The introduction of battery-operated, crystal-oscillating movements in the 1960s marked a seismic shift in timekeeping. It pushed the mechanical watch industry into panic. At the time, it felt like traditional watchmaking was all but buried — hence the infamous ‘quartz crisis’.
But all was not lost. Quartz did take a big chunk of the market, and still does, but the demand for mechanical marvels never disappeared. Eventually, the watch world found its footing again.
So, did quartz go away? Well, no. It’s still here, in droves. In fact, it’s arguably the most widely used, most affordable, and most accurate movement out there. Over the last decade or so, many of the big names have slowly moved away from quartz, and in some cases no longer use it at all. Until now.
There are exceptions. Grand Seiko, with its expensive yet brilliant 9F series, and of course the world-famous Cartier Tank — a model that, no matter what’s powering it, remains iconic and much loved.
So, from a buyer’s perspective, why choose quartz over mechanical? For starters, they’re generally much cheaper to buy and maintain. And, as mentioned earlier, they’re highly accurate — a perfect ‘grab and go’ option with minimal setting, no winding, and ultimately less fuss (if that’s your thing).
Most batteries last around 2–3 years, with some stretching up to 10. And solar-powered quartz movements, like Citizen’s Eco-Drive range, can keep going far longer still.
So, let’s take a look at a few models I personally feel are ideal examples of the perfect quality quartz watch across a range of budgets — from around £20 to £600. Here are seven of the finest (in my opinion), listed in ascending price order:
1. Casio F-91W LCD
No quartz shortlist feels complete without a small digital display, so let’s kick off with the Casio F-91W. Why? Because it’s widely regarded as the most successful watch ever sold, with millions of units shifted since its debut in the late 1980s.
Often available for under £20, it’s probably the most affordable watch on the planet — and it still delivers reliable performance and accurate timekeeping. The F-91W also features a stopwatch, alarm, and day-date display, all wrapped up in a slim, featherweight case.
If some of the world’s best-known billionaires choose this as their daily wear, it’s surely a great pick for anyone’s wrist.
2. Hz Watches, HZ02 (quartz only)
HZ is a new startup from Australia offering quartz-only watches that, so far, are all housed in tough, lightweight, and great-looking titanium cases.
Their debut model, the HZ01, was a simple three-hander available in various dial colours, all with day and date windows. The recently launched follow-up, the HZ02, is a retro-sized 37mm chronograph powered by a reliable Japanese meca-quartz movement, and it comes in four dial options.
What I particularly love about the HZ02 is the inclusion of an exhibition caseback — something you rarely see on a quartz watch. Many would argue it’s completely unnecessary, but I think it’s a brilliant touch.
3. Erebus Ascent HAQ
Another relatively new microbrand from Down Under is Erebus, co-developed by popular YouTuber Jody Musgrove of the Just One More Watch channel. The Ascent, which typically uses an automatic movement, is the brand’s first sports model — and every batch has sold out quickly.
In May, Jody released a limited run of the Ascent powered by a Swiss ETA high-accuracy quartz (HAQ) movement. Once again, it sold out within minutes, but there are rumours of more on the way (fingers crossed).
Like the HZ02 mentioned earlier, this model features an exhibition caseback showcasing the quartz movement. Could this be the start of a new trend? Who knows — but it’s certainly an intriguing detail.
4. Citizen 'Ray Mears' Promaster Ti Tough
As with the Casio, no quartz shortlist feels complete without including one of the best solar-powered brands out there. Citizen’s biggest success story is undoubtedly its Eco-Drive quartz range, and the Promaster Tough is arguably one of the best examples — a great-value, highly reliable field watch with seriously rugged credentials.
It’s available in both steel and titanium, but the titanium version is the one to go for if you want maximum toughness. With its robust build, no-nonsense design, and solar-powered movement, this could even be your one-watch collection.
5. Tissot PRC100, solar
Another solar-powered option comes from the ever-excellent Swiss brand Tissot. This is Tissot’s first foray into solar, and unlike Citizen, the charging cells are cleverly embedded microscopically into the sapphire crystal — virtually invisible to the naked eye.
The PRC100 is currently available in three dial colours, and if the market responds well, there’s little doubt Tissot will expand the range with more options in the near future.
6. Bulova Lunar Pilot (262hz, HAQ sweep)
Bulova launched this affordable option as an alternative to the more famous “moon watch” — Omega’s Speedmaster — to spotlight the other timepiece worn in space and even on the lunar surface.
Unlike the original Bulova that inspired it, this reissue wears quite large at 44mm, especially given its relatively narrow lug width. That said, the layered dial design, new colour options, and impressively accurate high-beat quartz movement (complete with a sweeping seconds sub-dial) make it a highly attractive choice.
Whether you're into space history or simply appreciate a bold, sporty chronograph, the Lunar Pilot is a compelling addition to any collection.
7. Longines Conquest VHP (HAQ)
I’m a little biased with this one, as I have one in my own collection. Part of Longines’ popular Conquest range, the VHP (Very High Precision) is another high-accuracy quartz (HAQ) featuring a clever Swiss ETA module that’s accurate to within just ±9 seconds a year.
It also includes a smart shock protection system that allows the watch to ‘reboot’ and re-sync its hands after a shock or drop, a long-term perpetual calendar, and an intelligent battery-saving feature with an impressive timekeeping memory.
With this last feature, the hands will shut down by all rotating to the 12 o’clock position to save battery. To wake the watch, simply press the crown, and the hands magically revert to the correct time and date.
Some might even call it one of the first smartwatches — and honestly, that feature alone is reason enough to buy one. Unfortunately, Longines dropped the model from its lineup a couple of years ago, but used examples are plentiful on all the usual online marketplaces.
So, these are my top 7 more affordable yet quality quartz watches. Whether you’re new to quartz or just looking to add something reliable and stylish to your collection, these watches offer great value and plenty of character. Keep an eye out for my next feature, where I’ll be diving into the higher end of quartz horology and some truly exceptional pieces.
