Expertise

The daily variation in timekeeping of a mechanical watch is dependent on several fundamental points, such as the quality of the watch movement, how much, and where the watch is mainly worn, or the influence of extreme fluctuations in temperature. However, as a rule a watch that is technically correct may still gain up to 10 seconds per day.

A chronometer is a certified watch. The variation of the timekeeping by the watch movement is tested for 14 days in a variety of locations at 4°, 20°, and 36°. Should it fulfil the toughest of criteria, the numbered watch movement receives the official label of chronometer.

A chronograph is a watch with an additional function that measures units of time.

Yes, sapphire glass can also be scratched. Sapphire is rated as 9 on the scale of hardness. Rated at 10, only diamonds are harder. Sapphire glass can thus be scratched by a diamond or by a similarly hard material. The building material concrete contains corundum, which is also classified as 9 on the hardness scale.

A watch is classified as water resistant when fine seals on the glass, crown, and back protect the watch movement from moisture (water). The seals should be replaced every 2 years. The elasticity (depending on the thickness of the seal) wears off after 2 years and can no longer protect the watch from moisture (water).

In the case that the watch does come into contact with water other than simple splashes, it is recommended that the relevant seals be replaced every 2 years, in order to guarantee water resistance.

Every mechanical machine, even the smallest, needs care and attention. The fine watch movement with up to 200 individual parts is oiled and greased in various places. These small amounts of oil and grease then dry out, or are used up by the watch movement. What remains is a lumpy mass. Should the watch movement be dirty, or dry out, then this can cause the watch to run faster than normal. This is the first sign that a service is required. Treat your mechanical or quartz driven watch to a service after 4 years. Your watch will then once again show the exact hours, minutes and seconds each day.

Both watch movements have in fact advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage of the quartz watch is its accuracy and the slimness of the movement. The disadvantages are that the energy source (battery) must be changed every 2 years, and should the movement become even slightly dirty, then the quartz movement may stop. The exact opposite applies to mechanical watch movements.

In order to set an automatic watch going, the initial motion has to be created by winding the watch up, using the crown. This initial motion involves turning the crown circa 5 to 8 times. If the watch is then worn for 8 hours a day, then it will always automatically wind itself up, and will maintain its reserve energy for up to 2 days.

Contact immediately your nearest BUCHERER service location. Our competent watchmakers will dry your watch out immediately, to prevent the water from causing any corrosion (rust) damage.