The ABCs of Time: The Rise of Mechanical Watches Among Quartz-Focused Brands
The rise of mechanical watches among brands traditionally focused on quartz reflects changing consumer preferences in the watch industry. The Quartz Crisis of the 1970s and 1980s led many Swiss watchmakers to shift to quartz technology, resulting in a significant decline in mechanical watch production. However, since the 1990s, mechanical watches have regained popularity, with brands like Timex and Casio reintroducing mechanical models after decades of focusing on quartz. Timex's revival of the Marlin and Casio's introduction of the Edifice EFK-100 Automatic demonstrate a trend where quartz-centric companies are responding to a growing appetite for mechanical timepieces. In addition to Timex and Casio, Citizen has maintained a long-standing dedication to quartz technology while recently expanding its mechanical offerings. The launch of high-end models like The Citizen highlights the brand's commitment to this growing market. The resurgence of mechanical watches offers a blend of craftsmanship and heritage that resonates with a new generation of consumers, reminiscent of the resurgence of vinyl records. This shift indicates that while quartz technology remains prevalent, the mechanical watch segment is likely to continue growing, enriching the diversity of the market.
