Watch Care

GENERAL INFORMATION

Caring for your watch properly ensures its longevity and preserves its aesthetic appeal. Regular maintenance is simple and mainly involves keeping your watch clean and protecting it from potential damage.

To maintain the watch's integrity, avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, prolonged direct sunlight, and magnetic fields. Clean your watch regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dirt and fingerprints, paying attention to the case, crystal, and bracelet.

Our watches are water-resistant so make sure to check and replace gaskets periodically to maintain water resistance - this can be done at high street watch shops. When not in use, store your watch in a cool, dry place, preferably in the supplied watch box or pouch, to shield it from dust and potential scratches.

Lastly, service your automatic watch every few years to ensure its internal components function smoothly. For quartz watches, you will expect to replace your battery every 1-3 years. 

Following these simple guidelines will help your watch remain a reliable and stylish companion for years to come.

 

AUTOMATIC WATCHES - Please Read

Automatic watch movements, also known as self-winding movements, are a type of mechanical movement used in wristwatches. These movements eliminate the need for manual winding by harnessing the natural motion of the wearer's arm to power the watch. If however, you find your watch not working after a longer period of it being in storage, it just needs manually winding. Please refer to your instruction manual to learn how to do this. It is usually done with your watches crown.

Below we have provided you with some information about the key features and aspects of automatic watch movements for you to get an understanding:

  1. Mechanical Operation:

    • Automatic movements are entirely mechanical and operate without the use of batteries or electronic components. They rely on a system of gears, springs, and other mechanical parts.

  2. Rotor Mechanism:

    • The core of an automatic movement includes a rotor, a semi-circular weight that pivots freely. As the wearer moves their wrist, the rotor spins around its pivot, winding the mainspring.

  3. Mainspring and Gear Train:

    • The mainspring is a coiled spring that stores energy. When wound, it releases energy gradually through a gear train, which regulates the transfer of power to various components of the movement.

  4. Escapement and Balance Wheel:

    • The escapement is a crucial component that controls the release of energy from the mainspring, ensuring the regulated movement of the gear train. The balance wheel, with its hairspring, oscillates back and forth, dividing time into equal parts.

  5. Power Reserve:

    • Automatic watches often have a power reserve, indicating how long the watch can run without additional winding. This can vary, with some watches having a power reserve of 40 hours, while others can last several days.

  6. Winding Crown:

    • While automatic movements are self-winding, they typically have a manual winding option. This is useful when the watch has not been worn for an extended period, and the power reserve needs replenishing.

  7. Maintenance:

    • Regular wear is the best way to keep an automatic watch running. If not worn regularly, the watch should be placed on a watch winder or manually wound periodically to maintain accuracy and prevent the lubricants from drying out.

  8. Iconic Heritage:

    • Automatic movements have a rich history and are often associated with traditional craftsmanship. Many watch enthusiasts appreciate the artistry and complexity of mechanical movements.

  9. Luxury Timepieces:

    • Automatic movements are commonly found in high-end and luxury watches. The craftsmanship, precision, and attention to detail required in creating these movements contribute to the overall value and prestige of the timepiece.

While automatic movements add a touch of tradition and craftsmanship to a watch, they do require some care and attention to maintain their accuracy and longevity. Regular wear, proper storage, and occasional manual winding or use of a watch winder are key practices to keep an automatic watch in optimal condition.

 

QUARTZ WATCHES - Please Read

Quartz watches are timepieces that use a quartz crystal oscillator to regulate timekeeping. Unlike mechanical watches that rely on intricate gear systems and springs, quartz watches operate on electronic principles. Here are key features and aspects of quartz watches:

  1. Quartz Crystal Oscillator:

    • The heart of a quartz watch is a small, thin piece of synthetic quartz crystal. This crystal, when subjected to an electric current, vibrates at a precise frequency (usually 32,768 times per second). These vibrations are incredibly stable, serving as a reliable timekeeping reference.

  2. Battery Power:

    • Quartz watches are powered by a small battery. The battery sends an electric current to the quartz crystal, causing it to vibrate. The vibrations are then converted into a regular electrical pulse that powers the watch's movement.

  3. Integrated Circuit:

    • The electrical pulses generated by the quartz crystal are processed by an integrated circuit (IC) within the watch. The IC divides the pulses to create a one-second signal, which is used to drive the watch's hands and display.

  4. Accuracy:

    • Quartz watches are known for their exceptional accuracy. They can typically achieve accuracy within a few seconds per month, making them more precise than many mechanical watches.

  5. Low Maintenance:

    • Quartz watches require minimal maintenance. The battery, which usually lasts several years, is the primary component that needs replacing. Unlike mechanical watches, quartz watches do not require regular winding.

  6. Affordability:

    • Quartz watches are generally more affordable to produce than mechanical watches. This makes them accessible to a wide range of consumers and a popular choice for everyday wear.

  7. Shock Resistance:

    • Quartz watches are often more resistant to shocks and vibrations than mechanical watches. This makes them suitable for active lifestyles and sports activities.

  8. Slim Design:

    • The simplicity of quartz movements allows for slim and lightweight designs. Quartz watches are often more streamlined and can be incorporated into various styles, from casual to formal.

  9. Digital Displays:

    • While many quartz watches have traditional analog displays, quartz movements are also used in digital watches with LED or LCD displays. Digital quartz watches may include additional features like alarms, chronographs, and backlighting.

  10. Widespread Adoption:

    • Quartz technology revolutionized the watch industry in the 1970s when it became widely available. The introduction of quartz watches led to a significant shift in the market, with many traditional watchmakers incorporating quartz movements into their product lines.

Quartz watches have become ubiquitous due to their accuracy, affordability, and low maintenance requirements. They are an excellent choice for individuals who prioritize precision and convenience in a timepiece. Despite their electronic nature, quartz watches continue to coexist alongside mechanical watches, each appealing to different segments of the watch enthusiast community.