A quartz watch operates based on the piezoelectric properties of a quartz crystal. Here's a more detailed explanation of how a quartz watch works:
-
Quartz Crystal Oscillator: The core component of a quartz watch is a small piece of synthetic quartz crystal, often shaped like a tuning fork or a tiny bar. This crystal is cut and shaped with precision. When an electrical current is applied to the crystal through a battery, it starts to vibrate at an extremely constant frequency due to the piezoelectric effect. This property of quartz crystals means that they generate a small electric charge when mechanically stressed.
-
Frequency Divider: The vibrations of the quartz crystal are very regular and precise. The watch's electronic circuit contains a frequency divider that takes the high-frequency vibrations of the crystal (usually 32,768 Hz) and divides them down to generate one pulse per second. This pulse serves as a timekeeping reference for the watch.
-
Timekeeping Circuit: The divided pulses are used to regulate the movement of a small motor, which in turn moves the watch's hands. The timekeeping circuit also keeps track of the seconds, minutes, and hours, ensuring that the watch remains accurate.
-
Battery: Quartz watches are powered by a small battery. The battery provides the electrical energy needed to keep the quartz crystal vibrating and drive the timekeeping circuit.
-
Stepping Motor: The electrical pulses generated by the timekeeping circuit drive a stepping motor. This motor moves the gears that control the hands of the watch. The motion of the motor is typically in discrete steps, resulting in the characteristic ticking motion of quartz watches.
-
Display: The watch hands are attached to the gears connected to the stepping motor. As the motor moves in response to the electrical pulses from the quartz crystal, it advances the gears, causing the hands to move and display the current time.
-
Accuracy: The use of quartz crystals allows quartz watches to be highly accurate. They can achieve timekeeping precision within a few seconds per month.
In summary, a quartz watch utilizes the predictable vibrations of a quartz crystal, harnessed through electronic circuitry, to maintain accurate timekeeping. The quartz crystal's stability and precision make quartz watches widely popular for their accuracy and reliability.