Behind every passing second lies a fascinating mechanism.
Discreet, precise, and almost invisible, the quartz movement is one of the great innovations of modern watchmaking. Today, it powers many watches, from the most classic to the most daring creations.
But how can a simple crystal tell the time with such precision?
It all starts with four elements: a battery, a quartz crystal, an electronic circuit, and a miniature motor.
1. The battery: the energy that gets it started
Every movement needs a power source.
In a traditional quartz watch, this energy comes from a small battery. It powers an electronic circuit connected to a tiny quartz crystal, usually cut into a tuning fork shape.
Unlike a mechanical watch, which draws its energy from a spring, a quartz watch uses electricity to measure time.
A simple principle, behind which lies remarkable technology.
2. Quartz: 32,768 vibrations per second
This is where the magic of precision comes into play.
Quartz has a particular physical property: piezoelectricity. When subjected to an appropriate electrical excitation, it can vibrate at an extremely regular frequency.
In most quartz watches, this frequency is 32,768 hertz.
In other words, the crystal makes 32,768 oscillations every second.
Why this very particular number? Because it corresponds to 2 to the power of 15. A frequency that the electronic circuit can easily divide, step by step, until it obtains a one-second signal.
This tiny crystal thus becomes the watch's true metronome.
3. The electronic circuit: the one that counts the time
Vibrating is not enough. These oscillations must also be converted into a usable measurement.
This is the role of the integrated circuit.
It receives the signal from the quartz, divides it electronically, and produces a regular pulse, generally once per second in a classic analog watch.
32,768 vibrations. One second.
This regularity is one of quartz's main advantages: measuring time with precision without requiring daily winding.
4. The motor: when precision comes to life
The final step is the one we can observe.
In an analog quartz watch, the electrical pulses drive a tiny stepper motor. This drives a set of gears that move the hands.
Science becomes movement.
And what happens inside the case takes a familiar form: hands that move, second after second.
Why choose a quartz watch?
Beyond its ingenious operation, quartz offers several everyday advantages.
Precision. The regularity of the crystal's oscillations allows for a reliable measurement of time.
Simplicity. No daily winding is necessary: the battery provides the energy the movement needs.
Discretion. Quartz movements can be particularly compact, allowing greater freedom in the design of cases and silhouettes.
Maintenance. A periodic battery replacement and a few usage precautions are generally enough to keep the watch going for many years.
What if technology took a backseat to design?
A watch can be technically ingenious without trying to show it.
At Francine Horlogerie, the quartz movement accompanies another ambition: that of creating watches that can also be worn as jewelry.
Technology becomes discreet. Design takes center stage.
Because a watch is not just the time it measures, but also the way we choose to wear it.
Francine Horlogerie. Another way to wear time.