Why Doesn’t the Second Hand Always Hit the Markers on My New Watch?

At Redwood Watches, we pride ourselves on crafting reliable, high-quality timepieces that combine functionality and style. However, one question we occasionally receive from our clients is why the second hand on their quartz watch doesn’t always align perfectly with the markers on the dial. If you’ve noticed this on your Redwood watch, rest assured—this is entirely normal and does not affect the accuracy of the watch itself. Let’s delve into the mechanics behind this phenomenon to provide clarity.

How Quartz Movements Work

Our quartz solar watches use advanced technology to keep time with exceptional accuracy. Quartz movements rely on a vibrating quartz crystal powered by a battery (in our case, recharged by solar energy) to regulate the ticking of the hands. This system ensures precision, but the physical alignment of the second hand with the markers on the dial involves more than just the accuracy of the movement itself.

The second hand moves in discrete steps—one tick per second. Each tick corresponds to an electrical impulse sent to the stepper motor, which drives the gears that move the hands. Ideally, the gears should align perfectly to position the second hand directly on the markers with each tick. However, there are several factors that can cause slight misalignment.

Why Misalignment Happens

1. Manufacturing Tolerances: Every watch is assembled with a certain degree of precision, but tiny variations (as small as 1/100th mm) in the placement of the dial, hands, and movement components can result in slight misalignment. These tolerances are normal in watchmaking and are within acceptable limits for quartz movements.

2. Dial Design and Hand Length: The longer the second hand, the more noticeable any deviation becomes. On watches with larger dials or long second hands, even a minimal offset in the gears can cause the tip of the second hand to appear slightly off the markers. That is why you will find a lot of watch brands using shorter second hands to cover this fact.

3. Gear Train Mechanics: The stepper motor drives a set of gears that translate rotational motion into the ticking of the second hand. Small gaps, or “play,” in the gear teeth are necessary to ensure smooth movement and prevent excessive wear. This play can cause minor variations in the second hand’s position.

4. Assembly Techniques: Redwood watches are assembled by skilled watchmakers using high-quality components. However, achieving perfect second-hand alignment requires additional processes to fine-tune the positioning of the dial, hands, and movement. Components are pre-aligned with automated machinery to achieve perfect alignment more easily, but this often comes at the expense of overall craftsmanship and long-term durability. Such cases are only possible for mass-production typically taking place in large factories in Asia. Our approach prioritizes longevity and build quality over cosmetic perfection.

5. Perception of Alignment: Viewing angle plays a significant role in how the alignment appears. A hand that seems misaligned from one angle may look perfectly aligned from another. Variations in lighting and reflections on the crystal can also affect perception.

Does Misalignment Affect Performance?

The short answer is no. Misalignment of the second hand is purely a cosmetic detail and does not impact the accuracy or performance of your watch. Quartz movements are among the most precise timekeeping mechanisms available, with deviations typically within 20 seconds per month (compared to within 60 seconds per month for most high-end automatic watches). Rest assured that your Redwood watch is still delivering the reliable performance you expect.

Why We Choose Quartz Solar Movements

At Redwood, we use quartz solar movements because they offer a combination of reliability, eco-friendliness, and convenience. These movements:

- Eliminate the Need for Battery Replacements: Solar charging ensures your watch remains powered for years.
- Provide Outstanding Accuracy: Quartz technology ensures consistent and reliable timekeeping.
- Require Minimal Maintenance: Our watches are built to last, with durability and ease of use in mind.

While a slight misalignment of the second hand might occur, it’s a trade-off we accept to bring you a watch that is both dependable and sustainable.

A Note on Expectations

We understand that some customers may expect perfect alignment based on their experiences with other types of watches (like automatic ones) or due to the precision they associate with timepieces. However, it’s important to remember that even high-end quartz watches from the most renowned brands can exhibit minor misalignments. This is a characteristic of the technology, not a flaw.

Final Thoughts

At Redwood Watches, we’re committed to transparency and to helping our customers understand the intricacies of their timepieces. The slight misalignment of the second hand is a natural part of the design and mechanics of quartz watches and does not affect the quality, durability, or accuracy of your watch.

If you have further questions or concerns, our team is always here to assist. Thank you for choosing Redwood Watches and for appreciating the craftsmanship and technology that go into every timepiece we create.