Next, you should familiarize yourself with the features and functions of your watch. Most consumers are unfamiliar with the concept of water-resistance. NO WATCH IS WATERPROOF. The level of water-resistance of your watch is most likely printed somewhere on the watch itself.  Quite often, it is written on the caseback, also there may be a reference on the dial. If your watch is not marked water-resistant, you should not expose it to water at any time, as it will likely leak. If your watch is only marked “water-resistant”, that means that your watch will tolerate only a minimum exposure to water, such as an accidental splash or a rainstorm at most. A watch’s level of water-resistance is most often noted by a depth rating, usually in meters. Your watch may be rated 50M, 100M, 200M, and even up to 300M. These ratings are not to be taken literally. A watch rated to 50M is not suited to diving 50 meters under water. A watch with a 50M rating will only tolerate activities such as washing dishes. A 100M watch can be taken into the shower, or surface swimming. A 200M watch is suitable for recreational diving, and a 300M watch is specially sealed to tolerate the pressure of a deep dive. If you are unsure of your watch’s level of water-resistance, please ask your authorized dealer or service center.
Water resistant watches are often equipped with a “screwdown crown.” In order to adjust the time or date on a watch with a screw down crown, you must first unscrew the crown. The crown is threaded on to a tube. When it is unscrewed from the tube, you should feel it release. At this time, pull the crown out to the time setting or date setting position. The manual should indicate which position corresponds with the time and date functions.
Most watches, the farthest out position will adjust the time, the date setting position is usually halfway out. Once you have your watch set on the proper time and date, you must return the crown to it’s original locked-down position. Do this by pushing the crown back in on the threaded tube, and gently screwing it down clockwise until it will no longer turn. Failure to return the crown to the correct locked-down position will compromise the watch’s water resistance.
If you purchased a “quartz” watch, that means your watch is powered by a battery. Most watch batteries are 1.5 Volt silver oxide button cells. Most batteries will last 2-3 years before needing to be replaced. Many better quality watches are equipped with a "low battery indicator." If your watch is equipped with this feature, the sweep second hand may move in 5 second intervals, while still keeping time. This is the watch telling you that it’s time for service. Please bring it to an authorized dealer or service center right away for battery replacement. If a dead battery is left in a watch, it can discharge and leak chemicals into the movement, so it’s best to take care of this right away. Watch batteries are available for purchase at most hardware and drug stores, however it is not advisable to “do it yourself.”
A professional watchmaker has tools that allow him to open and close almost any watch without any evidence that it has ever been opened. He will also have the necessary tools to close and seal the watch properly. A fine watch is a delicate instrument, and should never be opened by the consumer. Improper battery installation can severely damage the circuitry of the watch, compromise the integrity of the water seal, or void any warranty you may have.
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