zOwie Omega Discussion Forum

:I understand that a quartz is likely
: to be more accurate, but a few seconds here
: or there aren't a deal-breaker for me. My
: bigger concerns are durability and
: maintenance.

As a general rule, a quartz watch will be much more accurate, and by more than just "a few seconds here and there". An automatic may gain or lose more time in a week than a quartz will gain or lose in a month.

: Is an automatic going to require periodic
: service or maintenance to keep it running
: well? If so, about how often? And how much
: can I expect to spend on such
: "scheduled maintenance"?

Yes, about every 5 years or so depending on how often it is worn and kept wound (except for co-axial models which cost a lot more but can go 10 years without maintenance). Routine maintenance from Omega USA will run about $160.

:And, over
: the long haul, will a well-made automatic
: pretty much run indefinitely (so it could be
: passed down to children or grandchildren)?

Absolutely, a well-maintained high-end Swiss automatic watch can last for generations if properly cared for.

: If an automatic is going to require
: meaningful effort and expense to keep
: running, I'll probably lean towards a
: quartz.

It sounds to me like you are a quartz guy, since it will keep better time and cost less to maintain. Most people who buy automatics do so because they appreciate owning a true mechanical timepiece rather than something that runs on a battery.

: Any advice would be appreciated (including
: recommendations of brands or models that may
: have better reputations for durability and
: low-maintenance requirements).

This depends entirely on what you plan to do with the watch. Do you want it for dressy occasions only? Do you want a sporty looking diver's watch? The possibilities are endless.