What is an authorized dealer? What is a "gray market" watch? What is the significance of the serial number? What do I do if my watch stops? What are the differences between quartz, automatic, and manual watches? What does "water resistant" mean? What do I do if my watch needs servicing? How do I care for my watch? How often should I service my watch? What is a "pre-owned" watch? How do I get in contact with the WatchNetwork?   What is an authorized dealer? An authorized dealer is a reseller endorsed by the manufacturer. Not only does this guarantee the full support of the original manufacturer, but it also assures you of proper service, using only the correct parts for your watch.   What is a "gray market" watch? This refers to watches purchased from an unauthorized dealer without the backing and guarantee of the original warranty. Usually the watch has changed hands often between disreputable people. Sometimes they are sold with an alternative warranty, which is not to be confused with an authorized one.   What is the significance of a watch's serial number? A serial number is an identification mark created by the manufacturer to keep track of each watch as it proceeds through its distribution channel. Once a watch is sold to the end-user, the serial number is recorded every time a transaction such as servicing takes place. In addition, the serial number is placed on the case as well as on the movement, which helps authenticate the watch and prevent fraud.   What do I do if my watch stops? If you have a quartz watch, this is a sign that the battery needs to be replaced. New batteries can be purchased at the WatchNetwork, and will be replaced during a cleaning or servicing. For automatic and manual watches, first try winding your watch. If you have not been wearing it for a while the main spring has wound down, and has stopped; after winding it will restart. For peak accuracy, we recommend keeping your watch fully wound. If this does not solve your problem, please email or call the WatchNetwork, and one of our experts will assist you.   What are the differences between quartz, automatic, and manual watches? A quartz watch runs on a battery, whereas an automatic or self-winding watch requires daily winding of the crown to run. If you have an automatic watch, constant wear should keep your watch wound. Automatic watch winders, devices which hold one to three watches, are also available. These rotate daily to keep your unworn watches wound.   What does "water resistant" mean? Water-resistant watches can be submerged in water up to the rated depth, as they have airtight seals that keep the water out of the case. The material of the case and the type of crystal affect the recommended depth limit, which is set to reflect increases in water pressure. Some watches are also filled with silicon, which lessens the effects of pressure and allow the watch to be submerged to unimaginable depths. Practically, however, manufacturers never want you to submerge your watch fully in water for a long time. Before taking your watch for a swim, make sure the crown is in and be sure not to push any buttons while the watch is submerged, as this may break the seal and allow water into the case.   What do I do if my watch needs servicing? Make sure that you bring the watch to an authorized service center. If the watch is still under warranty, there should be no charges for service (with the possible exception of shipping costs). If out of warranty, have the problem diagnosed, and ask for both pricing and time estimates. There may be a small service charge for the estimate, but this is usually applicable against the cost of the servicing if you go forward.   How do I care for my watch? Keeping your watch wound will increase the life of your watch by continually spreading the inner lubricants over all of the parts. Manual wind watches will usually last at least 48 hours when fully wound, even with constant wear, and the watch should be wound daily.   How often should I service my watch? We recommend servicing every three years. A watch is designed to last many lifetimes, but, as with most things, they need proper attention. Waiting until there is a problem usually ends up being costly, as well as meaning that you have to go without the watch for a while.   What is a "pre-owned" watch? These are watches previously owned by somebody that are now available at a considerable discount. For examples, just check out our classifieds section.   How do I get in contact with the WatchNetwork? Please see the Contact Us page for more information. back to top