Automatic vs Quartz vs Solar: Which Watch Movement Is Right for You?

Ask three watch lovers what "the best movement" is and you'll get three different answers — and a fair bit of passionate debate. The truth is there's no single right answer. Automatic, quartz, and solar movements each solve the problem of keeping time in a different way, and each comes with its own trade-offs around accuracy, maintenance, and the way it feels to actually wear the watch.

If you're shopping our range at Watch Supply — from precision Citizen Eco-Drive pieces to rugged G-Shocks and classic Daniel Wellington and Sekonda designs — it helps to understand what's actually ticking (or not ticking) inside the case. Here's a breakdown to help you choose.

Automatic Movements: Old-World Craftsmanship

An automatic (or "self-winding") movement is a mechanical marvel. Instead of a battery, it relies on a rotor that spins with the natural motion of your wrist, winding the mainspring as you go about your day. No batteries, no charging — just gears, springs, and momentum.

Pros:

• No battery replacements ever needed, provided you wear it regularly
• The smooth "sweeping" second hand motion many collectors love
• Often seen as more traditional, with visible craftsmanship through exhibition case backs
• Can become a genuine heirloom piece, improving in character with age

Cons:

• Less accurate than quartz or solar — expect a drift of a few seconds per day
• Needs regular wrist-time or a watch winder to stay wound
• Generally requires servicing every few years to keep the movement in good health
• Usually a higher price point due to the mechanical complexity

Best for: People who appreciate mechanical engineering, wear their watch daily, and don't mind a little maintenance in exchange for that classic, old-world feel. If a watch stops overnight, our watch winders are a simple way to keep an automatic piece ticking over even when it's resting in your jewellery box.

Citizen Tsuyosa NJ0151-53E

Quartz Movements: Reliable and Low-Maintenance

Quartz movements use a battery to send an electrical current through a tiny quartz crystal, which vibrates at a precise frequency to regulate timekeeping. It's the technology that revolutionised the watch industry in the 1970s, and it remains the most common movement type today — including in popular ranges like Daniel Wellington and Sekonda.

Pros:

• Extremely accurate — typically within a few seconds per month
• Low maintenance: no winding, no regular servicing required
• Lightweight, slim, and generally more affordable
• Reliable even if the watch sits unworn for weeks

Cons:

• Requires periodic battery replacement (usually every 1–2 years)
• The second hand "ticks" rather than sweeps smoothly
• Considered less prestigious by traditional collectors, despite being more accurate

Best for: Anyone who wants a watch that simply works — accurate, fuss-free, and ready to wear straight out of the box. It's a great match for everyday pieces you'll wear across work, weekends, and travel.

Sekonda Bellamy 40743

Solar Movements: The Best of Both Worlds

Solar movements, like those in Citizen's Eco-Drive range, take the accuracy of quartz technology and remove the battery-replacement headache entirely. A solar cell beneath the dial converts light — sunlight or ordinary indoor light — into energy, which charges a rechargeable cell that powers the watch.

Pros:

• No batteries to buy or replace — ever, in most cases
• Quartz-level accuracy
• Environmentally friendly, with no disposable batteries ending up in landfill
• Many models can run for months in the dark once fully charged

Cons:

• Slightly higher upfront cost than standard quartz
• Needs occasional light exposure — leaving it in a dark drawer for extended periods can drain the reserve
• Eventually the rechargeable cell itself may need professional replacement (typically after 10+ years)

Best for: People who want the reliability of quartz with less ongoing maintenance and a smaller environmental footprint. It's a favourite for those who wear one watch as a long-term daily companion.

Citizen Promaster Marine BN0261-51E

Quick Comparison

Feature	Automatic	Quartz	Solar
Power source	Wrist motion	Battery	Light
Accuracy	Moderate	High	High
Maintenance	Periodic servicing	Battery swaps	Minimal
Price point	Higher	Accessible	Mid-to-high
Character	Traditional, mechanical	Practical, everyday	Modern, sustainable

So, Which One Is Right for You?

There's no wrong choice here — just the right movement for how you live and what you value in a watch.

• Want something you'll wear every day and never think twice about? Go quartz — a Sekonda or Daniel Wellington piece is a great starting point.
• Love the idea of mechanical engineering ticking away on your wrist? An automatic watch, kept happy with a watch winder, is worth the extra care.
• Want accuracy and convenience with a sustainable edge? A Citizen Eco-Drive solar watch will rarely, if ever, need a battery.
• Need something built for the outdoors or an active lifestyle? Our G-Shock range combines quartz reliability with genuine toughness.

Not sure which movement suits your lifestyle? Browse the full range at Watch Supply and filter by brand to find your perfect match — or get in touch and we'll help you choose.