Quartz watches
Pre-owned quartz watches: electronic precision at the service of style
Watchmaking underwent its most dramatic transformation in 1969 with the advent of the quartz movement. This revolutionary technology, born in Swiss and Japanese laboratories, redefined our relationship with time by delivering unparalleled precision. At Castafiore, our pre-owned quartz watches bear witness to this technological saga that democratized fine watchmaking.
The quartz movement works thanks to a quartz crystal that vibrates at a frequency of 32,768 oscillations per second when an electric current passes through it. This constant vibration, regulated by an integrated circuit, guarantees remarkable precision: less than a minute's deviation per month compared to several minutes for a traditional mechanical watch.
The golden age of quartz: from Seiko to the major manufacturers
The first commercial quartz watch, the Seiko Astron launched in December 1969, marked the beginning of a new era in watchmaking. This historic timepiece, sold at a time when its price was equivalent to that of a car, paved the way for the gradual democratization of this technology. The Swiss watchmaking electronics center and Japanese laboratories competed to innovate and perfect these revolutionary movements.
The 1970s and 1980s saw the birth of iconic models. Casio revolutionized digital displays, while Swiss manufacturers adapted their traditional expertise to this new technological landscape. This vibrant period produced watches with bold designs, reflecting their era, which can still be found in our pre-owned collections today. Each watch from this era reveals display innovations that marked the evolution of quartz watchmaking.
Our vintage men's and women's quartz watches reveal aesthetic codes that have since disappeared. Angular cases from the 1970s, integrated bracelets characteristic of the 1980s, and LCD displays with futuristic typography: these details make each piece an authentic witness to its time, perfect for creating decidedly unconventional outfits. Men's quartz watches from this era are distinguished by their generous size and avant-garde digital displays.
Precision and reliability: the advantages of the quartz movement
The technical superiority of quartz lies in its unwavering regularity. Unlike mechanical watches, which are sensitive to temperature variations and position, the quartz movement maintains its precision regardless of usage conditions. This consistency makes it the ideal companion for demanding sporting and professional activities. Pre-owned quartz watches retain this legendary reliability, proving the exceptional durability of this technology.
Battery life is another key advantage. A standard battery powers the movement for two to three years, eliminating the need for daily winding. Some models incorporate additional functions: date, chronograph, alarm, or even radio-controlled timekeeping for automatic synchronization with official time signals. These multifunctional watches are revolutionizing traditional displays by offering multiple pieces of information on a single dial.
Diversity of styles: from sporty to diamond-encrusted elegance
Our quartz sports watches embody the pioneering spirit of this technology. Robust and functional, they accompany the most demanding activities while maintaining their legendary precision. The vintage models reveal bold aesthetic approaches: vibrant colors, geometric shapes, and innovative materials that reflect the technological optimism of their era. These sports watches redefine sports displays with innovative technical solutions.
Diamond-set quartz watches combine technical innovation with jewelry tradition. These timepieces demonstrate that the modernity of the movement does not preclude decorative refinement. Mother-of-pearl dials adorned with diamonds, sparkling diamond hour markers, rose or white gold cases set with diamonds: these creations prove that quartz can rival the finest mechanical watches in terms of elegance. Each diamond-set watch reveals exceptional jewelry craftsmanship where diamonds enhance the traditional display.
The display provides a prime canvas for designers. Traditional hands, LCD digits, analog-digital combinations: each display approach corresponds to a specific use and aesthetic. Pre-owned models sometimes reveal display solutions that are no longer in use, giving these pieces a unique and nostalgic character. The evolution of quartz displays testifies to the watchmakers' constant creativity in adapting this technology.
Men's and women's watches: different aesthetic codes
Vintage men's quartz watches are characterized by their imposing size and sophisticated technical displays. These masculine timepieces prioritize legibility and robustness, with generous cases that showcase the innovative displays. Vintage men's watches reveal aesthetic codes that have been revisited today, where digital displays coexist with traditional hands.
Women's watch designs explore new aesthetic territories. Quartz watches for women often incorporate jewelry elements, with diamond-set models transforming each timepiece into a precious jewel. These diamond-set watches combine the precision of quartz with the brilliance of precious stones, creating pieces of refined elegance where the display is adorned with crystalline reflections.
Iconic collections and benchmark brands
Seiko remains the historical benchmark, with collections that have shaped the evolution of quartz technology. From the pioneering Astron to contemporary ranges, the Japanese brand has consistently innovated, creating models that have become classics of modern watchmaking. Our pre-owned Seiko timepieces bear witness to this enduring technical excellence, each watch showcasing the display innovations that defined its era.
Casio revolutionized the way we tell time with its multifunction watches and cutting-edge digital displays. The brand's vintage models, true technological marvels for their time, are still admired today for their retro-futuristic aesthetics and legendary durability. Each pre-owned Casio watch offers a unique display, a testament to the brand's technical experimentation.
Swiss watchmakers have successfully adapted their traditional expertise to the quartz movement, creating timepieces that combine modern precision with timeless elegance. These exceptional watches, often produced in limited editions, are now sought-after collector's items for watch enthusiasts. Some diamond-set models reveal exceptional jewelry artistry, where each diamond enhances the classic display.
Price trends and asset value
The prices of vintage quartz watches are experiencing remarkable growth on the pre-owned market. Iconic models are seeing their prices steadily increase, reflecting the growing interest of collectors in this precision timepiece. Diamond-set watches maintain particularly stable prices, as the intrinsic value of diamonds supports their appreciation over the long term.
Analysis of market prices reveals that certain vintage quartz watches are exceeding initial expectations. Models with original digital displays, generously sized men's watches, and pieces set with genuine diamonds are showing consistently rising prices. This price trend confirms the growing recognition of vintage quartz timepieces as a valuable asset.
Investing in a pre-owned quartz watch at Castafiore
Purchasing a pre-owned quartz watch is a wise choice for those seeking reliability and authenticity. These timepieces have proven their durability, maintaining their original accuracy after decades of use. Our expertise guarantees the authenticity of each movement and a complete verification of all functions, including the quality of the display and the authenticity of any set diamonds.
Our pre-owned quartz watches undergo the same authentication process as our mechanical timepieces. From hallmark verification and movement testing to a thorough examination of the overall condition, every detail is scrutinized to ensure you acquire a watch in the best possible condition. Prices reflect the true value of each timepiece, taking into account its rarity, condition, and historical significance. For diamond-set watches, we verify the authenticity and quality of each diamond, guaranteeing the true value of your investment.
The diversity of our selection allows you to discover models unavailable elsewhere. From rare mass-produced pieces to forgotten limited editions and prototypes from defunct brands, these watches tell the story of horological innovation. Each acquisition connects you to this technological saga that has transformed our relationship with time, offering the opportunity to wear a piece of watchmaking history every day. Whether you're looking for a generously sized men's watch, a timepiece set with sparkling diamonds, or a model with an original display, our selection caters to all horological passions.