FORZO Enduratimer - Credit Geckota
These ingenious timekeeping mechanisms are just another testament to the watchmaking industry’s ceaseless pursuit of precision, functionality and innovation. It is modern watchmaking at its finest, fusing together the charming tactile quality of mechanical chronograph movements with the convenience and accuracy of quartz technology. It’s time we unravel the mystery behind these movements, their inner workings and the advantages they offer to the fine timepieces they power.
FORZO Enduratimer - Credit Geckota
A mecha-quartz movement is a type of watch movement that combines the elements of both mechanical and quartz movements. They offer the benefits of both in a single timekeeping mechanism. Known as a hybrid movement, it is designed to provide the accuracy and convenience of quartz technology with some mechanical components to enhance the overall aesthetic and functional aspects of the watch.
At the heart of a mecha-quartz watch, you’ll find both a quartz module and a mechanical chronograph module. The quartz module includes a battery and quartz oscillator which vibrates at a consistent and precise frequency when an electric current is applied to it. These vibrations are converted into electrical pulses, which are counted to measure time. This ensures that the watch maintains accurate timekeeping.
FORZO Enduratimer - Credit Geckota
The defining feature of the movement is the integration of the mechanical chronograph module into the quartz movement. The stopwatch features of the chronograph are handled entirely by the mechanical components which includes a series of gears, levels and springs that allow you to reset, start and stop the chronograph complication displayed on the dial.
Although quartz and mechanical watch movements still dominate the market, there’s certainly an increase in the popularity of mecha-quartz powered watches due to their unique set of advantages. For starters, mecha-quartz movements provide the same highly accurate timekeeping as standard quartz watches but still offer the traditional and visually appealing look of the mechanical chronograph.
FORZO Enduratimer - Credit Geckota
Mecha-quartz movements are also known for their reliability and durability. The module is less prone to damage from shocks and impacts compared to their fully mechanical chronograph counterparts. They are also significantly more cost-effective than complete mechanical chronographs and allow those working with a budget to still enjoy elements of these finely crafted mechanisms.
Some of the first mecha-quartz watch movements in the world arrived from Japanese watchmaker Seiko during the 1970’s. Today, they brand remains highly regarded for their vast range of in-house mechanical movements and mecha-quartz movements. Their Calibre VK63, the very same used in our Forzo Enduratimer Chronograph, offers the tri-compax functionality of a mechanical chronograph with the reliability of a quartz movement. It has an accuracy of +/- 20 seconds per month.
FORZO Enduratimer - Credit Geckota
Similarly, our Forzo Drive King watches are powered by the Seiko Calibre VK64. This mecha-quartz movement offers much of the specification as the VK63 but has a more retro-inspired bi-compax dial layout, removing the small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. It has the same sweeping chronograph seconds and 24 hour dial plus an impressive accuracy of +/- 20 seconds per month.
So, there you have it, all you need to know about mecha-quartz watch movements. Has this tempted you to buy one for yourself like our Forzo Drive or Forzo Enduratimer Chronographs? Or do you already own one? If so, let us know your favourites in the comments below.
