Quartz watches have taken the world by storm due to their accuracy and reliability. These timepieces are now the go-to choice for many people, and their popularity continues to rise. But what exactly is it that makes quartz watches so accurate? Let’s take a closer look.
- 1. The science behind quartz watches
Quartz is a mineral that has piezoelectric properties. When a quartz crystal is subjected to mechanical stress, it produces an electrical charge. This unique property makes quartz an ideal material for timekeeping.
In a quartz watch, a tiny piece of quartz crystal is shaped to a specific size and placed on an oscillator. When an electric current is passed through the circuit surrounding the crystal, it starts to vibrate at a specific frequency, usually 32,768 times per second.
This high-frequency vibration regulates the movement of the watch’s hands and gears. As the crystal vibrates, it sends a signal to the circuit, which measures the frequency and uses it to keep time. This information is then used to send an electric pulse to a motor, which moves the watch’s hands forward by a fraction of a second.
- 2. The stability of quartz crystal
One of the main reasons why quartz watches are so accurate is because of the stability of the quartz crystal itself. Unlike mechanical watches that are affected by external factors such as temperature and gravity, quartz crystal vibrations are stable.
This stability means that quartz watches can keep accurate time regardless of their environment. Whether it’s hot or cold, the watch will continue to keep time with high accuracy.
- 3. Advanced technology used in Quartz Watches
Another reason why quartz watches are so accurate is because of the advanced technology used to measure the vibrations of the crystal. The electronic circuit inside a quartz watch is incredibly precise, with modern quartz watches boasting accuracy within a few seconds per month.
This level of accuracy is achieved through the use of advanced microprocessors and electronic components that can measure the frequency of the quartz crystal to within a few parts per million.
- 4. Low maintenance
Quartz watches require very little maintenance compared to mechanical watches. Unlike mechanical watches, quartz watches do not have any lubricants that need to be replaced periodically. This means that quartz watches are less likely to suffer from wear and tear, and they can last for many years.
In conclusion, quartz watches are so accurate because of the stability and precision of the quartz crystal, combined with the advanced technology used to measure its vibrations. The use of quartz technology has revolutionized the world of timekeeping, and it’s no surprise that quartz watches continue to be the go-to choice for many people. With their reliability, accuracy, and low maintenance, quartz watches are sure to remain popular for many years to come.
