This brief guide aims to answer some frequently asked questions regarding watches. Some aspects of watch maintenance are regularly debated by watch enthusiasts, such as how often to service a watch and whether taking a shower with the watch poses a high risk. The basic guidelines below should help you avoid these pitfalls.
Before you do anything, make sure it's a mechanical model. If it says Quartz, Eco-Drive, or Kinetic on the dial, it's not a manual winding or automatic watch. If your Quartz watch has stopped, you can get it running again by replacing the battery at your local jeweler or watch shop. Ensure you use a reputable service center to maintain water resistance. Many military watches are quartz, even if it's not indicated on the dial. Look for a battery hatch on the back or observe the second hand movement; quartz watches move in one-second increments, while mechanical movements sweep smoothly.
If you're sure the watch is mechanical and needs winding, follow these steps:
Many people prefer to wind a watch using a rocking motion, alternating rotating the crown clockwise and counterclockwise. This has the same effect as the clockwise-only approach and adds some back-wind to each cycle.
If you have a manual wind watch, try to wind it at the same time every day, preferably in the morning, to ensure consistent power throughout the day. This can also contribute to more accurate timekeeping. When fully wound, you will feel resistance as the mainspring tightens. Don't force it further to avoid damaging the mainspring or other components.
Note: It is advisable to take off the watch while winding to avoid unnecessary strain on the winding stem.
This brief guide aims to answer some frequently asked questions regarding watches. Some aspects of watch maintenance are regularly debated by watch enthusiasts, such as how often to service a watch and whether taking a shower with the watch poses a high risk. The basic guidelines below should help you avoid these pitfalls.
Before you do anything, make sure it's a mechanical model. If it says Quartz, Eco-Drive, or Kinetic on the dial, it's not a manual winding or automatic watch. If your Quartz watch has stopped, you can get it running again by replacing the battery at your local jeweler or watch shop. Ensure you use a reputable service center to maintain water resistance. Many military watches are quartz, even if it's not indicated on the dial. Look for a battery hatch on the back or observe the second hand movement; quartz watches move in one-second increments, while mechanical movements sweep smoothly.
If you're sure the watch is mechanical and needs winding, follow these steps:
Many people prefer to wind a watch using a rocking motion, alternating rotating the crown clockwise and counterclockwise. This has the same effect as the clockwise-only approach and adds some back-wind to each cycle.
If you have a manual wind watch, try to wind it at the same time every day, preferably in the morning, to ensure consistent power throughout the day. This can also contribute to more accurate timekeeping. When fully wound, you will feel resistance as the mainspring tightens. Don't force it further to avoid damaging the mainspring or other components.
Note: It is advisable to take off the watch while winding to avoid unnecessary strain on the winding stem.
Some self-winding mechanical watches (automatics) can also be wound manually. All MWC watches have this feature. Check your documentation or with your dealer for other brands. Wind the watch several revolutions each day to ensure an adequate power reserve. If the power reserve has run out and the watch has stopped, wind it to jump-start and then let it self-wind on the wrist.
There is a misconception that automatic watches never need winding. If the watch has not been worn for a day, it might be close to the end of its power reserve. Wearing it may give enough power to keep it running but not fully wind it. If you wear an automatic watch daily and have a moderately active lifestyle, it should remain fully wound. However, if it hasn't been worn for more than a day, give it a manual wind to ensure it doesn't stop unexpectedly.
For those with sedentary lifestyles, such as desk workers, occasional manual winding might be necessary. If you are not very active or have a desk job, consider a quartz or hybrid watch.
For bracelets, there is often some adjustment available in the clasp, achieved through a spring-loaded pin. Use a pin, paperclip, or similar tool to release and reposition the pin. Be cautious as the pins can fly out. For link adjustment, use small screwdrivers or seek professional help if needed. Spring pins can be more awkward; use a vice and cloth to prevent scratches and follow the direction of the arrows on the underside of the links.
For NATO and leather straps, a punch tool or professional help can assist in making necessary adjustments.
The thickness and material of the case determine water resistance. A sturdy case, screw-on back, and screw-in crown are essential. Water resistance ratings are theoretical and assume still conditions. Real-world use increases pressure.
Avoid swimming or diving with a watch unless it has a screw-down crown and is water-resistant to at least 100 meters. Be cautious with hot showers, saunas, or sudden temperature changes to avoid thermal shock.
Rinse the watch in fresh water after sea exposure and turn the bezel to remove debris. Avoid chemicals like chlorine bleach and bath foams that can damage the gaskets and finish.
Metal bracelets, carbon fiber, Kevlar, rubber/silicon, or nylon NATO straps are ideal for water use. Leather straps can be water-resistant but tend to smell unpleasant when frequently wet.
Avoid rapid temperature changes that can cause thermal shock. Prolonged direct sunlight can affect lubricants and the appearance of the watch. Use common sense and avoid frying your watch.
Mechanical watches are fitted with shock-absorbing devices but avoid exposing them to sudden shocks, vibration, or dropping. Heavy firearm recoil can negatively affect the watch.
For water-resistant watches (50m or higher), occasionally clean with a toothbrush around the bracelet, lugs, and case back to remove debris.
Mechanical watches may vary between +/- 15 seconds a day, while quartz watches are more accurate, often within +/- 2 seconds a day. Accuracy can be affected by daily wear and activity levels.
Slight misalignment is normal due to mechanical parts' 'breaking in' process. It does not indicate a defect.
Service frequency depends on use, especially water exposure. Divers' watches used daily should be checked yearly and fully serviced every two years. Watches with an easy life may only need a water resistance check every two years and full service every five years. A rule of thumb for mechanical watches is a service every three to five years.
For advice regarding any service issues either warranty or non-warranty we recommend going to https://timepieceservices.freshdesk.com/support/tickets/new or alternatively you can contact us directly because we can assist with coordinating any service requirements.
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