Last Updated on December 18, 2023 by swisswatchreview
Knowledge among watch collectors and enthusiasts is important, especially in today’s market. The more they know about the different types of movements, the more they can make an informed decision on which one to buy. One of the interesting movements in recent years is the meca quartz movement. Brands also call this a mecaquartz or meca-quartz movement. Some collectors point to the 1964 Chronograph as one of the key meca quartz watches. Released in the late 2010s, this Dan Henry watch quickly became famous as people wanted to know how the movement inside worked. Those planning to buy this classic watch or any other similar design may want to learn more about the meca quartz movement.
Watch Movements
Those new to the world of watch collecting may not know what a watch movement is or what it does. It essentially works as the engine for the watch. In the same way that an engine powers a car, the movement powers the watch. Mechanical movements are one of the more popular options as well as one of the oldest. It has a mainspring and a balance wheel inside. As the wheel turns, it forces the mainspring to send energy to the gears, which then move the hands to the right positions to show the time.
An automatic watch is different. Also known as a self-winding watch, it also has a spring inside but needs help changing it. While a mechanical watch will adjust itself, a self-winding watch requires that the user turn the spring on a regular basis. They usually pull the crown or knob out on the side of the watch and twist it, which tightly coils the spring. A meca quartz watch features a new design that combines elements of both mechanical and automatic watches. It also serves as one of the newest innovations in the watch field.
How Does a Meca Quartz Watch Work?
Meca quartz watches have hybrid mechanisms inside. They have a quartz inside that allows them to function like a chronograph. Not only does the watch have a hand that points to the minute, but it also has hands that tick off the hours and seconds. The mechanical movement inside is what keeps the watch tuned. It does not require regular winding because it winds itself. Many collectors like seeing the hands slowly tick around the face. Some of the newer designs replaced the ticking hands with hands that sweep around the face and move quietly.
To break things down even further, a meca quartz watch has an internal motor powered by a battery. Like a quartz watch, the motor helps the hour and minute hands keep accurate type and move around the face as needed. It uses the same battery to power the gear train, which takes the place of the mainspring. It has all of the features that collectors love about mechanical watches like the reset option that allows them to reset the watch. Some users also like how well it keeps the time, which cuts down on how often they need to reset it.
Mecaquartz History
Though Dan Henry made some headlines with its 1964 Chronograph, it was far from the first company to use the technology. The first was actually Seiko. Seiko released the Caliber 7A28A movement in 1982. This movement had a quartz movement inside and an analog display on the front. Though the company released similar watches over the years, some of the early models are now worth up to $1,000.
The watch was so popular that the British Royal Air Force (RAF) began buying watches with them from Seiko and giving them to their pilots. Those pilots kept wearing the watches at home and then started purchasing them for their friends and loved ones. The Caliber 630 from Jaeger-LeCoultre only increased the popularity of the design when it came out in 1987. This movement had a mechanical chronograph inside and a quartz movement that powered the hands. Many other affordable and luxury brands used the design in other watches in the 1990s and more modern days.
What Brands Use the Movement?
One of the big questions buyers have is what brands use a meca quartz movement. The answer is a lot of them. Dan Henry is just one of them. Many top brands added this movement to their watches because of how well it keeps time. Porsche, Cartier, and Chopard are a few. It’s not just expensive or designer brands jumping on the meca quartz bandwagon though. Even Seiko makes some watches with this movement inside. That brand offers a wide range of affordable watches, some priced well below $200.
Pros of Meca Quartz Movements
Looking at the pros of meca quartz watches is a good way for a collector or user to see why they should spend their money on one. The best reason to buy one is that they are among the most reliable watches on the market. A meca-quartz movement does not require as much maintenance as a traditional mechanical watch does. While mechanical watches usually need winding every other day because they only keep time for around 40 hours. Meca quartz watches keep time for twice as long or longer.
Many collectors also appreciate the accuracy of the watches. Any type of watch can lose time on a daily basis. Exposure to moisture and hard shocks or impacts are some of the top reasons why watches stop keeping time. Meca quartz watches are less prone to damage and more likely to maintain the current time in hours and minutes.
Users also love the way the watches click. Though some prefer modern watches that run quietly, others like the satisfying clicks they hear as the hands move around the face. To meet the needs of the first buyers, some brands like Seiko now make meca quartz watches with minute and hour hands that move as smoothly as the second hand does without any of the hands making noises.
Though size is more important to some collectors than others, the slim design of a meca quartz watch is another pro. The face of the watch is much thinner than similar watches because it doesn’t need as much space inside for the movement. Shoppers who want a lighter watch find the design a major advantage.
Cons of Meca Quartz Movements
Collectors and watch enthusiasts are picky shoppers, which might explain why they point out the cons of these watches. Though some like to focus on just the positive things, it’s important to also consider the negative aspects.
One problem is the lack of options. Though Dan Henry and Seiko both make meca quartz watches, this type of movement still isn’t quite as popular as standard mechanical and automatic movements are. Many shoppers complain that their favorite brands do not make them or that they don’t come in as many designs. It’s also sometimes difficult to distinguish between a high-quality designer watch and an overseas import that looks similar but doesn’t perform as well or last as long.
Another issue is the price. Stores like Target, Walmart, and others offer a wide selection of watches to fit any budget. It’s easy to walk into a store and walk out with a new watch without spending more than $50 or $100. Even used meca quartz watches cost double that amount. Though some simple watches that use this movement are available for around $250 to $300, finding one takes some effort. The price has come down in recent years though. It wasn’t that long ago that only a few brands offered these watches for under $500.
A minor con that some buyers had was that the watches often only come with a one-year warranty. This is barely enough time to check out the watch and see how it works. Servicing the watch is the best way to maintain it and ensure it works in the future, but this can add quite a bit to the buyer’s overall cost.
Best Meca Quartz Chronograph Watches
Some of the best meca quartz chronograph watches available today include models from the leading brands:
• Seiko Essentials Chrono SSB: As one of the more affordable meca quartz watches, the Chrono SSB is perfect for new collectors and anyone who wants to save money. It is even water resistant at a depth of up to 100 meters.
• Dan Henry Chronograph 1964: As mentioned above, this watch is very popular with collectors. Dan Henry limited the Gran Turismo model to less than 2,000 pieces total.
• Pagani Design PD-1711: Caliblre Seiko VK64 Probably one of the most affordable Mega quartz Chronograph. It’s a watch that looks like it costs more than it does.
• Yema Rallygraf: Though more expensive than some of the other watches, the French brand designed this watch with a vintage aesthetic in mind. It mimics the look of vintage racing watches.
A meca quartz watch is simply one with a hybrid movement inside that combines elements of mechanical and automatic watches. They are reliable and accurate, come in a wide range of prices, and are available from some of the top watch brands. Meca quartz watches are popular with enthusiasts and collectors alike.
