Watch guide
TO BUY
The biggest challenge you will face when purchasing a watch is determining whether your model is genuine or counterfeit. In some cases, spotting a counterfeit watch is quite easy; either the materials are not sufficient, or the watchmaker's name is misspelled. But in other cases it is a real test. Counterfeit watch makers have evolved to produce “super fake” models. This means that they try to copy or buy the timepieces from secondary sources. Buying your watches from a reliable online retailer such as Horlogewinkel is one way to alleviate these concerns. That is why we will solve your watch free of charge if any problems arise for up to 2 years!
CLEANING
Purity is truly next to godliness. Keeping the exterior clean will prevent foreign particles from entering and affecting the mechanism. Gently wipe your watch occasionally to remove dust, dirt, perspiration and moisture build-up. Wiping with a clean soft cloth is sufficient, but wiping with a microfiber cloth is ideal. This routine preserves the appearance and extends the life of your watch.
Cleaning non-water resistant watches: This isn't just about water. Do not expose non-water resistant watches to any type of moisture as this may affect their function over time. If your watch comes into contact with moisture, immediately wipe it with a dry, soft cloth and have it assessed by a trained professional to see if your watch has been compromised in any way.
To clean water-resistant watches: Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the watch head, then wipe it with a dry, soft cloth. Clean metal bracelets with mild soapy water and a baby toothbrush.
MAINTENANCE
To keep your watch as good as new, a complete overhaul of the movement should be carried out every three to five years. Ask an approved repairer for advice about this. We also recommend that you keep your watch in its original box and upright when not wearing it.
Leather belts: Genuine leather is an organic material. This means it will likely deteriorate over time. To prevent premature deterioration, limit exposure of your timepiece to direct intense light, moisture, high humidity, cosmetics or oily products as these will cause staining and discoloration of the strap. If your watch comes into contact with the above, dry the strap immediately with a soft absorbent cloth.
Batteries: The lifespan of a quartz watch battery is estimated at an average of 2 to 3 years. Factors that significantly affect battery life include the age and condition of the timepiece and the type of watch – analog/chronograph or digital. The more functions a watch fulfills, the more often the battery needs to be replaced. Replace batteries that can no longer power your watch immediately to prevent battery leakage and damage to the mechanism. Only have batteries replaced by authorized repairers.
Temperatures: Avoid high temperatures or abrupt temperature changes: Hot water temperatures or immediately immersing the watch in hot and then cold water will affect the shape of the gaskets and may cause water to seep in.
Pressure: Avoid rapid and sudden pressure changes: Avoid diving unless your watch is built for it, as the pressure change can cause the gaskets to rupture and water to seep in.
Exposure to chemicals: Never expose your watch to highly chlorinated water or abrasive soaps. These contain caustic chemicals that will damage your timepiece.
WATER RESISTANCE
Water resistant watches vary in degree of water resistance. It is not a permanent condition for any watch. Over time, the crystal may show signs of condensation or oxidation on the dial, while gaskets and seals tend to deteriorate. Have the water resistance of your watch assessed every 12 to 18 months. If your watch is designed for water activities, always make sure the crown is pushed down or screwed down securely before exposing it to water. Do not operate or adjust the crown and/or pushers in the water. Water may seep into the housing. After contact with salt or chlorinated water, immediately clean your watch with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth. If the watch has a rotating bezel, rotate the bezel to remove sand or salt.
Never immerse your watch to the maximum depth recommended by the manufacturer. The water resistance stated by the manufacturer refers to the predetermined maximum depth to which the watch can be safely submerged. Manufacturers determine the level of water resistance based on tests conducted in laboratories. It is very unlikely that you will wear your watch in laboratory conditions. Read the watch manufacturer's manual to determine how careful you should be with your timepiece.
Never push, adjust or open the crown and pushers of your watch when it is immersed in water: water enters a watch through the hole in the crown. The stem of the crown is attached to the movement of the watch through a hole in the case edge. Moving the crown compresses and tensions the gasket. Water will seep into the watch.
Do not press the buttons on a chronograph watch while in the water unless the manufacturer indicates it is safe to do so.
Make sure the crown of your timepiece is screwed down if you plan to wear it in water. Make sure it is properly secured before coming into contact with water. A screw-down crown screws to a threaded tube in the case of the watch. When the crown is tightened, the compressed gasket in the crown seals the opening and prevents water from entering the watch.
Don't let water in through the case back: the type of case back determines how easy or difficult it is for water to seep into the watch.
Have your watch tested annually for water resistance: parts of the watch will deteriorate over time, especially the gaskets. Gaskets seal the connections between the watch case and the crown, the glass and the case back. They are made of nylon, Teflon or rubber and prevent water from seeping into the watch. The condition of gaskets deteriorates over time, which will also reduce water tightness. Have your watch tested to make sure it is still water resistant.
WIND UP AND ADJUST
Mechanical manual (hand wind): Fully wind your watch at the same time every day. Be careful not to force the crown. If it stops or you feel resistance, stop winding. Forcing the crown can damage the adjustment mechanism.
Mechanical Automatic: An automatic watch should be worn daily for peak performance and wound once every two weeks. If you don't wear your watch every day, wind it twice a week. To power your automatic watch, turn the crown 20 to 40 turns. A watch with a screw-down crown must be secured and adjusted after winding to ensure water resistance.
Setting the Date: To avoid damaging the gears and pinion of your watch, never adjust the date on your watch when the hour hand is between 9 and 3 o'clock (clockwise).
THINGS TO AVOID
Extreme Temperatures: Extreme temperatures can critically alter a watch's performance. Do not expose your watch to temperatures above 60°C and below 0°C unless the manufacturer explicitly states this is safe.
Magnetic fields: Magnets can cause your watch to run slowly, quickly, or stop completely. Over time, the repeated indirect exposure of a watch to magnetic fields of any kind changes its performance. Avoid placing your watch near subtle permanent magnets such as those found in computers, speakers, refrigerator magnets, and cell phones. From time to time, take your watch to a specialist Authorized Repair expert to demagnetize it. It only takes a few minutes. If the watch is strongly magnetized, we recommend that the movement be fully serviced.
Impacts: Unexpected impacts or shocks can result in damage to the case, glass, internal components (dial, hands and movement) of your watch. Shocks and impacts, even if they don't leave lasting marks, can affect the performance of your timepiece and will most likely require servicing. So even if your watch shows no visible shocks, have it checked and assessed by an authorized repairer. Also keep in mind that some manufacturers do not cover impacts with their warranty.
Chemicals: Avoid contact with cosmetics, fragrances, detergents, solvents, etc. Prolonged exposure to the chemicals they contain can damage your watch's case, gaskets, leather strap or bracelet.