THE JOURNAL

Watch Maintenance and Daily Usage Precautions

Article ArchivePublished 2011-06-01

I. Correct Use and Maintenance of Water-Resistant Watches

Water resistance levels of water-resistant watches and their corresponding application ranges

1. Water resistance level one: Water resistance up to 30 metres/100 feet or water resistance up to 50 metres/165 feet, which can only protect against splashing water droplets and rain.

2. Water resistance level two: Water resistance up to 100 metres/330 feet or water resistance up to 200 metres/660 feet, which can protect against splashing water droplets and rain, and can be worn for swimming.

3. Water resistance level three: Water resistance up to 300 metres/1000 feet, which can be worn for free diving or water sports. Generally, water-resistant watches should not be used in hot baths, saunas, or environments with large temperature fluctuations. This is because the waterproof rubber seals will expand and contract due to temperature changes, creating gaps and accelerating ageing, thereby affecting the water-resistant function.

It is particularly important to note that, except for certain models, most water-resistant watches should not have their buttons operated or crowns adjusted while underwater. Non-screw-down crowns should be pushed back to their normal position, and screw-down crowns should be tightened to prevent water from entering the watch. Water resistance is not permanent and may be affected by seal ageing or accidental impact to the crown; therefore, regular checks at an authorised service centre are required.

II. Maintenance of Watch Appearance

1. Even if your case and bracelet are made of hard, scratch-resistant materials like sapphire crystal, tungsten-titanium alloy, or high-tech ceramic, please be aware that while these materials are scratch-resistant, they are not unbreakable. The watch must never be subjected to severe impact or dropped. Also, avoid contact with items or surfaces of equal or greater hardness (such as diamonds, corundum, metal oxides, quartz crystals, whetstones, sandpaper, nail files, granite surfaces, or concrete walls).

2. For leather straps, which are relatively soft, we recommend the following to maintain their durability: avoid contact with water or moisture to prevent discolouration or deformation. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight to prevent fading. As leather is porous, avoid contact with oily substances or cosmetics.

3. Watches should be cleaned regularly; cleaning methods vary depending on the type of watch and the material of the strap and case.

4. General metal bracelets and water-resistant cases can be cleaned with clean water and wiped dry with a soft cloth. If exposed to seawater or salt water, they must be thoroughly cleaned. However, please note that even if your watch has high water resistance, do not clean it by soaking it in water for long periods.

5. Sweat, dirt, etc., will corrode the exterior parts of the watch and may cause skin allergies in some individuals.

6. Remove the protective film from the case back of a new watch, otherwise, sweat will remain underneath and corrode the case back. 7. Avoid contact with various chemicals; if contact occurs, clean the watch immediately to prevent discolouration, peeling of the plating, or changes in water resistance.

III. Anti-Magnetic Precautions

1. Avoid exposing your watch to magnetic fields, such as those generated by electrical appliances (e.g., speakers, refrigerators, computers) or magnetic objects (e.g., magnets, mobile phones). Additionally, magnetic clasps on ladies' handbags or men's mobile phone cases can magnetise the watch, leading to inaccurate timekeeping or temporary stoppage.

2. The most critical component affecting the timekeeping of a mechanical watch is the balance spring. The hairspring is a very fine coil; if it becomes magnetised, the watch will no longer keep accurate time.

3. A simple and quick way to test if your watch is magnetised is to use a basic compass. Place the compass flat on a table, wait for the needle to stabilise, and then slowly move the watch towards it. If the needle fluctuates, the watch has become magnetised.

4. Naturally, the most accurate method is to have it checked at an authorised service centre using specialised equipment. Demagnetisation can also be performed at these authorised service points.

IV. Do not disassemble the watch yourself

1. Please do not attempt to disassemble your watch, including removing any components or unscrewing parts. Do not allow any non-authorised service centre to open your watch or replace the battery.

2. Watches are precision-engineered products. Authorised service centres are equipped with specialised tools, staffed by professionally trained watchmakers, and possess the specific equipment required for servicing particular models. Furthermore, watches must be opened and serviced in environments with controlled temperature, humidity, and air purity. These conditions cannot be provided by other repair shops or individuals. Therefore, please ensure you visit an authorised service centre for any repairs.

3. Special note: According to the warranty terms, if the watch has been opened or tampered with by any non-authorised service centre, the warranty will be voided.

V. Take care of your watch and avoid impacts or drops

1. A watch is a highly precise instrument. It stores energy via the mainspring, transmits this energy through the gear train to the balance spring system for timekeeping, and displays the time via the transmission system and hands. Consequently, a space of only a few centimetres may contain hundreds of parts; damage, loosening, or displacement of any single component can cause the watch to lose accuracy or stop functioning entirely.

2. To ensure your watch remains durable, please protect it from impacts and drops, and cultivate good usage habits. In particular, when taking off your watch, place it gently in a safe location. Leaving it casually on tables or washbasins can easily lead to external scratches or internal damage.

VI. How to correctly use the chronograph function

Inner ring numerals: 12-30-60 Inner ring numerals: 12-30-60 Inner ring numerals: 30-60

Most 7750 multi-function watch dials feature three sub-dials, while some models have two. The maximum values for the numerals within these dials are: 12; 30; 60. These represent 12-hour timing; 30-minute timing; and 60-minute or 60-second timing. When the chronograph button is not pressed, the large second hand, the 12-hour counter, and the 30-minute counter hands remain stationary at the 12 o'clock position. Once the chronograph button is pressed, these three hands begin to track time. Typically, the hand at the 9 o'clock position is the second hand, which runs continuously. Additionally, before starting the chronograph, it is best to shake the watch or manually wind it to ensure sufficient power.

Specific operation is as follows:

1. Press the button at the 2 o'clock position to start the chronograph. 2. Press the button again to stop the chronograph. 3. Press the button at the 4 o'clock position to reset the large second hand to the 12 o'clock position.

Note: Some multi-function movements differ from 7750 chronograph movements. The inner ring numerals may represent: 7, 12, 24, 30, 31, 60. Functions generally include: day of the week display, 12-hour timing, 24-hour timing, 30-minute timing, 31-day date display, 60-second or 60-minute timing.

VII. How to correctly adjust the date and time

Crown operation diagram

1. Pull the crown out to the first position to adjust the date; pull it out to the second position to adjust the time. Some models feature a screw-down waterproof crown, which must be unscrewed before it can be pulled out.

2. Please do not adjust the date between 22 o'clock and 2 o'clock (on some watches, 20 o'clock to 4 o'clock), as this can easily cause damage to the watch and incorrect date advancement.

2. To extend the lifespan of the watch, many models use a slow-change mechanism, meaning the date shifts gradually around midnight. It is normal for the change to be completed by 2 a.m., though some watches may take until 4 a.m.

3. If the date changes during the day, it can be adjusted. If you notice the date changes around noon, the watch is generally 12 hours fast or slow. For example, if it is currently 11 a.m. but the watch shows the previous day at 11 p.m., simply advance the hour hand by one full rotation to switch from p.m. to a.m.

4. Generally, the time should be adjusted by turning the crown clockwise; avoid turning it anti-clockwise. Turning the hands anti-clockwise can easily cause misalignment (note: two-hand quartz watches should be adjusted anti-clockwise).

5. Watch adjustment methods vary according to the model, but when setting a timepiece with a date function, both AM and PM must be taken into account.

VIII. How to properly use manual-winding and automatic mechanical watches

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