Tips for dealing in everyday life

Tips for daily use of your watch

Here are tips you should keep in mind to enjoy your watch for the longest possible time.

It is recommended to store the watch in a box, best in the box that has been handed out to you by the seller.

High quality watches usually are protected from getting dust into them, however it is impossible that small particles can get into the inner area of a watch.

If you own automatic watches, you could consider getting a watch winder.
This does not only protect the watch from catching dust but also keeps it running,
due to the constant rotating motion and prevents that the mechanics inside "rust", tear and need to be repaired.

Never lay your watch on a subwoofer or fridge for a longer time. The inside of the watch can be damaged due to the strong magnetising fields of those machines.

Intensive sunlight and extremely high or low temperatures (<0°C, >60°C) should be avoided.




Everyday use

Most watches have to pass a strict quality control process, which unfortunately does not protect it from outer influences and improper handling.
Even strong and robust movements can be damaged due to heavy hits or shakes.

Your timepiece includes a very sensible mechanic, please keep that in mind prior to using the watch for gardening or sports activities.



Cleaning of your watch

A "waterproof" watch (from 3 bar upwards) can be cleaned the best with a wet finer cloth.
Rougher dirt and soiling, you should remove with a soft toothbrush and soaped water.
Rinse off the water with a cloth afterwards.

You should remove leather straps prior to wetting the watch.


Leather is an organic material that is subject to a natural ageing-process.
The band should be cleaned or changed regularly depending on duration of wear. This has reasons of both hygienic and aesthetic reasons.

On daily use, this time frame lies between 6 and 12 months.

Please note, direct sunlight can make leather brittle and distort its colour.

Cosmetic products such as cremes, After-Shave and Eau de Toilette are soaking into the leather and impact the durability.
Contact with water can cause distortions and form changes of the strap.


 
Water Resistance

The water resistance of watches is divided in different stages.

Most watches are water resistant to at least 3 ATM (30m / 3 bar).
In Germany there is a DIN Norm for water resistance. (DIN 8310 / ISO 2281)

Water resistance does not mean it is water proof for ever.

Extremely high and low temperatures, solvent and cosmetic products can influence the gaskets additionally to the regular ageing-process and make them brittle and porous.

The depth rating of a watch does not mean that it can be used up until this depth. They simple provide a pictorially presentation of the tested pressure.

Thus a watch mostly resists the specified depth and pressure of 3, 5, 10 or more bar and the theoretical plunge into water at the stated pressure.


Although, it can happen that due to intense motion in water the dynamic pressure on the watch can affect the stated static pressure at a high rate.
This can impair the water resistance.

While in use, the crown should always be fully screwed in. Never use pushers while being in the water and never unscrew and pull the crown.

The water resistance should be re tested every 2 years by a professional watchmaker. Most jewellers provide this service at their nearest location.


If it although does happen, that water leaks into your case or there is condensation (inside the crystal) to be seen, you should instantaneously visit your watchmaker.


Following to this you will find the various DIN definitions for 3, 5, 10, 20 and more ATM.

3 ATM (bar) / 30 M: Those watches are splash proof.
5 ATM (bar) / 50 M: Bathing, Showering, washing hands and daily use is no problem.
10 ATM (bar) / 100 M: This watch is suitable for swimming and snorkelling.
20 ATM (bar) / 200 M: With this watch it is possible to do device free diving.
30-50 ATM (bar) / 300-500 M: With this watch almost everything is possible. Direct sun, sauna, water jumps

Basically should be said, extreme changes of temperature
(i.e. sunbathing and the following jump into the water) is not good for any mechanic instrument, that contains / needs lubricants (Oil).


Please be advised. No manufacturer guarantees water resistance! Please take further note in the manual of your watch.

Now we wish you all the best and enjoy your watch,

Sincerely,

your HQ-Watches Team