Thought the Brexit debate was bad? Try asking the watch world to choose between quartz and mechanical. The former boasts increased accuracy and cheaper maintenance costs. The latter is a product of fine craftsmanship, fused together by a watchmaker of skill. So, which is better: the mass-produced but accurate quartz, or the more expensive but artisanal mechanical?

There is no clear answer. And neither side is likely to call a truce anytime soon. Which is why, seeking to find some middle ground during the Quartz Crisis, a hybrid was developed – the mecaquartz.

A chronograph usually contains two isolated movements (quartz or otherwise) to separately power the time function and the timer. The mecaquartz, however, uses a single quartz motor to power both. How? A network of gears splits power from the same motor, directing some to the big hands and some to the sub-dial.

Which is where the mechanical part comes in: the gear-operated mechanism creates a clicking sensation to the pushers (akin to a traditional mechanical watch), the kind of finger satisfying sound that an ordinary quartz movement lacks. Plus, a mecaquartz watch instantly resets a chronograph to zero with a second click – something else you can’t get with quartz. The feel of cogs, for the price of quartz.

Helgray Silverstone Blue

Like many meca-quartz watches, the Helgray Silverstone Blue offers a slightly domed sapphire crystal glass – a feature introduced to differentiate models from the usual mechanical range.

This particular iteration is anything but standard though. A classic blue dial is offset by orange hands to provide contrast, and Helgray includes two interchangeable straps: a stainless steel bracelet for the boardroom, and a weekend-friendly leather alternative.

Available at Helgray.

Seiko Chronograph Overseas Model SSB025PC

A diamond white dial and a stainless steel bracelet make for one ice-cool watch.