Meca-quartz movements

History

8 November 2025 by

THOMAS LARDIERE

Mechanical-quartz (or “hybrid”) movements are an ingenious fusion of mechanics and electronics.

They represent a brilliant attempt to combine the precision of quartz with the feel of a mechanical movement.

Let's examine their origins, how they work, their advantages, their limitations, and the reasons why they are making a strong comeback today.

1. What is a mechanical quartz movement?

The mecha-quartz movement combines two technologies:

A battery-powered quartz oscillator for regulating time with very high precision.
A mechanical mechanism for certain functions (often the chronograph, sometimes the main hands).

In summary:

The time is controlled electronically, but the movement of the hands is mechanical.

mais le mouvement des aiguilles est mécanique.

In the 1970s, the arrival of quartz (with the Seiko Astron in 1969) revolutionized the watchmaking industry.
Mechanical watches, which are more expensive and less accurate, have been largely replaced by quartz watches.

In response to this crisis, some brands have sought to combine the best of both worlds.

In 1983, Seiko launched the 7A28 caliber, the world's first mechanical quartz chronograph. A major innovation:
- The chronograph (chrono function) is mechanical (gears, pinions, clutch).
- The main time (hours/minutes/seconds) is regulated by a quartz oscillator.
This movement was so advanced that it was used:
- By Seiko, Pulsar, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Omega, and even IWC.
- In cinema: the Seiko 7A28-7000 model appears in Aliens (worn by Sigourney Weaver).
Seiko then continues with variations:
- 7A38 (with date and day),
- then 7T12 / 7T62, which are more compact.

In the 1990s, Swiss brands (such as Breitling with the caliber 230, or IWC with the 631**) used reworked Seiko bases.
The mecha-quartz movement is becoming popular for high-end chronographs at moderate prices.

Since the 2010s, mecha-quartz has been making a comeback thanks to:
- Its precision,
- Its accessibility,
- And its mechanical feel (instant-return chronograph hands).
Currently used by brands such as Nous, Obelus, Yema, etc.

Quartz module → powers a stepper motor for the main hands (hours/minutes).
Mechanical module → operates the chronograph (with gears, clutch, hammer, return spring, etc.).
A battery powers only the electronic components.

Result:

The chronograph has a smooth and instantaneous movement, like a mechanical chronograph.
The main time remains ultra-precise, like a quartz watch.

Advantage	Explanation
High precision	Thanks to quartz regulation (deviation of a few seconds per month).
Mechanical sensation	The chronograph uses gears and a mechanical reset hammer.
Instantaneous return of the timer	The second hand snaps back into place, just like a real mechanical movement.
Reliability and low maintenance	Few moving parts → limited wear and tear.
High autonomy	Operates for several years on a single battery.
Affordable price	Less expensive than a complete mechanical chronograph.
Size	Movement finer than an automatic chronograph.

Disadvantages	Explanation
Not a true “fully mechanical” movement	The timetable section remains electronic.
No manual/automatic winding	Operates on battery power only.
Less prestigious	Less valued by purists of traditional watchmaking.
Repair complexity	Some hybrid parts are difficult to replace.

Brand	Caliber	Distinctive feature
Seiko	7A28 / 7A38 / VK63 / VK64 / VK67	The most famous and reliable.
IWC	Cal. 631 (based on Seiko 7A28)	Revised Swiss version.
Breitling	Cal. 230	Seiko base with Swiss finishes.
TAG Heuer	Cal. 185	Vintage hybrid chronograph.
Yema Rallygraf	VK64	Fluid mechanics at a low price.

The different materials

Why are they so important?