FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long can a fully wound watch run?
The Seagull watches generally have a power reserve of around 40 hours. Additionally, the ST6 movement has a power reserve of 36 hours, while some tourbillon movements have a power reserve of up to 60 hours. Please refer to the instruction manual for the specific power reserve specifications.
Can a wristwatch be adjusted to have no error?
The accuracy of a mechanical watch mainly depends on the stability of the balance wheel's oscillation frequency. Since watches are subject to many internal and external influencing factors during use, such as environment, temperature, wearing habits, watch positioning, etc., we can only try to minimize the error range, but it is impossible to adjust it to have no error at all.
How often should a watch be serviced?
Watches are precision instruments that require regular servicing to ensure proper functioning. The service interval is generally determined based on the natural wear of the watch. Daily use and wearing environment also impact a watch's accuracy over time. It is recommended to have your watch serviced at a service center every 2-3 years.
If the movement has been tested to be normal at the service center, why does my watch still occasionally stop or keep inaccurate time when I wear it?
If the testing and simulation of the movement at the service center showed normal function, then the watch movement itself should not have any issues. Frequent stopping or inaccurate timekeeping when wearing is likely due to short wearing times, low activity levels, or magnetization.
You can manually fully wind the watch to test the power reserve timing, and observe if there are any stopping or inaccuracies within the expected power reserve period.
Why does an automatic watch stop running?
An automatic mechanical watch winds itself through the motion of a rotor that turns and tensions the mainspring to power the watch. When worn on the wrist, the rotor spins from the movement of the arm and generates energy.
Generally, an automatic watch needs to be worn for over 8 hours daily on the wrist in order to keep the mainspring wound sufficiently. However, this is not absolute. It is recommended to wear the watch daily, including on weekends and holidays, so that continuous motion can supply energy to the mainspring and prevent the watch from stopping.
Nowadays many people work office jobs, and often find their watches stopping frequently. Apart from movement issues, this is usually because the wearer's activity level is insufficient to wind the mainspring adequately. For such cases, manually winding the crown can compensate.
Should I manually wind an automatic watch regularly?
An automatic watch has a self-winding mechanism in addition to the manual winding function of a traditional mechanical watch. The self-winding parts include a rotor and winding gears. Automatic watches sold by us are usually in a stopped state when they leave the factory. For a new or long unworn watch, manual winding is needed to start it before wearing.
Then, as long as the watch is worn for over 8 hours daily with adequate activity, the rotor can continuously transfer energy to the mainspring so the watch keeps running automatically. We recommend minimizing manual winding of automatics, because turning the crown also spins the extra winding gears, which can easily wear down the self-winding components.
Some high-end watches are marked as water resistant, but how could moisture still get inside?
In general, a water resistant watch does not mean it is impervious to moisture. If worn in the shower, the watch's rubber gaskets can degrade faster from exposure to cleansing agents and chemicals, compromising water resistance.
In humid seasons like the rainy season, the high relative humidity in the air can lead to internal condensation. Large temperature variations like saunas, air-conditioned rooms, etc. can also cause moisture inside the watch.
The rubber gaskets degrade over time with use, gradually reducing water resistance performance. Once moisture is observed inside the watch, it should be promptly taken to an authorized service center to avoid rusting of components and shortening the watch's lifespan.
Will high-end watches remain water resistant after the case back has been opened?
We know a watch's water resistance relies on rubber gaskets fitted in the case back, crown, and joints with the case body to form a seal. However, frequent wearing in hot showers or saunas can accelerate degradation and deformation of the gaskets. High temperatures, acidic sweat, chlorine from pools, perfumes etc. can also harden the gaskets, reducing water resistance.
Based on experience, it is recommended to have your watch's water resistance tested at an authorized service center every 1-2 years.
After battery changes on quartz watches and servicing/oiling on mechanical watches, water resistance tests are performed. If a watch fails the test, professionals can identify which component is faulty, and replace it with a new sealed part.
Therefore, we can ensure every water resistant watch retains good water resistance even after its case back has been opened. The gaskets and seals are renewed to maintain the rating.
Can sapphire crystal watch glasses also get scratched?
The sapphire crystal glass on watches is not made from natural sapphire gemstones. It is produced from fine aluminum oxide powder formed into sapphire crystal blocks under high celsius temperatures in a furnace. After countless processes, the impeccably pure sapphire crystal watch glass is created with anti-abrasion and corrosion resistant properties.
With a hardness second only to diamond, around 7 times that of steel, sapphire crystal is extremely scratch resistant but not entirely scratch proof. Special care should be taken around diamonds, abrasives, sandpaper, nails, granite surfaces, concrete walls etc. to avoid scratching the surface.
Can all-steel watch bands get rust stains or discoloration, and how to deal with it?
There are many varieties of stainless steel, with the main components being nickel and chromium. Nickel, chromium and other elements are susceptible to damage from exposure to strong acids and alkalis.
The sweat secreted by the human body contains hydrochloric acid components. When a watch is frequently contacted by sweat or dirt and acids are allowed to accumulate without timely cleaning, rust spots can slowly appear on the band and black smudges on the wrist. This is mainly due to the nickel and other elements in the stainless steel reacting with sweat, vinegar, bleach, correction fluid and other chemical substances, cosmetics, etc.
The general treatment method is to gently brush the band with a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in a mild detergent, then wipe dry with a soft cloth. Alternatively, take it to an authorized service center to have it cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.
How to deal with magnetization issues in mechanical watches?
Once a watch becomes magnetized, it may suddenly start running very fast, even gaining 1-2 hours per day. When wearing a mechanical watch, avoid close proximity to magnetic fields from electronics like speakers, TVs, phones, etc. Magnetization is a common modern phenomenon, but not difficult to resolve.
Simply take the watch to an authorized service center. They can demagnetize it in just 30 seconds using specialized equipment. This eliminates the magnetism without affecting the watch's performance.
Why does my watch have inaccuracies in timekeeping?
- Insufficient power reserve: Auto-winding watches with insufficient wrist motion may have low power reserve. Try manual winding to add power and observe if the issue persists.
- Magnetization: If the balance wheel hairspring is magnetized, timekeeping will be inaccurate.
- Need for servicing: Lack of lubrication or worn parts in the movement can cause timing issues.
- Shocks: Watches are precise, so impacts, drops, or vibrations can loosen or damage components leading to accuracy problems (e.g. playing basketball, golf, etc).
- Environmental temperatures and wearing habits can increase timing errors.
But do not worry, our skilled watchmakers at the service center can examine, adjust, and restore your watch to keep time within normal accuracy tolerances.