DON'T DO THIS TO YOUR WATCH - 7 Ways That You Can Harm Your Watch and NOT KNOW IT

[@mountainhobo]

5:00 "Do not open up a caseback of your watch" - Particularly if you got an amazing deal on your Submariner from a door-to-door salesman. Opening the caseback may cause severe anguish and induce a deep feeling of loss.

[@armandr1613]

mountainhobo nh35 powered submariners were on a low production run and are highly sought after

[@mountainhobo]

@Armand R LOL

[@bumpyroad3251]

The same with your newly ebay purchased one.

[@leoscarpoli1nonly]

Lol. Might find a bunch of made in China labels

[@tikiecue5677]

Ohhh... So my Sub with date at 6 PM position ran by a Sellita SW200-2 is a no-go in haute horology? I'm broken now........

[@jamess8175]

While different watch manufacturers recommend slightly differing time range to avoid while changing the quickset date, just play safe and avoid during the period of 8:00 to 4:00. That will cover watches of all brands.

[@blasien1]

Good points. On the steam sauna warning, very true. I'm an old mechanical engineer who used to design steam equipment. Just in general industry, steam resistance is very different from cold water resistance. A hot steamy environment is more penetrative than a dunk in cold water, not to mention soap and chemical attack on seals.

[@garyarnold602]

"It's the weekend, let's put on something with rubber." "Swinging is a high impact activity." Federico.

[@squirelova1815]

Let's redact that, for decency's sake.

[@agustinm1793]

"Federico talks dirty"

[@Ckjohn77kg]

1. Chronograph: Don't adjust the date from 9pm to 3am 2. Chronograph: Don't use the chronograph when the watch stops running 3. Don't open the back case 4. Don't use a demagnetizer at home 5. Don't take the watch into hot bath and sauna 6. Don't bring a watch to high intensity activities 7. Don't operate chronograph under water

[@r__murph]

Thank you

[@steventogami898]

Fed, I like to wear my sports watches while golfing. I wear my Omega Red Schumacher, Ulysses Nardin, Tag, or an Orient Mako diver. I understand your concerns, but I buy my sports style watches to wear, and not to keep in a safe. So far, so good! Life is short, wear and enjoy,

[@thehistoryprof6750]

My G Shocks come out for sports activities.

[@perrywise2188]

The documentation that came with my Orient Ray specifically said it was okay to wear while golfing.

[@spittinvenom9671]

My Seamaster quartz is for activities. The rest of the automatics are for office, dinner, gatherings etc. Gotta invest in a G Shock for travel.

[@Samuel-ge7im]

Federico I really love how you admit when you’re wrong! Keep it up with the great advice!

[@samlowrey63]

And always put your watch on and take your watch off over a soft surface.....like a bed. I fumbled my watch while taking it off over a tile floor and messed it up pretty good $$$$$$$!

[@isaacr.1348]

Yes don't forget about this one I dropped my watch multiple times (luckily it didn't break)

[@squirelova1815]

Sllloooooooooow mooooooootion hoooooorrrrroooooorrrr.....

[@tablameister]

Thanks for the advice. You make a good case for buying a Casio G-Shock for activities such as golfing.

[@thegreatdisappointment]

Per your comment about golf and motorcycles: should I not wear a watch while playing mandolin, guitar or banjo?

[@CasebackWatches]

Sometimes it's necessary to open a caseback. E.g. if you want to sell a watch. Many people want to see the movement. In my opinion not a big deal with watches out of warranty, but you're right: Despite the nice look the process of opening causes more trouble then benefits.

[@perpetualcheck9634]

I had a date function on a mechanical watch break on me once a long time ago. I didn’t know about not changing the date at certain hours back then. I only learned that recently (and have since seen it in the Seiko manuals). Maybe that was why. I could still change the date by moving the hands but not quick set. It was a largish Seiko 5 field watch (snzg something) with a 7s36 movement I think. But with number six I find the only way to reliably wind my Seiko 5 automatics is to shake them up. They don’t hand wind and just wearing them isn’t enough. I tried mimicking a winding machine by just turning it in my hands with disappointing results. So I’m back to shaking, although I do worry that I’m damaging it.

[@512bb]

My 1982 Submariner survived multiple combat tours & every advanced military program & still works to this day, I guess I was lucky but you are right Fed, now that I actually know something about watches I probably wouldn't do it again.

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

“It’s the weekend, lets put something with rubber” lol, clicked like button just for that line alone!!!

[@wheelsandwatches]

Something rubber for the weekend 😂😂😂😂

[@surfitli]

I always herd not to change the date between 9pm and 3am on way analog watch, mechanical or quartz. You can damage the quickset feature. I actually broke the quickset on a Tachmeister, However it still advances at 12am.

[@mahtabs7365]

Good advice! Didn't know about the demagnetizer and I've used it liberally on my watches.

[@samhighfield]

Awesome video, as always! I pushed the pushers on my brand new Omega Planet Ocean 600m while diving at 15 metres depth and it let water in straight away! The manual said the pushers were operable up to the depth stated on the dial (600m), I guess Omega were counting on nobody actually doing that.

[@bighueso2428]

Hi Federico. Do you know if the X-ray machines (or whatever) they are at the airport where you put all your stuff in a basket magnetises a watch?

[@fubaralakbar6800]

Interesting what he said about high-impact and vibration. I don't have a motorcycle, but I do have an old vehicle with a worn-out suspension. Will this cause the same problem? Should I change watches/take off my watch before driving?

[@marcusdingman2146]

I watch your channel all the time, and this is one of your better videos lots of great nuggets of info I’ve never thought about. Great stuff look forward to the next video. Thanks Fed!

[@0017Bulldog]

Thanks Fed. Good stuff. What do you think about gentle daily shaking of automatic watches to keep them powered up? 3 minutes a day or so.

[@mauriebarnes8272]

Good advice! Another one is sellers proving a watch is shockproof by banging the case down on the table several times to prove the watch can take a wack! Great content please keep up the good work!

[@TheStaniG]

Avoid using watches like a rolex sub during high impact activities. Ok, got it, G-Shock it is :)

[@secretariat783]

How. about biking( Bicycles), is it bad to use your watch? Thanks.

[@ElliotDrinksWater]

Also in the topic of hot/cold water resistance I learned the hard way that if you get your watch hot be it by hot weather or hot water and suddenly take it into a cold spring or shower. The sudden hot to cold creates a vacume inside the watch and will cause the watch to suck water into the case despite seals. If you have a screw down crown this isn't an issue though.

[@tods.9947]

If I’m doing anything risky I will wear my old Timex Ironman. It works under water, doesn’t care about EM fields, and can handle a shock. It is a perfectly optimized tool for $50. The G-shock folks know this really well. 😊

[@gammondog]

I'll back you up. I've owned Ironmans and currently wear a G - Shock. I've ruined a Seiko turtle by wearing it to bed because I sleep on a magnetic mattress. Then I attempted to demagnetize using a bulk tape eraser. Finally, to add insult to injury, I opened it up and kinked the hairspring while attempting to regulate the movement. The Ironman and the G - Shock don't mind it when I forget to take them off before crashing. And when I opened up the G - Shock to change out an eight year old battery it ran without any problems.

[@gregchabot7160]

I wear my Tudor and Ball Deep Quest shooting all the time. I buy watches to wear them. I shoot quite a bit and have had zero issues. I break it I'll get it fixed. I did break a mechanical Seiko running a jackhammer one time lol.

[@jafo4u508]

Same here! If they break that is a great time for a new addition.

[@yvrclimber]

Federico, thanks for a very helpful video. I wish I had seen this years ago. I wonked my 7750 with that quick set date issue - partly because I thought I was at the hands adjustment point on pulling out the crown, but was on quick set. Now I'm so paranoid I just let it run until in the Southern hemisphere. Anyways, lots of great info on this video. I'd encourage you to do more of this type - like best practices, hints and tips etc

[@guilessa]

I'd like to add one thing: there is a reason why wrist watches are generally used in your left hand (that is, if you're right-handed). If your watch is in the hand you primarily use, the chance of scratching it goes up incredibly. Think about sticking your hand into the freezer to get a tray of ice - the watch may well touch the freezer's top and scratch. Same goes for many, many other activities: drawers, ovens, etc etc. The less you use the hand where your watch is sitting, the smaller the chance of scratching. Just my 2 cents.

[@checksix_TC]

Get a extra long strap and strap your watch around your bicep. Works for me while I'm working with heavy machinery.

[@famimame]

I was about to buy a demagnetizer, luckily I saw this video. Thank you for the advice!

[@photo3338]

I have a watch collector friend who plays tennis while wearing his Rolex Explorer. He owns Several swiss watches, including a perpetual date watch. We often talk about watches. I gasped when I heard that he plays tennis while wearing his Rolex and I know very little about watches. I love his JLC perpetual calendar. But he hasn't worn it in ages. I asked about it and he told me that it had stopped running. He bought it from a large dealer who sells a lot of pre-owned watches. One thing I know about him is that he only has his watches serviced when one of them breaks. Since I own two Marine Chronometer Clocks (one U.N.) I'm horrified that he does that. I won't run my U.N. chronometer unless it has been serviced during the last two years. Am I being paranoid, or do you agree with getting your watch serviced every two years? You would be surprised how little people who own a lot of expensive watches know about servicing watches and when it should be done, and by whom.

[@bearclooneywatches4186]

"It's a weekend, let's put something on with rubber!" LMAO

[@TheTimLara]

Great advice! Unless your favorite sporting activity is diving into swimming pools full of extra cash, get a G-Shock for doing rough/active stuff and save your fancy watches for the office and going out to dinner.

[@Dragon_rls]

A super thumbs up on the demagnetizer advise. I was getting ready to pull the trigger on one. So glad I didn't.

[@rbf100]

Your point #1 is very good. Most watch dealers don't even know this about quick set on 7750 movements.

[@SHEIKH141]

do ultrasonic cleaners have any effect on the watch? and does the vibration effect a quartz watch?

[@eddevine859]

I’m beginning o try to get into watches. A lot more, I happened upon your videos and am completely mesmerized by your content. I attended a estate sale and picked up a watch (oris portofino) and can’t seem to find any info on, ive written to oris with no response, do you know of perhaps sending photos of the watch to get it identified?

[@wayneh9626]

Thanks for the info! I wasn't expecting to learn much, but there was a lot of good info there. I'm still going to open my watches to regulate them if needed, but only inexpensive watches that really need it (I won't swim with ones I've opened).

[@OverlandTT]

i literally laughed at wearing rubber for the weekend lol...

[@pedrosaenz2800]

Federico thank you the valuable information !! Would you use a Speedy for swimming? Why?

[@SkyHiGradtrw]

Thanks for the power reserve tip. I recently acquired my my first luxury watch. Its Automatic but I assume the idea is the same.

[@mt24Carson]

Great advice Fed, thanks for highlighting these issues.

[@Tomkhong]

good points thank you. i kinda ignored some important things to avoid when wearing a chronograph.

[@andrewdunn6793]

How about some discussion/tips on how to clean a watch?

[@DEXVD]

The Rolex 1675 Pepsi my grandfather wore everyday except for when wearing cocktail attire (when he would wear his father's YG Omega constellation he inherited). He wore it during all of his daily activities, golfing, swimming in the ocean, mowing the lawn, showering, in the hot tub, whatever, if he ever took it off it was only to sleep. When I inherited from him after his 33 years of daily wear the tube to screw in the crown was stripped so it could no longer be screwed in, I sent it to the Rolex Service Centre and they said they had never previously serviced the watch. They serviced the movement and replaced the tube and crown, recommended replacing the bracelet as it was worn out (I declined to do so) but other than that it needed nothing else after 33 years, it may have been serviced at some point during that time but my grandmother has no recollection of them ever having any of their watches serviced. While you can certainly get lucky or unlucky I think that some of these watches can certainly hold up better than other and can truly be treated as sports watches, myself I don't like to even wear his watch very often as its invaluable to me and the clasp easily pops open. I don't even wear my Hamilton or any of my Rolex or Omega watches like he did his GMT but if its a new watch and not vintage, who cares if you wear it and something happens, replace the dial, the crystal, the bracelet, fix the movement if the correct parts are still readily available (unlike with vintage) other than the cost, why not wear it like its yours? My grandfather certainly didn't treat his Rolex as a Patek, taking care of it over his lifetime so I could inherit it, he wore it in a way that by the end of his lifetime it would be worn out, despite this treatment, the watch is still here and he is gone.

[@yeetaunwong3186]

Is there any damage to an ETA 7750 if the chronograph function is always on and non stop?

[@rayquintanilla614]

So, what I got from you was don’t reset your date between 9:00 pm and 3:00 am because the portal to hell could open up and release a demon of the netherworld. Got it! But seriously, all great points and advice. Does this apply only to mechanical or does it go for quartz also. (Seiko Tuna)?

[@christianbarnay2499]

The portal only opens if you manually set the date after midnight in a magnetized hot tub with the case back open while pressing the chronometer button underwater with the power reserve depleted and hitting it on the wall.

[@hwycat1]

Hey Fed I love your channel thank you for all the great info. Can you talk about Citizen Eco drive along with Seko these are my two favourite brands

[@drvinnyg7422]

Wow! Thank you. You just saved me 10's of thousands. Was going to pick up an Explorer ii, a GMT Master ii and a Sky Dweller. Now why would I do that if they get messed up when I play golf or ride my HD Fat Boy? Also... how do you know that any of these 7 things haven't been done to a piece that's now on Chrono24 or of the like?

[@Osprey1994]

I have a motorcycle that I commute on, and I also shoot firearms as another hobby so I'm guessing those are both not great for automatic movements? Well this gives me a reason to pick up a nice quartz piece.

[@RedwoodAggie]

Good list. I knew some, but not all of them. Does the impact sports rule only apply to mechanical watches, or to quartz as well?

[@loriosterweil982]

When I have to turn my watch and clocks back at the end of daylight savings time, is it alright to turn the hands backwards one hour or do I have to go forward 23 hours?

[@chrispeek380]

Good info but I do wonder how you would magnetize a gold case? Gold and the alloys used in the various gold alloys utilized in watch cases are not normally magnetic.

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

To be honest I am not 100% on the science of it. However that is what happened according to Hans. May have been the steel inner case/retaining ring?

[@mountainhobo]

14 karat gold is about 60% pure, the rest is a filler. Depending on the filler it could be made slightly magnetic. There is actually a theoretical recipe for 14 karat gold to be made permanently magnetic. Wouldn't that be fun?

[@kyrillis40]

Hi Fed, I’ve been watching you for a couple of years now, really enjoy the content. I have a question: is it ok to unscrew the helium escape screw on a omega planet ocean underwater? Thank you in advance!

[@christophergodeke2017]

Thanks for posting these!

[@thew60]

Thank you for the information on the 7750. I just got my Hamilton Intramatic auto chrono with a 7753 and was NOT made aware of this information regarding date change. THANK YOU!

[@jamaliciousben]

What kind of demagnitizer should professional watch shops use? I took my watch to a jeweler who said they demagnetized watches and they pulled the same little blue gadget out from under the counter...

[@theguardian3431]

Thanks, Fed. I noticed you put your watch quite close to the microphone a lot, even hitting it at one time during this video. Some microphones carry magnets with considerable strength, might cause an issue with your mechanical pieces.

[@Amaru_r]

Good advices! Thank u fed!

[@bumpyroad3251]

AFAIK it's not a good idea also to push the reset button on your chronograph without having stopped it previously. I'm not a watchmaker, so correct me if I'm wrong.

[@richardgreen8919]

Just seen this one.Some good advice.Thanks.

[@lmadigan1971]

WHATS A GOOD TIMEGRAPHER FOR A COLLECTOR I DONT WANT TO ADJUST IT JUST CHECK THE ACCURACY OF MY DIFFERENT WATCHES

[@sanchoMDB]

The studio is starting to look great!

[@andymci5981]

Hi Fed....any truth in the idea that cycling(road) damages automatic watches? or causes them to require more servicing? i read that somewhere and not sure if its true. great vid btw...Andy mci in uk.

[@marcellusatl10]

Of all the KZbin videos that I've watched this has to be the most valuable one. I am new to watch collecting I just started my first watch right now is a Seiko SNKK27

[@zash008]

Where can I get a divers wall clock like you have behind you there?

[@ariansadria747]

Thank you for cool and useful episod👌

[@SgtBFGunner]

Busted my watch the first time using the quickset date during the bewitching hours. Never change dates at night anymore. Watch repaired and back to normal. My favorite Bulova AccuSwiss blueface.

[@brucesoding9627]

Very helpful, thank you for the explanations too. 👍

[@greenkwaka]

definitely learned some good stuff.

[@kevorknourian5442]

Thank you for the valuable information

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

My pleasure

[@williamevans9426]

Excellent advice! Many might think these points are obvious or unimportant but I think it's worth reiterating this advice, even to so-called 'collectors'. (I am a novice, by the way, but would never object to advice from a knowledgeable individual, even if I become more experienced).

[@kevincorkery6292]

I did not know about the motorcycle problem. My handle bars do not vibrate but I will stick the watch in my pocket from now on. Thank you!

[@marktuyet]

So the moral of the story is , instead of paying big money for a luxury sports watch that you can't do shit with , buy a 50.00 Casio and enjoy your life .

[@jozefhrusecky3085]

As a watch guy, it's hard to argue that casio G-shock is not the best watch in the world. Of course not to be taken with the suit, but everywhere lese... ?

[@chrishunter9784]

The point of the video is telling those that enjoy/admire watches ways to not harm them. If you're not one of those types, you're on the wrong channel.

[@brecheisen3108]

Jozef Hrušecký thats why you can own both or even more

[@Dabologist]

I think if you want to spend money on something that you will enjoy it isn’t a waste. Why buy a nice car? Nice clothes? Why buy a diamond ring for your wife? Because it’s things we enjoy.

[@LouisWinthorpe622]

@@jozefhrusecky3085 True. Very true. I had a funny comment section argument with a guy who said G-Shocks are for kids. I thought I had shut him down with a run-down of facts about them but nope. He came back with a list of the Cartiers and Breitlings he owned and not only that, a list of his properties and a statement about his net worth and liquid cash flow and said he was a few levels above me 'Casio kid'. Of course, he could have been trolling but first I asked him if he was actually able to read words and string them together to extract their meaning (re: my list of G-Shock virtues like 200m water resistance, etc). Then I told him his watch purchases were just obvious choices that a football player or vulgar celebrity might buy on a trip to the mall. Lastly (and completely honestly) I stated 'Sorry, I don't do jealousy'. I don't think he'd banked on how much fun I get from writing like this. Maybe he's in the mafia and tracking me down to kill me, as I speak.

[@alurbanski1524]

Is any quartz ok for high-impact activity?

[@LouisWinthorpe622]

I'm surprised that comment didn't attract a crowd of mechanical-only watch-guys saying, "the higher the impact, the better".

[@TNTales]

If you have a quartz watch that runs on batteries (like the less expensive Bulova Curv I have) can you open it up to change the battery or is that something that is also too sensitive?

[@j.s.3414]

Quartz is much more resilient...a watch shop will tell you to bring it to them...but they're not doing anything special, you're only paying a way-to-high special price. If it's a dive watch, it would be worth taking to a shop for battery change because of the receipt. If it takes on moisture, you can argue that they compromised the water resistance and get it fixed.

[@LouisWinthorpe622]

I'd do it myself every time and have done, many times. I don't think there are any risks involved, like you are meaning. As long as you maybe watch a KZbin tutorial first. It's the same as what the guy in the shop does, only it's free. What they charge people for 3 or 4 minutes work is a racket. You only have to 1) know the name of the right battery that's printed on the old one, 2) get a silver oxide one, not alkaline, 3) lightly lubricate the o-ring gasket that seals the caseback with a little cheap SILICONE grease by running it between your thumb and forefinger (silicone grease doesn't perish rubber, plumbers use it too). If anyone thinks there's anything wrong in any of that, I would be happy to stand corrected.

[@LouisWinthorpe622]

Bulova Curvs are amazing watches. Ingenious design. You must love it. Excellent choice. I want one too.

[@kongmw]

Thanks for the solid advice!

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@kurtnunn6116]

Great knowledge Fed! Thanks!

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

Glad you enjoyed it Kurt

[@MA-mg4cd]

literally started buying watched so I could check the time on my bike. I like automatics, but if that's gonna mess it up, what should I get?

[@HighCoup333]

The US "falls back" today, does anyone know do we need to advance the time 23 hrs forward or can we just roll back an hour on our analog watches? Thanks.

[@michaelwilliams5506]

you should be able to roll back 1 hour. don't know why you wouldn't

[@HighCoup333]

@@michaelwilliams5506 my Flightmaster Alarm instruction book says set the time by going past one hour ahead then back 1 hour to the current time. Don't know why either, but it does specify in the manual. Cheers!

[@gammondog]

I have never damaged a watch rolling it back. I do prefer to avoid it but once a year shouldn't be a problem for most movements. I'd check the manual or try to find a PDF copy of it online. The manufacturer's site would be my first try.

[@LouisWinthorpe622]

@@HighCoup333 True because, as I understand it, that's how you 'take up the slack' on a quartz movement. With a mechanical, it's the opposite; you set the minute hand to a minute marker 'from behind' (from the direction that the movement runs). In both cases, if you don't do it, even when you've lined the minute hand up to bang-on the marker, there might be a delay of a few seconds before the hand starts moving, so the next time your second hand passes the 12, your minute hand will be somewhere in between 2 minute markers. Hand alignment is something some people (like me) can get a bit obsessed about. It sometimes takes me 2 or 3 attempts to get it right. But I'm not as obsessive about it as some people I've read about who set their minute hands up wearing a jeweller's loupe on their eye.

[@billcosgrave6232]

Good practical advice.

[@TheYjmfan]

My brother has an omega moon watch 1970 year of manufacture he went in the sea and the glass steamed up with condensation he wasn’t very pleased.

[@hugohugo37]

I happened to notice Rick in an episode of "Pawn Stars" wearing a Rolex (IIRC) while shooting at a gun range. Just seems like a bad idea- lots of jarring shocks. For me, I go by, "if in doubt, wear your beater watch".

[@tandembike2]

I like Frederico. With that said, the inflections and intonations in which you speak, make me think you are talking about the don't of laying on train tracks.

[@rahoolification]

can you please review the Omega Speedmaster Racing? Thank you fed!!

[@michaelgoggin4659]

Thanks, your alway great and informative.

[@goldcds]

Great video

[@masterg7895]

Thank you Federico

[@ottowilliamhalim4116]

Does putting your watch near your cell phones for a long period can magnetized the watch ?

[@sealevelbear]

Otto William Halim Yes. Also speakers, iPad cases, and laptops.

[@macoyupadoodle]

Some countries have bad roads which makes your steering wheel vibrate especially in sport cars , would this be bad for a watch ?

[@mountainhobo]

A fellow Californian, I see.

[@macoyupadoodle]

mountainhobo hahahahha much WORSE sir , im from the Philippines and our roads here make the moon surface feel like a newly frozen lake. I find Californian roads quite good (i vacation there often to visit family)

[@mountainhobo]

Some years ago I drove cross country. I remember entering Texas and driving through it. I will never again look at California roads with anything but contempt.

[@macoyupadoodle]

mountainhobo hahahahahahahaha the city roads are not that bad , but yeah driving to Vagas there are some parts that are quite uneven.

[@mountainhobo]

"the city roads are not that bad" -- You need to visit San Jose.

[@sharmaLlama]

Thank you Frederico...👍... very good info.....😀

[@1018Frankie]

Good advice!

[@cavechav]

Great info Federico!

[@MrSanrioent]

Great content. Very helpful.

[@thebikerkid6]

Good advice, did not know the one about motorcycle riding😮

[@HighCoup333]

Me neither, but it provides a good excuse to buy another tool watch for my collection.

[@alexweiner7499]

Did not know the one about motorcycling! This one’s a big deal for me.

[@lukerhoads]

Well I didn't know about not to play with a watch during golf. Thanks fed

[@jameswong6590]

What about clapping my hands at a concert? Is that consider high impact activity?

[@FedericoTalksWatches]

I guess it CAN be if you do it for a very extended period of time.

[@jameswong6590]

@@FedericoTalksWatches thanks Fed

[@rivetgunner]

Federico, I was told from a dealer that you should never adjust ANY mechanical watch, whether it be the Explorer I or the Alpinist, within the hours 21- 4. Did I get an incorrect advice from him?

[@simonr7097]

Not all, but many movements can be harmed this way. It doesn't hurt to play it safe rather than try to remember the specifics of each of your watches (especially for a salesman surrounded by 100s of watches).

[@robertschriek812]

Thanks!