Cartier 87.06

Battery-powered movements regulated by a quartz crystal oscillating at 32,768 Hz via the piezoelectric effect. The signal is divided down to drive a stepper motor or digital display with remarkable accuracy. Debuting with the Seiko Astron in 1969, quartz reshaped the industry through precision, affordability, and minimal maintenance.

The dominant modern system: pulling the crown out to a setting position engages the hand-setting mechanism. Introduced in the late 19th century and refined into multi-position crowns (date, time, GMT). Used in virtually all modern wristwatches and most 20th-century pocket watches.

Debuting with the Seiko Astron in 1969, quartz movements apply voltage to a crystal that oscillates at 32,768 Hz via the piezoelectric effect. Divided down to one pulse per second, it delivers remarkable accuracy at low cost, sparking the quartz revolution that reshaped the industry.

It is the most common form that we can find.

Contrary to the ticking motion of quartz watches, the sweep second hand in mechanical watches moves smoothly around the dial, offering a visual representation of time flowing continuously. This has become synonymous with the precision and craft of mechanical horology.

Beyond hours and minutes, the day complication anchors wearers to their weekly schedule, providing context to our cyclical routine.

An essential for many, the date display reminds wearers of their daily commitments, connecting the abstract concept of time to tangible daily events.