Most people buy watches based on looks, barely thinking about what’s inside. And guess what? Watch companies know this. That’s why they push the aesthetics and keep quiet about the movement—the actual engine of your timepiece.

If a watch has a high-quality Swiss or Japanese movement, brands will shout about it from the rooftops. But if it’s a substandard, mass-produced mechanism? They’ll conveniently leave that part out. Because the truth is, if you knew what you were paying for, you’d make much more thoughtful decisions.

If you’re spending serious money on a watch, especially anything above $5,000 (₹4,15,000+), you deserve to know what’s ticking inside. So let’s break it down, once and for all.

What Are Watch Movements?

Before we discuss Quartz vs. Automatic watches, let’s first understand the basics. A watch movement (also called a “caliber”) is the mechanism that powers the watch—kind of like an engine in a car. It determines how the watch keeps time, whether it needs a battery, and even how long it will last.

Manual Wind Movements (Mechanical)

The OG of watchmaking. Before batteries or quartz technology, watches were powered by mainsprings—thin, coiled metal strips that store energy when you wind them. Over time, this energy is slowly released, moving the watch’s gears and hands.

Brands like HMT in India made these watches iconic, and they still have a cult following among enthusiasts. But they require daily winding, which some people love as part of the experience, while others find it inconvenient.

Automatic Movements

Think of this as an upgraded version of the manual movement. Instead of winding it yourself, an automatic watch has a tiny rotor inside that moves as you wear it, winding the mainspring automatically.

No batteries, no manual effort—just pure craftsmanship. With proper servicing every 7–8 years, these watches can last for decades, even generations.

Quartz Movements (The Game Changer)

In 1969, Seiko flipped the watch industry on its head by introducing the world’s first quartz watch. Unlike mechanical movements, a quartz movement runs on a battery, which sends impulses to a quartz crystal, making it vibrate 32,768 times per second.

The result? Unmatched accuracy. A quartz watch can be off by just a few seconds a month, while mechanical watches can drift by a few seconds a day.

The only downside? Once the battery dies, the watch stops.

To fix this, brands introduced solar-powered quartz watches—watches that convert sunlight into energy. No more battery replacements, zero maintenance, and they last practically forever.

The Role of Watch Movements in Pricing

Let’s talk real numbers. Take Zelos Watches, a well-known microbrand from Singapore. They sell the “Swordfish 300M Diver Watch” in two variants—one for $349 (~₹29,000) and another for $649 (~₹54,000).

Same case. Same design. Same water resistance.
The only difference? The movement inside.

• $349 (~₹29,000) model → Japanese Seiko NH35 automatic movement

• $649 (~₹54,000) model → Swiss ETA 2892 movement

Japanese Seiko NH35 automatic movement

​The Seiko NH35 is a widely acclaimed automatic movement celebrated for its reliability and affordability. Operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour (vph), it offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. This movement features both hacking and manual winding capabilities, enhancing its versatility. Its robust design and cost-effectiveness have made it a preferred choice among microbrands and watch enthusiasts seeking dependable performance without a hefty price tag at $349 (~₹29,000)

Swiss ETA 2892 movement

In contrast, the ETA 2892-A2 is renowned for its precision and slim profile, making it a staple in luxury timepieces. Operating at a higher frequency of 28,800 vph, it provides a similar power reserve of around 42 hours. Its thinner design allows for more elegant watch cases, and its refined engineering contributes to superior accuracy. These attributes, along with its versatility, justify its higher cost at $649 (~₹54,000) and esteemed status in the watchmaking industry.

That’s a ₹25,000 price jump for something you don’t even see. But when you break it down, it makes sense.

The Seiko NH35 movement costs around $65 (~₹5,400) online.
The ETA 2892 movement? A solid $300 (~₹25,000).

That’s why the price gap exists. If you don’t understand movements, you might end up overpaying for something that’s not worth it.

(For my Indian audience—since these watches aren’t available here, if you’re looking for solid automatic watches under ₹10,000, check this video: Best Automatic Watches Under ₹10K)

Why Watch Movements Matter

Sometimes, brands get away with pricing based purely on heritage and design rather than the actual movement inside.

Take the Tissot PRX Quartz—an undeniably stunning piece with a premium build. But at ₹30,000, you’re paying for the brand and design rather than the movement itself. And for many people, that’s fine.

But then you have brands like Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger, which charge similar prices but use substandard quartz movements. They slap their logo on, throw in a mass-produced movement, and ride on their brand name. That’s the difference between buying smart and getting played.

What’s Right for You?

So, which one should you buy? Quartz or Automatic? The answer depends on what you value.

Go Automatic if

• You love craftsmanship and traditional watchmaking.

• You want a watch that lasts for decades with proper care.

• You don’t mind winding it occasionally or getting it serviced every few years.

Go Quartz if:

• You want precision—quartz is way more accurate than automatic.

• You prefer low maintenance—just replace the battery every 2–3 years (or go solar).

• You need something lightweight and reliable for everyday wear.

In the end, there’s no wrong choice—just make sure you’re paying for the right thing. Always check the movement before you buy a watch. That’s where the real value lies.

Stay sharp, do your research, and never overpay for hype.

Want the best Automatic watches under ₹10,000? Watch this: