CARE AND MAINTENANCE
WATCHES
CHANEL places the utmost importance on the quality of the materials which build your watch. Special care and maintenance will allow your watch to look its best and function properly.
Cleaning your watch
WATCHES WITH CERAMIC OR METAL BRACELETS
Always check that the crown is firmly and securely screwed in. Clean with soapy water and rinse well. Dry with a soft cloth.
WATCHES WITH RUBBER BRACELETS
Always check that the crown is firmly and securely screwed in. Clean with soapy water and rinse well. Dry with a soft cloth.
WATCHES WITH WHITE RUBBER BRACELETS
In the case of persistent marks such as dye stains and ingrained dirt, clean with warm water and bicarbonate of soda. If necessary, lightly scrub with a medium to soft brush.
WATCHES WITH LEATHER OR SATIN STRAPS
Polish your strap using a soft cloth.
The water-resistance of your watch
WHAT IS WATER RESISTANCE?
It is protection against water and dust infiltrating the mechanism. This protection is provided by a number of special seals. To ensure optimal security, we recommend having them replaced every two years.
The water pressure on the crystal increases as the watch is immersed to a greater depth. The pressure of the air inside the watch case counteracts some of the external pressure.
The majority of CHANEL watches are water resistant. This feature is engraved on the case back.
SOME RECOMMENDATIONS
Hot water
A watch must never be worn in a sauna, hammam, shower or bath as hot water may damage its water resistance seals.
Sea water
Rinse your watch in fresh water whenever it has been worn in the sea to prevent the salt from damaging its water resistance seals.
Watches with screw in crowns (certain J12 models)
If your watch has a screw in crown, make sure it is fully screwed in before it comes in contact with water.
Understanding magnetisation
WHAT IS MAGNETISATION?
In watchmaking, magnetisation refers to the adverse effect of a magnetic field on the functioning of a watch. Magnetic fields are everywhere in our daily life: smartphones, digital tablets, induction hobs, speakers, TVs etc.
HOW DOES ENTERING A MAGNETIC FIELD AFFECT YOUR WATCH?
It causes a movement to run fast or stop completely. Despite some advanced protective systems, mechanical watches are more susceptible to magnetisation than quartz watches. Certain metallic components of mechanical movements are affected by magnetism (e.g. the coils of a balance spring or a barrel spring can stick together, preventing it from functioning correctly.) However, in most cases your watch will function correctly again once it leaves the magnetic field. On the other hand, if it is exposed to a high-intensity magnetic field for more than 15 minutes*, the effect can persist for some time. Result: your watch may continue to run fast.
*This data can vary with the intensity of the magnetic field. Our calculations were made on some objects from daily life (smartphones, digital tablets, radio speakers, etc.)
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WATCH?
We advise you to keep your watch more than 10 cm away from any object that creates a strong magnetic field.
WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF MAGNETISATION?
To check if your watch is magnetised, simply place it next to a compass. If it is magnetised, the compass needle will become highly erratic. To have your watch demagnetised, we recommend taking it to the CHANEL boutique or the CHANEL authorised retailer of your choice.
One of our repair workshops will demagnetise your watch by exposing it to an alternating magnetic field, and ensure that it runs correctly.
How often should your watch be serviced?
Mechanical automatic watches self-wind as a result of wrist movement. An incorrectly adjusted bracelet can result in a reduction in autonomy. It is therefore important that your watch bracelet’s size is adjusted correctly. When not worn, a fully wound watch has a maximum power reserve of 70 hours.
Beyond this margin of autonomy, the watch will need to be manually wound. Even though mechanical movements are fitted with means to absorb shock, they are still relatively fragile.
It is therefore recommended to avoid wearing your watch while undertaking any “high impact” activities, such as playing golf or tennis, where repeated shocks can deregulate or even damage the watch mechanism.
How often should your watch be serviced?
(Each year if watch is regularly immersed in saltwater and chlorine.)
diagnosing a problem with your watch
Does your watch show the following warning signs? Consult the relevant section for information on causes and possible solutions.
YOUR WATCH HAS STOPPED
Try winding your watch manually. If it still does not start, there are two possible reasons:
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Either the automatic system is disconnected: servicing is required
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or the oil in the movement has dried, the movement is dirty or damaged by a shock or water infiltration: full servicing will restore it to working order.
YOUR WATCH IS RUNNING FAST OR SLOW
Two possible causes:
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either your watch has been magnetised and the movement needs to be regulated: servicing is required.
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or the oil in the movement has dried, the movement is dirty or damaged by a shock or water infiltration: full servicing will restore it to working order.
MIST HAS FORMED UNDER THE CRYSTAL OF YOUR WATCH
Water has infiltrated the movement: full servicing is required.
Please take your watch to a CHANEL boutique or to an authorised CHANEL retailer of your choice. Your watch will be sent to our workshops for a detailed examination.
CHANEL recommends changing a run down battery quickly to avoid leakages that can irreversibly damage the movement.
How often should your watch be serviced?
(Each year if watch is regularly immersed in saltwater and chlorine.)
diagnosing a problem with your watch
Does your watch show the following warning signs? Consult the relevant section for information on causes and possible solutions.
YOUR WATCH HAS STOPPED
Two possible causes:
-
either the battery is empty: a replacement battery is needed
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The watch movement is damaged (leaking battery, water infiltration, etc…): full servicing will restore it to working order.
YOUR WATCH IS RUNNING FAST OR SLOW
The movement is damaged: full servicing is required.
MIST HAS FORMED UNDER THE CRYSTAL OF YOUR WATCH
Water has infiltrated the movement: full servicing is required.
Please take your watch to a CHANEL boutique or to an authorised CHANEL retailer of your choice. Your watch will be sent to our workshops for a detailed examination.
