ALL mechanical watches should NOT be allowed to run unless you are using it as a day to day watch. Contrary to the belief that mechanical watches should be kept running by winding up (watches suffer the most wear from winding) frequently and regularly and that automatic watches be kept on a watchwinder, it is actually wrong to do so as it does more harm to the watches than good. A mechanical timepiece not running will remain the same mechanical timepiece even after 100 years without wear and tear. Once it is run 24/7, even servicing it frequently, will damage the watch.

REMEMBER, watches are not like clocks - they suffer a lot of wear and tear from running. The slowest watch run on a high frequency of 18000 beats per hour compared to a mechanical clock which runs at 3600 beats per hour. Mechanical clocks also have much higher tolerance to wear and tear due to different design and the size of their components.

The date and day on watches should only be set when the hour and minute hands are positioned at between 6 and 9 location (e.g 7:40 o'clock). Also known as quick-setting or rapid date change, it must only be carried out when the calendar are disengaged from the time gears. Gears in calendar system can be engaged as early as 8pm in the evening all the way to 4 am in the morning. This applies to all watches regardless of value. Although safety system has been built into quality watches, some safety system still suffer from wear and tear when the calendar mechanism slip before breaking.

Water-proofing is not permanent. Gaskets or rubber seals protecting a watch deteriorate due to
1) age.
2) environmental factors like dirt, sweat (salt) and perfumes.
3) wear and tear from use.
It is important to check the water- proofing of a watch regularly.
Do not operate any of the buttons or crown of the watch when it is wet or underwater. Water will penetrate into the movement resulting in permanent damage and expensive repair bills.

When polishing a watch, major Swiss manufacturers do not allow or encourage the total removal of scratches and dents from the case, as the integrity and shape of the case and bracelet will be compromised when too much material is remove in the process. When the integrity of a case is compromised, water- proofing of the case is affected. In fact, it is recommended to only lightly buff the case during complete servicing to remove fine lines and scratches and to restore the shine and original colour to the case and bracelet. Deep scratches and dents are NEVER removed during polishing.

Water-proofing of your timepiece is the number one thing you must take note of. If unsure, use it assuming it is only dust-proof.

If you have need to change the time (traveling) or date (28th, 29th or 30th to 31st), do it only when the watch is dry. Remember to push the crown in fully after setting the time and/or date.

For screw-in type of crown, it is important to FULLY screw in the crown until it is tight. During the initial stage of screwing down, do not force if it feels jammed, unscrew and screw in again. Forcibly screwing in the crown can result in cross-threading and permanent damage to both the crown and case.

Water resistance is not permanent as the gaskets responsible for water resistance will harden and shrink over time and/or wear out with use.

If you notice mist under the crystal or signs of oxidation on the dial, bring your watch to us immediately without delay.

Set the time and date taking note of actual time in AM and PM. This is to ensure the date changes at midnight and not midday at noon.

To do this, set the hour and minute hands between 6 and 9 location (e.g 7:40 o'clock), then quickset the date to one day before current date. From here, adjust the date manually by turning the hour hand until it jumps at midnight. Continue to forward the hour hand until the correct time.

! Take note again of AM and PM and turn the hour hand one complete revolution if setting time in the afternoon.

It is important to have your timepiece serviced periodically. "How do I know when to service my timepiece? or When should I service my watch?" is a commonly asked question and we have compiled the following for your reference

For Mechanical Timepieces:
- When it feels tight to set or change the time and date.
- If it suddenly gains a lot of time.

For automatic Timepieces:
- When you notice that the timepiece stops within the next day after at least 8 hours of use the previous day.
- If you notice the timepiece no longer run as long as it used to be.
- If the timepiece starts to gain or lose time.
- If the timepiece stops or part of its function fails.
All the above are an early indication that the timepiece is due for servicing.

Severe knocking might cause hairspring to overlap.
Magnetism may cause the movement parts to ‘runaway’.
Excessive oiling will cause hairspring to stick.