10 Best Quartz Watches – Accurate Picks for 2026
Quartz watches remain the smartest choice for anyone who wants accurate timekeeping without fuss. A quartz movement keeps time to within seconds per month, needs only a battery change every few years and shrugs off the knocks of daily life that would trouble a mechanical watch. There is no winding, no regulating and no servicing to budget for, which makes quartz the ideal everyday companion. From ten pound Casios to Swiss made icons, the technology delivers remarkable precision at every price point, and solar powered models now run for years on light alone. This quartz watches guide brings together everything you need to choose with confidence.
We have gathered the ten best quartz watches you can buy in 2026, spanning ultra affordable digitals, rugged field watches, solar powered Eco Drives and dressy Swiss pieces. Each pick was judged on accuracy, build quality, battery life, legibility and value for money, and every model is a real product that remains widely available today. Whether this is your first proper watch or the latest addition to a growing collection, you will find a dependable timepiece below that keeps superb time without demanding your attention.
1. Casio MQ24-1B Classic
The Casio MQ24 is the definitive budget quartz watch and has been for decades. Its slim resin case, clean black dial with gold tone markers and simple three hand layout make it one of the most readable watches ever made. At barely the price of a pizza, it delivers honest Japanese quartz accuracy in a package that weighs almost nothing on the wrist.
For shoppers comparing the best quartz watches this year, Casio MQ24-1B Classic deserves a place on the shortlist.
For anyone shortlisting the best quartz watches, Casio MQ24-1B Classic is well worth a closer look.
This is the watch to buy when you want something you never have to think about. The MQ24 runs for years on a single battery, survives rain and splashes, and looks right with everything from a t shirt to a shirt and tie. Students, travellers and minimalists love it because it simply works. If you lose it, you will mourn the memories, not the money, and replacing it costs less than lunch.
Key features:
- Slim lightweight resin case with black dial and gold markers
- Accurate Japanese quartz three hand movement
- Water resistant for everyday splashes and rain
- Battery life measured in years, not months
- Simple buckle strap, comfortable for all day wear
- Classic styling that suits any outfit
Pros:
- Unbeatable value, superb accuracy for the price
- Featherweight and very comfortable
- Timeless minimal design
Cons:
- Resin crystal scratches more easily than mineral glass
- No luminous hands for night reading
2. Timex Weekender 40mm
The Timex Weekender is an American icon that has earned its place in every best quartz list. Its 40mm brass case, full Arabic numeral dial and casual fabric or leather strap give it a relaxed preppy charm that works seven days a week. The famous Indiglo backlight lights up the whole dial with a press of the crown.
Overall, Timex Weekender 40mm stands out as a dependable quartz watches choice for everyday use.
Timex Weekender 40mm earns its place as a trusted quartz watches option in this roundup.
What keeps the Weekender selling year after year is how much watch you get for the money. The quartz movement is dependable, the quick release straps swap in seconds to match your mood, and the ticking is pleasantly audible rather than annoying. It is the perfect first proper watch, a great gift, and a laid back companion for jeans and weekend adventures.
Key features:
- 40mm polished brass case with easy to read dial
- Indiglo night light illuminates the full dial
- Reliable quartz movement with quick set date
- Interchangeable quick release straps
- Water resistant to 30 metres
- Classic casual American styling
Pros:
- Legendary Indiglo backlight
- Huge range of affordable straps
- Great everyday casual looks
Cons:
- Ticking is audible in quiet rooms
- Not suitable for swimming
3. Seiko SUR311P Classic
The Seiko SUR311P brings genuine Japanese craftsmanship to the affordable quartz dress watch category. Its 40mm stainless steel case, deep black dial and applied steel markers look far more expensive than they are, while the sapphire crystal is a rarity at this price. This is a watch that dresses up beautifully.
If quartz watches quality is your top priority, Seiko SUR311P Classic is easy to recommend.
When it comes to reliable quartz watches, Seiko SUR311P Classic consistently gets high marks from owners.
Inside beats Seiko’s 6N52 quartz calibre, accurate to around fifteen seconds a month with a three year battery life. Lumibrite lume on the hands and markers keeps it legible after dark, and the 100 metre water resistance means you never need to baby it. For office wear, weddings or evenings out, the SUR311P is one of the smartest buys in watches full stop.
Key features:
- 40mm stainless steel case and bracelet
- Scratch resistant sapphire crystal
- Seiko 6N52 quartz movement, three year battery
- Lumibrite luminous hands and markers
- 100 metre water resistance
- Date window at three o clock
Pros:
- Sapphire crystal at a budget price
- Sharp dressy looks, superb finishing
- Solid 100m water resistance
Cons:
- Bracelet can feel light for the price
- 40mm may wear large on slim wrists
4. Casio F-91W
No list of great quartz watches is complete without the Casio F-91W. This tiny digital legend has been in production since 1989 and remains the best selling watch design of all time. Its no nonsense LCD shows the time, date, alarm and stopwatch in a resin case that weighs just 21 grams.
Among this year’s quartz watches options, Casio F-91W offers a strong balance of quality and value.
Buyers who want proven quartz watches performance will find a lot to like in Casio F-91W.
The F-91W’s charm is its absolute honesty. It costs next to nothing, the battery lasts around seven years, it is water resistant enough for daily life, and it goes with everything. From presidents to punks, everyone has worn one. If you want a watch that tells the time accurately and asks for nothing in return, this is the one true answer.
Key features:
- Iconic digital LCD with time, date and day
- Stopwatch, hourly chime and daily alarm
- Ultra light 21 gram resin case
- Around seven year battery life
- Water resistant for daily wear
- Unchanged classic design since 1989
Pros:
- Astonishing value and longevity
- Featherweight, forget you are wearing it
- Cult classic status
Cons:
- Small 33mm case suits smaller wrists best
- Basic resin strap, no backlight to speak of
5. Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-59E
The Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-59E is the field watch that never needs a battery change. Its Eco-Drive movement converts any light into power, storing months of charge in reserve, so it keeps running in a drawer for half a year without seeing the sun. The military inspired black dial with bold Arabic numerals is legibility perfected.
Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-59E remains one of the most popular quartz watches picks with buyers.
Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-59E rounds out our quartz watches selection as a solid all round performer.
At 37mm, the BM8180 wears beautifully on almost any wrist, and the stainless steel bracelet keeps things sharp and comfortable. Promethium free luminous paint glows after dark, the date sits neatly at three, and 100 metre water resistance covers swimming and snorkelling. For a one watch collection that you can set and forget, this Citizen is hard to argue against.
Key features:
- Eco-Drive solar powered, never needs a battery
- 37mm stainless steel case, ideal daily size
- Bold military style dial with luminous markers
- 100 metre water resistance
- Date display with quick set
- Comfortable stainless steel bracelet
Pros:
- No battery changes, ever
- Perfect versatile size and styling
- Excellent lume and legibility
Cons:
- Canvas strap not ideal for formal wear
- Mineral crystal rather than sapphire
6. Bulova Lunar Pilot 96B251
The Bulova Lunar Pilot 96B251 carries one of the great stories in watchmaking. A Bulova chronograph was worn on the Moon during Apollo 15, and this tribute houses Bulova’s high performance quartz movement vibrating at 262 kHz for accuracy of seconds per year. It is a space age instrument with genuine heritage.
For anyone shortlisting the best quartz watches, Bulova Lunar Pilot 96B251 is well worth a closer look.
For shoppers comparing the best quartz watches this year, Bulova Lunar Pilot 96B251 deserves a place on the shortlist.
The steel case, domed sapphire crystal and black dial with luminous hands give it serious wrist presence. The six hand chronograph measures elapsed time to a tenth of a second, and the movement’s smooth sweep is a joy to watch. For space nerds, chronograph fans or anyone wanting something with a story, the Lunar Pilot delivers history and high tech in one package.
Key features:
- High performance 262 kHz quartz chronograph movement
- Accuracy to seconds per year
- Stainless steel case with domed sapphire crystal
- Six hand chronograph with tachymeter scale
- Luminous hands and markers
- Moon mission heritage design
Pros:
- Fascinating Apollo era story
- Exceptional quartz accuracy
- Bold, handsome pilot styling
Cons:
- Large case will overwhelm small wrists
- Premium price for a quartz watch
7. Casio A158WA-1DF Vintage Digital
The Casio A158WA is the silver cousin of the F-91W and arguably the cooler one. Its chrome resin case and stainless style bracelet give it a retro futuristic gleam that has made it a fashion staple, spotted on everyone from tech founders to pop stars. Underneath the style sits the same bulletproof digital module.
Casio A158WA-1DF Vintage Digital earns its place as a trusted quartz watches option in this roundup.
Overall, Casio A158WA-1DF Vintage Digital stands out as a dependable quartz watches choice for everyday use.
You get time, date, alarm, stopwatch and hourly signal in a slim 33mm case that slips under any cuff. The battery runs for years and the water resistance handles everyday splashes. It is cheap, cheerful and effortlessly stylish, the rare watch that works as both a beater and a statement piece.
Key features:
- Retro chrome finish with steel look bracelet
- Digital module with alarm, stopwatch and chime
- Slim 33mm case, comfortable and light
- Multi year battery life
- Daily water resistance
- Iconic vintage 1980s design
Pros:
- Huge style for very little money
- Slim and comfortable
- Timeless retro appeal
Cons:
- Bracelet can pull arm hair
- Small case not for everyone
8. Tissot PRX Quartz
The Tissot PRX Quartz is the watch that broke the internet for affordable integrated bracelet design. Its slim 40mm steel case flows seamlessly into a tapered bracelet, channelling the luxury sports watch look of the 1970s at a fraction of the price. The blue sunburst dial catches the light beautifully.
When it comes to reliable quartz watches, Tissot PRX Quartz consistently gets high marks from owners.
If quartz watches quality is your top priority, Tissot PRX Quartz is easy to recommend.
Powered by a Swiss made ETA quartz movement, the PRX keeps excellent time and offers an end of life indicator so the battery never dies by surprise. The sapphire crystal, 100 metre water resistance and quick release bracelet, which swaps for the rubber strap in seconds, make it as practical as it is pretty. It is the best value Swiss sports chic watch in existence.
Key features:
- Swiss made ETA quartz movement
- 40mm steel case with integrated bracelet design
- Sunburst dial with applied baton markers
- Sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance
- Quick release interchangeable strap system
- 1970s inspired sports chic styling
Pros:
- Outstanding Swiss value
- Gorgeous integrated bracelet look
- Sapphire crystal and 100m rating
Cons:
- Integrated lugs limit third party straps
- Polished centre links show scratches
9. Casio Edifice EFV-100D-1AV
The Casio Edifice EFV-100D-1AV proves you do not need to spend much for a sharp motorsport inspired watch. Its 42mm stainless steel case, black dial with red accents and arrow shaped hands give it a racy, technical feel straight out of pit lane. This is the quartz watch for car lovers on a budget.
Buyers who want proven quartz watches performance will find a lot to like in Casio Edifice EFV-100D-1AV.
Among this year’s quartz watches options, Casio Edifice EFV-100D-1AV offers a strong balance of quality and value.
The three hand quartz calibre is rated to twenty seconds a month, the mineral glass is clear and tough, and 100 metre water resistance means it handles swimming with ease. The solid link bracelet with a one touch clasp feels reassuringly substantial. For daily wear with a sporty edge, the EFV-100D punches far above its price.
Key features:
- 42mm stainless steel case and bracelet
- Racing inspired black dial with red accents
- Quartz movement accurate to seconds per month
- 100 metre water resistance
- Date window and luminous hands
- One touch three fold clasp
Pros:
- Sporty looks, sensible price
- Solid steel construction
- Good water resistance
Cons:
- Mineral glass, not sapphire
- 48mm lug to lug wears large
10. Timex Easy Reader 38mm
The Timex Easy Reader has been helping people read the time at a glance since 1977, and the 38mm version remains the gold standard for legibility. Full Arabic numerals, high contrast hands and a clean white dial mean you will never squint at your wrist again. The Indiglo backlight seals the deal after dark.
Timex Easy Reader 38mm rounds out our quartz watches selection as a solid all round performer.
Timex Easy Reader 38mm remains one of the most popular quartz watches picks with buyers.
This is the watch you buy for a parent, a student or yourself when practicality matters most. The quartz movement is dependable, the leather strap is comfortable from day one, and the price leaves room in any budget. Simple, honest and easy on the eyes in every sense, the Easy Reader is a quiet classic.
Key features:
- 38mm case with supremely legible full Arabic dial
- Indiglo night light for dark reading
- Reliable quartz movement with date
- Genuine leather strap, comfortable fit
- Water resistant to 30 metres
- A design classic since 1977
Pros:
- Best in class legibility
- Comfortable and affordable
- Indiglo backlight included
Cons:
- Plain styling will not excite collectors
- Only 30m water resistance
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Quartz Watches
Movement type. Standard quartz is accurate to around fifteen to twenty seconds a month, which is plenty for daily life. High frequency quartz, like the Bulova Lunar Pilot, and radio controlled or solar quartz offer even better precision. Decide how much accuracy matters to you.
Power source. Battery quartz needs a new cell every two to seven years, a cheap and easy service. Solar quartz, such as Citizen Eco-Drive, charges from any light and never needs a battery. Solar costs more upfront but nothing afterwards.
Case size and fit. Measure your wrist before buying. Cases from 33 to 38mm suit slim wrists, 40 to 42mm suit average wrists, and 43mm plus makes a bold statement. Lug to lug length matters as much as diameter for comfort.
Crystal. Acrylic and mineral crystals are affordable and fine for daily wear, though they scratch more easily. Sapphire crystal resists scratches far better and is worth seeking out on watches you plan to keep for years.
Water resistance. 30 metres handles splashes and rain, 50 metres covers showering, and 100 metres is safe for swimming. Never press buttons underwater unless the watch is rated for it.
Style and occasion. A slim dress watch like the Seiko SUR311P suits the office, a field watch like the Citizen BM8180 covers weekends, and a digital Casio handles rough treatment. Many collectors own one of each.
Strap and bracelet. Leather looks dressy but hates water, steel bracelets are durable and versatile, and canvas or resin straps suit casual and sporty wear. Quick release spring bars make swapping straps easy.
Keep researching the best quartz watches with our related guides to the best smartwatches and best fitness trackers. For useful background on quartz watches, the Watch on Wikipedia article is worth a read.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is a quartz watch? For more detail on quartz watches, see the buying guide above.
A standard quartz watch is typically accurate to within fifteen to twenty seconds per month, far better than most mechanical watches. High frequency quartz movements, such as the 262 kHz calibre in the Bulova Lunar Pilot, can achieve accuracy of a few seconds per year. For everyday use this precision is more than enough, which is why quartz remains the practical choice. For more detail on quartz watches, see the buying guide above.
How long does a quartz watch battery last?
Most quartz batteries last between two and five years, with some digital Casios reaching seven to ten years thanks to efficient circuitry. Many watches give a warning, such as a jumping second hand, when the battery runs low. Replacement is inexpensive, and solar models like the Citizen Eco-Drive recharge from light so you may never change a battery at all.
Are quartz watches better than automatic watches?
Quartz watches are more accurate, cheaper to maintain and tougher than automatics, and they keep running with no daily wearing required. Automatics appeal to enthusiasts for their craftsmanship and sweeping seconds hand. Neither is objectively better: for pure practical timekeeping quartz wins, while automatics win on mechanical charm and collecting appeal.
Do solar quartz watches work indoors?
Yes. Solar watches like the Citizen Eco-Drive charge from any light source, including indoor lighting, though direct sunlight charges them fastest. A full charge can power the watch for months in darkness, so normal office and daylight exposure is plenty. Just avoid leaving a solar watch in a drawer for very long stretches.
Can I change a quartz battery myself?
On many watches you can, with a case back tool and the correct replacement cell, and there are clear guides for common Casio and Timex models. However, opening the case can compromise water resistance, so a watchmaker is the safer choice for water resistant models. Professional replacement is quick and inexpensive, and it keeps the case seals intact.
Conclusion
The best quartz watches are the ones that fit your life and wrist. For unbeatable value, the Casio MQ24 and F-91W deliver decades proven accuracy for pocket money. The Timex Weekender and Easy Reader add classic American charm with the brilliant Indiglo backlight, while the Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E is the set and forget field watch. Step up to the Seiko SUR311P or Tissot PRX Quartz for Swiss and Japanese refinement with sapphire crystals, and choose the Bulova Lunar Pilot 96B251 when you want a genuine piece of space history on your wrist.
Whichever you pick, a good quartz watch asks little and gives a lot. Choose the style you love, wear it daily, and enjoy timekeeping you can trust.
In short, the best quartz watches is the one that fits your needs and budget. Use the reviews above to compare the leading quartz watches options side by side, then pick the quartz watches that you will enjoy using for years to come.
