Your watch is a way to measure time, and it is also an important expression of your personal style. Here are some ways you can get the most from your watch, and some easy care tips to ensure it lasts for years into the future.
Parts of Your Watch
What is a Watch’s Movement?
A “movement” - also known as a “calibre” is the engine of your watch. It is the powerhouse that keeps your watch accurate and active each day.
If you have a vintage wrist or pocket watch, the movement is an internal mechanism that is hidden from view; running the chronograph, annual calendar, and dual time zone.
There are several different movement types, but they all fall into two primary categories: quartz and mechanical.
Quartz movements are extremely accurate, require minimal maintenance, and are a popular low-cost option. The quartz movement uses a battery as its primary power source, and is typical in most standard watches.
Mechanical movements contain an intricate series of tiny components working together to power your timepiece. These movements are used for most luxury watch brands because of their high level of quality and craftsmanship.
What is an Automatic Watch?
Automatic watches possess a rotor or bumper mechanism. This mechanism automatically winds the watch as you wear it.
If you are active while wearing your watch throughout the day - for a minimum of 8 hours - the watch should maintain a power reserve for between 24 - 36 hours.
While automatic timepieces don’t require winding, they can easily be wound manually if desired. We recommend giving an automatic watch a manual wind eight to ten times before wearing it.
Accuracy & Timekeeping
If you move normally and wear your automatic wristwatch for 8 to 10 hours, the timepiece should keep time when you take it off at night. It should also still be running and accurate when you put it on again in the morning.
If the watch is not keeping time, or you notice that it isn’t maintaining accuracy, there may be a power reserve issue. In this case, we recommend contacting us for maintenance on your watch as soon as possible.
How to Set the Time on Your Watch
Your watch likely has a quick-set feature. You may be able to set the time by simply pulling the crown out to the middle click. Your watch may also feature a recessed button on the case edge.
When to Set the Time
Avoid using the quick-set feature to correct the date while the watch is set between 9pm and 3am.
Quick-setting the time during these hours can interfere with gears that are already engaged in bringing the date forward. This may cause damage to your watch.
Most date features are designed for the date to advance forward only. Please do not turn the time backwards past 3 am, unless specifically stated otherwise in the instruction manual.
If you turn the date back past 3am, the date wheel will turn backwards, which may damage the gears of your watch.
Follow these easy tips for setting up your quick set timepiece.
Setting the Date: First, unscrew the crown counterclockwise until it pops out. Next, slightly tug on the crown to reach the 2nd extended position. Finally, wind the crown past the midnight position twice - then you can set the date. Finally, push & screw the crown back into place.
Setting the Time: Unscrew the crown counterclockwise until it comes out. Extend the crown past the 2nd position. Wind the crown either direction until you reach the appropriate time. When completed, gently push and screw the crown securely back into place.
Manual Winding: First, unscrew the crown counterclockwise until it comes out. Once there, begin to wind the crown clockwise about 25-30 times. This is only required if you have not worn the watch for 1-2 days.
Follow these steps to set up the time for your non-quick set timepiece.
Setting the Time: First, unscrew the crown counterclockwise. Reach the 2nd extended position. To set the time, wind the crown clockwise or counterclockwise until you reach the desired time. Finally, gently push and screw the crown tightly back into place.
Setting the Date: First, unscrew your crown counterclockwise until it pops out. Then, tug on the crown to reach the 2nd time. Next, wind the crown clockwise or counterclockwise past the midnight position. Finally, push & screw the crown back into place.
Manual Winding: First, unscrew the crown counterclockwise until it pops out from the side (the winding position). Next, wind the crown clockwise about 25 - 30 times.
What is a Watch Winder?
Watch winders are used to keep automatic watches running while not being worn. These mechanical devices were created to mimic the movement of your wrist, by gradually rotating.
When a watch winder is used, your automatic watch power reserve will not run down & it will not have to be reset.
How to Care for Your Watch
Let’s take a look at some important things to avoid, and some easy ways to ensure your watch lasts long into the future.
What to do if your watch is dropped or banged?
Luxury timepieces are not designed to be dropped or banged. Many of these high-end or antique timepieces feature parts that are rare, costly, or simply not available anymore.
Please note that even a slight knock can cause serious damage, especially if it occurs at the right angle. Even though a watch may appear intact, damage may be more extensive internally.
If your watch is dropped, banged, or knocked against a hard surface - please contact us for maintenance. Unfortunately, this is not covered in your warranty.
What to do if Your Watch is Exposed to Water or Steam
Most vintage and luxury timepieces don’t have gaskets to prevent exposure to moisture. Even watches from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s - that may have initially been waterproof - have almost certainly developed leaks over the years.
The first sign that water has leaked into the mechanism of your timepiece is that the crystal will fog. While this fog may eventually dissipate, moisture has already seeped inside the watch and has begun doing damage. If steam is visible above the dial, it has also begun to affect the movement.
If water or steam enters your timepiece, it is crucial that you get the watch to us within 24 hours. If the water starts to dry, it could start corroding and rusting parts, making it difficult to repair.
Keep in mind, this is NOT a cellphone or other electronic item. The components in the movement are not waterproof or even water resistant. Therefore, they do not dry in the same way. It is not advisable to place the watch in a bag of rice as that speeds up the drying process, and as the parts dry, corrosion will eat away at the metal.
Please note: We recommend bringing your watch in to check for water resistance every 1 - 2 years.
What to do if Your Watch is Exposed to Perfume
Strong perfumes should be avoided, as they can interfere with the delicate balance of oils within your timepiece. If your watch is exposed to perfume, please contact us for servicing immediately.
Servicing Your Watch
Here, you’ll get a one-year mechanical functioning warranty on your timepiece.
After this warranty is up, we still encourage you continue to send in your watch for periodic service or repair, as frequent maintenance will ensure your watch continues to function for many years.
For optimal functioning, in our experience, a watch typically should be serviced every 3 - 5 years.
Your Timepiece: A Personal Expression
Your luxury timepiece is a part of you. It represents your style, and if you have a vintage watch, it may also be a piece of history.
The way you maintain your watch is directly related to the results you will get. If you service your watch frequently, avoid contact with water and perfume, and treat your watch with attention and care - then your watch will last for years to come.
We wish you the best of luck with your timepiece. Please know that we are at your side for any questions or concerns you may have - and that your satisfaction is our highest priority.