What Are Meca Quartz Watches?

You may hear about them often, but what are meca quartz watches? Find out here.

One great thing the 1970s gave us was the choice between a mechanical and a quartz watch. Those looking for accuracy and affordability could turn to the precise and cheap quartz. On the other hand, horologists with a love of tradition and technique would opt for the mechanical. Life was simple until Frédéric Piguet and Jaeger-LeCoultre threw a third option into the mix—the Meca quartz watch. 

The meca quartz watch divides opinion across the horological auditorium. The mere suggestion that these watches have their own value can cause uproar amongst some mechanical purists. But what if they really do?

In this article, we will answer the question “What are meca quartz watches?” and look at some examples. Let’s get going!

What Is a Meca Quartz Watch?

A meca quartz watch, AKA mecha quartz watch, combines the technologies of both mechanical movements and quartz movements. Because of this, it consists of two mechanisms. 

In this type of watch, the quartz manages the simple day-to-day running of the time. The mechanical part of the watch, however, controls the stopwatch features. At one time, only brands with the most experience in watchmaking produced meca watches. Today, there are plenty more brands offering them. Many people say they’re the “poor man’s mechanical.” But to me, they’re the best of both worlds: mechanical prowess and quartz reliability. 

The Pros and Cons of the Mechanical Quartz Watch

To an extent, the term “mecha-quartz movement” makes more sense. After all, a watch that goes by this name is a quartz watch fitted with a mechanical chronograph module. These hybrid movements proved incredibly successful from the get-go. Collectors loved the quartz’s accuracy and price, along with the instant reset feature of mechanical chronographs. 

The rising popularity of the mechanical quartz watch is due to a few key advantages. First, the quartz module’s accuracy has always been second to none. It even supersedes the more expensive mechanical type. Those looking for a no-fuss watch that keeps accuracy over long periods prefer the quartz watch. Because the Meca quartz watch borrows from the reliability of the quartz crystal, it requires little to no maintenance, too! 

One of the main aesthetical pulls of the Meca quartz watch is its sweeping second hand. It glides over the dial as a mechanical one would. There’s no guessing why this feature, in particular, appeals to lovers of mechanical watches. Oh, and did I mention they’re much more affordable? I think I did!

Like everything in life, however, there is a downside. Meca quartz watches use batteries, which many connoisseurs do not like. Servicing these watches can also be quite pricey. In most cases, replacing the watch or movement would be cheaper than taking it to a specialist. And here’s a big one. If the chronograph hands on a meca quartz misalign, you must open the watch to reset it. That’s a pain in the you know what!

The Meca Quartz Movement – How Does It Work?

So, how does the meca quartz movement work? Well, it contains a single battery-powered motor that a quartz oscillator regulates. This makes the hands power around the dial like a standard quartz. But unlike the regular quartz, that motor also powers a mechanical gear train. Therefore, the chronograph operates like a mechanical, aside from its power source. The second-hand boasts a steady sweeping motion, and the pushers produce a satisfying click. 

Given the way a meca quartz works, it’s no wonder they’re a popular option for some. And the thing is, you don’t know you’re looking at one until you explore the spec. They look like a mechanical or quartz watch does!

What Are Meca Quartz Watches? Some Great Examples

Here are some fine examples of a Meca quartz watch if you want to add one to your collection.

1. Dan Henry 1964 Gran Turismo Chronograph

The Dan Henry 1964 Gran Turismo Chronograph is a compact, sporty chronograph inspired by motorsport. It’s a superb 38mm watch for slender wrists and boasts a stylish panda dial. The meca quartz movement within sends a vivid blue chronograph seconds hand over the dial in a gliding mechanical fashion. 

2. Wolbrook Skindiver

The Wolbrook Skindiver has a Breitling quality in that it incorporates fun and boldness into its design. The mint-colored accents throughout are charming but not loud, as are the stepped rings, which serve as jubilee-like middle links on the bracelet. Also worth noting are the extra-bright SuperLuminova applications on the hands and hour markers. Of course, the Hesalite protector is the box type and visually pulls the dial edges toward it.

3. Belmoto Track Day

Perfect for driving enthusiasts, this sporty matte black Track Day from Belmoto also takes inspiration from the world of motorsport. It features a 42-mm black-coated steel case and 200M water resistance. The two-counter chronograph dials also pair beautifully with a sporty perforated leather band. This watch uses Seiko’s Hybrid meca quartz movement with a 1/5th-second center-stop hand. 

4. Seiko SSB

Complete with a tachymeter scale, a 100M water resistance, and a 24-hour hand, the Seiko SSB401 is the perfect multifunctional sports watch. I love this watch’s white and silver color scheme and stripy, NATO-style strap. The brand’s innovative hybrid meca quartz movement sits inside this watch, keeping accurate time all day and night. 

5. Tsao Constellation Chrono Diver

A watch forum darling, the Tsao Constellation Chrono Diver is a racing watch combined with a diver watch, making it a super sports watch of sorts. With its aquarium blue dial, it wears like a classic diver, though the inner tachymeter and sub-dials make it stand out more. 

Tsao named this watch after the USS Constellation to add some lore to the model. It was an 1853 ship and the last sail-only warship in the United States Navy (besides Old Ironsides). If you’re into watches rich in symbolism and history, Tsao Baltimore is your brand. 

6. Brew Retrograph Technicolor

Coffee-inspired American microbrand Brew is famous for its Retrograph, which became the if-you-know-you-know watch in 2017. Style-wise, this Technicolor variant we’re highlighting here sits somewhere between the classic Retrograph and the super playful 8-bit variant. It still sports the soft-chrono look with its sweeping, non-sharp trapezoid case and strong retro vibe. Beautifully finished, this watch also has immaculate brushes and polishes throughout. The bright reds, blues, and limited yellow accents are lively but tempered by a very grown-up navy dial. 

FAQs

It is time to look at some common questions people like to know about meca quartz watches. 

What Is the Difference Between Quartz and Mecha Quartz?

Quartz watches rely solely on a quartz movement for their chronograph functions. A meca quartz, on the other hand, relies on a combination of both quartz and mechanical elements. 

What Is the Battery Life of Meca Quartz?

The life of a quartz watch and a meca quartz watch is similar—both last around three years. However, the duration can vary depending on the watch’s use and functions. 

Are Mecha Quartz Watches Good?

Mecha quartz watches are good if you’re looking for an affordable and accurate chronograph paired with the charming, tactile quality of the mechanical. 

Wrapping Up

The idea that a meca quartz watch is a poor man’s mechanical seems daft to me. But then we could easily infringe on the mechanical vs quartz debate. What are meca quartz watches? They’re certainly more accurate and reliable than a mechanical, that’s for sure. They’re beautiful innovations, in my opinion, and deserve more recognition than they get. 

At the end of the day, consumer tastes are constantly evolving. So are the goals of the ambitious watchmaker. Brands will always celebrate the classic simplicity of the quartz watch and the tradition of mechanical timepieces. But meca quartz deserves a position somewhere amongst them. So, if you’re yet to broaden your appreciation for quartz, you should at least consider meeting mid-way with the meca quartz. It’s reliable, accurate, affordable, and well worth a test drive. 

Have you tried a Meca quartz watch? What do you like or dislike about it? Let us know in the comments below!