Quartz watches at Global Swanky include men's business, sports, luminous, multifunction and wooden designs with stainless steel or alloy cases, mineral glass and battery-powered quartz movements. Prices start at $13.78, with free US shipping.

On this page

1. What Are Quartz Watches?
2. What's in Our Quartz Watches Collection?
3. Quartz vs Automatic vs Mechanical Watches
4. Types of Quartz Watches
5. How to Choose a Quartz Watch
6. Water Resistance Explained
7. How to Size Your Watch Strap
8. Batteries and Battery Life
9. Caring for Your Quartz Watch
10. How to Wear Quartz Watches
11. How Much Do Quartz Watches Cost?
12. Shipping, Returns and Support
13. Quartz Watches FAQs
14. Find the Right Quartz Watch

What Are Quartz Watches?

Quartz watches are watches regulated by a small quartz crystal and powered by a battery or solar cell. They are the most common type of watch in the world, found in everything from budget fashion pieces to luxury dress watches.

They keep better time than most mechanical watches, need almost no maintenance, and cost far less to make. That combination is why quartz watches took over the market after the first commercial quartz wristwatch went on sale in 1969.

How a quartz movement works

A battery sends a small current through a tiny tuning-fork-shaped quartz crystal, which makes it vibrate at a steady frequency. According to NIST, the crystal in most wristwatches vibrates at 32,768 Hz, and the circuit divides that by 32,768 to produce one-second ticks.

A small stepper motor turns each pulse into movement, moving the hands through a set of gears. That's why the second hand on most quartz watches jumps once per second rather than sweeping.

Why quartz is so accurate

Quartz vibrates at a very stable frequency, so typical quartz watches drift by only about 15 to 20 seconds a month. A good mechanical watch can drift that much in a few days.

Temperature changes affect the crystal slightly, which is why a watch worn on the wrist, at a steady body temperature, usually keeps the best time.

Analogue, digital and ana-digi

Analogue quartz watches use hands on a dial. Digital quartz watches show numbers on an LCD screen, and ana-digi watches combine both, usually with a digital display for alarms, timers and a second time zone.

What's in Our Quartz Watches Collection?

The collection lists 12 men's quartz watches, all in stock when we updated this page on October 7, 2026. Prices run from $13.78 to $104.28, and most styles start between $15 and $26.

Prices and options come from each listing on October 7, 2026. One further six-hand calendar listing is not shown here while its title is reviewed.

Quartz vs Automatic vs Mechanical Watches

Every watch uses one of three movements. Here's how quartz watches compare.

Accuracy

Quartz is the clear winner. Set it once and it will stay within a minute or two for several months, while a mechanical watch usually needs resetting every week or two.

Maintenance and cost

A quartz watch needs a new battery every few years and little else. Mechanical watches need regular servicing, which can cost more than a whole quartz watch.

Feel and craftsmanship

Many collectors prefer mechanical watches for their engineering, the visible movement through a display back, and the sweeping second hand. If that matters to you, browse our mechanical watches collection.

Types of Quartz Watches

Quartz movements power almost every watch style. These are the most common.

Three-hand dress watches

Hour, minute and second hands on a clean dial. These suit suits, office wear and formal events.

Multifunction and six-hand watches

Small sub-dials show the day, date or 24-hour time. They look busy and sporty, and pair well with casual outfits.

Chronographs

A chronograph adds a stopwatch, started and stopped with pushers on the side of the case, with sub-dials counting elapsed minutes and hours. Check the listing, since some multifunction dials look like chronographs but only show the day and date.

Sports and luminous watches

Bold dials, luminous hands and sturdier cases make these easy to read at night and tough enough for daily wear.

Digital and ana-digi watches

Digital and combination displays add alarms, stopwatches and backlights. See more in our digital watches collection.

Solar quartz watches

Solar quartz watches recharge their cell from light, so they rarely need a battery change. Leaving them in a drawer for months can drain the cell, so store them near a window.

Wooden and fashion watches

Wood, unusual case shapes and bright dials turn a watch into a statement accessory. Wood is light and warm to wear but needs keeping away from water.

How to Choose a Quartz Watch

Follow these steps to choose the right watch:

1. Decide where you'll wear it most: office, gym, outdoors or evenings.
2. Measure your wrist circumference with a tape or a strip of paper.
3. Choose a case size that suits your wrist.
4. Check the water resistance rating against how you'll use it.
5. Pick a crystal, case and strap material.
6. Decide on features such as luminous hands, a calendar or sub-dials.
7. Set your budget and compare finishes and colour options.

Case size

Case diameter is measured across the case, without the crown. As a rough guide, 36 to 40mm suits slimmer wrists under about 6.5 inches, 40 to 42mm suits most men, and 44mm and above makes a bold statement on larger wrists.

Thickness

Slim cases of around 11 to 12mm slide under a shirt cuff easily. Thicker cases of 13mm and above feel sportier.

Crystal

Mineral glass is hardened glass that resists scratches well at a low price. Sapphire is far more scratch-resistant but costs more, and acrylic scratches easily but can be polished out.

Case and strap materials

Stainless steel is strong, hypoallergenic for most people and holds its finish. Alloy cases are lighter and cheaper but can wear through their plating over time. Leather is comfortable and dressy, silicone suits sport, and steel bracelets look smart but may need links removing.

Features

Luminous hands help in the dark, a date window saves checking your phone, and sub-dials add day or 24-hour displays. Choose only the features you'll use, since a cleaner dial is easier to read.

Water Resistance Explained

Water resistance ratings describe tested pressure, not real depth. A watch rated 30m isn't safe 30m underwater.

Hot water, soap and steam weaken seals, so take any watch off before a hot shower or sauna. Never press the buttons or pull out the crown while the watch is wet.

How to Size Your Watch Strap

A watch that fits well sits just above the wrist bone and moves a little without sliding over your hand.

Measure your wrist

Wrap a soft tape measure or a strip of paper around your wrist just above the bone, and add about 1cm for comfort.

Adjusting a steel bracelet

Most steel bracelets are sized by removing links with a small pin tool. Remove equal numbers of links from each side of the clasp so the case stays centred.

Strap width

Strap width usually matches the distance between the lugs, often 20 to 22mm on men's watches. Check this before buying a replacement strap.

Batteries and Battery Life

Most quartz watches use a small silver-oxide button cell.

How long batteries last

A battery typically lasts two to three years, depending on the movement and features. Backlights, alarms and chronographs use more power.

Signs the battery is low

The watch starts losing time or stops completely. On some movements, the second hand jumps in four-second steps to warn you the battery is running out.

Replacing the battery

Replace a flat battery promptly, since an old cell can leak and damage the movement. A jeweller or watch repairer can swap it and check the seals, which matters if the watch is water-resistant.

Button battery safety

Keep spare button batteries away from children. The National Capital Poison Center warns that a battery stuck in the esophagus must be removed immediately, as severe damage can occur in just two hours, so go straight to the emergency room if you suspect a child has swallowed one.

Caring for Your Quartz Watch

A little care keeps quartz watches running for years.

• Wipe the case and bracelet with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
• Clean steel bracelets with a soft toothbrush and mild soapy water, then dry them fully.
• Keep leather and wood straps dry, and let them air out after a hot day.
• Avoid strong magnets and extreme heat, such as car dashboards in summer.
• Store watches in a box or pouch, away from other jewellery that could scratch them.
• Have water-resistant seals checked whenever the battery is replaced.

How to Wear Quartz Watches

Choose a watch to match the occasion.

Business and formal

A slim steel watch with a plain dial suits suits and office wear. Match metal tones to your belt buckle and cufflinks. Our dress watches collection has more formal styles.

Casual

Multifunction dials, coloured faces and wooden cases add personality to jeans and T-shirts.

Sport and outdoors

Choose luminous hands, a sturdy case and a silicone or steel strap. For active styles, see our men's sports watches collection.

Gifts

Quartz watches make easy gifts for birthdays, graduations and anniversaries because they're ready to wear out of the box. Choose a classic dial if you're unsure of the recipient's taste, and check the bracelet can be adjusted.

How Much Do Quartz Watches Cost?

Our quartz watches range from $13.78 to $104.28. Of 12 listings, 2 start under $15, 7 start between $15 and $25, 2 start between $25 and $40, and 1 starts at $40.98.

Here's what each price band typically buys across the wider market:

• Under $50: fashion and everyday watches with alloy or steel cases and mineral glass.
• $50 to $200: better steel cases, more reliable movements and higher water resistance.
• $200 to $1,000: sapphire crystals, premium finishing and solar or radio-controlled movements.
• $1,000 and up: luxury quartz watches with high-precision movements and fine materials.

Standard US shipping is free on every order.

Shipping, Returns and Support

We ship quartz watches to US addresses only, and standard shipping is free. Most orders arrive within 6 to 32 business days, and you can track your order once it ships.

Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery if the item is new, unused and in its original packaging, with no restocking fee. Read the full terms in our return policy, and contact our support team if your watch arrives damaged.

Quartz Watches FAQs

Are quartz watches good quality?

Yes. Quartz watches are more accurate and need less maintenance than mechanical watches, and quality depends on the case, crystal and movement. A stainless steel case and mineral or sapphire glass give the best durability for the price, and a steel bracelet usually outlasts leather.

How long do quartz watches last?

A well-made quartz watch can run for decades with regular battery changes and occasional seal checks. The movement has few moving parts, so most wear happens to the case, strap and crystal rather than the mechanism inside. Straps are easy to replace.

How accurate are quartz watches?

Most quartz watches drift by about 15 to 20 seconds a month, so you may only need to adjust them a few times a year. Higher-precision quartz movements, radio-controlled and GPS watches can be accurate to a few seconds a year.

How often do quartz watch batteries need changing?

Usually every two to three years. Watches with backlights, alarms or chronographs use more power, so their batteries may run out sooner. Replace a flat battery promptly to avoid leaks that can damage the movement, and ask for the seals to be checked at the same time.

Can I swim with a quartz watch?

Only if it's rated at least 5 ATM (50m), and 10 ATM (100m) is better for regular swimming. Watches rated 3 ATM (30m) handle splashes and rain only. Avoid hot showers and saunas, as heat and steam weaken the seals.

Why does the second hand tick instead of sweep?

A quartz movement's stepper motor moves the second hand once for each one-second pulse from the circuit. Mechanical watches beat several times per second, so their second hands appear to sweep smoothly around the dial. The tick is normal, not a fault.

What size quartz watch should I buy?

Most men suit a case between 40 and 42mm. Choose 36 to 40mm for slimmer wrists under about 6.5 inches, and 44mm or larger for a bolder look on bigger wrists. Thickness matters too if you wear shirts with cuffs, since a slim case slides under them more easily.

Is a quartz watch better than an automatic?

For accuracy, convenience and price, yes. Automatic watches appeal to people who enjoy mechanical craftsmanship and a sweeping second hand, but they cost more, keep less accurate time and need servicing every five to ten years, which adds to the running cost.

What's the difference between mineral and sapphire glass?

Mineral glass is hardened glass that resists everyday scratches and costs little. Sapphire crystal is much harder and almost scratch-proof, but it costs more and can shatter from a hard knock, so it usually appears on pricier watches. Our range uses mineral glass.

Are your quartz watches for men or women?

The current range is designed for men, with case sizes from about 40 to 44mm and a mix of steel, alloy and wood. Many styles suit anyone who likes a larger watch, and you can browse more designs in our full watches collection.

How long does shipping take?

Most orders arrive within 6 to 32 business days of being placed. That covers 1 to 2 business days of handling and 5 to 30 business days in transit. Standard shipping is free on every order, and we currently ship to US addresses only.

Can I return a watch?

Yes, within 30 days of delivery, if the watch is new, unused and in its original packaging. Email support@globalswanky.com with your order number, the product name and the reason for the return, then wait for instructions. There's no restocking fee.

Find the Right Quartz Watch

Choosing from our quartz watches comes down to three checks: a case size that suits your wrist, a water resistance rating that matches how you'll wear it, and a style that fits where you'll wear it most. A slim steel watch covers work, while a luminous or multifunction design suits weekends.

Ready to choose? Scroll up to the product grid and pick the quartz watch that suits your style. For more ideas, read our guide to the best men's watches.