11 killer quartz watches that aren't going to put an end to the watch world (again) (2024)

In recent years, the narrative around Quartz watches (they used to be cheap and almost killed the watch industry) has been transformed. The main draw is, and has always been, accuracy. Not deviating from the right time – down to the millisecond – is something quartz watches can assure over automatic, mechanical and hand-wound watches.

Thanks in no small part to the luxury options on offer these days – we're talking brands like Cartier and Grand Seiko and John Mayer-approved F.P. Journe (the new undisputed king of the Swiss independents’ scene), there remains no stigma attached to quartz watches, which is why we've cooked up a list of our favourite ones.

Bamford Mayfair

The slim, 40mm Mayfair started life as a loan-out service watch for George Bamford’s buyers of bespoke watches but has morphed into a popular range of its own accord. With a huge variety of case and dial colours, naturally we gravitated to this mandarin-coloured number. Larger-than-life personalities get recognised, and this black titanium-coated number has summer potential in spades. Powered by Swiss goodness, it has inimitable style quota for £425. At goldsmiths.co.uk

Tissot Seastar 300m diver

Tissot is fast becoming a dressy favourite with its hype-tastic PRX range, and we can’t seem to get enough of them. But its Seastar range boasts more rugged, style-loaded divers with this Seastar 1000 packed with features. A 45.5mm case is in line with a return to big-cased sports watches, and the deep red dial art deserves a large canvas. With a steel bracelet, chronograph functionality, and a 300m depth rating, this quartz-driven brute has brawny charm in spades for £535. At goldsmiths.co.uk

IKEPOD Chronopod Hey Joe

Evolved from the minimal-smooth design of '00s designer Mark Newson, the Chronopod Hey Joe looks like no other wristwatch on the planet, and we want one. Set within a round pebble of satin-brushed steel, two slim orange hands pop off the dial. But the architect’s fave IKEPOD brand is more than minimalist alien street-style. Japanese quartz powers a 44mm chronograph that’ll feel like 41 on its silky soft rubber strap. £725. At goldsmiths.co.uk

Hamilton Boulton “Indie”

The Boulton has a huge amount of ‘40s charm in what’s a soft art deco PVD-gold case, but you wouldn’t tag it as an adventure watch, would you? As a reissue of one of the most successful Hamilton watches last century, you’ll spot its small-cased 31.6x27mm charm on the wrist of Indiana Jones. Yes, the watch of choice for Harrison Ford’s final ride as Indie in the upcoming movie Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is yours for £675. At hamiltonwatch.com

Longines Conquest VHP

This sports-fit Conquest model from Switzerland's ultimate dress watchmaker, Longines, has a few sharp orange accents on its silver dial. Feel free to nerd out spotting the letters V.H.P., standing for very high precision, as this rare beast is equipped with a thermo-compensated ETA quartz calibre. What does that mean? A bafflingly accurate deviation of +/-5 secs a year, with a tough demeanor, rubber strap, and useful GMT function for travelling the wide open world. £1,120. At goldsmiths.co.uk

TAG Heuer Formula 1 Quartz

Not much beats a Formula 1 as that first Good Watch, and the vibe is one of tough-guy chic with a dash of racing. In a crisp monochrome tonneau case with a few select red details, this TAG Heuer will easily knock out most upstarts for the best-every-Swiss crown. But hang on, with the smooth rally strap and slim 41mm case, those applied dial details works equally well suited up. So consider this a great one-for-all at £1,250. At goldsmiths.co.uk

Breitling Endurance Pro 44

The Breitling Endurance Pro might seem on the large side (44mm is macho) but its lightweight feel will throw you off balance. Its stealth-black case is made from flyweight Breitlight® composite and is powered by the 82 Calibre chronograph movement. It’s a COSC-certified SuperQuartz. Basically, it’s very accurate in addition to being scintillatingly colourful and well light. Smashing for £2,800. At goldsmiths.co.uk

Baume & Mercier Riviera 42mm

With the emergence of quartz-powered watches emanating equal grail vibes as their mechanical counterparts, a new breed has emerged. Baume & Mercier's Riviera range burst onto the chilli-hot integrated bracelet scene a couple of years ago with its angular sports watch. Green is still a delightful colour, and combined with a relief-patterned dial and curved rubber strap this is a tempting wrist grail with quartz value. A slim, dressy fit with a sports-tough 100m depth rating, this is cool quartz-value at £2,390. At goldsmiths.co.uk

Grand Seiko SBGP005

Grand Seiko’s heritage doesn’t come any sharper than the fabled slim 40mm 44GS case. Its Star Wars tie fighter look belies a deep feeling of Japanese craftsmanship trouncing the best of the Swiss. The flanks of the broad-shouldered case are mirror-polished, while the deep blue sunray dial draws you in. The +10 secs a year ultra-accurate quartz calibre has a practical quirk of letting you adjust the hour hand separately when travelling, without disturbing the ever-accurate minutes. £2,950. At goldsmiths.co.uk

Cartier Santos Dumont High Autonomy quartz

Sorry but nowt spells out très chic more than a sleek solid gold Cartier, and the deep blue vision that is the new Santos Dumont sets the bar even higher. Its High Autonomy quartz movement might be razor-accurate but snapping the gold buckle on the alligator strap I have the feeling you have time on your hands. Rather than running to catch the morning bus, take the time to craft yourself that manually brewed morning espresso. Effortless style for £12,500. At goldsmiths.co.uk

F.P. Journe Élégante 40mm titanium

Like the evergreen and sleek rectangles from Cartier, F.P Journe has rocked an auction scene previously dominated by Rolex and Patek Philippe, and for good reasons. Why pay eight-fold over the odds for an instantly recognisable (and robber-attracting) steel sports watch when you can have hand-crafted rarity? The Élégante is the 40mm grail of quartz watches in ultra slim 7.35mm titanium. This lume-dialed (yes, really) smooth, angular cushion case starts at $14,500. At fpjourne.com