Caring for Your Watch

Your Courtier timepiece is crafted to the highest standards, but as a complex precision instrument, it requires proper care to ensure its longevity. Here’s how to take care of it:

Setting Your Watch

While each watch may vary, the following general steps apply to most 2 or 3-hand watches with a date complication:

1. For mechanical watches, unscrew the crown (if applicable) and wind it by turning the crown clockwise in position 1.

2. Pull the crown to position 3, and rotate it clockwise to set the time. Pay attention to the date window to determine if the watch is in AM or PM.

3. After setting the time, move the crown to position 1 to set the date.

4. Avoid setting the date between 8:00 PM and 4:00 AM to prevent damaging the date-change mechanism.

5. Push the crown back to position 1 and screw it down to complete the process.

Operating a Chronograph

Chronograph functionality varies by model, but typically:

1. Press pusher 1 to start the chronograph (you may need to unscrew the pushers first).

2. Press pusher 1 again to stop the timing.

3. Press pusher 2 to reset the chronograph.

4. Ensure the chronograph is off when not in use to avoid draining the battery or power reserve.

Water Resistance

While most Courtier watches are tested for water resistance, it’s essential to:

1. Keep the crown and pushers secured by screwing them down tightly.

2. Understand that water resistance levels vary:

• 30m: Splash-proof

• 50m – 100m: Surface swimming

• 200m – 300m: Diving

• 300m+: Deep-sea diving

3. Regular servicing is recommended to maintain water resistance, as rubber gaskets can degrade over time.

Servicing and Repairs

Regular servicing is crucial to maintain your watch’s performance and longevity. For more information, refer to our Repairs and Maintenance section.

Things to Avoid

1. Water Ingress: Moisture can rust and damage the internal components, so ensure the case is sealed.

2. Magnetic Fields: Though many modern watches are resistant, avoid magnets, electronic devices, and metal detectors, especially with older models.

3. Physical and Thermal Shocks: Avoid drops, knocks, and rapid temperature changes, which can damage the case and internal components.

Caring for Straps and Plated Metals

1. Leather: Keep leather dry and free from sweat. Allow straps to air-dry after wearing and avoid contact with creams or perfumes.

2. Rubber: Protect rubber from sharp objects and oils that can degrade it quickly.

3. Plated Metals: Avoid chemicals, and ensure creams and perfumes are dry before wearing your watch.

Caring for Ceramic

Ceramic is extremely hard and resistant to scratches but can be brittle. Avoid impacts that could cause chips or cracks.

Cleaning Your Watch

1. Clean with a soft, dry cloth. For water-resistant models, use a soft brush and soapy water. Ensure the crown is secure, and remove leather straps before cleaning.

2. Rinse watches exposed to seawater with fresh water and dry them thoroughly.

Storing Your Watch

Store your watch in its box or a dedicated storage solution to minimize the risk of damage. If using a watch winder for automatic watches, be mindful of increased wear and tear.

Caring for Gem-Set Watches

Be gentle when cleaning to avoid loosening gemstones. Inspect settings regularly and clean frequently to maintain their luster.

Insuring Your Watch

Ensure your watch is accurately valued for insurance purposes. Courtier offers a valuation service to assist with this.

A Note on Accuracy

Mechanical watches, while precise, are inherently less accurate than quartz models. Certified Chronometers, such as those offered by Courtier, have been independently tested for superior accuracy. If your watch is losing or gaining time, it may be time for a service.

Our team at Courtier is always available to help you care for your timepiece and keep it in pristine condition.