Glossary · Regulation
Quartz crystal (resonator)
A precisely cut piezoelectric crystal that oscillates at a stable frequency when a voltage is applied.
Explanation
The quartz resonator is a tiny tuning-fork-shaped crystal, usually cut to vibrate at 32,768 Hz, that keeps time in a quartz watch. An integrated circuit divides this down to one pulse per second for the stepping motor. Quartz keeps time an order of magnitude better than any mechanical movement, which is why the 'quartz crisis' of the 1970s transformed the industry.
In the object catalogue
Catalogued objects whose own source record mentions “Quartz crystal (resonator)”. The quoted line shows where; it is the seller’s or museum’s wording, not independent verification.
Clock
Caesium Atomic Clock (Essen-Parry)
“The Caesium Atomic Clock, constructed in 1955 by Louis Essen and J.V.L. Parry at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, England, is recognized as the first successful i…”
Wristwatch
F.P. Journe Élégante Titanium Diamonds
“The F.P. Journe Élégante Titanium Diamonds is an electro-mechanical wristwatch designed for the Élégante collection. It is constructed with a titanium Flat Tortue case featuring…”