Watch maintenance and care

BASIC RULES FOR WATCH CARE:

When it comes to watches, follow this rule – do not turn the hands counterclockwise, do not turn the date-day between 12 and 4 a.m. (there is a risk of damaging the movement).

WHEN SHOULD YOU NOT CHANGE THE DATE ON YOUR WATCH?

The time between nine o’clock in the evening and three o’clock in the morning is the period when the date on the watch should not be changed.

Winding a mechanical watch to set the time seems simple. But did you know that something as simple as changing the date to the wrong time can actually damage your movement? There are situations when it is not appropriate to change the date on your watch. So when should you not change the date on your watch? In general, there are at least two things you should know about setting the time on a mechanical watch. First, always make sure to turn the hands clockwise. Second, don’t set the date within 3 hours of midnight. That’s it!

When not to change the date on your watch

There is a period when it is not advisable to change the date on your watch. This period is called the “danger zone” which refers to the time when the automatic date change mechanism is activated, usually between 9:00 PM and 3:00 AM. During this time, attempting to manually set the date can disturb the delicate gears that are responsible for changing the date, which can lead to their misalignment or damage. We recommend adjusting the date when the hour hand is somewhere in the lower half of the dial, but if you want to be on the safe side, change the date around 5:00 AM (in the morning or evening).

So why is it wrong to change the date during this period?

All the mechanical components for changing the date work together to gain energy and torque, which starts around 9:00 p.m. In some watches using a conventional date and day change mechanism, they remain active until approximately 3:00 a.m. Therefore, using the quick-set date system within this time frame puts a strain on the gears, which the watch is not designed to do. A separate system is responsible for driving the date wheel forward when manually setting it. Doing so may damage the automatic date and day change mechanism, which usually operates around midnight. It is therefore advisable to keep the hour hand in the position towards the bottom of the dial before starting to change the date.

The best time to change the date on your watch:

As mentioned, it is recommended to adjust the date when the hands are somewhere at the bottom of the dial. To be precise, it is best to change the date around 5:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m., it doesn’t matter. When the watch shows 5:00 a.m., the regular date change mechanism is completely disengaged, and the half-time and instantaneous mechanisms are disengaged much earlier. On the contrary, at 5:00 p.m., none of the date change mechanisms have started working to accumulate power and torque. HOW TO CARE FOR AUTOMATIC/MECHANICAL WATCHES?

MANUAL ROLLING

When worn normally, an automatic watch will wind itself with the movement of your wrist. However, if you do not wear it for a long time and it stops, you will need to set the time and wind the watch manually for the first time before using it again. To do this, simply turn the crown about 20 times towards 12 o’clock.

POWER RESERVE AND WINDER

Every automatic movement has a certain power reserve. The watch must be worn for at least 8 to 10 hours a day to maintain the manufacturer’s specified power reserve at its maximum. If you put the watch away for longer than its current power reserve, it will stop and you will have to reset it before wearing it again. For example, if you put a watch with a power reserve of 28 to 42 hours away on Friday evening, it will no longer be working on Monday morning.

If you don’t wear your watch every day and want to avoid repeatedly setting the time, you can buy a so-called winder from us. The watch moves in it and is thus continuously wound. On Friday evening, you simply place it in the winder and set the desired rhythm. Your watch is wound over the weekend and is immediately ready for use on Monday morning.

REGULAR SERVICE AND ULTRASONIC CLEANING

Mechanical movements require regular maintenance and inspection at authorized service centers – this is the only way to ensure accurate operation within the permitted deviation for a given model or brand. Compared to quartz movements, mechanical watches are much more sensitive to various factors such as gravity, impacts during normal use, magnetism, vibrations or temperature changes. In the event of a greater deviation in operation, we recommend visiting an authorized service center. Similar to quartz watches, it is a good idea to have mechanical watches cleaned using ultrasound at least once every 1-3 years.

ULTRASONIC CLEANING

An authorized service center will not only replace the battery and check the watch’s seals, but they can also clean the case and bracelet in an ultrasonic bath. To maintain the attractive appearance of your watch, it is a good idea to have it cleaned in this way at least once a year.

Ultrasonic treatment not only helps to remove all dirt from the case and bracelet, but also extends the life of the watch, especially its moving parts. This is doubly true for the bracelet, as dirt that settles inside can cause excessive friction between individual parts and damage them.

Mechanical watches

This type of watch movement requires more attention than other mechanisms. Always remove the watch from your wrist when winding it. Regular service inspections should be a given for these types of watches, ideally every 2 to 5 years.

It should be kept in mind that these types of watches are less resistant to shocks and vibrations and also have less accuracy than battery-powered watches.

Mechanical watches require regular winding, automatic watches need to be kept running through activity, wearing. The power reserve when fully wound is at least 42 hours, then it needs to be rewound or worn. Fully winding a watch does not guarantee its all-day wear during sedentary work or low activity, it simply depends on the movements of the hand on which you wear the watch.

Quartz watch battery

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

The movement of a quartz watch is powered by a battery and therefore does not need to be wound. However, the battery needs to be replaced regularly, at the latest after its service life has expired. This is usually no longer than two years.

Always have the battery in your watch replaced by an authorized service center. Never try to replace it yourself at home. The battery life is around 24 months (remember that the watch was manufactured much earlier than you bought it, so the battery may have been in the watch for longer). However, the life depends on various factors, such as the type of movement used. Watches with a chronograph consume more energy than watches without one. Always have a dead battery removed as soon as possible. If it is left inside the watch for too long, it can cause serious damage to the mechanism.

STRAP CARE

If you plan to use your watch in water or suffer from excessive sweating, definitely avoid a leather strap. Leather is not a friend of water, so steel or rubber straps are more suitable in this case.

Leather straps have a lifespan of about a year to a year and a half under normal use. After this period, we recommend replacing it with a new one.

The elasticity and color of the skin are mainly affected by humidity, skin acidity, sweat, chemicals, sunlight, and the level of wear.

* models without a screw-down crown are only recommended for showering and occasional surface swimming, for regular swimming we recommend only models with a screw-down crown

For waterproof watches, it is important to always keep the crown pressed in when in contact with water and never manipulate the buttons or crown underwater.

• Watches with a screw-down crown – the crown must always be tightened tightly (if it is not, water will get into the watch).
• Never press the chronograph buttons in the water, or you will not move the crown!

Sudden impacts to the watch or its components (crown, buttons) can weaken its water resistance, as can sudden changes in temperature. The seals of the watch wear out over time. Given these factors, it is advisable to have the water resistance checked by a watchmaker every 12-18 months. The water resistance should also be tested every time the watch is opened.

The water resistance of the watch is tested at a constant temperature of 22°C
+/-2°C in a pressure chamber. The test is carried out in a resting position at the declared pressure for a certain period of time. Each watch thus meets the tightness for which it is declared and you can find out how to use it correctly in the water resistance table.

Watch manufacturers list the three most common levels of water resistance:

For dives to greater depths, it is necessary to use special diving watches with declared greater water resistance of 20ATM, 30ATM, 50ATM, etc.

CONTACT WITH SALT WATER

If you go swimming with your watch in the sea, we recommend rinsing it with drinking water afterwards to remove any salt deposits. After returning from vacation, it is best to visit an authorized service center and have your watch cleaned with ultrasound – this will remove any remaining salt particles that are not good for your watch.

SUDDEN TEMPERATURE CHANGES

Every watch does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, we definitely do not recommend taking it to a sauna or steam room. When showering or swimming with a waterproof watch, it is important to avoid sudden changes in water temperature. If you are going to the sea with your watch in the summer, for example, rub it with water first to reduce the temperature shock.

You have just become the owner of a watch from our collection. In order for the watch to serve you for a long time and retain its beautiful appearance, it is necessary to follow certain principles and, when purchasing, choose a watch that matches the purpose of its use.

Movements used in watches

are quartz or mechanical.

• Quartz watches – battery-powered, achieve an accuracy of approximately +/- 15 seconds per month. The usual battery life in these watches is about 1 – 2 years.
• Watches with mechanical movements, unless otherwise stated, are accurate to +/- 30 seconds per 24 hours and should last for at least 10 hours when fully wound.

Battery

is inserted into quartz watches during the manufacturing process. It takes a different amount of time before they reach the consumer. Therefore, they may stop working sooner than one year. A discharged battery during the warranty period is not a reason for a complaint. Never replace the battery yourself, ask a watch repair service.

Materials used and surface treatment

of the watch, the movement or the strap significantly affect the price of the watch. The highest quality material used to make watches is 316L stainless steel, titanium and ceramic materials. Various alloys are of lower quality in terms of durability. Steel watches are marked with the words Stainless steel or All stainless steel on the back cover. If stainless steel is used only for the back cover, it is marked Stainless steel back. Watches made of alloy are unmarked or have the words Base metal. Titanium materials are marked with the words Titanium. Watches made of 316L steel have an almost unlimited lifespan if handled carefully and do not corrode. In contrast alloy watches can start to corrode in a very short time. Within a few months, wear and tear can be seen on watches made from the cheapest materials. Corrosion manifests itself as a change in color or peeling of the material. The time after which wear and tear becomes apparent is individual and depends on the method of use and mainly on the aggressiveness of the watch owner’s sweat. As a rule, only watches in a higher price category, where the most advanced gold-plating technologies (PVD, IPG, …) are used, can the surface of the watch last in an unchanged state for several years. Changes in the surface of the watch, color shade or shine are caused by the gradual wear and tear of the materials used. This is wear and tear of the product due to normal use. The time in which these changes occur may be much shorter than the warranty period.

The quality of the glass on a watch is proportional to the price of the watch. Sapphire glass is the most expensive and of the highest quality. This is followed by mineral glass with various surface treatments, regular glass, and the softest are plastic glass substitutes. However, keep in mind that even the hardest glass can be broken and scratched if handled roughly. Scratched, broken or cracked glass is considered mechanical damage and is not a reason for a complaint.

Fashion watches often have various decorative elements, glass components (Swarovski, Preciosa, …) or cubic zirconias on their surface. These watches are intended for occasional, occasional wear and are not at all suitable for use during sports, housework or other physical activity, where the watch could be hit, come into contact with water or other liquids. In particular, chemicals contained in cosmetics, hairsprays, perfumes and others dissolve the adhesives with which the stones are glued, as a result of which the glued components come off and peel off. Such watches, even though they are labeled as water-resistant, should not come into contact with water! It is recommended to put these watches away even when washing hands. The stones are usually peeled off due to improper use. Impacts on decorative elements will often cause them to loosen and then fall out.

Straps are the most stressed part of a watch. Their lifespan depends on how the watch is used. The lifespan of a strap may be shorter than the warranty period. Strap wear and replacement within the warranty period is not a reason for a complaint. In most cases, a worn strap can be replaced with an original or non-original part.

Cleaning and care of the watch – you can clean the watch with a dry soft cloth. Rinse waterproof watches with water and wipe dry. Never use any solvents! Never clean the watch in an ultrasonic cleaner! If the watch is heavily soiled, ask a service center for a thorough cleaning. Have a mechanical watch checked, cleaned and adjusted by a service center at least once every two years.

!!! If the watch has a special operating manual, please follow the instructions in this manual !!!

Mineral glass (Silicon glass)

This is the most commonly used glass on PRIM watches. The main advantage is the price/quality ratio. Another advantage is that this glass is easier to machine than is the case with sapphire glass. While not as hard as sapphire, it is sufficiently resistant for normal use. The properties of mineral glass have another advantage – it refracts light at a much softer angle than sapphire glass.

Sapphire glass

For many PRIM models, sapphire glass is used (if not included as standard, we can custom it to order). It is a synthetic sapphire, a clear corundum that is very scratch-resistant. On the Mohs scale it corresponds to a grade 9 sapphire hardness – only one degree less than diamond.

Today, sapphire glass is the material of choice for many types of watches. With the development of technology, it is now possible to produce these glasses with anti-reflective finishes. It involves a method of coating one or both sides with an anti-reflective coating.

Convex glass

If you have purchased a watch with a (bulging) convex glass, it is important to take proper care of it. Convex glass is more susceptible to all kinds of impacts, abrasions or scratches. Sedentary work is no guarantee that you will not accidentally hit the corner of a table, door frame or wall without knowing it. Subsequently, the glass may not break immediately, but due to changes in temperature and pressure, the glass may break after a few hours or days. All our glass is tested and the watch also undergoes a pressure test before being sold.

MYIOTA 8215

If you feel that the second hand of your watch is stuck, we assure you that this is not a defect, but a normal condition. In watches equipped with the Miyota 8215 movement, the second hand moves in this characteristic way, because the so-called indirect drive system is used. This is not a problem with the watch, it is due to the construction of this movement, which was designed this way. The movement has its own safety mechanism, which, when the watch is shaken, causes the second hand to move and stop. Then the hand moves again. The jumping of the second hand has no effect on the accuracy of the watch.

You can find more about the Indirect Drive system, including a video, in this article.

MIYOTA 8215 (8205, 8217, 9015 and others)

The manufacturer is gradually changing the design of its movements in other models that we currently use. It is not excluded that a watch model with the same designation may be equipped with a movement still in its original design or already modified with a new design. The new movement system was developed not only for even more precise operation of the watch, but especially so that the mechanism itself is protected from the influence of various shocks, vibrations or impacts. Nevertheless, it is really important to remember that this is a sensitive mechanism that needs to be treated with care.

The tritium ampoules that illuminate the indexes and hands of our watches from the PRIM Sport Tritium series have different properties than standard technologies such as luminescent colors. Thanks to a layer of luminescent color or tritium ampoules, the indexes will be highlighted in low light conditions or in the dark. The classic mixture of luminescent color is applied in different layers. It affects the luminosity and duration of luminosity, or the light emission that it can absorb from another light source. The emission of luminescent color is very intense after illumination, unlike tritium ampoules, see the photo taken immediately after illumination, approximately within 1 minute. Watches using tritium are above and to the right.

After a few minutes, the radiation is roughly the same for both variants. See photos approx. 5 min. after illumination.

The third picture shows how luminescent indexes emit almost no light, unlike ampoules. tritium. See photos approx. 25 min. after illumination.

And so it continues to be. Luminescent indexes emit less and less light,
but the tritium ampoules still shine with the same intensity. With luminescent indexes, of course, it depends on what kind of light the indexes are illuminated with. Whether artificial light or sunlight, and also for how long. All of this affects the
luminosity.

The last picture was taken 15 hours after exposure.