A wrist or pocket watch that you really like, or that has great sentimental value but no longer keeps accurate time does not have to be thrown out or stuffed in a drawer. Have the watch converted to quartz and use it for many more years.

1

Function

The hands on a mechanical watch are attached to a spring which tightens when it is wound. Over time, the spring loses its ability to stay taught, causing the watch to lose time throughout the day. In a quartz watch, the hands are attached to a paper thin synthetic quartz crystal that acts as an oscillator to move the hands. The quartz needs an electrical charge in order to move the hands and keep accurate time.

  • The hands on a mechanical watch are attached to a spring which tightens when it is wound.
  • In a quartz watch, the hands are attached to a paper thin synthetic quartz crystal that acts as an oscillator to move the hands.
2

Conversion

The paper thin quartz is electrically charged by battery, movement or solar energy. Converting a mechanical watch to quartz should be done by a professional. Attaching the hands to the quartz is very difficult without the use of specially designed tools.

3

Pros and Cons

Converting a mechanical watch to quartz can greatly extend the life of a cherished time piece. If the watch is a valuable antique, conversion can drastically reduce its monetary value, however. Have the watch appraised before making a decision.