If you just want a solid, affordable watch to wear every day, there’s good news: you have tons of great options with quartz watches — those whose timekeeping is regulated with a tiny quartz crystal and powered by a battery.

Watchmakers of old strived to make their watches more accurate, reliable, robust, thinner, lighter, feature-heavy and economical to produce. Quartz achieves all of that, but it remains controversial in watch-collecting spheres where look down on the tech as less interesting than that of complex and expensive mechanical watches.

Maybe you just want to know what the real deal with quartz is. Or, perhaps you need practical advice on what features to look for or how to change a battery. To that end, we’ve collected topics that include everything from the technology’s history to the best brands and watches using it today. Everything you want to know about quartz watches and how to buy one is right here.

Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Quartz Watch

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A primer on how quartz works, its benefits and examples of watches that use it well.

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Watch Collector on a Budget? Start With Vintage Quartz

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Seiko

More affordable and reliable than mechanical watches, vintage quartz watches make collecting less intimidating.

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5 Affordable Quartz Watches Even “Watch Guys” Want to Wear

quartz watches gear patrol magazine

Henry Phillips

Long disdained by collectors with preferences for mechanical technology, sensibly priced quartz watches are finally in the crosshairs of connoisseurs.

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How to Change a Watch Battery

changing watch battery

HajohoosGetty Images

Getting your quartz watch into working order need not necessitate an expensive trip to the jeweler.

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5 Watches Taking Quartz Movements to the Next Level

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Breitling

Increasingly, watchmakers are using quartz movements to push boundaries in the watch world.

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10 Watches That Prove Quartz Is Better Than You Think

best quartz watches

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Quartz watches are often looked down upon, but they’re more reliable and accurate than their mechanical counterparts.

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The Best Watches Under $100

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Most of which are quartz.

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These Are the Best Watches Under $200

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Gear Patrol

A level up.

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These Watches Combine Quartz Movements and Mechanical Elements

mecaquartz watches

Yema

A small and strange part of horology, but one of the most affordable ways to get a nice-looking chronograph watch.

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Seiko’s Hybrid Technology Is Unique in Watchmaking

grand seiko spring drive dial closeup

Grand Seiko

Spring Drive offers the craftsmanship and wearing experience of mechanical watches and the accuracy of quartz. We examine how it works.

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How the Q Timex Swept the Watch World Off Its Feet

timex q overview

Timex

We speak with Giorgio Galli, Timex Group’s Chief Design Director, about the brand’s quartz watch phenomenon — and their newest model.

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10 Great Solar-Powered Watches

solar powered watches gear patrol lead full

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If you’re getting a quartz watch, one of the best features you can look for is solar charging.

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Editor’s Picks: Best Deals Today

rosephoria sealed rose

Rosephoria Beauty and The Beast Dome

Presented by Rosephoria

SHOP NOW

25% Off

Right now, you can take 25 percent off these sustainably-sourced roses housed in a crystal display case that preserves them for up to a year. Alas, nothing lives forever, but this should at least get you through to next year’s holiday season. Just use the code GEAR25 at checkout.

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<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/Jabra65tAmzn" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/Jabra65tAmzn" data-id="" data-order="2" data-vars-ga-product-price="$120.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="a9bd7a25-bdb9-4fd0-8fe9-c10d1d0dd0b0" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/Jabra65tAmzn" aria-label="$80 $120 Jabra Elite 65t Wireless Earbuds”> Jabra Elite 65t Wireless Earbuds

Jabra Elite 65t Wireless Earbuds

$40 OFF (33%)

The Jabra Elite Active 65t are sports-focused headphones (IP56) with better great sound quality for listening to music and taking calls. Also compatible with Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant, this is one of our top picks for sports-focused earbuds.

READ MORE ABOUT WIRELESS EARBUDS

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/Lodge1025Amzn" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/Lodge1025Amzn" data-id="" data-order="3" data-vars-ga-product-price="$14.88" data-vars-ga-product-id="a4bb32bd-5290-47b1-b9b7-cf6a364e2f84" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/Lodge1025Amzn" aria-label="$15 $27 Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10.25-inch Cast Iron Skillet”> Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10.25-inch Cast Iron Skillet

Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10.25-inch Cast Iron Skillet

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/LevisReversibleFaceMasks" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/LevisReversibleFaceMasks" data-id="" data-order="4" data-vars-ga-product-price="$8.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="ec2135ac-40ed-4d49-9238-3faadf8bd9bd" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/LevisReversibleFaceMasks" aria-label="$8 $15 Levi’s Reusable Reversible Face Mask”> Levi's Reusable Reversible Face Mask

Levi’s Reusable Reversible Face Mask

$7 OFF (50%)

A set of three masks for under $10 is a steal — and since they’re reversible, you’re essentially doubling your haul.  

READ OUR FACE MASK GUIDE

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/DysonV10Absolute" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/DysonV10Absolute" data-id="" data-order="5" data-vars-ga-product-price="$450.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="dfd21633-f580-42d3-8e8c-1672fb83d0a0" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/DysonV10Absolute" aria-label="$450 $550 Dyson V10 Absolute”> Dyson V10 Absolute

Dyson V10 Absolute

$100 OFF (18%) + $75 worth of tools with purchase

The V10 was Dyson’s monumental achievement in 2018, and still holds up today despite being usurped by the V11. That means it’s a bit more affordable, making it a better value — especially with $100 off.

READ OUR GUIDE TO DYSON VACUUMS

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/FjallravenClassicKankenBackpack" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/FjallravenClassicKankenBackpack" data-id="" data-order="6" data-vars-ga-product-price="$69.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="fb3e7bb9-aacc-4d28-9c7b-87d98df55c80" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/FjallravenClassicKankenBackpack" aria-label="$69 $80 Fjallraven Classic Kånken Backpack”> Fjallraven Classic Kånken Backpack

Fjallraven Classic Kånken Backpack

$11 OFF (14%)

Spacious, easy-to-access compartments make this bag ideal for just about any day-to-day activity. We also love that there are eight colors to choose from.  

READ ABOUT THE BEST BACKPACKS UNDER $100

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/ToddSnyderPrideWatch" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/ToddSnyderPrideWatch" data-id="" data-order="7" data-vars-ga-product-price="$159.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="178f8674-12d9-43f1-a559-cbabcba6558d" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/ToddSnyderPrideWatch" aria-label="$159 $199 Timex + Todd Snyder Pride Watch”> Timex + Todd Snyder Pride Watch

Timex + Todd Snyder Pride Watch

$40 OFF (20%)

Celebrate Pride with this watch from Todd Snyder and Timex, one of our favorite collaborations out there. $10,000 of proceeds will go to LGBTQ foundations Rainbow Railroad and Sylvia Rivera Law Project.

READ ABOUT HOW TO BE A WATCH GUY

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/CowayAirmega400" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/CowayAirmega400" data-id="" data-order="8" data-vars-ga-product-price="$519.20" data-vars-ga-product-id="5bb7e782-94eb-44da-8fcb-b2cbd6c738e1" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/CowayAirmega400" aria-label="$519 $749 Coway Airmega 400″> Coway Airmega 400

Coway Airmega 400

$230 OFF (31%)

This smart air purifier has five fan settings, can cover over 1500 sq. ft. of space and can recycle all the air in a room twice an hour. Bonus points for not being an eyesore like most air purifiers. 

READ OUR AIR PURIFIER GUIDE

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/YetiRamblerLowball" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/YetiRamblerLowball" data-id="" data-order="9" data-vars-ga-product-price="$19.99" data-vars-ga-product-id="87ab058e-ab9c-4eb8-a4bc-ed14cfe03816" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/YetiRamblerLowball" aria-label="$20 $25 YETI Rambler Lowball 10oz”> YETI Rambler Lowball 10oz

YETI Rambler Lowball 10oz

$5 OFF (20%)

Double-walled vacuum-insulation and clean good looks make this one of the best mugs around, hands down. It’s also rarely on sale.

READ OUR TRAVEL MUG GUIDE

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/iRobotRoomba614" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/iRobotRoomba614" data-id="" data-order="10" data-vars-ga-product-price="$200.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="54643082-5ee7-4151-8b56-bd7d3df4cad2" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/iRobotRoomba614" aria-label="$200 $250 iRobot Roomba 614″> iRobot Roomba 614

iRobot Roomba 614

$50 OFF (20%)

If you’re looking to take the plunge and buy a Roomba but don’t need to go all-in on a top model, pick this one up at a great price. 

READ OUR ROOMBA BUYING GUIDE

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/AdidasStanSmith" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/AdidasStanSmith" data-id="" data-order="11" data-vars-ga-product-price="$48.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="44c89c22-7c89-4a12-95a3-0d2ddc0e6018" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/AdidasStanSmith" aria-label="$48 $80 Adidas Stan Smiths”> Adidas Stan Smiths

Adidas Stan Smiths

$32 OFF (40%)

Loved by sneakerheads and the wider population for its simple, straightforward look and ubiquity to complement any fit. You can never go wrong with a pair of Stan Smiths.

THE BEST SNEAKERS UNDER $50

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/MtnHdwStretchDownREI" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/MtnHdwStretchDownREI" data-id="" data-order="12" data-vars-ga-product-price="$189.99" data-vars-ga-product-id="7fd15774-bb0e-47db-8c08-ad57513527fc" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/MtnHdwStretchDownREI" aria-label="$190 $275 Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown Hooded Jacket”> Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown Hooded Jacket

Mountain Hardwear Super/DS StretchDown Hooded Jacket

$85 OFF (31%)

For three years running, we’ve awarded the top slot to Mountain Hardwear’s Super/DS StretchDown jacket, and right now, with winter on the horizon, it’s on sale for 31 percent off.

READ OUR BEST DOWN JACKETS GUIDE

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/GshockAmzn" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/GshockAmzn" data-id="" data-order="13" data-vars-ga-product-price="$77.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="b10cde29-8450-4311-90af-252609629155" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/GshockAmzn" aria-label="$84 $140 Casio G-Shock Quartz Watch”> Casio G-Shock Quartz Watch

Casio G-Shock Quartz Watch

$56 OFF (40%)

A classic digital watch that’ll probably outlast you, and beloved darling of watch nerds of all types.

READ MORE ABOUT G-SHOCK

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/OtterBoxVenture45" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/OtterBoxVenture45" data-id="" data-order="14" data-vars-ga-product-price="$244.99" data-vars-ga-product-id="72477879-e872-404c-80f2-47ae6d2097dc" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/OtterBoxVenture45" aria-label="$245 $350 Otterbox Venture 45 Cooler”> Otterbox Venture 45 Cooler

Otterbox Venture 45 Cooler

$105 OFF (30%)

Deemed our Best Upgrade Cooler for two years running, the Venture is rated to hold up for up to two weeks. It might be slightly less sleek than some of our other favorites, but it’s just as rugged and capable of keeping your goods cold for extended periods of time. 

READ OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST COOLERS 

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/BraunSeries7Amzn" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/BraunSeries7Amzn" data-id="" data-order="15" data-vars-ga-product-price="$150.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="67e6624b-78a8-4ea9-a1fa-8126163df998" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/BraunSeries7Amzn" aria-label="$110 $150 Braun Series 7 Electric Razor”> Braun Series 7 Electric Razor

Braun Series 7 Electric Razor

$40 OFF (27%)

Get a consistently close and comfortable shave. The 7071cc comes with the attachments, a cleaning system and a carrying case. 

READ OUR GUIDE TO ELECTRIC SHAVERS

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/HypervoltBTJRbt" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/HypervoltBTJRbt" data-id="" data-order="16" data-vars-ga-product-price="$299.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="6acaff0b-1c61-4788-b457-9835bbd08a43" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/HypervoltBTJRbt" aria-label="$299 $349 Hyperice Hypervolt Bluetooth”> Hyperice Hypervolt Bluetooth

Hyperice Hypervolt Bluetooth

$50 OFF (14%)

This is one of the best recovery message devices on the market, upgraded with Bluetooth capability. While the Theragun has the better overall design and usability, the Hypervolt is your best choice from a budget standpoint (and we like that it’s quieter).

READ OUR HYPERICE VS. THERAGUN COMPARISON

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/YamazakiShoeRack" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/YamazakiShoeRack" data-id="" data-order="17" data-vars-ga-product-price="$34.99" data-vars-ga-product-id="a5c560f6-4b72-472e-8ffe-c79172cbf31f" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/YamazakiShoeRack" aria-label="$30 $35 Yamazaki Home Shoe Rack”> Yamazaki Home Shoe Rack

Yamazaki Home Shoe Rack

$5 OFF W/ AMAZON COUPON (14%)

Simple, affordable, and super easy to put together, Yamazaki makes home goods that match just about any room. This shoe rack can only hold five pairs, but at this price, you could buy a couple and reorganize your entire shoe collection.

READ OUR GUIDE TO YAMAZAKI

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/BrevilleBaristaProAmazon" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/BrevilleBaristaProAmazon" data-id="" data-order="18" data-vars-ga-product-price="$699.95" data-vars-ga-product-id="03c6dcef-02b4-4212-a963-751974536869" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/BrevilleBaristaProAmazon" aria-label="$700 $800 Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine”> Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine

Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine

$100 OFF (12%)

The Barista Pro is a more user and budget-friendly version of the brand’s enthusiast-level espresso machines. Take advantage of this first and rare discount on this popular model.

READ ABOUT THE BARISTA PRO

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/ReebokNanoX" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/ReebokNanoX" data-id="" data-order="19" data-vars-ga-product-price="$130.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="aac6ab88-eed1-40ec-b56a-d877230368df" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/ReebokNanoX" aria-label="$78 $130 Reebok Nano X Shoes”> Reebok Nano X Shoes

Reebok Nano X Shoes

$52 OFF W/ CODE JOYFUL (40% )

An upgrade to the Nano 9, a Gear Patrol favorite, the Nano X doubles down on everything that was good about the previous iteration and makes it even better. This is our pick for the best CrossFit and HIIT workout shoe you can buy.

READ OUR GYM SHOE GUIDE

<a class="clickable-image-link clickable-image-embed-item clickable-image-product-link" href="https://gearpatrol.me/BrevilleNespressoSLT" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-brand="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-category="" data-vars-ga-product-brand="" data-desturl="https://gearpatrol.me/BrevilleNespressoSLT" data-id="" data-order="20" data-vars-ga-product-price="$169.00" data-vars-ga-product-id="fb9559f6-372c-456f-b3d7-b249f1556898" data-vars-ga-media-role="" data-vars-ga-product-sem3-id="" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://gearpatrol.me/BrevilleNespressoSLT" aria-label="$119 $255 Breville Nespresso Vertuo Next”> Breville Nespresso Vertuo Next

Breville Nespresso Vertuo Next

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