Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chronometer? How does a watch earn the title of chronometer? Who conducts the tests? How is the movement tested? How many movements do COSC test each year and how many certificates are issued? Why are most chronometers mechanical watches? Do many manufacturers apply for chronometer certificates for their watches? Is there a demand for chronometers? Which firm is the leader in production of Swiss chronometers? What is the difference between a chronometer and a chronograph? So what is a marine chronometer?

What is an automatic watch? Is it the same as a hand wound watch? Why do they call it “Automatic”? What is the difference between an automatic and a selfwinding watch? Is that the same as a “perpetual” watch, like Rolex Oyster Perpetual? How does an automatic watch work? Who invented the automatic watch? Why do we see more automatics these days? How popular are they in South Africa? Why are they so popular? How accurate are they? Are they expensive? How much motion does an automatic need to work properly? Is it safe to wind an automatic? How long will an automatic go when it is not worn? How often does an automatic need to be serviced?

What makes a watch water-resistant? Why are watches never labeled or described in advertising as “Waterproof” even if they can be worn for deep-sea diving? My watch is labeled “Water-resistant to 50 meters” but the manufacture’s instructions say I can only wear it for swimming, not snorkeling or diving. Why is that? What are the various levels of water-resistance? I have seen the abbreviation ATM used in labeling degrees of water-resistance. What does it mean? Is water resistance permanent? How often does water resistance need to be checked? How is water resistance tested? Can I wear my water resistance watch in the hot tub? What besides extreme temperatures will jeopardize my watch’s water resistance? My divers watch came with a leather strap. Will water harm it?

What is a watch crystal? What are watch crystals made of? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each material? What exactly is synthetic sapphire? Can you tell if a crystal is made of sapphire by looking at it? Are Scratch-resistant crystals new? Are all scratch-resistant crystals made of synthetic sapphire? The terms “Lunette, Bombé, Chevé and Boule” are sometimes used to describe watch crystals. What do they mean? How much do watch crystals cost to replace?

Watch manufacturers advise to have their mechanical watches serviced on a regular basis even if they are working fine. Why is that? How often does a mechanical watch need to be serviced? What happens to it when it goes in for a service? Where should you take your watch to be repaired or serviced? How much does it cost? How long does my watch have to stay in the workshop? Do quartz watches have to be serviced regularly like mechanical watches? How often should water resistance be checked? Do you need to wind mechanical watches every day? Does it matter in which way you turn the crown when you set the time of the watch? Will heat and cold affect the accuracy of a watch?