Setting Mechanical Watches with Quartz Watches

Key Points from the Discussion

• Many collectors utilize high-accuracy quartz watches, such as the Longines Conquest VHP GMT, which boasts an annual deviation of only 5 seconds, as their primary reference for setting mechanical watches.
• Specialized mobile applications like 'TIME' and 'GENEVA' from Emerald Sequoia, which ping satellites for highly accurate time data, are popular tools for precise time setting, offering a level of detail that can be overwhelming for some users.
• Beyond dedicated quartz watches or apps, other reliable time sources for setting include atomic radio-controlled clocks, certified chronometers like Rolex, and even ubiquitous devices such as Casio G-Shock watches, cell phones, tablets, and laptops.
• Some enthusiasts find simple, inexpensive quartz watches to be perfectly adequate for setting, noting that even a 5-dollar watch can maintain accuracy within a second for several months.
• The convenience of a second hand on a reference clock, such as an atomic radio-controlled Lacrosse clock, is often preferred over digital displays or phone screens that may time out, making precise synchronization easier.
• Several contributors shared images of their preferred quartz watches and setting tools, emphasizing the personal connection and utility these items hold in their daily horological routines.