You can leave a quartz watch unworn for months, but you should first understand why it stopped. If a battery-powered quartz watch has stopped because its battery is exhausted, leaving that battery inside for a long time creates an avoidable risk.
The movement is not the main storage problem
A quartz movement does not need daily running in the same way an owner might keep a mechanical watch wound. The concern is the old battery. Citizen manuals warn that battery leakage can severely damage a watch and direct owners to have replacement handled properly.
If a watch has stopped unexpectedly, do not assume the battery is the only cause. Moisture, impact, corrosion, a blocked hand, or an electronic fault can also stop it. A battery change that does not restore normal operation is a reason for inspection.
Best practice for a stopped quartz watch
- Replace an exhausted battery promptly if you plan to use the watch.
- If the watch will remain stored, ask a watchmaker whether the battery should be removed.
- Do not open the case with improvised tools.
- After the case is opened, have the gasket inspected and request a pressure test if water resistance matters.
A solar quartz watch is different. It uses a rechargeable cell and should follow the maker’s light and storage instructions. Do not treat it like a conventional disposable-battery watch.
How to store it
Wipe the case and strap dry, keep the crown fully closed, and store the watch away from moisture, extreme temperatures, magnets, and direct sun. Do not rely on the original water-resistance rating after years of storage without a fresh check.
A few stopped months do not automatically ruin a quartz watch. The sensible move is to address the dead battery instead of forgetting it inside the case.
For related care, see how to clean a watch without damaging it.
Source: Citizen quartz instruction manual.