AcquiredBefore quartz nearly killed Rolex, this forgotten technology almost disrupted watchmaking
“So we keep alluding to this quartz crisis, but the quartz was not the first revolutionary new technology that was supposed to disrupt mechanical watches.”
in this crazy production process per year. So we keep alluding to this quartz crisis, but the quartz was not the first revolutionary new technology that was supposed to disrupt mechanical watches. There was sort of a half step along the way to a technology that turned out to be a detour that actually wasn't the future. David, do you know what that is?
Oh,
I would guess, like, digital timekeeping, but That's quartz. Yeah. Yeah. What else vibrates like a quartz crystal? What do you think could oscillate to keep time? Something radioactive?
A tuning fork.
About this clip
The hosts discuss a lesser-known technology that preceded the famous quartz crisis in watchmaking. They explore how tuning fork technology represented an intermediate step between mechanical and quartz watches, serving as a technological detour that ultimately wasn't the future of timekeeping.
Why this clip
This reveals a fascinating forgotten chapter in horological history that most people don't know about, showing how disruption often happens in waves rather than single moments.
What they said next
Why Rolex tests dive watches 25% beyond their advertised depth rating
2:08:00 - 34s · tactical advice
More from this episode
From the blog
Want clips like this for your podcast?
We find your top 5-8 clips, write the hooks, and deliver ready-to-post content. First 2 episodes are free.
Get 2 Episodes Clipped Free