quartz-crystal clock

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quartz-crystal clock

instrument

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July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

A quartz-crystal clock, also known as a quartz clock, is an instrument that uses the precise vibrations of a quartz crystal to regulate timekeeping. When an electric current is applied to a quartz crystal, it vibrates at a very stable and high frequency due to the piezoelectric effect.123

This consistent oscillation is then used to control a synchronous motor, which drives the clock's hands. Quartz crystals are favored for their ability to maintain a stable frequency, making quartz-crystal clocks highly accurate, with errors often measured in fractions of a second per day.134

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clock
Electric clocks
The timekeeping element of a quartz clock consists of a ring of quartz about 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) in diameter, suspended by threads and enclosed in a heat-insulated chamber. Electrodes are attached to the surfaces of the ring and connected to an electrical circuit in such a manner as to…
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The timekeeping element of a quartz clock consists of a ring of quartz about 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) in diameter, suspended by threads and enclosed in a heat-insulated chamber. Electrodes are attached to the surfaces of the ring and connected to an electrical circuit in such a manner as to…
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time
Clocks
A single clock, atomic or quartz-crystal, synchronized with either TAI or UTC provides the SI second (that is, the second as defined in the International System of Units), TAI, UTC, and TDT immediately with high accuracy.
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A single clock, atomic or quartz-crystal, synchronized with either TAI or UTC provides the SI second (that is, the second as defined in the International System of Units), TAI, UTC, and TDT immediately with high accuracy.
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mechanics
Simple harmonic oscillations
…by the introduction of tiny quartz crystals, whose harmonic oscillations generate electrical signals that may be incorporated into miniaturized circuits in clocks and wristwatches. All harmonic oscillators are natural timekeeping devices because they oscillate at intrinsic natural frequencies independent of amplitude. A given number of complete cycles always corresponds to…
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…by the introduction of tiny quartz crystals, whose harmonic oscillations generate electrical signals that may be incorporated into miniaturized circuits in clocks and wristwatches. All harmonic oscillators are natural timekeeping devices because they oscillate at intrinsic natural frequencies independent of amplitude. A given number of complete cycles always corresponds to…
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Louis Essen
…English physicist who invented the quartz crystal ring clock and the first practical atomic clock. These devices were capable of measuring time more accurately than any previous clocks.
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…English physicist who invented the quartz crystal ring clock and the first practical atomic clock. These devices were capable of measuring time more accurately than any previous clocks.
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