How do I set the time and date?

You can set the time by pulling out the crown to its outermost position. The procedure is the same for all movement types. In the case of screwed crowns, the crown must first be loosened. You can set the date for almost all movement types when the crown is in mid position. Exceptions are explained in the instruction pamphlet of each DAVOSA watch, which should be studied in detail before you begin using your watch.

When do I wind my DAVOSA manual-winding watch and how often is this necessary?

DAVOSA manual-winding watches should be wound up once a day, preferably in the morning. Wind the crown in a clockwise direction until you encounter resistance. 

What are the advantages of a DAVOSA mechanical watch?

The person who wears the watch generates the power needed to drive it and you therefore do not need a battery. A mechanical watch is a true marvel of fine mechanics, often comprising of more than 100 individual parts. Skilful craftsmanship and a long tradition of watchmaking are required to create a mechanical movement, thus giving these timepieces their exquisite value. A mechanical watch is by no means a disposable object. It can be repaired decades after it was first acquired. A mechanical watch will outlast the occasion upon which it was given and thus preserves beautiful memories, and can even be passed on to future generations.

What are the disadvantages of a mechanical watch compared with a Quartz watch?

A mechanical watch has a greater daily rate (i.e. variation in timekeeping) than a Quartz watch. It is therefore not necessarily suited to people for whom every second counts.

How should I care for my DAVOSA mechanical watch?

All watches should be polished with a soft cloth and kept clean of dirt particles. Specialist watch shops also stock cleaning solutions that are specially designed for metal watch straps, for example.

We recommend that you take your watch to a specialist watch shop for revision (reconditioning) every three to five years. Just like a car, a mechanical watch must be properly serviced from time to time. During this process the watch is taken apart and its individual parts are chemically cleaned and relubricated once they have been put back together again. Defect or worn-out parts will naturally be replaced by the watchmaker. If you look after your watch in this way, you will be afforded many years of pleasure with your DAVOSA mechanical watch.

How do I get my DAVOSA automatic watch to start working for the first time or after not wearing it for a time?

Before you put on the watch, wind it in a clockwise direction with approximately 10-15 rotations to get it to start working. Do not forget to loosen the screw (by turning it anticlockwise) if you have a screwed crown.

How much movement does my DAVOSA automatic watch require?

Normal everyday movements are sufficient to power an automatic watch. If you wear your watch during the day, you can take it off at night without needing to worry that it will stop during the night.

We do not recommend an automatic watch to people with limited movement or those confined to their bed, as their daily movement may be insufficient to power an automatic watch.

Can the mainspring break when I wind my manual-winding watch?

The mainspring is made of a high-quality metal alloy and is therefore highly elastic and resilient, so there is only a small risk of overwinding. Nevertheless, it is important to stop winding as soon as you encounter a stronger resistance when winding up your watch.

How accurate is a mechanical watch?

Individual rates can only be determined after approximately 6 weeks of wearing a watch. They depend on the habits of its owner, in other words is the watch taken off at night, which way up is it kept when not being worn, to what temperature differences is the watch subjected, as well as several other factors. An average rate of approximately +8 sec/24h is very good if you bear in mind that a chronometer certificate is issued for rates of -4 to +6sec/24h.

I have moved house and no longer have a trusted retailer near me. Where can I send my DAVOSA watch for servicing?

If you cannot find a trusted retailer using our storefinder, you are welcome to send your DAVOSA watch to DAVOSA?s main customer services. To do this, please use the contact form on our website and we will let you know how to proceed. Please do not forget to enclose a covering letter telling us which repairs you wish to have done, as well as your full address, contact number and email address so we know where to return your fully serviced DAVOSA watch. Before we carry out any repairs, we will provide you with an estimate of what work needs doing. You are then free to decide how much you want done.