit: The Hour Glass
Similarly, the Caliber 1210 present inside the F.P. Journe Élégante is another example of how quartz can transcend its typical boundaries. The 1210 incorporates a special mechanism that adjusts its energy consumption based on the watch's activity, extending battery life to an extraordinary degree (10 years). This creation reflects a deep philosophical contemplation of time and efficiency, combining the precision of quartz with the refined elegance of Journe's design ethos. It challenges the notion that quartz watches are devoid of artistic merit, showing that even in the pursuit of technical perfection, there can be a profound sense of creativity and innovation.
Patek Philippe's ref. 3597 that features the Beta 21 movement. Image credit: Analog: Shift.
Another reason some enthusiasts dislike about the movement in general is the ‘ticking’ seconds. This rhythmic ticking can be perceived as jarring or less elegant compared to the seamless sweep of a mechanical watch, which many find more soothing or visually pleasing. In contrast, the Beta 21, introduced by Patek Philippe in the 1970s, is a milestone in quartz technology with its smooth sweeping seconds hand. As one of the first quartz watches produced by a luxury brand, it represents a significant shift in the horological ecosystem. The Beta 21 was a response to the quartz crisis, a period when the precision and affordability of quartz watches threatened traditional mechanical watchmaking. Patek’s foray into quartz with the Beta 21 signified not just an adaptation to new technology but an embrace of the future of watchmaking. The Beta 21's pioneering technology reflect a philosophical openness to change and a willingness to explore new dimensions of timekeeping.
These examples above illustrate that even within the domain of quartz watches, there can be a profound sense of artistry and significance. They challenge the notion that quartz is inherently devoid of character or soul. Each example embody a unique intersection of technological advancement and artistic expression. They offer a counter-narrative to the perception of quartz watches as merely functional, demonstrating that precision and elegance can coexist in a meaningful way. In the broader context, the appreciation of these quartz watches reflects a deeper philosophical engagement with the nature of time and technology. They invite us to reconsider our perceptions of value and meaning, suggesting that even in the most technologically advanced creations, there can be room for artistry and personal expression. The conflict between mechanical and quartz watches thus becomes a reflection of our own existential quest—to find depth and significance in a world increasingly driven by efficiency and precision. As Erik Gustafson, founder of Hairspring, puts it, quartz watches may seem "less romantic overall, but have an appeal and their place; unjustly maligned."
A mechanical watch, on the other hand, exists as a relic of a more contemplative era. Its craftsmanship is a proof to the human desire to create something enduring, something that transcends the immediate and speaks to the timeless. It’s not just about telling time but about participating in a tradition, an art form that reflects our struggle with our own impermanence. The mechanical watch represents an existential journey—a quest to infuse our creations with meaning and soul, to seek out the extraordinary within the ordinary.
In the philosophical context, the conflict between quartz and mechanical watches represents a broader existential argument: the tension between the quest for unblemished efficiency and the yearning for a deeper, more meaningful existence. Quartz-powered watches offer a kind of existential certainty with their precise timekeeping, a world where every moment is quantified and controlled. Mechanical watches offer a counterpoint—a space where time is not merely measured but experienced, where imperfections and nuances are embraced as part of the human condition.
Mathieu (@but_dear), a fellow collector, draws a parallel with cars, noting, "It's similar to cars: automatic vs. manual transmission; the belief that ‘real’ car people drive manual." This comparison highlights the idea that mechanical watches, like manual transmissions, are often valued for their connection to tradition and the tactile engagement they offer, while quartz watches, akin to automatics, represent modern efficiency and ease.
Ultimately, the aversion to quartz watches may stem from a deeper existential anxiety about losing connection with the more profound aspects of human experience. It’s a reflection of our collective yearning to find meaning in a world that increasingly prioritizes efficiency over depth. The mechanical watch, with its complexities and historical weight, provides a tangible link to our past, a reminder that amidst the relentless march of technology, there remains a place for the artisanal, the personal, and the profoundly human.
