Ever wished your Apple Watch could tick like a classic quartz timepiece? It’s not just you. While Apple Watches traditionally mimic the smooth, continuous sweep of an automatic watch, recent updates have introduced a quartz-like ticking seconds hand—but only in specific modes. And this is the part most people miss: there’s a clever workaround to make it feel like your Apple Watch is ticking all the time. But here’s where it gets controversial: is sacrificing some functionality worth the nostalgia of a quartz-like display? Let’s dive in.
In iOS 26.1, Apple subtly changed how the Clock app icon behaves in low power mode, making the seconds hand tick rather than sweep. This quartz-inspired animation has made its way to the Apple Watch Series 10/11 and Ultra 3, but only in Always On mode. For those who prefer this ticking style, there’s a way to make it your default—sort of. By disabling the Wake on Wrist Raise option in the Display & Brightness settings, you can keep your watch in Always On mode most of the time, giving you that satisfying quartz-like tick. However, this comes with trade-offs: the display dims significantly, and you lose handy gestures like double-tapping to scroll through widgets.
Why does this matter? Apple’s decision to switch between sweeping and ticking hands is a practical one—it balances readability with battery life. But for purists, the shift can feel jarring. While I appreciate the ability to always see the seconds, I’d personally choose a consistent ticking hand if given the option. Maybe Apple will introduce a setting for this in a future watchOS update, but until then, this workaround is a fun way to experiment.
Here’s how to try it: Go to Settings > Display & Brightness and toggle off Wake on Wrist Raise. Your watch will stay in Always On mode, giving you that quartz-like tick. You can still wake the display with a tap, button press, or Digital Crown scroll. Plus, you can swipe down for notifications, swipe up for widgets, and tap complications without fully waking the watch—thanks to a recent software update that added instant responsiveness.
But is it worth it? This mode isn’t for everyone. The dimmed display and loss of one-handed gestures are notable downsides. And remember, this only works on the Apple Watch Series 10/11 and Ultra 3—older models won’t benefit. I’ve been testing this “just a watch” mode for a few days, and while it’s not perfect, it’s a refreshing change. Give it a try and see if it suits your style. You can always revert by toggling Wake on Wrist Raise back on.
Now, here’s the question for you: Do you prefer the quartz-like tick or the smooth sweep of an automatic watch? And should Apple give users the option to choose? Let’s debate in the comments! (FTC: We use income-earning auto affiliate links. More: https://9to5mac.com/about/#affiliate)
