WATCHES GUIDE

BUYING

The major challenge you will encounter when buying a watch is identifying whether your model is genuine or counterfeit. In some cases, spotting a counterfeit watch is quite easy; either the materials are less than adequate, or the name of the watchmaker is misspelled. But in other cases it is a true test. Makers of counterfeit watches have evolved to produce ‘super fake’ models. This means that they try to replicate or buy the watch movements from secondary sources. Purchasing your watches from an authorized dealer like OWS Pakistan is a way to eliminate those concerns. At OWS Pakistan we are authorized dealers for ALL the brands listed on this site. Buying your watch from authorized dealers means that all manufacturers’ warranties are valid and you are covered in case you need to repair or exchange an item.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Authorized after-sales service is as valuable as the watch itself. OWS Pakistan deploys trained teams to take care of or repair your watch, according to manufacturers’ warranties provisions. However, we advise you to grant your watch regular maintenance so you may minimize the need for repairs and enjoy wearing it for as long as you desire. Here are a few tips:

WINDING AND SETTING

Mechanical Manual (Hand-Wound): Always wind your watch fully at the same time each day. Be careful not to force the crown. When it stops or you feel resistance, stop winding. Forcing the crown can damage the setting mechanism.

Mechanical Automatic: An automatic watch should be worn daily for peak performance and wound once every two weeks. If you do not wear your watch every day, you should wind it twice a week. To power your automatic watch give the crown 20 to 40 turns. A watch with a screw-down crown should be secured after winding and set to ensure its water resistance.

Setting the date: Never adjust the date on your watch when the hour hand is between 9 and 3 o’clock (clockwise) to prevent damage to your watch movement’s gears and pinion.

CLEANING

Cleanliness is truly next to godliness. Keeping the exterior clean, blocks foreign particles from getting inside and affecting the mechanism. Gently wipe your watch from time-to-time to remove dust, dirt, perspiration and moisture buildup. Wiping it with a clean soft cloth is adequate, but wiping it with a microfiber cloth is ideal. This routine will maintain the appearance and extend the life of your watch.

Cleaning Non-Water Resistant Watches: This is not just about water. Avoid exposing non-water resistant watches to any type of moisture as it may affect their function over time. If your watch comes in contact with any moisture, immediately wipe it with a dry soft cloth and seek the assessment of a trained professional to see if your watch was affected in any way.

Cleaning Water Resistant Watches: Use a soft damp cloth to clean the head of the watch and then wipe off with a dry soft cloth. Clean metal bracelets with mild soapy water and a baby toothbrush.

MAINTENANCE

To keep your watch good as new a complete movement overhaul should be performed every three to five years. Seek advice from an authorized repairer on this matter. We also recommend keeping your watch in its original box and in its upright position, when you are not wearing it.

Leather Straps: Genuine leather is organic material. This means it is likely to deteriorate over time. To prevent premature deterioration limit your timepiece’s exposure to direct intense light, moisture, high humidity, cosmetics, or oily products, as they cause stains and discoloration to the strap. In case your watch comes to contact with the above, immediately dry the strap with a soft absorbent cloth.

Batteries: Life of a quartz watch battery is estimated to be 2 to 3 years on average. Factors that significantly affect battery life are the age and condition of the watch movement, and the type of watch — analog/chronograph or digital. The more functions a watch performs, the more frequent the battery replacements. You should replace batteries that can no longer power your watch promptly to prevent battery leakage and damage to the mechanism. Get batteries changed only by approved repairers.

Temperatures: Avoid hot temperatures or abrupt changes in temperature: Warm water temperatures or plunging the watch into warm and then into cold water immediately afterward will affect the shape of the gaskets, and may allow water to seep in.

Pressure: Avoid swift and sudden changes in pressure: Avoid diving unless you watch is built for doing so, because the change in pressure may cause gaskets to rupture and allow water to seep in.

Exposure to chemicals: Never expose your watch to highly chlorinated water or abrasive soaps. These contain corrosive chemicals that damage your timepiece.

WATER RESISTANCE

Water-resistant watches vary in degree of water resistance. It is not a permanent condition for any watch. Over time the crystal can reveal signs of condensation or oxidation on the dial, while gaskets and seals tend to deteriorate. Get your watch’s water resistance assessed every 12 to 18 months. If your watch is designed for water activities, always make sure the crown is pushed down or screwed in tightly before exposing it to water. When in water do not operate or adjust the crown and/or push buttons. Water may seep into the case. After contact with salt or chlorinated water, clean your watch immediately with fresh water and dry it with a soft cloth. If the watch has a rotating bezel, rotate the bezel to dislodge any sand or salt.

Never immerse your watch in the maximum depth recommended by the manufacturer. The water resistance indicated by the manufacturer refers to the predetermined maximum depth in which immersing the watch is safe. Manufacturers determine the level of water resistance based on tests carried out in laboratories. It is very unlikely that you will wear your watch in lab conditions. To determine how cautious you should be with your timepiece, please read the manual provided by the manufacturer of the watch.

Never push, adjust, or open the crown and pushers of your watch when it is immersed in water: Water infiltrates a watch through the crown-stem hole. The crown’s stem is attached to the watch’s movement via a hole in the case edge. Moving the crown causes the gasket to be compressed and stressed. Water will seep into the watch.

Do not press the buttons of a chronograph timepiece while in water unless the manufacturer states it is safe to do so.

Ensure your timepiece’s crown is screw-down if you plan on wearing it in water. Make sure it is tightened before coming into contact with water. A screw-down crown screws shut to a threaded tube in the watch’s case. When the crown is tightened, the compressed gasket in the crown seals the opening and prevents water from infiltrating the watch.

Don’t let water in through the case-back: The type of case-back determines how easy or difficult it is for water to seep into the watch.

THINGS TO AVOID

Extreme Temperatures: Extreme temperature can critically alter the performance of a watch. Avoid exposing your watch to temperatures above 60°C and below 0 °C unless the manufacturer explicitly states it is safe to do so.

Magnetic Fields: Magnets may cause your watch to run slow, fast, or completely stop. Over time a watch’s repeated indirect exposure to magnetic fields of any sort alters its performance. Avoid placing your watch near subtle permanent magnets like those found in computers, speakers, refrigerator hook magnets, and cell phones. Bring your watch to an Authorized Repair specialized expert to demagnetize from time to time. It only takes a few minutes. If the watch is severely magnetized, we will recommend that complete maintenance of the movement be performed.

Impacts: Unexpected impacts or shocks may result in damage to the case, crystal, internal components (dial, hands, and movement) of your watch. Shocks and impacts, even if they do not leave permanent marks, may affect your timepiece’s performance and it will most likely require service. So, even if your watch does not bear visible indications of shock, have it checked and assessed by an authorized repairer. Also bear in mind that some manufacturers do not cover impacts with their warranty.

Chemicals: Avoid contact with cosmetics, fragrances, detergents, solvents, etc. Prolonged exposure to the chemicals they contain may damage your watch’s case, gaskets, leather strap or bracelet.