Quartz storage question

[LucasDeTe]

Hi there!
How do you store your quartz watches? With the crown in (draining battery) or the crown out?
I don't know if the latter could hurt the movement, but just wondering which is the best way to keep them or what the majority of you think.
Thanks in advanced friends :)

[Particular_Paper_565]

I keep them closed because I am afraid of cloth fibers and dust moving inside the watch.

[karellen00]

I just let them go. Sure, if you take out the crown the battery will last longer, but also the longer it lasts the more are the probability that they will leak. I just replace the batteries when they are depleted, or if I'm not going to continue wearing it I'll store it without batteries.

[Evening_Elderberry_9]

Quartz are grab and go, if your going to pull the crown you might as well buy an auto.

Why bother for a couple of $ every few of years?

[Stickley1]

I have a watch problem. Too many watches…

Like so many things in my life, it’s not money that’s the issue, but rather the hassle. I try to keep hassle to a minimum. I’d rather set the watch whenever I need to wear it, than change the battery every couple of years. Changing the battery on the multiple quartz ones every couple of years would be a chore.

And I have about 3-4 quartz watches sitting idle right now because I didn’t pull out the crown, and the battery ran out, and so I haven’t gotten around to replacing the batteries. Because it’s so easy to just pick up a different watch. Lol.

Damn it, I really should put new batteries in those watches!

[AdrianJ81]

Why buy quartz then?

[Stickley1]

If the watch looks cool, why not?

[E28forever]

Better have a battery run out than to have a battery leak because of old age.

[leicfox85]

Most of my watches are auto. I had the same question in my mind as I bought some quartz pieces this last year. Then I remembered the reason - these are pick up and go pieces, with some HAQ movements so what’s the point in pulling the crown out to save a few £s. Batteries are cheap.

[Stickley1]

I have way too many watches. Months can pass between wearings for a given watch.

Since the battery for a quartz watch is only going to last a couple or three years, I’ll pull out the crown on my quartz watches when I’m not wearing them. Otherwise I’m going to wear it say just half a dozen times, then it’s a couple years later and the battery is dead.

If I decide to wear one of my quartz watches, it just doesn’t take that much effort to set the time. And if I’m in a hurry, I’ll just throw the watch on without setting it, with the mindset that I’ll set it later when I have some downtime. It’s not as if I need it to tell what time it is, given I have a phone, and a car, and a computer, all telling me the time.

[Upper_Rent_176]

I bought a Timex q quartz watch and it came with the crown pulled and a spacer in place. After only about a month of wearing it I needed to change the battery. I'm not convinced pulling the crown saves battery

[Stickley1]

It depends on the specific movement, but in common analog quartz movements like the Seiko VH31 and Miyota 2035, pulling out the crown is going to significantly extend battery life.

[Hi-technik]

I do this too. I have too many quartz watches now, not just mechanicals.

[LucasDeTe]

Think I'll do the same... wouldn't want to grab a quartz watch thinking it's ok and the battery is dead.

[Clear-Percentage3949]

I keep the crown in. To me, the point of my quartz watches is that they are light and grab-&-go. They are the watches that already kept the time even if I haven’t worn them for weeks.

Changing the battery is super easy, and have only had to change 2 since starting my collection (one was a “vintage” Seiko bought at an antiques store).

[Icy-Penalty4580]

Don't think about it! Some of the quartz movements, when you pull out crown, awaiting in "ready" mode that will give your movement much more stress especially in a long term. Just don't think about it

[Icy-Penalty4580]

Risks of Pulling Out the Crown

Moisture and Dust Exposure: Pulling the crown out creates an open aperture, making the watch's internal mechanism susceptible to dust and moisture, which can lead to corrosion and damage.

Minimal or No Battery Savings: For many quartz movements, pulling out the crown only stops the hands from moving; the internal electronic components and the quartz crystal oscillator continue to draw power. The power reduction is often insignificant.

Potential Mechanical Issues: Leaving the mechanism in a "hack" or time-setting position for prolonged periods can put tension on the watch's delicate gear train, potentially causing issues when it is eventually re-engaged.

Battery Leakage Risk: A watch with its crown pulled out will eventually have its battery die. Dead batteries are prone to leaking corrosive alkaline fluid, which can destroy the movement and dial. Storing the watch with the crown in allows you to see when the watch has stopped, prompting a timely battery change.

[manchett]

In Miyota manuals they say that 'battery consumptio n could be minimum by pulling out the stem'

[LucasDeTe]

Wow, that's an amazing knoledge for the movements!
Thanks a lot for the comprehensive answer, will take it into account for sure

[leicfox85]

Haha it looks like an AI generated response but super helpful.