Perfect - I now understand that an older Seiko quartz chronograph of mine is 'just' quartz, not meca-quartz like the Dan Henry 1964 I just bought. Thanks!
Great video! I always thought that it was kind of misleading to call a watch without the fly back mechanism “mechaquartz” since it was just a quartz movement operating at a higher frequency. You explained the difference very well!
A big thanks Marc. I did not know the difference. I just thought mecaquartz was when the second hand moved to look mechanical rather than the quartz second-hand chronograph I don't like. Thanks to this video, I bought a Seiko SSB0033 which seems to be a mecaquartz since it has a quick snap of resetting to 0. Also looks mechanical. Take care.
So it seems like the MecaQuartz works like the action in a Lemania/Venus manual caliber where the start-stop button moves the small arm that brings the chrono hand’s gear onto the seconds wheel gearing and also disconnects. Clever idea. Thank you for clarifying. I had thought it was just a faster oscillating quartz crystal. I immediately started, stopped and reset all my chronos to compare. Of course, I want one now. Well done!
Can you keep the Meca-Quartz Chrono nonstop running so that you can enjoy the sweeping second hand all the time or will the battery run out of power faster?
I have a classic Tag Heuer quartz chronograph from mid 80's that uses a true meca-quartz Calibre 185. I believe this was Tag Heuer's first quartz chronograph movement although they also had an odd, limited run quartz chronograph with large date dial at 6 that used two batteries. The Calibre 185 uses a standard ETA 555 quartz movement with an attached Dubois-Depraz 2000 chronograph module, the same module used for some automatics. The 185 quartz is very interesting because the small and large second hands move at 1/2 seconds increments.
Great video. That Seiko Chrono is nice. Reminds me of a Speedmaster Mark II. The Seiko Prospex Diver Chronos have he same dolor movement. There also are the lower priced quartz Chronos that tick once a second
Thanks for making this video Marc, I learned something I am in the market for a chronograph, not expensive. So Quartz. I heard the v69 was a good movement but not up to date on this stuff,
very interesting really enjoyed the explanation. But I am a Navigator by trade and as far as I am aware there is no difference between UTC and GMT, they are both measured from the Greenwich meridian. As far as I know they simply renamed GMT to UTC to keep everyone Happy.
Thank you for the education. Do they make a meca-quartz (or any other movement) that the second hand is meant to run at all times? I want the sweeping motion but not the less accuracy and involvement of a wind or auto-wind? I have a Bulova Precisionist (UHF) that’s fun but I want something a little higher end. Thank you for your time
I think the Bulova Precisionist is still the smoothest second hand quartz watch. You won't find another very similar to that, since the precisionist movement is proprietary to Bulova.
Very interesting clip. Which movement do you prefer, or to you leave that to the consumer/manufacturer. Valjoux 7750 is quite a movement along with it's variations.
Where does the mecha-quartz chronograph component get its power? I understand the watch is battery powered, but do you have to wind it to run the chrono, mecha part?
Hi Marc, another great video. Always learning with you. Would have been great to see the difference in movement between hemel mecaquartz and the Hemel automatic.
Did you say in this video that you can’t adjust the Seiko Meca-quartz movement? I have a Seiko SSC013 that I believe is a Meca-quartz movement with the minute hand a little off.
I'm waiting for a brand to finally use the VK67 with the 12 hour totalizer. Makes it even closer in appearance and operation most mechanical chronographs. I'm getting tired of all of these current and new designs with a dang 24hr indicator...
Agreed. I finally settled on a Seiko SSB269, which has an 8T67 movement, (seems to be the same as the VK67). The only problem I have with the watch is its size. At almost 45mm, it's much bigger than I prefer on my 7" wrist. However, I find myself wearing it quite a bit on a NATO strap.
I bought a Invicta Pro Diver as a early 60th birthday present to my self ..I love it ....Just a stupid question ...How many winds does it take to wind a automatic up , . Noticed that it runs 6 sec fast when wound up & slowly goes negative 6 eventually , when wound down . I`m guessing thats normal . I Like your show . I would like to try replacing the mineral glass of the Invicta to a Sapphire one . Might wait till this one gets scratched fist .
Interesting and informative video Marc. I took my Citizen AT Perpetual Time, Chrono out to follow along with you... Very interesting! As always, thanks for sharing your in-depth knowledge of watches, with the rest of us. Much appreciated! Take care, Ed...Just as an aside, I recently purchased an Orient Blue Ray 11 from you and I am very happy with the watch and all of its features. My only other watch is the aforementioned Citizen chrono which as you know has a quartz movement. From my limited knowledge of watches, I have come to understand that quartz movements don’t get the same level of respect as an automatic/mechanical movement watch. I know the differences between the two movements, but am having a hard time understanding why quartz movement watches get so little respect. Truth be told, I love the Orient Blue Ray 11 equally as much as the Citizen AT perpetual, quartz movement. In your opinion, what are your thoughts as to why quartz movement watches garner so little respect? I truly enjoy my Citizen Chrono quartz with its various complications.
@@islandwatch why would you dig a trench 4 feet deep and 100 feet long with a shovel, when you can rent an excavator for an hour, !! no regulation ,Low servicing intervals,More accurate, I can understand and recognize the work that goes into the mechanical watch the intricacies therein , .I get it -collect the old mechanical watches from yesteryear and worship them as we must ,for what the mechanics once were,. But on a daily basis? I Throw on my solar, quartz citizen set it and forget it and you’re good to go
Hhmmm,, I have heard of mecha quarts but never really got my head around it. Earlier today I checked some videos and now you put one out on that topic, and better then the others.
My Citizen Pilot has an H610 movement. When one of the hands move, even when you’re adjusting time or alarm, the other hands all react. Is this a mechaquartz? You can’t adjust one hand on its own. It’s like they are all on a gear train.
I take that these mechanical piggyback modules derive power from the battery? Thst must put a strain on the life of the battery if you use it with any regularity.
The day I started watching your videos it's been always a 👍 it's just my understanding of chronograph is zero, but really appreciate your work & efforts to make things easy. Looking forward to buy from you in the near future.
Hi Mark, it’s Frankie. I was looking at the new Marathon Navigator with the sapphire crystal. I was wondering if it is possible to get a discount on this model?
The comment about 1 motor in the mechaquartz isn't actually true. I've taken apart one of these VK movements before and there are in fact 2 stepper motors. If you look at a version with a running seconds you'll see that the the running seconds makes 1 tick a second whereas the chrono hand when engaged makes 4 ticks. Of the motors one drives the main time doing 1 tick a second while the other one drives the chrono doing 4 ticks a second.
One thing is the material of the components. Cheap movements use lots of plastic parts and are designed to be thrown out and replaced, whereas high end has components designed to be more dependable and be serviceable.
The battery powers the mechanical part of the watch? Doesn't this run down the battery quickly? Granted, most people don't use the chrono function that often...
That was kinda of good.Have a friend with a Seiko regular quartz chronograph but the mecaquartz seems as you say to have a spring return.But what tensions that spring or am I stupid? Answer freely.Len.
Interesting in an uninteresting way. I would never buy this type of watch , it looks like it’s stopped working. So thanks for letting me know . I just think watches need some type of tick, or sweep , unless digital of course “a little bit of heart & soul” I do like the Sinn 104 the company make quality German watches
Perfect - I now understand that an older Seiko quartz chronograph of mine is 'just' quartz, not meca-quartz like the Dan Henry 1964 I just bought. Thanks!
Glad you know now.
I watched and learned and I am very impressed by the looks and quality of that Sinn!
Thanks for watching
Great video! I always thought that it was kind of misleading to call a watch without the fly back mechanism “mechaquartz” since it was just a quartz movement operating at a higher frequency. You explained the difference very well!
TGV sent me here and I’m happy that he did. Buying a “zeppelin” from your site.
Thank you for this clear explanation. Merry Christmas!
I knew your engineering mind would explain the mecaquartz succinctly. Thank you!
Thanks for the explanation, very helpful.
Spot-on straight forward explanation, yet again. Thanks, as always, for answering my questions.
Watch and learn, the best educational series for watch enthusiasts.
:)
I have a Dan Henry Gran Turismo with Mecquartz. Thank you so much for explaining. I know how my watch works now ❤️❤️❤️
A big thanks Marc. I did not know the difference. I just thought mecaquartz was when the second hand moved to look mechanical rather than the quartz second-hand chronograph I don't like. Thanks to this video, I bought a Seiko SSB0033 which seems to be a mecaquartz since it has a quick snap of resetting to 0. Also looks mechanical. Take care.
So it seems like the MecaQuartz works like the action in a Lemania/Venus manual caliber where the start-stop button moves the small arm that brings the chrono hand’s gear onto the seconds wheel gearing and also disconnects. Clever idea. Thank you for clarifying. I had thought it was just a faster oscillating quartz crystal. I immediately started, stopped and reset all my chronos to compare. Of course, I want one now. Well done!
Thank you. I do believe your assessment is correct, though never opened one up.
As always, very well explained. Thank you very much.
Can you keep the Meca-Quartz Chrono nonstop running so that you can enjoy the sweeping second hand all the time or will the battery run out of power faster?
Good question.
You can; it will affect power drain.
Hi great video.
please, what is the SINN model you used on the video ?
I have a classic Tag Heuer quartz chronograph from mid 80's that uses a true meca-quartz Calibre 185. I believe this was Tag Heuer's first quartz chronograph movement although they also had an odd, limited run quartz chronograph with large date dial at 6 that used two batteries. The Calibre 185 uses a standard ETA 555 quartz movement with an attached Dubois-Depraz 2000 chronograph module, the same module used for some automatics. The 185 quartz is very interesting because the small and large second hands move at 1/2 seconds increments.
Great video. That Seiko Chrono is nice. Reminds me of a Speedmaster Mark II. The Seiko Prospex Diver Chronos have he same dolor movement.
There also are the lower priced quartz Chronos that tick once a second
Thanks for commenting
Cool video, thanks! I just picked up a Yema Rallygraff and was wondering how it worked.
What is the model number for that Seiko? Really like that dark finish. Very reminiscent of the PVD Bulova Lunar Pilot.
Can a meca quartz do split time like a pure quartz chrono, or can it only start/stop and reset like a mechanical chrono? Thanks
Unfortunately it can not. Just start/stop/reset.
....I knew from the beginning that I would hit the like button...great job as usual Marc!
Thanks!
I just a bought a Seiko Meca -Quartz because I love that function and it has the convenience of a battery.
Quick question, is it ok to keep a mecha-quartz chrono running all the time? I just like tseeing the sweeping seconds hand
Well explained, thanks.
The sweep had on the meca quartz so much nicer than the straight quartz chrono. Seems like the battery would drain faster with meca no?
Thanks for making this video Marc, I learned something I am in the market for a chronograph, not expensive. So Quartz. I heard the v69 was a good movement but not up to date on this stuff,
You are welcome
I have a Yema panda that looks like that Hemel but with a tachymètre ring. The VK64 is a great movement
Well explained. Whats the reference of that Seiko please Marc? - Looks a bit like a speedy, wouldn't mind one !
You have probably already found it, but the reference is SSC669. LIW sells them
Was just about to say that. Looks like a speedy
So Marc, does a mecha-quartz movement require servicing like a conventional hand-wound or automatic, or would I only have to change the battery?
I would assume over time the gears would require service. But that's super long term. Probably the same service interval as a quartz.
very interesting really enjoyed the explanation. But I am a Navigator by trade and as far as I am aware there is no difference between UTC and GMT, they are both measured from the Greenwich meridian. As far as I know they simply renamed GMT to UTC to keep everyone Happy.
Is the revision on this watch a simple battery change or, like mechanics a lubrication of components ???
Thank you for the education. Do they make a meca-quartz (or any other movement) that the second hand is meant to run at all times? I want the sweeping motion but not the less accuracy and involvement of a wind or auto-wind? I have a Bulova Precisionist (UHF) that’s fun but I want something a little higher end. Thank you for your time
I think the Bulova Precisionist is still the smoothest second hand quartz watch. You won't find another very similar to that, since the precisionist movement is proprietary to Bulova.
is it normal if the minute hand move when the reset button is pressed?
I watched. And i learned. Thank you Marc. :-)
Great!!!
Very interesting clip. Which movement do you prefer, or to you leave that to the consumer/manufacturer. Valjoux 7750 is quite a movement along with it's variations.
so the chrono timekeeping is also coming from the quartz circuit. Only the movement of the hand is mechanical gear train from the stepper motor.
Where does the mecha-quartz chronograph component get its power? I understand the watch is battery powered, but do you have to wind it to run the chrono, mecha part?
From the main time telling element. There's only one motor.
Hi Marc, another great video. Always learning with you. Would have been great to see the difference in movement between hemel mecaquartz and the Hemel automatic.
Good idea. Didn't have any, though.
Good idea. Didn't have any, though.
Hey mark, I have a ssb031 mechaquartz, the subdial hands are a bit off are you not able to adjust mechaquartz hands like a regular quartz?
Hi Marc, you mentioned that there is a difference between UTC and GMT and that it is very important. Could you do a Watch and Learn on that please?
Excellent video
This is a must video for all people calling plain sweep second hand movement (like VH31) a meca-quartz, a recent fad on YT.
Great video Mark👍🏼
Thank you.
Great explanation mate thanks.
Thank you!
Did you say in this video that you can’t adjust the Seiko Meca-quartz movement? I have a Seiko SSC013 that I believe is a Meca-quartz movement with the minute hand a little off.
Correct. As far as I know, you cannot adjust the hands independent.
Long Island Watch Thanks for the response.
I’d love to own that sinn you got. Real nice watch
Hi, Marc. As always, I look forward to your videos. This one goes way over my head.
Really?
Nice tutorial Professor Mark! 😁
Class dismissed!
I’m really confused tho
I hava a Seiko Chronograph SSB323
And its 100% Quartz but still clicks back in place ace like the MecaQuartz???
Vince 1880 I had an ssb321 and it did the same. It is a mecha quartz
So it’s the snap back that makes in a mechaquartz? Even if it “sweeps”/ticks multiple times a second, it’s not mechaquartz if it doesn’t snap back?
So glad you did this one - I've been curious about this tech. Thx!
Thank you.
Great Mark! Thanks for this video!
You are welcome.
Clarifying question on VK64. So this means when the chronograph is not running there is no second hand?
How do you switch to/from to the time-of-day display and the chronograph?
Does it need servicing like mechanicals?
Thank you Marc. I've been hoping for this video for awhile.
Great, glad you enjoyed.
Thanks for this video! I was wondering what the difference was, and you explained very well!
Perfect!
How do you set a mecaquartz to atomic time if there are no running seconds hand?
I'm waiting for a brand to finally use the VK67 with the 12 hour totalizer. Makes it even closer in appearance and operation most mechanical chronographs. I'm getting tired of all of these current and new designs with a dang 24hr indicator...
Wanna know if it's AM or PM? Look outside!
@@islandwatch Exactly! haha
Agreed. I finally settled on a Seiko SSB269, which has an 8T67 movement, (seems to be the same as the VK67). The only problem I have with the watch is its size. At almost 45mm, it's much bigger than I prefer on my 7" wrist. However, I find myself wearing it quite a bit on a NATO strap.
Hi Mark, do you know how to calibrate Seiko VK63 Meca Quartz ?
I'm wondering how the Grand Seiko spring drive fits in here as it has quartz crystals regulating a mechanical movement somehow?
Watch my spring drive video!
Excellent info!
Thank you!
I bought a Invicta Pro Diver as a early 60th birthday present to my self ..I love it ....Just a stupid question ...How many winds does it take to wind a automatic up , . Noticed that it runs 6 sec fast when wound up & slowly goes negative 6 eventually , when wound down . I`m guessing thats normal . I Like your show . I would like to try replacing the mineral glass of the Invicta to a
Sapphire one . Might wait till this one gets scratched fist .
40 turns from empty will suffice!
Hi Marc, I want to ask when are some junkers watches get restock? really love the style
Probably not unfortunately. The company is no longer producing new designs.
I jave learned a new watch skill today. (tip of the cap)
Lol
Interesting and informative video Marc. I took my Citizen AT Perpetual Time, Chrono out to follow along with you... Very interesting! As always, thanks for sharing your in-depth knowledge of watches, with the rest of us. Much appreciated! Take care, Ed...Just as an aside, I recently purchased an Orient Blue Ray 11 from you and I am very happy with the watch and all of its features. My only other watch is the aforementioned Citizen chrono which as you know has a quartz movement. From my limited knowledge of watches, I have come to understand that quartz movements don’t get the same level of respect as an automatic/mechanical movement watch. I know the differences between the two movements, but am having a hard time understanding why quartz movement watches get so little respect. Truth be told, I love the Orient Blue Ray 11 equally as much as the Citizen AT perpetual, quartz movement. In your opinion, what are your thoughts as to why quartz movement watches garner so little respect? I truly enjoy my Citizen Chrono quartz with its various complications.
Thanks for watches. Purists simply don't like quartz, as they lack any "soul".
@@islandwatch why would you dig a trench 4 feet deep and 100 feet long with a shovel, when you can rent an excavator for an hour, !! no regulation ,Low servicing intervals,More accurate, I can understand and recognize the work that goes into the mechanical watch the intricacies therein , .I get it -collect the old mechanical watches from yesteryear and worship them as we must ,for what the mechanics once were,. But on a daily basis? I Throw on my solar, quartz citizen set it and forget it and you’re good to go
I like your Sinn. So far I have not owned a mecha quartz watch.
Get one!
Hhmmm,, I have heard of mecha quarts but never really got my head around it.
Earlier today I checked some videos and now you put one out on that topic, and better then the others.
Thank you.
Hi Mark just bought a SeIko SRP481K1 from you great price! I just have one question is SeIko going make the Yellow SKX35A again?
Discontinued :)
My Citizen Pilot has an H610 movement. When one of the hands move, even when you’re adjusting time or alarm, the other hands all react. Is this a mechaquartz? You can’t adjust one hand on its own. It’s like they are all on a gear train.
Might be the same way, yes.
I take that these mechanical piggyback modules derive power from the battery? Thst must put a strain on the life of the battery if you use it with any regularity.
Sure, a bit.
Thanks very informative
You are welcome.
Whatever u said n explain was excellent, but seriously it bounce over my head😁
Really? I thought it was straight forward.
The day I started watching your videos it's been always a 👍 it's just my understanding of chronograph is zero, but really appreciate your work & efforts to make things easy. Looking forward to buy from you in the near future.
I didn't know this, thanks Marc :)
Now you do.
Thanks Marc!
You are welcome.
I did this on my Eco drive Chrono AT... and got a non satisfying “beep” I would find on a G shock
Hi Mark, it’s Frankie. I was looking at the new Marathon Navigator with the sapphire crystal. I was wondering if it is possible to get a discount on this model?
The comment about 1 motor in the mechaquartz isn't actually true. I've taken apart one of these VK movements before and there are in fact 2 stepper motors. If you look at a version with a running seconds you'll see that the the running seconds makes 1 tick a second whereas the chrono hand when engaged makes 4 ticks. Of the motors one drives the main time doing 1 tick a second while the other one drives the chrono doing 4 ticks a second.
Makes sense, thank you!
ISA ... as in ISA Swiss Movement Marc? Would you say its a better Movement than a Swiss Ronda? ( Great Content Btw )
ISA is not wholly Swiss, at least that's what I've heard. I'd give the nod to Ronda.
Thanks for the great video!!! I've been wondering what the difference is and now I know...lol! Yeh, love the Sinn!
Thanks!
Love the sinn 😍
Me too!
How much did you pay for the collins watch. Its so pretty 😍
I've also heard the term high-end quartz movement (i.e. IWC watches)... how is that different?
One thing is the material of the components. Cheap movements use lots of plastic parts and are designed to be thrown out and replaced, whereas high end has components designed to be more dependable and be serviceable.
Are there also non chronograph meca Quartz watches? I mean meca Quartz watches with a sweeping seconds hand?
indramatic
Yes I know. I owned the Bulova military uhf.
How do you sync a watch with no running seconds?
You don't. Why do you need to?
@@islandwatch some like to sync their watches to the second
@LongIslandWatch I decided to test my chrono's after watching this and found that I have a Citizen Eco-Drive chrono that has instant reset.
Cool!
How much
Good W&L video. Now I understand Mecha-Quartz & flyback better. Thanks.
Very informative ;)
Been waiting for this one thanks!
Delivery!
Delivery!
How to reset a mecha quarts chronograph hands to 12 position
Would not pay any extra for that. Would just buy a standard quartz. Great vid as usual 👍
They aren't much more pricier.
The battery powers the mechanical part of the watch? Doesn't this run down the battery quickly? Granted, most people don't use the chrono function that often...
A bit, yes.
I like that SINN...I have never handled one but they look on paper like a lot for the buck
It's a beast
@@islandwatch no one sells them in the US. I'd like to see how they stack up in build quality to some of the bigger brands
good video Marc. But what is the actual point of meca quartz
I guess to merge the worlds of quartz and mechanical.
What a coincidence, I actually bought one today... A Citizen Eco-Drive (Tsuno) with fly-back chronograph.
When I click the top button it doesn’t move
Oh Marc I like that titanium looking watch! Just starting the video so I don't know what it is yet.
Not titanium :)
That was kinda of good.Have a friend with a Seiko regular quartz chronograph but the mecaquartz seems as you say to have a spring return.But what tensions that spring or am I stupid? Answer freely.Len.
I think it's just a cam.
@@islandwatch That makes sense.Cheers.
Interesting in an uninteresting way. I would never buy this type of watch , it looks like it’s stopped working.
So thanks for letting me know . I just think watches need some type of tick, or sweep , unless digital of course “a little bit of heart & soul” I do like the Sinn 104 the company make quality German watches
Thanks for watching