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cvalue13
·When you’ve already selected the model of new watch to buy, but you are then handed an example of that model as a candidate for purchase: what QC issues do you look for?
Individual examples may contain some imperfections, warning signs, or annoyances that - ideally - aren’t found on another example of the same model. But in the excitement of the boutique or AD showroom (or even the return period), these imperfections can be missed.
My aspiration here is to create (with help from he membership) a thread that collects a checklist of “quality control” items to be remembered when presented with an example of a first-owner/new watch for purchase. (Vintage/used watches may have an overlapping checklist, but are a separate context that deserves different treatment.)
These checklist items are not intended to address topics in selecting a model to buy (e.g., length of warranty offered by manufacturer, case size, rating of water resistance, etc.), but instead assume that you’ve already selected the model to buy and are now only seeking to confirm that the example being presented to you for purchase is in good order and as-expected condition and performance.
This is inspired by the occasional seasoned or new member only later finding that they’ve ‘discovered’ in their new watch some imperfection that now niggles at them (at best). For just one example: with a display caseback, will you later be irritated to find that your example’s regulator is pushed fully toward the ‘R’? Had the retailer have had a second example on hand with the regulator at dead center, would your OCD be less triggered?
Below I’ve offered my few initial checklist items. If others are so kind as to contribute, I’ll later revise this initial post’s list to include those contributions. I’ll attempt, at first, to organize in some coherent outline structure that might serve as an order-of-operations while reviewing an example.
During such a review, items discovered/issues noted may or may not substantiate any change in the desire to purchase depending on your expectations (e.g., as between a $1,000 or $10,000 watch, different QC expectations might exist). Also, the retailer’s response to any noted items discovered (e.g., a rebate, an replacement example, etc.) may offset any discovered issues.
Looking forward to learning other’s tips (and OCD triggers).
In all, the items below may help find overlooked issues (a real problem), or merely avoid an unexpected imperfection (a minor flaw that may be acceptable, but sits better when accepted intentionally before purchase).
Quality Control Checklist for New Watch Purchases
I. To Bring (Or Have Retailer Make Available)
A. Loupe (for examining details)
B. [other?]
II. Watch Head: Cosmetic Review
At both arm’s length and then with a loupe, review entire watch head case, dial, crystal, and hands for any visual imperfections, noting also:
A. Case: note any ‘dings’ or scratches (especially at transitions between finishes, or at bevels in the case, which may be particularly difficult to remedy later)
B. Dial (and Hands): fully rotate all hands (including GMT, chronograph, or other auxiliary hands) so as to reveal any ‘hidden’ blemishes on the dial that may be obscured by hands, as well as to check the hands themselves from various angles
C: Indices: carefully review for missing, misaligned, off-center, etc., indices
D. Case-back: review all markings for anything unusual, missing (consider comparing to sales photo of caseback markings)
E. Crystal: carefully check for imperfections, but also possible misalignment of any ‘engraved’ or ‘etched’ letters/symbols in the crystal
F. Edges-test: run your thumb or other finger over all the case edges, caseback markings, etc., to confirm there are no notable burrs or questionable edges
G. Movement: if a display caseback, inspect for imperfections; check also the position of the regulation (while not necessarily problematic functionally, an off-centre position may be visually or notionally bothering)
H. [other?]
III. Watch Head: Functional Review
Generally operate all watch functions for expected performance, noting also:
A. Central/Main Hands Sweep: using the crown, slowly rotate the hands a full sweep of the dial in both directions, noting any jumpy/laggy or unusual “feel” to the time-setting
B. Central/Main Hands Alignment: using crown, place hour hand at the precise middle of a 3, 6, 9, or 12 indices and then note whether the minute hand is correspondingly in the precise middle of the 12 indices
C. GMT/Dual Time: operate any auxiliary time hands for correct function and behavior, confirm if jumping-hour, confirm whether “traveler” or “caller” style meets expectations, etc.
D. Chronograph: confirm that chronograph hands are centered to appropriate starting indices; operate chronograph start and return functions; confirm hands return to center of appropriate indices
E. Bezel Operation: whether an external or internal bezel, operate bezel and confirm expected operation (i.e., whether bi-directional, uni-directional, clicks at minute or sub-minute, etc.) and feel
F. Other Functions: whether an He valve, or perpetual calendar crown/pusher arrangement, etc., operate these functions (according to any retailer guidance) to confirm function/feel meets expectations
G. Sound: If possible, under quiet conditions, note the sound level of the running movement
H. Lume: check consistent/expected lume performance
I. [other?]
IIII (😉). Bracelet/Strap Cosmetics & Function
A. Visual Flaw Review: using loop, check bracelet/strap for any visual imperfections
B. Operation Review (pre-sizing): generally confirm expected operation of bracelet clasp/strap deployant on/off performance
C. Post-Sizing: if possible, post-sizing confirm that when open the bracelet clasp/strap deployant provides sufficient room for hand ingress/egress; also confirm retailer has “evenly” sized bracelet (leaving clasp appropriately centered at under-wrist)
D. [other?]
V. Warranty Card, Box & Etc.
Don’t forget to check your freebies 😗😁
As for the warranty card: while no longer necessary to have or be filled out (it’s done electronically), some of us like our paperwork neat.
Individual examples may contain some imperfections, warning signs, or annoyances that - ideally - aren’t found on another example of the same model. But in the excitement of the boutique or AD showroom (or even the return period), these imperfections can be missed.
My aspiration here is to create (with help from he membership) a thread that collects a checklist of “quality control” items to be remembered when presented with an example of a first-owner/new watch for purchase. (Vintage/used watches may have an overlapping checklist, but are a separate context that deserves different treatment.)
These checklist items are not intended to address topics in selecting a model to buy (e.g., length of warranty offered by manufacturer, case size, rating of water resistance, etc.), but instead assume that you’ve already selected the model to buy and are now only seeking to confirm that the example being presented to you for purchase is in good order and as-expected condition and performance.
This is inspired by the occasional seasoned or new member only later finding that they’ve ‘discovered’ in their new watch some imperfection that now niggles at them (at best). For just one example: with a display caseback, will you later be irritated to find that your example’s regulator is pushed fully toward the ‘R’? Had the retailer have had a second example on hand with the regulator at dead center, would your OCD be less triggered?
Below I’ve offered my few initial checklist items. If others are so kind as to contribute, I’ll later revise this initial post’s list to include those contributions. I’ll attempt, at first, to organize in some coherent outline structure that might serve as an order-of-operations while reviewing an example.
During such a review, items discovered/issues noted may or may not substantiate any change in the desire to purchase depending on your expectations (e.g., as between a $1,000 or $10,000 watch, different QC expectations might exist). Also, the retailer’s response to any noted items discovered (e.g., a rebate, an replacement example, etc.) may offset any discovered issues.
Looking forward to learning other’s tips (and OCD triggers).
In all, the items below may help find overlooked issues (a real problem), or merely avoid an unexpected imperfection (a minor flaw that may be acceptable, but sits better when accepted intentionally before purchase).
Quality Control Checklist for New Watch Purchases
I. To Bring (Or Have Retailer Make Available)
A. Loupe (for examining details)
B. [other?]
II. Watch Head: Cosmetic Review
At both arm’s length and then with a loupe, review entire watch head case, dial, crystal, and hands for any visual imperfections, noting also:
A. Case: note any ‘dings’ or scratches (especially at transitions between finishes, or at bevels in the case, which may be particularly difficult to remedy later)
B. Dial (and Hands): fully rotate all hands (including GMT, chronograph, or other auxiliary hands) so as to reveal any ‘hidden’ blemishes on the dial that may be obscured by hands, as well as to check the hands themselves from various angles
C: Indices: carefully review for missing, misaligned, off-center, etc., indices
D. Case-back: review all markings for anything unusual, missing (consider comparing to sales photo of caseback markings)
E. Crystal: carefully check for imperfections, but also possible misalignment of any ‘engraved’ or ‘etched’ letters/symbols in the crystal
F. Edges-test: run your thumb or other finger over all the case edges, caseback markings, etc., to confirm there are no notable burrs or questionable edges
G. Movement: if a display caseback, inspect for imperfections; check also the position of the regulation (while not necessarily problematic functionally, an off-centre position may be visually or notionally bothering)
H. [other?]
III. Watch Head: Functional Review
Generally operate all watch functions for expected performance, noting also:
A. Central/Main Hands Sweep: using the crown, slowly rotate the hands a full sweep of the dial in both directions, noting any jumpy/laggy or unusual “feel” to the time-setting
B. Central/Main Hands Alignment: using crown, place hour hand at the precise middle of a 3, 6, 9, or 12 indices and then note whether the minute hand is correspondingly in the precise middle of the 12 indices
C. GMT/Dual Time: operate any auxiliary time hands for correct function and behavior, confirm if jumping-hour, confirm whether “traveler” or “caller” style meets expectations, etc.
D. Chronograph: confirm that chronograph hands are centered to appropriate starting indices; operate chronograph start and return functions; confirm hands return to center of appropriate indices
E. Bezel Operation: whether an external or internal bezel, operate bezel and confirm expected operation (i.e., whether bi-directional, uni-directional, clicks at minute or sub-minute, etc.) and feel
F. Other Functions: whether an He valve, or perpetual calendar crown/pusher arrangement, etc., operate these functions (according to any retailer guidance) to confirm function/feel meets expectations
G. Sound: If possible, under quiet conditions, note the sound level of the running movement
H. Lume: check consistent/expected lume performance
I. [other?]
IIII (😉). Bracelet/Strap Cosmetics & Function
A. Visual Flaw Review: using loop, check bracelet/strap for any visual imperfections
B. Operation Review (pre-sizing): generally confirm expected operation of bracelet clasp/strap deployant on/off performance
C. Post-Sizing: if possible, post-sizing confirm that when open the bracelet clasp/strap deployant provides sufficient room for hand ingress/egress; also confirm retailer has “evenly” sized bracelet (leaving clasp appropriately centered at under-wrist)
D. [other?]
V. Warranty Card, Box & Etc.
Don’t forget to check your freebies 😗😁
As for the warranty card: while no longer necessary to have or be filled out (it’s done electronically), some of us like our paperwork neat.
Edited:
