Are you new to mechanical watches?

Mechanical watches are delicate timekeeping instruments. A little care can ensure that your watch lasts you a lifetime. Here are 7 critical things you need to know about your mechanical watch before you start using it.

1. No batteries ever

Your watch is powered by a mechanical movement and a self-winding rotor. You can power the watch by winding the crown or by simply wearing the watch on your wrist every day. Your watch doesn't require batteries ever. Your operating instructions card will show you how to set up your watch.

2. Calendar

Unlike cell phones, most mechanical watches will not auto-switch the date for months with 30 days or 31 days. Your operating instructions card will show you how to set the date if you need to do so.

3. Accuracy

Swiss automatic movements are rated for a standard deviation of +/- 12 seconds per day and a maximum deviation of +/- 30 seconds per day of timekeeping deviation. Please do not compare your watch's accuracy with your cell phone, your cell phone updates the time automatically from your nearest cell tower and will show a variance during the day.

4. Magnets

Your watch will be magnetised if exposed to strong magnetic fields. Magnetism will negatively affect the accuracy and timekeeping of your watch. Strong magnetic fields are all around you - in your home theatre speakers, voice assistants, and televisions. Keep your mechanical watch away from these devices.

5. Water Resistance

Your watch case is designed and tested to be water-tight. The caseback will indicate the specific water-tight rating. The water-tightness depends on the integrity of the seals and gaskets of your watch. Always keep your winding crown(s) fully locked before exposing your watch to water. Exposure to hot water, soap, and chemicals will affect the water-tightness negatively.

6. Handling

Your watch movement beats 3 times faster than your heart. This is made possible by over 100 moving pieces inside the watch. Shocks induced by drops, and falls will damage the timekeeping and the accuracy of your watch. Handle your mechanical watch with care, and store it safely when not used.

7. Service Interval

Your watch needs a general service once every four years, performed only by qualified technicians. Service intervals should be as short as once a year if you wear your watch more frequently. Water-tightness, accuracy, timekeeping will be checked and all moving parts will be lubricated. A regularly serviced watch will last you a lifetime.