diff --git a/src/compressed_tensors/quantization/quant_args.py b/src/compressed_tensors/quantization/quant_args.py
index 69c289d2..211e3e92 100644
--- a/src/compressed_tensors/quantization/quant_args.py
+++ b/src/compressed_tensors/quantization/quant_args.py
@@ -224,8 +224,8 @@ def validate_model_after(model: "QuantizationArgs") -> Dict[str, Any]:
                 observer = None
 
         elif observer is None:
-            # default to minmax for non-dynamic cases
-            observer = "minmax"
+            # default to mse for non-dynamic cases
+            observer = "mse"
 
         # write back modified values
         model.strategy = strategy