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Black Dial with XL Crown - 47mm


Unitas 6497 Manual Winding Movement

How to take care of your mechanical watch

Manual winding or self winding/automatic watches need special handling. The manufacturers have their own way of taking care of their products, but this article applies to every mechanical watch.

Why did my watch stop after not wearing it for a few days ?
An automatic or a manual winding watch will stop if it is not worn for a few days. Wind up the crown to make it run again. Do not shake an automatic movement to get it running.

Do I have to wear my mechanical watch everyday ?
It’s best to wear a mechanical watch everyday or to wind it every 2 days. All the wheels need to be in motion because when in motion the movement is actually getting oilled up.

What time of day is the best time to wind and set my watch ?
For a manual winding watch, try to wind up the watch at the same time everyday. Set a routine, for example, every morning before putting it on. Turn the crown until you meet the resistance when winding the watch, including the self winding watches. Remember to only turn the hands clockwise when setting the time. Take off the watch before you turn the crown. It is advisable to avoid turning the crown while wearing the timepiece as it may cause the winding stem twisting and damage the movement. It is recommended to rewind an automatic watch manually once a month, even when you wear it on a daily basis. Always set the day and/or date on the watch in the daytime. The mechanism on a day date watch is activated several hours during the night. Making adjustments during those hours could jam the mechanism.

Does my watch need periodic check ups ?
Mechanical watches are designed to provide a lifetime of accurate and reliable service. For maximum efficiency and to prevent damage, a mechanical watch needs to be serviced every three or four years depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation. Because of the complexity of the mechanism in a fine mechanical watch, it’s best to have it serviced by an agent authorized by the watch manufacturer. They will inspect your watch for any worn parts that may need replacement, check whether it needs lubrication, and whether perspiration or water, dust, etc., needs to be removed from within the watch.

What does it mean when my watch needs to be serviced ?
All watches need service, especially mechanical watches. Many steps have to be performed to service a watch. First, the watch is opened and the movement is removed. It is taken apart, down to the very last screw. Then the parts are checked for wear and tear. The old parts are replaced when necessary. Then all the parts are cleaned, reassembled and lubricated. After those steps the movement is regulated, so the watch will run accordingly. If the watch is water resistant, the water tightness is checked. The last step is polishing the case and the bracelet. After performing all this steps, you will get almost a brand new watch.

Why go through all the hassle of servicing my watch if it is working fine ?
There are some good reasons. First, the oil that keeps the watch running will break over time. Unlubricated watch parts can create friction. The problem gets worse if the friction creates microscopic fine dust that will act as an abrasive to the movement. Another reason: the case of the watch is expanding in response to the hot and cold. This allows dust to enter the case through the microscopic fine cracks. This happens even in the water resistant watches that have protective gaskets.

Do the watch case and bracelet require special care ?
Metal bracelets should be washed carefully in water. If really dirty, use a soft toothbrush with soap and water to brush away the dirt. Finally, rinse with water and dry carefully with a soft cloth. If your watch is not water resistant, be careful not to get water on the case. Cases should be wiped gently with a slightly moistened soft cloth and then dried carefully. Leather straps should be slightly loosened in the summer, when they may absorb perspiration. A tight strap not only prevents the passage of air over the strap undersurface but can also cause a perspiration rash on the wrist. If the strap ever becomes wet with perspiration, wipe it dry with a soft cloth. When you take off your watch, leave it in a well-ventilated spot. Never put it in a sealed container when it is still damp with perspiration. Avoid leaving your watch in direct sunlight. The strap color may fade.
Make sure to change a metal bracelet or leather strap that is in a bad shape. It may brake at a certain point and you will risk losing or damaging your watch as a result.

Is there any special care should I give to my watch ?
Your watch is a precision measuring instrument. Treat it carefully, and it will serve you well. Avoid undue shocks (such as dropping on hard surfaces). Also, check your watch to see if it is labeled “Water Resistant”, if not avoid all contact with water. When not being worn your watch should be stored in a dry environment away from direct heat and dust sources. Do not rest your mechanical watch on the crown or push pieces when you put it down as this can cause damage. Purpose built watch boxes make the perfect gift for the watch enthusiast as they store multiple pieces safely. Watch winders are a great storage solution for automatic watches. They contain a rotating mechanism to keep the watch working. However, do not use this all the time because it wears out the mechanism of your watch. Only use it to wind up the mechanism as much as needed.
If the watch is provided with a manual, make sure to find proper recommendations about sporting activities. In general, it is better to take of a mechanical timepiece while practicing such sports as golf or tennis that involve sudden or strong movements. Quartz watches are more suitable for sports activities. The quartz module is more robust.
As for leather bands, they are not suitable to wear when you are practicing sports. It is better to wear watches that go on rubber, metal or acrylic bracelets.

What do I have to avoid when wearing my mechanical watch ?
To keep your watch running at its best, avoid these harmful environmental factors:
Stay clear of strong magnetic fields. You could magnetize your watch inadvertently and cause erratic gear behavior. The watch may also stop entirely! Most modern-day mechanical watches have some magnetic resistance, but you should still be careful. If you have an older watch, it may be more at risk.
If you can avoid it, do not wear your watch in extreme temperatures. Moving between excessive hot and cold temperatures can cause the parts to expand or contract,which may cause damage to the whole unit. Keeping your watch in extreme heat for too long can also cause your watch’s lubricant to congeal, causing friction on the gears.
Just because a watch is “scratch-resistant” does not mean it is “scratch-proof.” Avoid harmful objects that can scratch your watch, as well as dirt and chemicals that can cause damage slowly over time. Avoiding dirt and chemicals will also prevent rusting.

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