Lately, quartz appeal to me ever since Grand Seiko’s 9F movement and realizing that Rolex once made a quartz watch via the Qysterquartz that is not only thermocompensated, some models are actually COSC certified AND the best part of both movements? Their serviceability and finishing! Also add to the fact the the quartz model of the Must de Cartier Tank watches have nicely finished and robust quartz movements despite being an entry-level brand for Cartier. The only issue I have with quartz is the battery change every 2-3 years but I’ll get used to it plus solar watches are getting better in design anyway, so there’s that.

This brings me to the title’s discussion, since there have been watches since WW1 that are still working today (you can Google 'trench watches" and still find them working), can a quartz watch last that long?

Now the usual argument for this is parts and I’ve read here that over time, the microchip of a quartz would eventually make the movement useless even if it’s taken care of, however, isn’t that the same issue with finding parts for a really old mechanical watch (a great example would be dead second complication watches and bumper movements)? Also, I’m aware of some quartz watches not being serviceable, however, old manual-wound Timex watches, which originally had their movements be somewhat disposable, can still be serviced if one wants them, so I wonder if that’s the case for similar-priced quartz movements. As far as fabricating mechanical watch parts, is it really possible for every part of the watch nowadays?

Curious to know how this discussion would go.