Mechanical Watch Troubleshooting Guide
Common Problems, First Checks and When to Contact After-Sales
Not every unusual behavior means a mechanical watch needs repair. This guide explains the first checks you can safely make, what may be normal, and when you should stop troubleshooting and contact our after-sales team.
Quick Reference
Start With the Symptom
Use this table as a first check. If a control feels abnormal or the problem continues after the recommended check, do not force the watch.
| Problem | First Check | Can It Be Normal? | Contact Us When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Watch has stopped | Fully wind the watch and set it correctly. | Yes, if the stored power was exhausted after not being worn. | It stops again unusually soon after a full wind. |
| Running fast or slow | Fully wind, observe for 24 hours, then check for magnetization. | Small mechanical variation can occur. | Timing remains clearly abnormal after demagnetization. |
| Shorter power reserve | Fully wind and compare with the watch's previous normal behavior. | Performance can vary by calibre and conditions. | It becomes noticeably shorter than the watch's previous normal performance. |
| Rough winding or unusual noise | Stop forcing the crown. | A consistent normal mechanical feel is expected. | Winding becomes rough, uneven, resistant or newly noisy. |
| Date problem | Confirm the time setting and correct operating method. | Date change timing can vary by movement. | The date does not change, skips incorrectly, jams or quick-set operation remains abnormal. |
| Chronograph problem | Stop using the pushers repeatedly. | No. | Start, stop, reset or return-to-zero does not work normally. |
| GMT function problem | Confirm the correct crown position and operating method. | Operation depends on the calibre. | The local hour or GMT function remains abnormal after correct operation is confirmed. |
Watch Has Stopped
A Stopped Automatic Watch Is Not Automatically Broken
If an automatic watch has not been worn long enough for its stored energy to run out, it will stop. This is normal.
Restore sufficient power, set the watch correctly and secure the crown.
Check whether the watch continues running normally after a full wind.
If the watch still stops unusually soon after being fully wound, contact us directly instead of repeatedly forcing or rewinding it.
Running Fast or Slow
Check Power and Magnetization Before Assuming a Movement Fault
Make sure the movement has sufficient stored power.
Monitor the watch under reasonably consistent conditions.
Consider whether it may have been exposed to a strong magnetic field.
Demagnetize if necessary and observe the timing again.
If timing remains clearly abnormal, the movement should be inspected.
Short Power Reserve
Compare the Watch With Its Own Previous Normal Performance
We do not use one universal power-reserve number for every movement. Different calibres can have different expected behavior.
Date & Calendar Problems
Check the Setting Method Before Forcing the Date
If the date does not change normally, changes at an unusual time, or cannot be quick-set correctly, first confirm that the watch has been set and operated correctly.
If You Are Unsure Whether the Watch Shows AM or PM
Reset the Calendar From a Known Midnight Position
Crown & Winding Problems
Changes in Feel or Sound Should Not Be Forced
If winding suddenly feels rough, inconsistent or much more resistant than before, stop forcing the crown.
If you hear a new rubbing, scraping or other abnormal mechanical sound, stop continued operation and contact us.
If time or calendar adjustment becomes unusually stiff or inconsistent, do not try to overcome the resistance by force.
Rotor Noise
Some Sound Is Normal — A Sudden Change Is More Important
An automatic rotor can produce normal mechanical sound. The more useful warning sign is a sudden and noticeable increase compared with how the same watch previously sounded.
Chronograph Problems
Do Not Repeatedly Press the Pushers When Something Is Wrong
Do not repeatedly press the start pusher in an attempt to force the mechanism.
Stop further unnecessary operation and contact us.
If the hands do not return to their correct zero positions, do not repeatedly cycle the chronograph.
GMT Problems
Confirm the Correct Operating Method First
GMT calibres can use different crown positions and setting sequences. For movements such as 3285, first confirm that you are using the correct method for local-hour adjustment and GMT operation.
After an Impact
A Watch Can Still Run After a Shock and Still Need Observation
After a significant drop or impact, observe the watch even if it continues running.
Watch for a sudden change in timekeeping compared with the previous normal behavior.
Confirm that date, GMT, chronograph or other relevant functions still operate normally.
If the crown, winding or setting action feels different after the impact, stop forcing it and contact us.
When to Stop Troubleshooting
Do Not Keep Operating a Watch That Is Clearly Abnormal
Timing remains clearly abnormal after winding, observation and demagnetization.
The crown, winding or setting mechanism feels rough, blocked or unusually resistant.
Date, GMT or chronograph functions no longer work normally.
There is new rubbing, scraping or significantly louder rotor noise.
The watch stops again unusually soon after a proper full wind.
Performance, functions or winding feel changed after a significant shock.
What to Send After-Sales
More Detail Helps Us Diagnose the Problem
When contacting us, provide as much of the following information as possible.
Helps us identify the order and service history.
Different references can use different movements and functions.
Explain exactly what the watch is doing and what you expected it to do.
Tell us whether the change was sudden or gradual.
A short video can be especially useful for movement, date, crown or chronograph problems.
If relevant, tell us what happened during your 24-hour observation.
Tell us whether the watch was dropped, struck or opened.
Mention any known exposure to strong magnetic fields.
After-Sales Support
Still Not Working Normally?
If the problem remains after the safe checks above, or if the watch feels mechanically abnormal, stop forcing it and contact our after-sales team. We can review the symptoms, photos or video and advise the next step.
Troubleshooting FAQ
Common Mechanical Watch Questions
My watch stopped after not being worn. Is that normal?
Yes, it can be normal when the stored power is exhausted. Fully wind the watch and set it correctly. If it stops again unusually soon after a full wind, contact us.
What should I do if the watch suddenly runs much faster or slower?
Fully wind it, observe it for about 24 hours and check for possible magnetization. Demagnetize if needed. If the timing remains clearly abnormal, contact us.
How do I know if power reserve is abnormal?
Compare the watch with its own previous normal behavior. If a fully wound watch now runs for a noticeably shorter period under similar conditions, contact us for inspection.
Can I quick-set the date at night?
We recommend avoiding forced quick-date adjustment between approximately 8:00 PM and 3:00 AM because the calendar mechanism may be engaging or disengaging around that period.
What if my chronograph will not reset correctly?
Do not repeatedly press the pushers or try to force the mechanism. Contact our after-sales team for inspection.
What if the GMT local hour hand does not adjust correctly?
First confirm the correct operating method for the movement. If the local hour or GMT function remains abnormal, stop forcing the crown and contact us.
Should I keep using the watch after a hard impact?
If the watch still runs, observe its timing, functions, winding feel and setting behavior. If anything changes noticeably, contact us.
What if I hear a new scraping or rubbing sound?
Stop unnecessary operation and contact us. A new abnormal mechanical sound should not be ignored or repeatedly tested by force.
