Perfect - I now understand that an older Seiko quartz chronograph of mine is 'just' quartz, not meca-quartz like the Dan Henry 1964 I just bought. Thanks!

I knew your engineering mind would explain the mecaquartz succinctly. Thank you!

Great video! I always thought that it was kind of misleading to call a watch without the fly back mechanism “mechaquartz” since it was just a quartz movement operating at a higher frequency. You explained the difference very well!

I watched and learned and I am very impressed by the looks and quality of that Sinn!

TGV sent me here and I’m happy that he did. Buying a “zeppelin” from your site.

I have a Dan Henry Gran Turismo with Mecquartz. Thank you so much for explaining. I know how my watch works now ❤️❤️❤️

The sweep had on the meca quartz so much nicer than the straight quartz chrono. Seems like the battery would drain faster with meca no?

Spot-on straight forward explanation, yet again. Thanks, as always, for answering my questions.

Thanks for the explanation, very helpful.

very interesting really enjoyed the explanation. But I am a Navigator by trade and as far as I am aware there is no difference between UTC and GMT, they are both measured from the Greenwich meridian. As far as I know they simply renamed GMT to UTC to keep everyone Happy.

I just a bought a Seiko Meca -Quartz because I love that function and it has the convenience of a battery.

I have a classic Tag Heuer quartz chronograph from mid 80's that uses a true meca-quartz Calibre 185. I believe this was Tag Heuer's first quartz chronograph movement although they also had an odd, limited run quartz chronograph with large date dial at 6 that used two batteries. The Calibre 185 uses a standard ETA 555 quartz movement with an attached Dubois-Depraz 2000 chronograph module, the same module used for some automatics. The 185 quartz is very interesting because the small and large second hands move at 1/2 seconds increments.

As always, very well explained. Thank you very much.

A big thanks Marc. I did not know the difference. I just thought mecaquartz was when the second hand moved to look mechanical rather than the quartz second-hand chronograph I don't like. Thanks to this video, I bought a Seiko SSB0033 which seems to be a mecaquartz since it has a quick snap of resetting to 0. Also looks mechanical. Take care.

So it seems like the MecaQuartz works like the action in a Lemania/Venus manual caliber where the start-stop button moves the small arm that brings the chrono hand’s gear onto the seconds wheel gearing and also disconnects. Clever idea. Thank you for clarifying. I had thought it was just a faster oscillating quartz crystal. I immediately started, stopped and reset all my chronos to compare. Of course, I want one now. Well done!

The comment about 1 motor in the mechaquartz isn't actually true. I've taken apart one of these VK movements before and there are in fact 2 stepper motors. If you look at a version with a running seconds you'll see that the the running seconds makes 1 tick a second whereas the chrono hand when engaged makes 4 ticks. Of the motors one drives the main time doing 1 tick a second while the other one drives the chrono doing 4 ticks a second.

I have a Yema panda that looks like that Hemel but with a tachymètre ring. The VK64 is a great movement

Watch and learn, the best educational series for watch enthusiasts.

Can a meca quartz do split time like a pure quartz chrono, or can it only start/stop and reset like a mechanical chrono? Thanks

Well explained. Whats the reference of that Seiko please Marc? - Looks a bit like a speedy, wouldn't mind one !

so the chrono timekeeping is also coming from the quartz circuit. Only the movement of the hand is mechanical gear train from the stepper motor.

Thanks for making this video Marc, I learned something I am in the market for a chronograph, not expensive. So Quartz. I heard the v69 was a good movement but not up to date on this stuff,

Very interesting clip. Which movement do you prefer, or to you leave that to the consumer/manufacturer. Valjoux 7750 is quite a movement along with it's variations.

What is the model number for that Seiko? Really like that dark finish. Very reminiscent of the PVD Bulova Lunar Pilot.

Can you keep the Meca-Quartz Chrono nonstop running so that you can enjoy the sweeping second hand all the time or will the battery run out of power faster?

Is the revision on this watch a simple battery change or, like mechanics a lubrication of components ???

Great video. That Seiko Chrono is nice. Reminds me of a Speedmaster Mark II. The Seiko Prospex Diver Chronos have he same dolor movement. There also are the lower priced quartz Chronos that tick once a second

....I knew from the beginning that I would hit the like button...great job as usual Marc!

Quick question, is it ok to keep a mecha-quartz chrono running all the time? I just like tseeing the sweeping seconds hand

I’m really confused tho I hava a Seiko Chronograph SSB323 And its 100% Quartz but still clicks back in place ace like the MecaQuartz???

Cool video, thanks! I just picked up a Yema Rallygraff and was wondering how it worked.

Hi great video. please, what is the SINN model you used on the video ?

So Marc, does a mecha-quartz movement require servicing like a conventional hand-wound or automatic, or would I only have to change the battery?

Hi Marc, you mentioned that there is a difference between UTC and GMT and that it is very important. Could you do a Watch and Learn on that please?

Hi, Marc. As always, I look forward to your videos. This one goes way over my head.

is it normal if the minute hand move when the reset button is pressed?

So it’s the snap back that makes in a mechaquartz? Even if it “sweeps”/ticks multiple times a second, it’s not mechaquartz if it doesn’t snap back?

I'm waiting for a brand to finally use the VK67 with the 12 hour totalizer. Makes it even closer in appearance and operation most mechanical chronographs. I'm getting tired of all of these current and new designs with a dang 24hr indicator...

Clarifying question on VK64. So this means when the chronograph is not running there is no second hand?

Me a quartz are a great low cost alternative to a mechanical watch - especially if you don’t want the standard tick-a-second quarry second hand movement. However, Chrono Mecas have one major frustration. The right hand sun dial is only a 24 hour measure. And it cannot run independently of the main time. So, a very basic and not very useful complication.

I'm wondering how the Grand Seiko spring drive fits in here as it has quartz crystals regulating a mechanical movement somehow?

Where does the mecha-quartz chronograph component get its power? I understand the watch is battery powered, but do you have to wind it to run the chrono, mecha part?

I watched. And i learned. Thank you Marc. :-)

Thank you for the education. Do they make a meca-quartz (or any other movement) that the second hand is meant to run at all times? I want the sweeping motion but not the less accuracy and involvement of a wind or auto-wind? I have a Bulova Precisionist (UHF) that’s fun but I want something a little higher end. Thank you for your time

How do you set a mecaquartz to atomic time if there are no running seconds hand?

Hi Marc, another great video. Always learning with you. Would have been great to see the difference in movement between hemel mecaquartz and the Hemel automatic.

How do you switch to/from to the time-of-day display and the chronograph?

Thank you Marc. I've been hoping for this video for awhile.

So glad you did this one - I've been curious about this tech. Thx!

Thanks for this video! I was wondering what the difference was, and you explained very well!

Excellent video

My Citizen Pilot has an H610 movement. When one of the hands move, even when you’re adjusting time or alarm, the other hands all react. Is this a mechaquartz? You can’t adjust one hand on its own. It’s like they are all on a gear train.

I did this on my Eco drive Chrono AT... and got a non satisfying “beep” I would find on a G shock

Hey mark, I have a ssb031 mechaquartz, the subdial hands are a bit off are you not able to adjust mechaquartz hands like a regular quartz?

Great explanation mate thanks.

I bought a Invicta Pro Diver as a early 60th birthday present to my self ..I love it ....Just a stupid question ...How many winds does it take to wind a automatic up , . Noticed that it runs 6 sec fast when wound up & slowly goes negative 6 eventually , when wound down . I`m guessing thats normal . I Like your show . I would like to try replacing the mineral glass of the Invicta to a Sapphire one . Might wait till this one gets scratched fist .

Great Mark! Thanks for this video!

I jave learned a new watch skill today. (tip of the cap)

I’d love to own that sinn you got. Real nice watch

Did you say in this video that you can’t adjust the Seiko Meca-quartz movement? I have a Seiko SSC013 that I believe is a Meca-quartz movement with the minute hand a little off.

Hi Marc, I want to ask when are some junkers watches get restock? really love the style

Interesting and informative video Marc. I took my Citizen AT Perpetual Time, Chrono out to follow along with you... Very interesting! As always, thanks for sharing your in-depth knowledge of watches, with the rest of us. Much appreciated! Take care, Ed...Just as an aside, I recently purchased an Orient Blue Ray 11 from you and I am very happy with the watch and all of its features. My only other watch is the aforementioned Citizen chrono which as you know has a quartz movement. From my limited knowledge of watches, I have come to understand that quartz movements don’t get the same level of respect as an automatic/mechanical movement watch. I know the differences between the two movements, but am having a hard time understanding why quartz movement watches get so little respect. Truth be told, I love the Orient Blue Ray 11 equally as much as the Citizen AT perpetual, quartz movement. In your opinion, what are your thoughts as to why quartz movement watches garner so little respect? I truly enjoy my Citizen Chrono quartz with its various complications.

Does it need servicing like mechanicals?

I take that these mechanical piggyback modules derive power from the battery? Thst must put a strain on the life of the battery if you use it with any regularity.

Interesting in an uninteresting way. I would never buy this type of watch , it looks like it’s stopped working. So thanks for letting me know . I just think watches need some type of tick, or sweep , unless digital of course “a little bit of heart & soul” I do like the Sinn 104 the company make quality German watches

ISA ... as in ISA Swiss Movement Marc? Would you say its a better Movement than a Swiss Ronda? ( Great Content Btw )

Hi Mark, it’s Frankie. I was looking at the new Marathon Navigator with the sapphire crystal. I was wondering if it is possible to get a discount on this model?

How to reset a mecha quarts chronograph hands to 12 position

Great video Mark👍🏼

Hhmmm,, I have heard of mecha quarts but never really got my head around it. Earlier today I checked some videos and now you put one out on that topic, and better then the others.

Hi Mark, do you know how to calibrate Seiko VK63 Meca Quartz ?

But meca is not always chrono. Vk63 in the pagani design. But still no explanation of the 4 beats per seconds. Most have running seconds at 1 beat per second then 4 beats on chrono. So again why 4 and not 10 or 20 as there's no balance wheel a presume. On fact are all analogue quartz by definition mechanical as they convert electric pulses into mechanical movement via stepper motors.

Thanks for the great video!!! I've been wondering what the difference is and now I know...lol! Yeh, love the Sinn!

Good W&L video. Now I understand Mecha-Quartz & flyback better. Thanks.

I've also heard the term high-end quartz movement (i.e. IWC watches)... how is that different?

Excellent info!

When I click the top button it doesn’t move

Hi Mark just bought a SeIko SRP481K1 from you great price! I just have one question is SeIko going make the Yellow SKX35A again?

I didn't know this, thanks Marc :)

Thanks very informative

Are there also non chronograph meca Quartz watches? I mean meca Quartz watches with a sweeping seconds hand?

@LongIslandWatch I decided to test my chrono's after watching this and found that I have a Citizen Eco-Drive chrono that has instant reset.

Nice tutorial Professor Mark! 😁

What a coincidence, I actually bought one today... A Citizen Eco-Drive (Tsuno) with fly-back chronograph.

The battery powers the mechanical part of the watch? Doesn't this run down the battery quickly? Granted, most people don't use the chrono function that often...

Bulova precisionist chronos are really good, nice movement of the hands. Too bad that Boluva's modern design is bad.

How much did you pay for the collins watch. Its so pretty 😍

I was under the impression that the hands snapping back when you reset the chronograph is a specific function called "flyback". Does that mean that all automatic/manual wind chronograph watches are flyback chronographs or is my original understanding incorrect?

I like your Sinn. So far I have not owned a mecha quartz watch.

Very informative ;)

Thanks Marc!

Love the sinn 😍

I like that SINN...I have never handled one but they look on paper like a lot for the buck

good video Marc. But what is the actual point of meca quartz

Would not pay any extra for that. Would just buy a standard quartz. Great vid as usual 👍

How much

To be honest, a meca-quartz is fairly useless. I'd rather have a quartz with a sweeping second hand like my Bulova Accutron II which moves at 57600 bph.

Been waiting for this one thanks!

Whatever u said n explain was excellent, but seriously it bounce over my head😁

That was kinda of good.Have a friend with a Seiko regular quartz chronograph but the mecaquartz seems as you say to have a spring return.But what tensions that spring or am I stupid? Answer freely.Len.