FAQ's

FAQ

Q: What defines a military watch?

A: Defining a military watch can be challenging. Some manufacturers, like G-Shock, do not design watches exclusively for military use, yet their robustness makes them popular among military personnel. Others, such as Marathon, focus specifically on military and Search and Rescue (SAR) watches. MWC supplies not only the military but also police forces, anti-terrorist units, airlines, mining companies, specialist marine security units, shipping and salvage organizations, and various government agencies, all of which require watches that meet military specifications.

Q: What are the industry-accepted water resistance recommendations?

A: The following recommendations are generally accepted:

• 50 meters (165 feet/5ATM): Suitable for swimming in shallow water, such as pools and rivers.
• 100 meters (330 feet/10ATM): Suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
• 150 meters (500 feet/15ATM): Suitable for snorkeling.
• 200 meters (660 feet/20ATM): Suitable for sports diving.
• 300 meters (1000 feet/30ATM): Suitable for professional diving and military applications.
• 500 meters (1500 feet/50ATM): Suitable for professional diving and military applications, often featuring a helium valve.
• Over 1000 meters (3389 feet/100ATM): Suitable for deep professional diving with mixed gases at extreme depths and challenging military applications.

Note: We recommend swimming or diving with watches rated at least 100 meters with a screw-down crown. Military watches rated at 50m/150ft, like the MWC G10 with a battery hatch, are generally fine. However, be cautious with 30m or 99ft rated models with acrylic crystals, as they may have lower water resistance. We offer A-11, A-17, and GG-W-113 models with 100m variants and glass crystals that meet modern standards while maintaining a retro appearance.

Q: How do I care for a water-resistant watch?

A: Avoid wearing even highly rated water-resistant watches in hot showers, saunas, or baths. Extreme heat can cause metal parts to expand differently than rubber gaskets, potentially allowing water to penetrate the watch. Alkaline substances like soap and shampoo can also rot the seals. Sudden temperature changes can cause thermal shock, which may affect the watch's performance.

Q: Do I have to do anything to care for the watch after I have been in the sea?

A: After swimming or diving in salt water, rinse the watch in fresh water immediately. Turn the rotating bezel several times while rinsing to prevent salt build-up and corrosion.

Q: I work with chemicals. Is that a problem?

A: Some chemicals can corrode the gaskets and damage the watch. Heavily chlorinated water, chlorine bleach, bath foams, and hairsprays can damage the gaskets and the watch's finish.

Q: What type of strap is suitable for use in water?

A: Leather straps, although rare on military watches, can be water-resistant. However, they are generally easily damaged by frequent exposure to water and can start to smell. Consider metal bracelets, carbon fiber, Kevlar, rubber straps, or Nylon NATO straps, which are ideal for water use. We offer a variety of strap options on our website.

Accuracy

Q: How accurate can I expect my watch to be?

A: Accuracy varies with the type of watch. Mechanical watches will tend to gain or lose a few seconds over time and are less accurate than quartz or hybrid models. A modern mechanical watch could vary between +/- 15 seconds a day at worst and +/- 2 or 3 seconds a day at best. Quartz watches, however, are more accurate, typically within +/- 2 seconds a day.

Q: So, why would anyone want a less accurate watch?

A: Most modern wristwatches are accurate enough for normal use. Some people prefer the traditional technology and craftsmanship of mechanical watches, despite their slight accuracy disadvantage compared to quartz watches.

Q: Are quartz watches always more accurate than mechanical ones?

A: Typically, yes. Quartz watches are generally more consistent in performance than mechanical watches. However, mechanical watches can sometimes stay closer to correct time over a long period due to variations that tend to cancel each other out.

Q: Can magnets or magnetic fields cause major problems with my watch?

A: Yes, magnetism can significantly affect mechanical watches, particularly the hairspring. Magnetized watches can run inaccurately or stop altogether. The issue can usually be resolved by a watchmaker or using a demagnetizer.

Q: How do I wind a mechanical watch?

A: If your watch is mechanical, unscrew the crown if it has a screw-down crown, then wind it clockwise until you feel resistance. Avoid over-winding to prevent damage. For automatic watches, regular wear should keep them wound, but occasional manual winding can help if not worn regularly.

Q: What is the power reserve of an automatic watch when it is not being worn?

A: Automatic watches typically have a power reserve of around 41 hours. If not worn for a day, manual winding may be necessary to keep it running.

Q: What is PVD?

A: PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a process that applies a thin, durable coating to a material. It involves heating the item in an inert atmosphere and spraying it with the coating material, creating a bonded layer that resists wear and corrosion.

Second Hand Alignment

Q: Is it a fault if the second hand of a quartz watch does not fall exactly on the markers?

A: Slight misalignment of the second hand is within manufacturing tolerances and does not indicate a defect. This is due to mechanical variations in the parts that move the hands.

Caseback Alignment

Q: Should the caseback text be straight when you look at the caseback rather than at an angle?

A: The alignment of the caseback text is not a priority in watch manufacturing, as the precise tension needed for water resistance is more important. Misalignment does not indicate a flaw.

Strap Pins/Bars

Q: What types of strap pins/bars does MWC use?

A: MWC uses three types of pins: spring bars, screw pins, and fixed solid bars. Spring bars are versatile but can be dislodged; screw pins combine strength with versatility but need threadlock when reattached; fixed solid bars are robust but limit strap options to one-piece straps.

PRN/PNR Numbers

Q: What does the PRN or PNR number mean on MWC watches?

A: PRN stands for Prototyp Referenznummer (Prototype Reference Number), and PNR stands for Produktionsnummer Referenz (Production Number Reference). These numbers help identify the model's specifications, including the type of movement, luminous paint, lugs, and case material. They also aid in servicing and identifying variations in models.

Warranty Information

Q: What does the MWC warranty cover?

A: The MWC International two-year warranty covers GTLS failure, movement failure, hands coming off, manufacturing defects, water ingress (under appropriate conditions), and more. It does not cover the battery, strap, damage due to misuse, or unauthorized repairs. For full details, refer to the warranty policy.

Repair and Service

Q: My watch needs repair. Should I remove the strap before sending it in?

A: If you have customized the strap or affixed a different type of strap, you may want to remove it before sending the watch for repair, as the watch may be replaced with the standard strap for that model.

Q: My watch is sentimental. Should I send it for repair?

A: Contact us before sending any sentimental or engraved items for repair, as the watch could be replaced, and the original may not be returned.

For further questions or assistance, please feel free to contact us by phone or via email at admin@mwc.watch