Choosing a watch usually comes down to one question: do you want a watch that does things, or a watch that says something? A smartwatch tracks your fitness, shows notifications and takes calls from your wrist. A classic watch keeps time beautifully and finishes an outfit. Neither is better in general — the right one depends on how you live.
This guide compares the two side by side — smartwatches, quartz watches and automatic watches — so you can choose with confidence.
Quick comparison: smartwatch vs classic watch at a glance
| Type | What it does best | Power | Style | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch | Fitness tracking, heart rate, notifications, Bluetooth calling (on calling models), GPS (on GPS models) | Rechargeable battery — charge regularly | Sporty, modern, tech-led | Workouts, active days, staying connected |
| Quartz watch | Accurate, low-maintenance timekeeping; chronograph models add stopwatch-style timing | Battery — long life, easy to replace | Classic to bold, leather or steel straps | Everyday wear, office, evenings |
| Automatic watch | Mechanical craftsmanship — powered by the movement of your wrist, no battery | Wrist movement (plus manual winding on many models) | Statement pieces — skeleton dials, tourbillon complications | Watch lovers, collectors, special occasions |
| Digital sports watch | Simple, durable, no-fuss timekeeping | Battery — long life | Timeless sporty look | Anyone who wants a watch that just works |
Smartwatch: your day on your wrist
A smartwatch is the practical choice if you want information without reaching for your phone. Across the range you will find heart rate monitoring, fitness and step tracking, GPS on GPS models, Bluetooth calling on calling models, and everyday notifications. Each product page lists its exact feature set — check it before you buy.
Things to know: smartwatches need regular charging, and phone compatibility varies by model. Check the compatibility details on the product page of the watch you are considering.
Choose a smartwatch if: you train, track your activity, or want calls and notifications on your wrist. Pick a GPS model for tracked runs, a Bluetooth-calling model for convenience, or a style-led model if you want fitness features with a fashion-forward look.
Quartz watch: accurate and easy
Quartz watches run on a battery and are known for accuracy and low maintenance — the easiest classic watch to live with. Chronograph models add sporty timing functions, and straps come in leather for dressier looks and stainless steel for durability.
Choose quartz if: you want a reliable everyday watch that looks sharp with no upkeep beyond a battery change.
Automatic watch: mechanical craftsmanship
Automatic watches are powered by the movement of your wrist — no battery needed — and appeal to mechanical-watch enthusiasts. Skeleton dials show the movement working, and a tourbillon is a high-end complication originally designed to improve accuracy — a statement piece for collectors.
Choose automatic if: you love watches as objects, want a conversation piece, or are building a small collection.
How to choose: 4 questions to ask yourself
- What will you use it for? Training and tracking → smartwatch. Everyday timekeeping → quartz. Craftsmanship and collecting → automatic. No-fuss daily wear → digital sports watch.
- Do you want calls and notifications on your wrist? If yes, choose a smartwatch with Bluetooth calling — and confirm phone compatibility on its product page.
- How much upkeep do you want? Quartz and digital watches are the lowest maintenance. Smartwatches need charging. Automatics reward a little attention.
- What is your style? Sporty and modern → smartwatch or digital. Classic and dressy → leather-strap quartz. Bold and mechanical → steel chronograph, skeleton dial, or tourbillon.
Caring for your watch
- Smartwatches: charge as directed on the product page; keep the screen and sensors clean. Check the product page for water-resistance guidance before wearing it near water.
- Quartz & automatic watches: water resistance varies by model — check the specifications on each product page before wearing a watch near water.
- Leather straps: keep dry where possible and let them air out after wear; steel straps wipe clean with a soft cloth.
- All watches: avoid knocks, strong magnets and harsh chemicals, and store your watch somewhere it will not get scratched.
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Frequently asked questions
Will a smartwatch work with my phone?
Compatibility varies by model. Check the phone compatibility details on the product page of the watch you are considering before ordering.
Can smartwatches track workouts and heart rate?
Yes — the fitness-focused models include heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking for active use. Check each product page for its exact feature set.
What is the difference between quartz and automatic watches?
Quartz watches run on a battery and are known for accuracy and low maintenance. Automatic watches are powered by the movement of your wrist — no battery needed — and appeal to mechanical-watch enthusiasts.
What is a tourbillon watch?
A tourbillon is a high-end mechanical complication originally designed to improve accuracy — in this collection, the tourbillon automatic is a statement piece for collectors. See its product page for details.
Are these watches water resistant?
Water resistance varies by model — check the specifications on each product page before wearing a watch near water.
Do you have watches for women?
Yes — the classic range includes a 5-piece rhinestone watch jewellery set for women, and the smartwatch range includes style-led models with heart rate tracking and Bluetooth calling.
Ready to find your watch? Browse smart watches for fitness tracking, GPS and Bluetooth calling — or browse classic watches for quartz, automatic and chronograph styles.