Buying a watch used to mean picking a brand and a look. Today it also means picking a movement — automatic, quartz or solar — and that choice affects everything from how often you think about your watch to how accurate it is on your wrist. At Forever Jewelry in Greenwood Park Mall, we walk customers through this decision every week. Here's the same explanation, so you can shop with confidence whether you're buying for yourself, for a Father's Day gift, or for a graduation.
Automatic watches: no battery, ever
An automatic (or "self-winding") watch has no battery at all. Inside the case, a weighted rotor spins with the natural motion of your wrist and winds a mainspring, which powers the watch entirely through mechanical energy. As long as you wear it regularly, it keeps running — no battery needed, ever. That's a real selling point for a lot of buyers, and it's part of why automatics carry a certain old-world appeal: you can often see the movement working through an exhibition caseback, watching the rotor and gears do their job in real time.
The tradeoff is accuracy. Automatic movements can drift anywhere from a few seconds to roughly a minute per day depending on the specific movement, and they're more sensitive to shocks, impacts and how consistently they're worn. If you love mechanical craftsmanship and don't mind resetting the time occasionally, an automatic is a rewarding choice. If you want to set it and forget it, keep reading.
Quartz watches: set it and forget it
Quartz movements run on a small battery that electrically vibrates a quartz crystal at a precise, steady rate. That's what makes quartz watches the most accurate widely available option — standard quartz movements typically hold accuracy within about 15 seconds a month. There's no winding, no rotor, nothing to think about between battery changes, which is why quartz remains the most popular movement for everyday watches.
Some quartz movements push accuracy even further. Bulova's Precisionist movement, for example, uses a three-pronged quartz crystal that vibrates far faster than a standard two-pronged quartz crystal, and Bulova has marketed Precisionist models as accurate to within about 10 seconds a year. If day-to-day precision matters to you more than mechanical charm, a high-accuracy quartz watch is hard to beat.
Solar watches: quartz accuracy, no battery changes
Solar-powered watches (sometimes branded as "light-powered" or, in Citizen's case, Eco-Drive) use a quartz movement powered by a rechargeable cell that recharges from sunlight or ordinary indoor light hitting the dial. You get the accuracy of quartz with none of the battery-change maintenance — many solar watches can run for months in the dark on a full charge before they even need light again. For anyone who wants precision and low maintenance in one watch, solar is often the best of both worlds.
Movement comparison at a glance
| Movement | Power source | Typical accuracy | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic | Wrist motion (mainspring) | ~seconds to ~1 minute/day | None needed if worn regularly; occasional servicing |
| Quartz | Battery | ~15 seconds/month | Battery replacement every 1–2 years |
| High-accuracy quartz | Battery | ~10 seconds/year (claimed) | Battery replacement every 1–2 years |
| Solar | Light (rechargeable cell) | ~15 seconds/month or better | No battery changes needed |
Accuracy figures are manufacturer-published averages for standard movements; individual watches vary.
What water resistance numbers actually mean
Water resistance ratings measure a static pressure test in a lab, not how the watch performs while you're actually moving in water — so the number matters more than most people assume. A 30m rating means the watch is sealed against rain and splashes only; take it off before a shower or pool. A 50m rating gives you enough margin for showering or shallow swimming. For anything you'll actually swim, snorkel or wash your hands with regularly, look for 100m or higher — that's the threshold most jewelers consider the real minimum for water activities. Screw-down crowns matter too: if the crown isn't sealed properly, even a well-rated watch can let water in, and seals are worth having checked every year or two as they age.
Getting the size right
Case diameter should match your wrist, not just your taste in watches. As a general guide: a wrist under 6 inches pairs well with a 28–36mm case, a 6–7 inch wrist with 36–40mm, and a 7–8 inch wrist with 40–44mm, with larger wrists comfortable at 44mm and above. Men's cases typically run 38–46mm and women's 26–38mm, though plenty of people cross those lines on purpose — an oversized watch on a smaller wrist, or a slim minimalist case on a larger one, can both look great. The best way to know for sure is to try one on, which is one more reason to shop in person rather than guessing online.
Buying for a gift?
A watch is one of the most reliable gifts for Father's Day, graduations and anniversaries — see our gift ideas under $500 for more Greenwood picks.
Already own a quartz watch?
When the battery runs low, our watch battery replacement guide covers what a walk-in visit at Greenwood Park Mall looks like.
Find the right watch in Greenwood
At Forever Jewelry in Greenwood Park Mall, we carry automatic, quartz and solar watches from brands including Bulova, Caravelle, Citizen and Seiko — and we're happy to talk through movement, sizing and water resistance in person before you buy. We also offer flexible financing options and can handle battery replacement and sizing after the sale. Stop by Space H02B or browse online at www.forever.jewelry.
Greenwood Park Mall, Space H02B
1251 US Highway 31 North, Greenwood, Indiana 46142
Phone: (317) 430-8184 · Web: www.forever.jewelry
Serving Greenwood, Indianapolis, Center Grove & all of Johnson County.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between automatic, quartz and solar watches?
Automatic watches are powered by wrist motion and need no battery. Quartz watches run on a battery and are the most accurate, low-maintenance option. Solar watches use a quartz movement recharged by light, combining accuracy with no battery changes.
Which watch movement is most accurate?
Quartz and solar movements are the most accurate, typically holding within about 15 seconds a month. High-accuracy quartz movements like Bulova's Precisionist are built to be even more precise. Automatic movements can drift a few seconds to about a minute per day.
What does the water resistance rating mean?
It's a static pressure test, not a diving depth. 30m covers rain and splashes only. 50m is fine for showering and shallow swimming. 100m or higher is the real minimum for swimming, snorkeling or regular water contact.
What size watch should I buy?
Match the case to your wrist size — roughly 28-36mm for wrists under 6 inches, 36-40mm for 6-7 inch wrists, and 40-44mm or larger for 7-8 inch wrists. Trying it on beats guessing from a chart.
Where can I buy quality watches near Greenwood, Indiana?
Forever Jewelry at Greenwood Park Mall carries Bulova, Caravelle, Citizen and Seiko watches, with battery replacement and sizing available in-store. We've served Greenwood since 2006, with flexible financing options available.
Find your next watch in Greenwood
Automatic, quartz or solar — try them on and see what fits your wrist and your lifestyle. Visit us at Greenwood Park Mall or browse online.
Shop Forever Jewelry Call (317) 430-8184