Tips & Hints
06/16/2007
06/16/2007
Here, we want to present interesting watch tips, hints, links and general information about watches, their care and other useful information about watches and the watch industry. Our goal is not to create a news page, but simply to inform our customers and viewers about watches and timekeeping in general.
- Tips on using our Search Feature
- Shipping Hints and Tips 1, 2
- Patek Philippe Archive Service
- International Watch & Jewelry Guild
- Watchwinders
- Calendar watches
- An interesting article about striking watches
- Industry links from www.timedesign.de
- Watch care tips
- Interesing and informative web sites
Tips on using our Search Feature
Quick Search
To use the Quick Search Feature, simply type in the search term you'd like to search on. For example, if you have a reference number for a particular watch, simply type it in and click on the icon to the right of the box. Unless you're looking for an exact match, you're better off using just the base number to get more search hits. As with any search engine, you do have to play a bit to get the results you desire. Unless you have some reason to do so, using a generic term like "gold", will get you a lot of hits, more than you proabably want.
Advance Search
Under the Quick Search box, you can find a link to the Advance Search. It has more features to help you narrow down your search. If you're not sure what you want, but know your budget, you can simply put in a maximum price and you find all watches from $0 to your entered price. If you want to narrow that down a bit, put in a minimum price. You can add keywords in the appropriate box to further narrow your search. If you're looking only for a specific brand you can select it from the Manufacturer's list.
1. Always think about security when you pack.
A very easy way to provide at least minimum security is to double or even triple box the item. (Since we use FedEx by preference, any descriptions will refer to their packing materials.) By nesting packaging, you give the item both multiple layers of security (it takes time to open each layer, thus becomes a deterrent) and protection. You also increase the overall size of the package, making it harder to conceal. Depending on the size of the item, you can use a bubble-pack envelope, inside a small document box, nested inside a medium document box, or a medium inside a large. When shipping display boxes, you can nest a 10"x10"x10" box inside a 12"x12"x12" box without too much trouble and you shouldn't get hit with dimensional weight costs. We strongly suggest writing the recipient's name and the airbill number on the inside box if not both the inside packages. We also write the tracking number on the outside of the package. If you have access to tamper-proof seals or tape, that's all to the good. Use plenty of packing material (bubble wrap or popcorn) to cushion everything. We occasionally receive packages that have only minimal cushioning and have had display boxes damaged because of it.
2. Send with a signature required.
Pretty self-explanatory, no matter the method you choose to ship. By preference, we always choose "Direct Signature Required" when preparing our FedEx labels. This means that the package can't be left without a signature of someone in the recipient's home or office; it can't be left without a signature and can't be left at a neighbor. One thing that we recently found out is that if you ship via FedEx and prepare your label on-line, all options may not carry through if a FedEx agent reprints the bar code or the label. This means that if you select "Signature Required" the agent has to manually select that option on his screen or it will not be included on the new label.
Shipping Hints and Tips (continued)
3. Insurance
Also, pretty self-explanatory. You can buy insurance through the shipper, but usually at a very high cost and with severe limitations. The use of 3rd-party insurance companies can help you overcome these limitations. Two excellent companies are Jewel Systems (www.jwls.com) and Parcel Pro (www.parcelpro.com) and we have used both companies for our shipping over the years. They do specialize only in jewelry and watches, however. Both Jewel Systems and Parcel Pro require certain packaging standards such as double-boxing and other specific security procedures. Both of these companies also allow you to use several different methods to ship whether it's FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc.
4. Armored courier
For ultra-high-value items, you should use an armored courier such as Brink's (www.brinksinc.com). Not all armored couriers go to all places, however. So far, we have found that Brink's covers more territory around the world than just about anybody else, but the cost can be extreme, espcially to remote areas. Your best bet is to ship to a major city and have the recipient come and pick it up.
Patek Philippe Archive Service
Patek Philippe without a doubt, has the best-kept records in the watch business. You can, for a fee, apply to them to receive an extract from their archives for your Patek watch. They need the movement number (most important), case number, reference number (if applicable) and short description of the watch. You can find the application on their home page under the Maintenance section. You simply fill in the form, print it out and fax or post it back to Patek, with your payment. Currently, the fee is 100 CHF or $75 USD.
Patek has very recently changed their policy regarding archive extracts and will no longer issue extracts for watches less than 5 years old. If you own a newer Patek, take great care not to lose your papers or you will not be able to get archival papers for several years.
All contents are used with permission. Any errors, omissions or opinions expressed in any information external to FeelGoodWatches.com are those of the authors of that information and not of FeelGoodWatches or its staff. If you have any questions or problems with any article or link from this page, please email us at service@feelgoodwatches.com with your comments. International Watch & Jewelry Guild
The IWJG is one of the world's largest professional organizations for watch and jewelry dealers. While some private collectors do belong, it is geared much more towards dealers, both retail and wholesale.
Home page: www.iwjg.com
IWJG contact: http://www.iwjg.com/contact.shtml
Show calendar: http://www.iwjg.com/calendar.shtml Watchwinders
Why a winder? For a nice Q&A from Orbita about winders, click here*
Movement database Orbita's comprehensive database of movements, winding direction and duration; click here*
* Used with permission. Calendar watches
Some basic information about setting calendar watches
Nearly all calendar watches, from some simple date watches to perpetual calendars, require great care while setting the calendar. While most simple date or day/date watches (especially current models) have quick-set features, some, like the Lange 1, do not. The Lange 1 comes with a red warning card telling the user to make sure that the time on the watch is NOT between about 8 PM and 3 AM while changing the date. If you do change the date during these hours, you risk damage to the movement requiring repair. This same restriction holds true for almost all other calendar watches and the more complex, the more expensive the repair if you break it. (The most notable exceptions to this "rule" are several Ulysse Nardin models that boast a patented date train that allows for changing the calendar both forward and backwards without regard to the time.) After setting numerous calendar watches over the years, here are the general steps we like to follow:
1. Make sure you know which side of midnight the watch is set to.
2. Set the watch to about 12 noon.
3. Adjust the calendar per the instructions for that model watch. In general, we like to set the calendar to 1 or 2 days BEFORE the current date. This allows us to run the hands around 1 or 2 full days to check that all the calendar functions are working properly.
4. If necessary, set the moon phase. Most watches will move the moon phase one day per click of the moon phase corrector. A very useful site that gives a great pictorial reference for moon phases is Stardate.org. You can also find complete daily lunar and solar information at the United States Naval Observatory.
Download the PDF here >> Industry links from www.timedesign.de
Watch care tips
Some of this information is anecdotal in nature and we make no claims for its validity.
- Should you wear your watch while golfing?
After speaking with a number of watchmakers, they have all said that it's probably not a great idea to wear a mechanical watch while golfing. They feel that many of the repairs that they do are directly caused by, or aggravated by, golfing. The more complicated the watch, the worse idea it is. At the same time, we've talked to many wearers who claim to never have had a problem with their watch after golfing. With the g-forces and inertia involved in a golf swing, why risk damaging even a $500, let alone a $5,000 or $50,000 mechanical watch while golfing? Our opinion is to buy a quartz watch to golf with. [This goes for any activity where you generate repeated shocks to your arms while wearing your watch, such as vigorous applause at a sporting event or concert.]
- Can I shower/swim with my watch?
Sure, so long as you know the risks. With watches designed for sport or dive usage, the risks are less, but still there. If you forget to screw in the crown (and push-buttons), you will most probably get water in the case. Also, people don't realize that nearly all soaps are abrasive and can accelerate wear on bracelets and clasps, and will discolor plastic and rubber cases and straps, even if you rinse your watch well after showering. If you enjoy buying new croc or gator straps every few months, you can swim or shower while wearing a watch mounted on one, but we certainly don't recommend it. Either way, swimming or showering, be sure to rinse your watch well afterwards. Interesing and informative web sites
Quick Search
To use the Quick Search Feature, simply type in the search term you'd like to search on. For example, if you have a reference number for a particular watch, simply type it in and click on the icon to the right of the box. Unless you're looking for an exact match, you're better off using just the base number to get more search hits. As with any search engine, you do have to play a bit to get the results you desire. Unless you have some reason to do so, using a generic term like "gold", will get you a lot of hits, more than you proabably want.
Advance Search
Under the Quick Search box, you can find a link to the Advance Search. It has more features to help you narrow down your search. If you're not sure what you want, but know your budget, you can simply put in a maximum price and you find all watches from $0 to your entered price. If you want to narrow that down a bit, put in a minimum price. You can add keywords in the appropriate box to further narrow your search. If you're looking only for a specific brand you can select it from the Manufacturer's list.
Help
There is a brief Help box that will pop up if you click on the Search Help link. This only appears under the Advanced Search but the information it shows can be used with the Quick Search. This search engine is pretty basic and will only use AND or OR terms to search on. You can search on "gold and chronograph" and return all chronographs in gold of any color. It will also return any chronograph that has the term "gold" in the description, no matter the color and all watches with "chronograph" in the description, even if it has other complications.
1. Always think about security when you pack.
A very easy way to provide at least minimum security is to double or even triple box the item. (Since we use FedEx by preference, any descriptions will refer to their packing materials.) By nesting packaging, you give the item both multiple layers of security (it takes time to open each layer, thus becomes a deterrent) and protection. You also increase the overall size of the package, making it harder to conceal. Depending on the size of the item, you can use a bubble-pack envelope, inside a small document box, nested inside a medium document box, or a medium inside a large. When shipping display boxes, you can nest a 10"x10"x10" box inside a 12"x12"x12" box without too much trouble and you shouldn't get hit with dimensional weight costs. We strongly suggest writing the recipient's name and the airbill number on the inside box if not both the inside packages. We also write the tracking number on the outside of the package. If you have access to tamper-proof seals or tape, that's all to the good. Use plenty of packing material (bubble wrap or popcorn) to cushion everything. We occasionally receive packages that have only minimal cushioning and have had display boxes damaged because of it.
2. Send with a signature required.
Pretty self-explanatory, no matter the method you choose to ship. By preference, we always choose "Direct Signature Required" when preparing our FedEx labels. This means that the package can't be left without a signature of someone in the recipient's home or office; it can't be left without a signature and can't be left at a neighbor. One thing that we recently found out is that if you ship via FedEx and prepare your label on-line, all options may not carry through if a FedEx agent reprints the bar code or the label. This means that if you select "Signature Required" the agent has to manually select that option on his screen or it will not be included on the new label.
next >
Shipping Hints and Tips (continued)
3. Insurance
Also, pretty self-explanatory. You can buy insurance through the shipper, but usually at a very high cost and with severe limitations. The use of 3rd-party insurance companies can help you overcome these limitations. Two excellent companies are Jewel Systems (www.jwls.com) and Parcel Pro (www.parcelpro.com) and we have used both companies for our shipping over the years. They do specialize only in jewelry and watches, however. Both Jewel Systems and Parcel Pro require certain packaging standards such as double-boxing and other specific security procedures. Both of these companies also allow you to use several different methods to ship whether it's FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc.
4. Armored courier
For ultra-high-value items, you should use an armored courier such as Brink's (www.brinksinc.com). Not all armored couriers go to all places, however. So far, we have found that Brink's covers more territory around the world than just about anybody else, but the cost can be extreme, espcially to remote areas. Your best bet is to ship to a major city and have the recipient come and pick it up.
< previous
Patek Philippe Archive Service
Patek Philippe without a doubt, has the best-kept records in the watch business. You can, for a fee, apply to them to receive an extract from their archives for your Patek watch. They need the movement number (most important), case number, reference number (if applicable) and short description of the watch. You can find the application on their home page under the Maintenance section. You simply fill in the form, print it out and fax or post it back to Patek, with your payment. Currently, the fee is 100 CHF or $75 USD.
Patek has very recently changed their policy regarding archive extracts and will no longer issue extracts for watches less than 5 years old. If you own a newer Patek, take great care not to lose your papers or you will not be able to get archival papers for several years.
All contents are used with permission. Any errors, omissions or opinions expressed in any information external to FeelGoodWatches.com are those of the authors of that information and not of FeelGoodWatches or its staff. If you have any questions or problems with any article or link from this page, please email us at service@feelgoodwatches.com with your comments. International Watch & Jewelry Guild
The IWJG is one of the world's largest professional organizations for watch and jewelry dealers. While some private collectors do belong, it is geared much more towards dealers, both retail and wholesale.
Home page: www.iwjg.com
IWJG contact: http://www.iwjg.com/contact.shtml
Show calendar: http://www.iwjg.com/calendar.shtml Watchwinders
Why a winder? For a nice Q&A from Orbita about winders, click here*
Movement database Orbita's comprehensive database of movements, winding direction and duration; click here*
* Used with permission. Calendar watches
Some basic information about setting calendar watches
Nearly all calendar watches, from some simple date watches to perpetual calendars, require great care while setting the calendar. While most simple date or day/date watches (especially current models) have quick-set features, some, like the Lange 1, do not. The Lange 1 comes with a red warning card telling the user to make sure that the time on the watch is NOT between about 8 PM and 3 AM while changing the date. If you do change the date during these hours, you risk damage to the movement requiring repair. This same restriction holds true for almost all other calendar watches and the more complex, the more expensive the repair if you break it. (The most notable exceptions to this "rule" are several Ulysse Nardin models that boast a patented date train that allows for changing the calendar both forward and backwards without regard to the time.) After setting numerous calendar watches over the years, here are the general steps we like to follow:
1. Make sure you know which side of midnight the watch is set to.
2. Set the watch to about 12 noon.
3. Adjust the calendar per the instructions for that model watch. In general, we like to set the calendar to 1 or 2 days BEFORE the current date. This allows us to run the hands around 1 or 2 full days to check that all the calendar functions are working properly.
4. If necessary, set the moon phase. Most watches will move the moon phase one day per click of the moon phase corrector. A very useful site that gives a great pictorial reference for moon phases is Stardate.org. You can also find complete daily lunar and solar information at the United States Naval Observatory.
One type of watch to be especially wary of are perpetual calendars that do not use separate correctors but set from the crown, such as the IWC Da Vinci. If you don't pay attention to what you're doing you can set the watch ahead of the current date with no way of backing up. There are two methods of correcting this. If you've only missed by a few days (or weeks) you can simply park the watch, let it stop, and wait until the real world calendar catches up with the watch. If it's set completely out of whack, you will have to send the watch to a service center and have a watchmaker reset the calendar for you.
An interesting article about striking watchesDownload the PDF here >> Industry links from www.timedesign.de
Watch care tips
Some of this information is anecdotal in nature and we make no claims for its validity.
- Should you wear your watch while golfing?
After speaking with a number of watchmakers, they have all said that it's probably not a great idea to wear a mechanical watch while golfing. They feel that many of the repairs that they do are directly caused by, or aggravated by, golfing. The more complicated the watch, the worse idea it is. At the same time, we've talked to many wearers who claim to never have had a problem with their watch after golfing. With the g-forces and inertia involved in a golf swing, why risk damaging even a $500, let alone a $5,000 or $50,000 mechanical watch while golfing? Our opinion is to buy a quartz watch to golf with. [This goes for any activity where you generate repeated shocks to your arms while wearing your watch, such as vigorous applause at a sporting event or concert.]
- Can I shower/swim with my watch?
Sure, so long as you know the risks. With watches designed for sport or dive usage, the risks are less, but still there. If you forget to screw in the crown (and push-buttons), you will most probably get water in the case. Also, people don't realize that nearly all soaps are abrasive and can accelerate wear on bracelets and clasps, and will discolor plastic and rubber cases and straps, even if you rinse your watch well after showering. If you enjoy buying new croc or gator straps every few months, you can swim or shower while wearing a watch mounted on one, but we certainly don't recommend it. Either way, swimming or showering, be sure to rinse your watch well afterwards. Interesing and informative web sites
Timezone.com - www.timezone.com
TZ is one of the world's premier holorlogical web sites. There are many brand-specific discussion forums and up-to-date industry news.
Watchnet.com - www.watchnet.com
Watchnet is a sister-site of Timezone but is not so concentrated on the ultra-high-end of the watch market.
Paneristi.com - www.paneristi.com
This is probably the ultimate web site for the Officine Panerai collector.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Club - www.kronosclub.com/ROC
An excellent site for the Royal Oak collector.
Kronosclub.com - www.kronosclub.com
The parent site of the Royal Oak Club. One man's views of the watch industry. Very humorous comments about a lot of watches. Great for a good laugh.
IWC - www.iwc.ch
IWC's own web site. They have a "Member Area" that contains information not found on their general web site. They also send out occasional emails and newsletters with updates and interesting articles.
We'll add more as we find them. Suggestions for other sites are welcome.
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