AUTOMATIC VS QUARTZ PILOT WATCHES: WHICH SHOULD YOU BUY?

At our airshow stand, the question we hear most is: "Should I get an automatic or a quartz?" There's no wrong answer, but there is a right answer for you. Here's the honest difference.

How a quartz watch works

A quartz watch runs on a small battery. The battery sends a current through a tiny quartz crystal, which vibrates at a precise 32,768 times a second. The movement counts those vibrations to keep time, and the seconds hand ticks once a second.

The result is excellent accuracy. The Swiss Ronda movements in our Greenwich and Aerobility watches, for example, are rated at +20 to -10 seconds a month. The battery usually lasts a few years, depending on the movement and how much you use features like the chronograph.

How an automatic watch works

An automatic is a mechanical watch. Inside is a mainspring that stores energy, and a weighted rotor that spins as your wrist moves and winds the spring for you. No battery is involved, and the seconds hand sweeps smoothly rather than ticking.

Our automatics use Miyota (Citizen) movements: the 8215 in the Altitude Automatic and the 8205, which adds a day-date, in the Zulu Automatic. Take one off and it keeps running for well over a day before it needs wearing or winding again.

Mechanical watches are measured in seconds per day rather than per month. Miyota's own specification for these movements is -20 to +40 seconds a day, so it's worth checking it against your phone every week or two and nudging it back.

Automatic vs quartz, side by side

• Accuracy: quartz wins comfortably. Seconds a month, against seconds a day.

• Upkeep: quartz needs an occasional battery. An automatic needs no battery but benefits from a service every few years.

• Feel: an automatic has a sweeping seconds hand and a movement you can often see through the case back. Many people find that more satisfying to own.

• Practicality: a quartz watch is always ready to go. An automatic you haven't worn for a few days will need resetting.

• Features: at sensible prices, chronographs are usually quartz. If you want a stopwatch, quartz is the natural choice.

• Price: quartz is generally less expensive for the same quality of case and finish.

Choose quartz if...

• You want the most accurate watch for the money

• You'll wear it on and off rather than every day

• You want a chronograph or a GMT

• You'd rather never think about it

Choose an automatic if...

• You'll wear it most days

• You love the idea of a watch powered by your own movement

• A sweeping seconds hand and a little mechanical character matter to you

• You don't mind setting it now and again

Our automatic and quartz pilot watches

Automatic: the Zulu Automatic (£279) and the Altitude Automatic (£299). See all our automatic pilot watches.

Quartz: the AvGeek® Chronograph (£199), the Horizon Chronograph (£299), and Swiss quartz models including the Greenwich GMT and Aerobility. See all our quartz pilot watches.

Still deciding what else matters? Our guide to choosing a pilot watch covers size, crystals, water resistance and straps.

Every FLYER® watch comes with free worldwide delivery, a 2-year international warranty and 14-day returns. Our watches support flying scholarships through Helping Dreams Take Flight, helping people of all ages and backgrounds into the air.

Frequently asked questions

Do automatic watches need winding?

Not if you wear them regularly; your wrist does the work. If it has stopped, give the crown a few turns to get it going, then set the time.

Is an automatic better than a quartz watch?

It's different rather than better. Quartz is more accurate and lower maintenance. An automatic offers mechanical craftsmanship and character. Choose the one that fits how you'll wear it.

How long does a quartz watch battery last?

Usually a few years. It depends on the movement and on how much you use features such as the chronograph. Any good jeweller can replace it.