{"id":2362,"date":"2014-06-28T19:29:42","date_gmt":"2014-06-29T02:29:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.portablefireplace.com\/blog\/?p=2362"},"modified":"2022-12-09T18:47:46","modified_gmt":"2022-12-10T01:47:46","slug":"quartz-movement-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.portablefireplace.com\/blog\/quartz-movement-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Quartz Movement Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"

Quartz clocks (and watches) use quartz crystals to keep track of time. Quartz movement became popular in the 70\u2019s and was known as the latest technology in horology<\/a><\/em>. Quartz movement is incredibly accurate and is one of the reasons why they are so popular. This article will explain the definition of quartz movement and how it works.<\/p>\n

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Quartz<\/p><\/div>\n

The Simple Explanation of Quartz Movement<\/h2>\n

Quartz crystals are cut into the shape of a tuning fork. When current from the battery hits the quartz, it vibrates at a constant rate. Since quartz is a piezoelectric material<\/a>, the quartz oscillator plate generates its own electric impulse that triggers movement in the clock hands.<\/p>\n

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Quartz clocks are powered by a tiny battery that electronically powers movement whereas a mechanical clock uses a balance wheel and hairspring.<\/p>\n

The Takeaway: The battery sends electricity to the quartz with naturally creates its own energy at a constant rate that causes the clock to tick<\/strong>. \u00a0That is quartz movement explained.<\/p>\n

What is Quartz?<\/h2>\n

Quartz, or silicon dioxide, is a combination of the elements silicon<\/strong> and dioxide<\/strong>. Quartz is all around you; it\u2019s the main ingredient found in beach sand<\/strong>! Quartz crystals are not affected by most solvents and remain crystalline at extremely high temperatures.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/strong> A $10 Casio watch is more accurate than a $10,000 Rolex watch. Find out why<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Quartz Movement Definition<\/h2>\n

A quartz clock movement describes a clock that uses an electronic oscillator that is regulated by a quartz crystal<\/strong>. The crystal oscillator creates a frequency that is very consistent. The first quartz clock was built in 1927 by Warren Marrison and J.W. Horton at Bell Telephone Laboratories<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Quartz watches are so accurate because they create a charge (voltage) when compressed or bent<\/strong>, a phenomenon called the Piezoelectric Effect<\/a><\/em>. When energy passes through quartz, a dismal amount of energy is lost in the quartz and allows the quartz to continue resonating at a constant rate.<\/p>\n

This is the main reason why quartz clocks are so accurate. Quartz has a unique ability to maintain a constant frequency<\/strong>. This frequency creates an electronic pulse (through the Piezoelectric Effect) that causes your clock to tick.<\/p>\n

Qualities that Create Quartz Accuracy:<\/h3>\n