Watch is no longer working properly after a knock

My watch has fallen

If your watch has fallen or received a stronger knock, it can be affected even if no damage is visible on the outside at first.

Mechanical components, the crown, the glass or the seals can be put under strain by a knock. That's why you should keep a closer eye on the watch afterwards.

What should I check right after a knock?

First, take a look at the watch from the outside and pay particular attention to:

• the glass
• the case
• the crown
• any pushers, if present
• the strap
• the clasp
• the connection between the strap and the case

Also check whether:

• the watch still runs normally
• the hands move as usual
• the time and date can be set correctly
• the crown can be operated normally
• on a chronograph, the pushers still work
• any unusual noises occur

Can the watch be damaged even if nothing is visible from the outside?

Yes.

A stronger knock can affect components inside the watch without any damage being immediately visible from the outside.

With a mechanical watch, for example, sensitive parts of the movement can be affected. This can change the accuracy or cause the watch to stop later on.

Seals can also be affected by a strong knock. That's why you should keep a particularly close eye on a watch after a heavy impact.

My automatic watch is suddenly running fast or slow after the knock

If the deviation in accuracy has changed noticeably right after a knock, the movement may have been affected by the impact.

A slight deviation in accuracy is generally normal for a mechanical watch. However, it is particularly noticeable if:

• the watch suddenly runs noticeably faster or slower than before
• the deviation has changed significantly from one day to the next
• the watch deviates by several minutes within a short period of time

In this case, we recommend a technical check.

The watch has stopped after the knock

If your automatic watch has stopped, first wind it carefully via the crown.

If it then runs normally again, you can keep observing its behaviour for a while.

If it keeps stopping despite being wound sufficiently, or only runs for a short time, it should be checked.

With a quartz or solar watch, you should also pay attention to whether it stopped immediately after the knock or shows other unusual signs.

The watch has been making noises since the knock

Light running or rotor noises are generally normal for mechanical watches.

However, if new noises suddenly occur after a knock, for example:

• rattling
• grinding
• scraping
• an unusually loud whirring
• or a noise that sounds like a loose component,

you should not move or shake the watch vigorously.

In this case, please contact our customer service.

The crown or a pusher feels different

If, after a knock, the crown:

• turns more stiffly
• feels unusually loose
• no longer clicks properly into place
• sits at an angle
• can no longer be pulled out or pushed in,

you should not use any force.

The same applies to the pushers of a chronograph.

Forceful operation could make any existing damage worse.

The glass or case is damaged

If the glass is cracked or badly damaged, we recommend not wearing the watch any further.

Damaged glass can allow moisture, dust or small particles to get into the case. There is also a risk of injury if the glass breaks.

The watch should also be checked in the event of more serious damage to the case or crown.

Can a knock affect water resistance?

Yes.

A strong impact can affect the glass, the crown, the case or the seals fitted inside it, among other things.

Even if nothing is visible on the outside, we cannot be certain, after a strong knock, that the original water resistance is still fully intact.

If you suspect that the watch has been damaged more seriously, you should therefore avoid exposing it to water until it has been checked, if possible.

What about the strap and the clasp?

After a fall, also check the strap carefully.

Pay particular attention to whether:

• spring bars or lugs seem loose
• the strap is damaged or torn
• the clasp still closes securely
• on a metal strap, individual links are damaged or loose

If the connection between the watch and the strap no longer seems secure, please don't wear the watch for the time being. Otherwise, it could come loose from your wrist and fall again.

Can I keep wearing the watch for now?

If:

• no damage is visible from the outside,
• the watch runs normally,
• the crown and functions can be operated as usual
• and no unusual noises occur,

you can keep an eye on the watch for now.

Over the next few days, pay particular attention to whether:

• the accuracy changes
• the power reserve becomes shorter
• the watch suddenly stops
• new noises develop
• or moisture becomes visible under the glass

When should I contact our customer service?

Please get in touch with us if, after a knock or fall:

• the watch stops running
• it keeps stopping repeatedly
• it suddenly runs noticeably fast or slow
• unusual noises occur
• the glass is damaged or cracked
• the crown or pushers no longer work properly
• the case is visibly damaged
• the strap or clasp can no longer be used securely
• moisture is visible under the glass
• or you're unsure because of a stronger impact

Please send us, if possible:

• the exact model of your watch
• your order number, if available
• a brief description of what happened
• roughly from what height the watch fell, or how strong the knock was
• what surface the watch fell onto
• what changes you've noticed since then
• photos of any visible damage
• in the case of unusual noises, ideally a short video with sound

This helps us better assess whether the watch can be kept under observation for now or whether a technical check makes sense.