Taking care about your timepiece

General cleaning

If your watch is clean on the outside, the chance it will get dirty on the inside is lower. In order to remove dust, dirt, moisture and perspiration you need to periodically wipe off your watch. Not only that this will contribute to the preservation of the watch, it will also maintain the look. Cleaning a NON water resistant watch: Simply clean the watch with a dry soft cloth, and avoid exposure to any dampness. Cleaning a water resistant watch: Use a soft moist cloth to clean the head of the watch and then rub off with a dry soft cloth. Using mild soapy water and a soft toothbrush you can clean metal bracelets.

winding and setting

Mechanical manual (hand-wound): Daily, at the same time, wind your watch fully. Be careful not to force the crown, so when the crown stops, or you feel harder resistance, it is the time to stop winding. Forcing the crown can create damage in the setting mechanism. Mechanical automatic: The automatic watch should be worn every day and ‘be active’ to achieve ideal performance. To power up an automatic timepiece before putting it on your wrist give the crown about 20 to 40 turns. Be sure to secure the screw-down crown if your watch is equipped with one to ensure the water tight integrity of the your timepiece. Wind the watch every two weeks it is worn daily. If it is not worn daily, wind it twice a week.Setting the date: It is our strong advice not to set the date if your watch is between 9pm and 3am, as doing so can damage the movement. Set your watch outside this period when adjusting the date.

Full maintenance

In addition to periodical maintenance, a complete overhaul is recommended every three to five years to keep your watch in perfect condition.

Batteries

Even though the average battery life of a quartz watch is 2 to 3 years, it is dependent on a number of factors: type of watch, age, and condition of the movement — analog/chronograph or digital. If the watch has more functions, you will exchange the battery more often. When you notice that a battery can no longer power the watch, quickly get it replaced or you run the risk of battery leakage, which causes damage to the mechanism.

Leather straps

High humidity, moisture, direct intense light, cosmetics etc. are usually the causes for the strap to deteriorate, stain or discolor early. It is our recommendation to dry your strap instantly with a soft absorbent cloth if it was exposed to any of these elements.

Water resistance

First of all it is really important to remember that water resistance is not a permanent condition. In order to keep this condition the watch must be tested and the water resistance renewed periodically. In addition, not all watches are designed to be water resistant; and lastly, there are various degrees of water resistance. The parts that keep the water out, Gaskets and seals, deteriorate over time and need to be replaced. We recommend that you have your watch tested every 12 − 18 months. However, if you ever notice signs of oxidation on the dial or condensation under the crystal, bring your watch to the Marli service center as soon as possible for repair. Swimming with your watch: Make sure your watch is designed for underwater activities. Also, push down the crown or screw it in tightly before going underwater. While in such an environment, do not operate or adjust the crown and/or push buttons, as water can leak into the case. If you had contact with chlorinated or salt water, immediately clean the watch. Use fresh water and dry with a soft cloth. If the watch has a ‘rotating bezel’, you need to rotate the bezel during cleaning to extricate any debris (sand or salt).

Things to avoid

Extreme Temperatures: Temperatures above 60°C and below 0 °C, along with any extreme temperature change can affect water resistance and timekeeping, and are harmful to most timepieces. Magnetic Fields: Anything containing a magnet can and will cause mechanical watches to run incorrectly. The result of exposure varies: the watch may run fast, slow or even stop. Do not place your watch on or near permanent magnets, such as speakers, computers, magnetic hooks on refrigerators, iPad covers, etc. Usually the cell phone is one of the most common culprits. Keep in mind that magnetism is commonly a cumulative effect, i.e. the problem gets worse over time. But the fix is usually a simple one. Bring your watch to the Marli to have it demagnetized. If the magnetization is severe, then we recommend a complete maintenance of the movement. Impacts: Sudden shocks or impacts to your watch may damage the case, crystal, movement, dial and hands. It may as well void your warranty. When this happens, the watch may no longer function and a service will be necessary. Sometimes the impact is not visible from the outside of the case and there is no proof indicating the watch has experienced a shock. It will be your service center with trained watchmakers that can diagnose the cause and advise you on a course of action to solve the problem. Chemicals: Direct contact with chemicals such as cosmetics, perfumes, detergents, solvents etc. should be avoided. They may damage the case, gaskets, leather strap and or bracelet.