What are the common causes of timekeeping errors?

　　A sudden increase in a watch's timekeeping error is also a problem frequently encountered by many people. So, what are the common causes leading to timekeeping errors? Let us take a look below.

　　Causes of timekeeping errors

　　Insufficient battery power. If you suddenly find a quartz watch running slow, it is very likely caused by insufficient battery energy. You can take the watch to a service centre to test the battery level.

　　Insufficient power reserve. You first need to check whether the power is adequate. Self-winding watches may also suffer from insufficient power reserve if the wearer's activity level is very low. Power can be replenished through manual winding, and you can then observe whether the running speed issues persist.

　　Magnetised watch. Watches contain a component called the hairspring, and this part is most vulnerable to magnetic fields. When a watch approaches a magnet, the hairspring becomes magnetised. Once magnetised, the coils of the hairspring stick together, affecting the watch's accuracy in minor cases and causing it to stop entirely in severe cases. After a watch hairspring is magnetised, you need to take it to a watchmaker to be demagnetised using a demagnetiser for the watch to return to normal.

　　Service required. A lack of oil in the movement or internal parts suffering from wear and ageing can cause timekeeping issues, requiring the watch to be sent to a designated service centre for maintenance.

　　Subjected to drops or impacts. Watches are extremely delicate; if subjected to impacts or drops, it may cause internal components to loosen or become damaged, which can also lead to timekeeping issues. In addition to these common situations, environmental temperature influences and the wearer's habits may also cause an increase in timekeeping errors. However, you need not worry; simply take your watch to a designated service centre and have professionals inspect and adjust it to restore the watch to within normal error tolerances.

　　Precautions for watch maintenance

　　1. Do not use the watch in hot baths, saunas, or environments with significant temperature fluctuations (including water-resistant watches).

　　2. Do not operate the watch buttons or adjust the crown while underwater.

　　3. Please clean the bracelet and case regularly; for leather straps, avoid contact with water, moisture, and cosmetics, and keep them out of direct sunlight.

　　4. Please keep the watch away from magnetic fields; avoid prolonged proximity to electrical appliances, mobile phones, and magnets.

　　5. Do not disassemble the watch under any circumstances.

　　6. Please avoid subjecting the watch to impacts or drops.