The best quartz watches for reliability are the ones that keep the formula boring on purpose: a proven movement from Seiko, Miyota, or Ronda, a simple case with solid water resistance, and nothing exotic enough to introduce a new point of failure. Quartz movements are already the most reliable timekeeping technology most people will ever own — the job of a good quartz watch is just to not get in the way of that.
Why quartz reliability is mostly about the movement, not the brand
A quartz movement keeps time using a vibrating crystal and a battery, and that basic mechanism is accurate to within about 15 seconds a month regardless of who put their name on the dial. The real differences between quartz watches come down to build quality around that movement — gasket seals that actually hold up, a crown that doesn't work itself loose, a case back that seats properly. A $50 quartz watch and a $500 quartz watch can both keep equally good time; the expensive one is paying for materials, design, and brand, not timekeeping accuracy.
That means when reliability is the goal, you're really shopping for build quality, not movement pedigree. A well-assembled watch with a basic Miyota quartz movement will outlast a poorly sealed one with a fancier movement inside it.
What to actually check before buying
Water resistance rating is the first thing to look at — 50m minimum for daily wear, 100m if you want to stop thinking about it entirely around sinks and rain. Second, check that the crown screws down or at least seats firmly; a loose crown is the most common way water and dust get into an otherwise solid case. Third, favor simple designs over quartz watches trying to imitate complicated mechanical functions, since extra sub-dials and pushers are just more places for moisture or grit to sneak in over time.
Battery life is worth asking about too. Most quartz batteries last two to three years under normal wear, and a watch that's been sitting in a drawer will often need a fresh battery before you can trust it again. That's a five-minute job at any jeweler and not a sign anything's wrong with the watch. Our lineup of affordable quartz and field watches at One Good Watch leans hard into this same idea — solid, simple, and built to be worn without a second thought.