If you have a hand-wound watch, it is advisable to wind it every morning. Mechanical watches must be serviced at least every three to five years to have the mechanics checked and relubricated. The tiny parts inside the watch are under tremendous strain, so friction is their greatest enemy. Lubrication prevents the bearings from drying out and grinding away the steel parts.

Exposing your watch to high temperatures, such as placing it on the dashboard of your vehicle or submerging it in a hot tub, may cause the watch to malfunction, may shorten battery life, or may damage its internal components. Leaving the watch in extreme cold temperatures may cause irregular timekeeping.

Do not expose an analogue quartz watch to magnetism. If you do, it may temporarily stop operating or may show gain or loss in time.

To ensure that it maintains its water resistance, make sure the crown of the watch is always pushed against the case. You should have your watch checked once a year for water resistance. Condensation inside your watch is an indication that its water resistance has been affected.

For maximum performance, regularly wipe your watch with a clean, soft cloth. Stains, water spots and dirt that have accumulated on the case, crystal or bank may cause premature wear. If you use your water-resistant watch in the shower, chlorinated water or saltwater, rinse it with fresh water and dry it thoroughly afterwards.

Care for the Crystal Surface

• A watch may have a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal face, but that doesn't mean you should toss your watch on top of the dresser or into a drawer at the end of the day. It is better to store or wrap it in a soft cloth before placing it down.
• Replace broken or scratched crystals immediately. Even a hairline crack can bring dust or moisture into the mechanism, affecting the accuracy.

Care for Metal Bracelets

• If you participate in activities that cause you to sweat excessively, you may want to consider getting a watch with a metal bracelet or rubber strap, rather than a leather strap.
• Since the metal bracelet is worn next to the skin, it collects dust and perspiration, which becomes soiled if not cleaned regularly. This is particularly true of the inner mesh of the bracelet.
• When soil and rust are present in a bracelet, they are dissolved by perspiration and can cause staining of the cuffs and, in some instances, irritation of the skin.
• Wipe dirt and perspiration off with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. If the watch is water resistant, you can occasionally clean the bracelet with a soft brush and warm soapy water. Dry the bracelet completely.
• A toothpick can also be used to clean any dirt that has built up in the bracelet or casing of the watch.

Care for Leather Straps

• Straps that are made of natural and genuine leather will gradually deteriorate with constant exposure to perspiration. If not cleaned, perspiration can wash out the natural oils and cause the leather to become dry. Any moisture should be blotted with a soft cloth or paper towel and the strap should be allowed to dry naturally.
• Salt residue and soil can be removed from leather straps by cleaning it with a dampened soft cloth and mild soap (or saddle soap, which is special leather soap).
• Wear the strap slightly loose, with an allowance of one finger space between the wrist and strap. This invites air circulation and allows any moisture to evaporate.

Care for Rubber Straps

• Rubber straps should be washed frequently with mild soap and warm water using a soft brush.
• Solvents, oils, perspiration, tanning lotions and salt can cause rubber to deteriorate if not removed.

What should I do to arrange a QNET watch repair?

If your Bernhard H. Mayer watch requires repair, here’s what you should do:

1. Contact the QNET Global Support Centre (GSC) to request repair assistance. You may reach the QNET GSC at the following details:

Global (All Languages)

• global.support@qnet.net
• +6015 4600 0328

You may also submit your repair request via the GSC’s Online contact form

International Toll-Free Numbers

• Hong Kong: 800 906 622
• India: 000 800 050 1417
• India Hotline*: +91 8880632532
• Indonesia: 0080349248340566
• Malaysia: 1 800 819 772
• Philippines: 1 800 1 312 0051
• Singapore: 800 852 8383
• Thailand: 1 800 019 587
• USA: 888 735 0751
• UAE: 800 0120 073

*All calls are free-of-charge when made from within the stated country, with the exception of the India Hotline, which is charged at local call rates (international call rates apply for calls made from outside the India Hotline).

2. Once you’ve contacted GSC, a customer service representative will determine which QNET office and authorised service centre is closest to you, and you will be instructed on how to send your watch to GSC for assessment and repair.

You may opt to mail the watch to QNET at your cost or drop it off at the nearest QNET office if there is one in your area. Remember to pack your watch securely to protect it during transportation and prevent further damage. Here are some tips on how to do this:

• Wrap your watch in tissue paper, paper towel, or clear plastic bag. You may also use bubble wrap for added protection.
• Do not let any tape or adhesive directly touch your watch.
• Avoid using paper-based bubble mailers, as these may tear during transport.
• Use a rigid cardboard box and ensure the wrapped watch is centred with additional padding like foam or packing peanuts to prevent movement during transit.

3. Upon receiving your watch, the customer service rep will liaise with the service centre to assess the issue and proceed with the necessary repairs.

• If your watch is still under warranty, the repairs will be conducted by authorised technicians and include maintenance. Shipping the watch to the service centre and back to the customer after repair will also be free of charge.
• If your watch is not covered by warranty, a customer service rep will inform you about the repair costs, including any shipping fees you need to pay.

Please note that the shipping fees mentioned do not cover any applicable import taxes and duties in your country.

4. The repair process typically takes around 2-3 weeks to complete, depending on the damage. Once the repairs are finished, a trained professional at GSC will conduct a quality check on your watch to ensure the issue has been fixed.

5. Finally, the customer service rep will inform you of the completed repairs and arrange for the return of your watch. Your repaired watch shall receive an additional warranty of 12 months, covering only the issue that has been fixed.

Through these steps, you can ensure that your QNET watch receives the necessary care and attention it deserves.

How do I know if my watch is still under warranty?

Every Bernhard H. Mayer watch comes with a minimum two-year warranty from the date of purchase. It is important to note that these watches are only sold by QNET through its Independent Distributors; you will immediately know that your watch is both authentic and under warranty if it comes with the following certificates:

For Bernhard H. Mayer watches

• Statement of Authenticity
• International Guarantee

Why should I get my watches repaired only at service centres authorised by QNET?

There are several reasons why getting your watch repaired by an authorised service centre, especially for luxury brands like Bernhard H. Mayer, is important:

Maintaining Warranty

• Crucial for coverage: Repairs by unauthorised entities typically void the warranty. This means you’ll foot the bill for any future issues arising from the initial repair, even if unrelated.
• Peace of mind: Authorised service centres ensure repairs fall within the warranty coverage, offering peace of mind and potential cost savings.
  

Expertise and Quality

• Trained professionals: The experts at QNET’s authorised service centres are trained specifically on the brand’s intricate mechanisms, guaranteeing the repair aligns with its quality standards.
• Genuine parts: They use genuine parts, crucial for maintaining the watch’s authenticity, value, and performance over time.
• Proper tools and diagnostics: Authorised centres possess specialised tools and diagnostic equipment unavailable to most independent repairers, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective repairs.

Transparency and Trust

• Clear communication: The QNET GSC will provide transparent communication regarding the repair process, timeline, and costs, based on the assessment of the authorised service centre.
• Documented history: Repairs are documented and stored within the brand’s system, creating a clear history for future reference or warranty claims.
• Brand reputation: Choosing authorised service centres upholds the brand’s reputation for excellence and ensures your watch receives the treatment it deserves.

Additional Benefits

• Extended warranties: QNET extended warranties or service plans for added protection after the repair has been done at the authorised centre.
• Convenience and efficiency: QNET offers convenient options like mail-in repair or drop-off at certain QNET agent offices.

While independent repair or service professionals might offer lower prices, the potential risks associated with warranties, expertise, and quality often outweigh the cost savings. For a valuable luxury watch from a prestige brand such as Bernhard H. Mayer, entrusting it to authorised service centres ensures its legacy, performance, and value are preserved for generations to come.