Watch Care & Service

After-Sales-Service is seen as one of the most important reasons to purchase high quality Swiss Made watches. At Alpina watches we value a continued relationship with you, our customer. You may always contact us if any comments or questions. Your watch is guaranteed for a period of two years. Beyond, we will also gladly service your watch for a minimal fee. We invite you to check our website and find a Service Center near you.





TAKING CARE OF YOUR ALPINA WATCH


  •  Swimming in salt water: makes sure to rinse your watch with fresh water immediately after your swim.
  • Normal crown: to prevent humidity from entering the case, make sure the crown is always pushed back in the wearing position. Do not use chronograph pushers under water.
  • Screw-in crown: to prevent water or humidity from entering the case, make sure the crown is always tightly screwed into the case. Do not use chronograph pushers under water.
  • Water-resistance: the water-resistance of a watch cannot be guaranteed in all situations or permanently. The water-resistance can be affected by a shock to the crown, the ageing of gaskets (for example, due to the action of chemical products), etc.
  • Shocks to the watch: different types of shocks – whether chemical, thermal, physical, magnetic or other – can affect your watch. Try to avoid shocks to your watch.
  • Temperature: avoid exposure to temperatures greater than 60°C (140°F), or below 0°C (32°F). Also avoid extreme changes in temperature, such as putting the watch in extremely cold water after prolonged exposure to the sun.
  • Magnetism: avoid placing your watch on iPads, computers, loudspeakers, mobile phones or refrigerators. These devices generate powerful magnetic fields that can affect the precision of your watch.
  • Care and cleaning of metal bracelets,rubber straps and water-resistant metal cases: clean with soapy water and a toothbrush and dry with a soft cloth.
  • Chemical products: avoid direct contact with chemical cleaning agents, solvents, detergents, cosmetics and other chemical products, as they may damage your case, bracelet or rubber gaskets.

 

SERVICE & SERVICE INTERVALS

Like any other mechanical precision instrument, it is important to service a watch at regular intervals to make sure it performs correctly and accurately as general rule, and depending on how you use your watch and the conditions in which you use it.
WE ADVISE YOU TO HAVE YOUR WATCH SERVICED EVERY 4 TO 5 YEARS.
Find the list of our Official Retailers and Service Centres here.


MECHANICAL WATCHES

The balance wheel in an automatic Alpina watch swings 28,800 times an hour and the gear train moves forward 691,200 times in 24 hours. In four years, this represents over one billion impulses! We advise you to bring your watch every 3-4 years to an official Alpina Retailer or Service Center, where a trained watchmaker will meticulously inspect it before thoroughly cleaning and lubricating the movement.

WATER-RESISTANCE

A watch is not water resistant unless stated on the dial or case back. Watches that are not claimed water-resistant, should not be worn whilst washing hands, dishes or showering etc. The notation of water resistance to a given depth (e.g. 5ATM/50m/150ft, 10ATM/100m/300ft etc.) is based on the fact that the case has been designed to withstand a static laboratory test to the stated depth. Most water-resistant watches are not designed for prolonged and active use in water. The figures quoted refer to static pressure. The actual water pressure on the watch during use will be greater than the static pressure. For instance, diving pressure on the watch is clearly greater at the impact point with the water during poolside diving. Condensation can also be a problem. A sealed watch will pick up body warmth in water and this remains in the case. If the watch is then suddenly plunged into water that is some degrees colder, moisture can then be created within the watch and become visible as small droplets under the glass. This normally dissipates on its own accord once the watch is removed from the water, but it is not always the case.

The water-resistance rating of your watch was determined and checked when it was manufactured at our workshops. It does not imply a lifetime guarantee against water entering into the watch. Your watch is water-resistant only when the crown is fully pushed-in against the case. If your watch has a screw-in crown, it must be tightly screwed into the case. Your watch is not water-resistant if the crown is in the winding or time-setting positions. Likewise, pushers should not be operated while the watch is wet or in water. Ageing and normal day-to-day handling affect the water-resistance of your watch. Avoid temperature extremes (immersing the watch in cold water after a prolonged period in the hot sun) that can damage the gaskets as well as any other shocks – chemical, physical or other – which might compromise the technical integrity of the watch case. We advise you to bring your watch to an Official Alpina Retailer or Service Center for a water-resistance check every 2-3 years.

 ACCURACY

Each Alpina watch is individually adjusted and tested on its accuracy before leaving the workshop.

Accuracy for each caliber: 

LEATHER STRAP CARE

We recommend you adhere to the following indications to keep your leather strap in good condition for as long as possible:

  • Avoid contact with water and humidity to prevent discoloration and deformation.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun to prevent discoloration.
  • Avoid contact with greasy substances, cosmetic products and any other chemical agent.

Leather is an organic and permeable material and therefore will not last for ever in its original condition. However, if you adopt the steps above it will last for many years. You can replace your leather strap at any Official Alpina Retailer.

 ANTI-REFLECTIVE TREATMENT OF THE SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL

The anti-reflective treatment of the sapphire crystal improves the visibility and contrast of your watch’s dial. Normal daily use and wear and tear may cause marks to appear on the coating. These are considered normal and are therefore not covered by the warranty.

 SCREW-IN CROWN

Some Alpina watches have a screw-in crown, which must be unscrewed to change the time or the date. After use, the crown must be pressed against the case and screwed in tightly. Failure to do so will compromise the water-resistance of your watch.