watch care tips

Care Tips

When setting the time, always turn the hands in a clockwise direction. Because of the complexity of mechanisms, it's best to have a fine timepiece serviced.

If you need to change the time, always set the day and'or date function during the day. Since the day-date mechanism is activated between the hours of 11 pm and 3 am, adjusting the time during these hours can jam the mechansim.

For maximum efficiency and preservation of value, a fine mechanical watch, like an automobile, needs regular check-ups. A mechanincal watch should be serviced every three to four years, depending on the manufacturer's instruction.

A quartz watch should be serviced when a battery change is necessary.

Quartz -vs- Mechanical Watches

In Quartz watches, a specially-designed battery activates a Quartz crystal inside the movement that vibrates approximately 33 times per second. These vibrations are then translated into impulses by a computer chip that drives an electronic motor which moves the watch's hands. In the late 1960's a Swiss research group designed and tested the first electronic watch movement. Today, quartz watches account for over 90% of the world watch production.

Mechanical watches come in two types: manual and self-winding. In a manual watch, the wearer must turn the crown (button on the outside of the watch's case) to wind the mechanism. In a self-winding or automatic watch, the movement is activated by a rotor which turns by the force of gravity with the regular movements of the wearer's wrist.

Why Swiss?

A good watch design is truly timeless. But there are also fashion and sport watches for those who prefer trendier styles. No matter which style you choose, Swiss watches are known for their innovative trendsetting designs. When you purchase a Swiss watch, you can be sure you're on the cutting edge of style.

Whether you work in an office and can wear any type of watch, are athletic and need a sport watch, or are exposed to rougher elements and require a shock-resistant timepiece, you can be sure that there's a Swiss watch to meet your lifestyle.

Watch Cost Considerations
A fine watch can last from generation to generation and still be going strong in 100 years. While cost is a consideration, the consumer should also take value and quality into account. In the long run, it's far more economical to buy a good quartz or mechanical watch that will last for years, rather than several economical "disposable" watches.

A number of factors affect cost. Case materials, which house the movement, vary from gold to plastic, to brass. Bracelets or bands also affect cost, as do the addition of precious metals and stones. Mechanical movements are generally more expensive than quartz..

Watch Definitions

Chronograph: A watch which not only indicates the time of day in hours, minutes and seconds, but also measures continuous and discontinuous intervals of time; a watch with a stop-watch function.

Chronometer: Not to be confused with a chronograph, this term is assigned to watches that have undergone severe testing at a laboratory or an official institute. A chronometer is a precision instrument and is accompanied by a certificate.

Perpetual Calendar: A watch with a counting instrument that keeps track of the number of days. In short, it automatically adjusts itself for the variation of days in months and (leap) years.

Water Resistant: The case, and all other outside materials are made in such a way that no dust or water can penetrate. Water resistant watches should be tested or maintained once a year.