CHARMEX OF SWITZERLAND™ FAQ
ACCURACY
In general any quartz timepiece will have a precision tolerance of some +/4 seconds per day, a mechanical timepiece some +/- 20 seconds and a Chronometer certified mechanical timepiece +/- 7 seconds. However, by using choice materials and the best possible Swiss Made movements, our watches are usually more accurate than this.
Q Your timepiece is not as accurate as indicated above
A If you own one of our quartz models, this might be a sign that the battery is low. See WATCH BATTERY, REPLACEMENT
If you own one of our mechanical models, please ensure you only measure the accuracy after wearing the watch for at least a day; the accuracy will always be less if the watch has not been worn for a prolonged time. If your mechanical timepiece is still not accurate the movement may need servicing (see MAINTENANCE). Please contact the retailer you bought the watch from and ensure you still have the stamped warranty booklet. Should you have bought your watch through an authorized online store: please contact the service station mentioned on our website under AMBASSADORS. Should there be no service station for your country please send your watch together with the stamped warranty booklet directly to Montres Charmex by registered mail:
Montres Charmex SA
PO Box
CH-4416 Bubendorf / Switzerland
If you own one of our chronometer certified models (e.g. PRESIDENT) the accuracy you should theoretically be able to achieve is the one described in the chronometer certificate which was handed over to you together with the watch.
AUTHENTICITY
All of Charmex's authentic timepieces have a five-digit alpha-numerical serial number engraved on the caseback (eg. S/2685 etc.)
Q You are not sure whether your timepiece is one of our original CHARMEX OF SWITZERLAND™ watches
A Do please compare the watch to those on the manufacturer's website www.charmex.ch and ensure that the original CHARMEX OF SWITZERLAND™ logo appears on the dial.
BASELWORLD
Q You have heard about this trade show but do not know any details?
A The BASELWORLD is the world’s biggest Watch & Jewelry Fair; it is held annually in Basel, Switzerland and attracts up to 100’000 trade visitors from all over the world. For more details visit www.baselworld.com.
BRACELET
Before continuing please ensure your watch is one of our genuine Swiss Military watches by checking the authenticity on our website:
www.swiss-military.com/authentication.php
Q The metal bracelet of your timepiece does not fit you.
A Any authorized watch maker will be able to shorten the bracelet. Do ensure you keep any links removed. Should you attempt to shorten the bracelet yourself please note that any damage thus occurred is not covered by the warranty. There are two systems used in metal bracelets: links connected with push pins and links connected with screws. The push pins can only be removed in the direction as indicated by the arrow on the links! Please note that all bracelets come in one standard length only.
BRAND
Q Where can I learn more about the CHARMEX OF SWITZERLAND™ brand?
A About CHARMEX OF SWITZERLAND™ on Charmexwatches.com
CATALOG
Q Is there a CHARMEX OF SWITZERLAND™ catalog?
A We offer an Image Brochure containing some of our most popular models. Do contact us, we will be happy to assist you. Alternatively, all our current models are shown on our website www.charmexwatches.com.
CIRCONIA
Q What is a circonia (sometimes spelledl zirconia)?
A Some of our models have set diamonds, others have set circonias. A circonia is zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), a white crystalline oxide of zirconium. Its most naturally occurring form is a rare mineral, baddeleyite. The high temperature cubic crystalline form, called 'cubic zirconia' is synthesized for use as a gemstone. The cubic crystal structured variety cubic zirconia is the best-known diamond simulant.
CONCIERGE SERVICE
Before continuing please ensure your watch is one of our genuine CX Swiss Military watches by checking the authenticity on our website:
www.swiss-military.com/authentication.php
Q What is the Concierge Service about?
A CHARMEX OF SWITZERLAND™ offers those consumers who buy their top products a “VIP service” as known from 5-star hotels, frequent flyer schemes etc. This service incorporates e.g. a special e-mail contact address, special pre-information/-ordering of new top models, personalized newsletter, and high-end after sales service etc. An information brochure describing the Concierge Service in detail comes with any of their high-end timepieces.
Q Does CHARMEX OF SWITZERLAND™ have a Facebook fan page?
A Yes, they do – please visit www.facebook.com/charmex
Q Does CHARMEX NORTH AMERICA™ have a Facebook fan page?
A Yes, we do – please click HERE.
INSTRUCTIONS
Q You did not receive an instruction booklet explaining the functions of your watch
A Please check out the movement of your watch on our website www.swiss-military.com/collection.php and then proceed to www.swiss-military.com/service.php for a download of the respective PDF file.
LEATHER STRAPS
Q Where does CHARMEX OF SWITZERLAND™ get their leather straps from?
A All of Charmex's genuine leather straps are either made in Switzerland or imported from France. In general, Charmex uses genuine calf leather. Any exotic leathers used are from reputable sources only, from farmed animals held under sustainable conditions and the relevant straps always come with the official CITES certificate.
LUMINESCENCE
Q How long will the luminous parts of the dial and hands be visible for at night?
A In the early days of watch making radio-active radium and then tritium where used by some manufacturers on dials and hands. This is now a thing of the past. CX Swiss Military Watch prides itself on the fact that they have never used any radio-active materials in their products. The luminous material used by CX Swiss Military Watch is Super-Luminova and, as it is not radio-active, needs activation by being exposed to bright light for an extended period of time. The luminosity thus achieved will last, although with a decreasing intensity, for up to 8 hours.
MAINTENANCE
Like all high-precision instruments a watch, too, needs to be serviced regularly. The service intervals depend on the model, the climate and the wear and tear the watch is exposed to. Do avoid contact with any chemical products or strong magnetic fields
Q You own one of our mechanical watches and are uncertain about the maintenance required?
A CHARMEX OF SWITZERLAND™ suggests to service the mechanical movement every two years. Do bear in mind all their mechanical timepieces come with a lifelong warranty provided you have the watch serviced every two years. To this end do please send the watch directly to us by registered mail. The service costs USD 425.- and covers cleaning of the watch, cleaning of the movement, readjustment of the movement etc.
Q You own one of Charmex's quartz watches and are uncertain about the maintenance required?
A We suggest you regularly clean the case and the metal bracelet with a damp, soft brush and thoroughly dry the watch afterwards
Q You own one of Charmex's divers’ watches and are uncertain about the maintenance required?
A Regular maintenance involves rinsing with fresh water the watch and the bracelet after swimming or diving in salt water. Once a year the water resistance of your timepiece should be checked by an authorized watchmaker and the gaskets might have to be replaced if deemed necessary.
PLATING
Q You bought a watch that is gold plated. What exactly does this mean?
A All of Charmex's watches are either in stainless steel or in titanium. Some of the stainless steel watches are also gold plated – this means a coat of gold is applied to the watch case / bracelet. All of Charmex's gold plated watches are plated with a thickness of at least 5 to 10 micron to ensure the plating lasts for years. Do note that any plating can be scratched and contact with chemicals, cosmetics and perspiration in some cases may cause damage to the plating
PVD
Q You bought a watch which is PVD plated – what does this mean?
A All our watches are either in stainless steel or in titanium. Some of the stainless steel watches are also PVD plated. PVD stands for “Physical Vapor Deposition”. Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is an environmentally friendly vacuum coating process that provides brilliant and durable decorative finishes on watches etc. Our A-grade PVD plating ensures your watch will keep its appearance for years; do note though that any plating can be scratched and contact with chemicals, cosmetics and perspiration in some cases may cause damage to the plating
REPAIRS
Q You bought your watch from a retailer and your watch needs repair
A Please contact the retailer you bought the watch from and ensure you still have the stamped warranty booklet
Q You bought your watch online
A Please contact the service station mentioned on our website under AMBASSADORS. Should there be no service station for your country please send your watch together with the stamped warranty booklet directly to Montres Charmex by registered mail:
Montres Charmex SA
PO Box
CH-4416 Bubendorf / Switzerland
RETURN / EXCHANGE POLICY
As the leading online retailer of Charmex of Switzerland watches in the Americas, we continue to provide the best value to customers in the marketplace. All of our watches are originally packaged and are thoroughly inspected prior to shipping to ensure them to be free of any manufacturer's defects.
- All watches are shipped with a return seal. If this seal is removed, damaged, or manipulated, return is void. This seal MUST be present and unaltered for any returns.
- If you suspect that your watch may be somehow defective, please notify Charmex North America immediately. Do not attempt to repair the watch yourself or by anyone else.
- ALL returns must have a return authorization before being returned to us. Requests for RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) must be made within 15 days of order delivery, and return back to us no later than 6 days after an RMA been issued.
- Watches may not be worn, used, sized or altered in any way. Watches showing any sign of wear can not be returned.
- All returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee + $30.00 shipping charge for US orders and $60.00 for international orders. The 5% fee will be waived on watches returned for exchange for an item of equal or greater value.
- Watches with proven factory defects (as determined by Charmex North America) will be repaired or replaced with the same model if reported to us within 3 days of delivery. This does not include items damaged due to abuse, misuse, owners neglect to follow correct operating instructions, or water/condensation damage.
- Picture or description discrepancies on our web site or other advertising are not considered defects.
- Out of the box visual defects MUST be reported within 48 hours of delivery, otherwise a restocking fee may apply to cover the damage.
- All returns must include non-damaged packaging (preferably unopened) and be in resalable condition, containing all original contents (parts, instruction manuals...). Otherwise, additional restocking fees may apply.
- All shipping charges are not refundable.
- Once your order has shipped (tracking number has posted to your order), we are unable to cancel your order and the terms of this return policy apply.
- Shipments that are refused or returned to us as undeliverable will be processed as refunds according to this return policy.
- Charges for additional links are not refundable.
- Watches which have been sized (by anyone other than Charmex North America™) are not returnable.
- Freight charges for all returns will be the responsibility of the customer.
- International shipping surcharges and fees are not refundable.
Having stated the necessary legalities we are happy to report that we have not had a single return of any of our Charmex of Switzerland™ and/or CX Swiss Military Watches we have sold over the years.
RUBBER STRAPS
Q What type of maintenance is necessary with rubber straps?
A CHARMEX OF SWITZERLAND™ uses only use genuine rubber in their rubber straps. Its wearing comfort and anti-allergic properties are unrivalled. Under normal conditions of use a rubber strap will last up to four years. However, exposure to sun, salt water, chemicals / oils / cosmetic products or perspiration may cause premature deterioration. We therefore suggest for the everyday cleaning (especially after diving) to rinse with soapy lukewarm water, but without using a brush. Applying some deer sebum rubber care ointment on a regular basis will greatly extend the lifespan of your genuine rubber strap
SPARE / REPLACEMENT PARTS
Q You need spare parts (e.g. strap etc.) for your timepiece
A Please contact the retailer you bought the watch from and ensure you still have the stamped warranty booklet. Should you have bought your watch through our authorized online store: please contact the service station mentioned on our website under AMBASSADORS. Should there be no service station for your country please send your watch together with the stamped warranty booklet directly to Montres Charmex by registered mail:
Montres Charmex SA
PO Box
CH-4416 Bubendorf / Switzerland
TACHYMETER
Q What can you use the tachymeter scale for which is printed on the dial or bezel of some of our models?
A A tachymeter is an instrument for measuring speed, used in combination with a chronograph timepiece: the tachymeter scale indicates the speed in km/h based on a known distance of 1000 meters. Example: when driving on the highway, ask one passenger to stop the time it takes to cover 1000 meters (there usually are signs on highways every 1km); the central second hand – when stopped – will indicate the speed on the tachymeter scale
WARRANTY
Q Your watch needs a repair and you are not sure about the extent of the warranty
A When you bought your watch you received a warranty booklet which was stamped by your retailer / online shop. All details of your warranty are described therein. Please bear in mind all our mechanical timepieces come with a lifelong warranty provided you have the watch serviced every two years. To this end do please send the watch directly to us by registered mail. The service costs CHF 450.- and covers cleaning of the watch, cleaning of the movement, readjustment of the movement etc.
WATCH BATTERY, LIFE-TIME
Q What is the average life-time of a watch battery?
A On average you can expect some two to four years, depending on the type of movement and how often you may use certain additional functions. You can prolong the life-time by pulling out the crown into position 3 (the second hand stops moving) when the watch is not worn over a longer period. Do please note that a prolonged use of the chronograph function will deplete your watch’s battery rather quickly. Many of the movements used by us have an EOL – End of Life – indicator: when the second hands starts jumping every four seconds you should replace the battery.
WATCH BATTERY, REPLACEMENT
Q If the battery is depleted, how can it be replaced?
A Any authorized watchmaker will be able to replace the battery of your timepiece. Do make sure the water resistance of your watch is tested after the replacement of the battery. It may be necessary to replace the gaskets of the case back after opening the case back in order to replace the battery.
WATER RESISTANCE
The water resistance rating of our timepieces is based on pressure tests performed in our laboratories. 100% of our watches are thus tested. The pressure conditions match those an unmoving swimmer or diver may be exposed to in a variety of water sports. Do note that the pressure increases with any intense movement – even when e.g. taking a shower. Pressure hoses etc. should never be directed at any watch as the pressure thus exerted might easily exceed the water resistance limit. Also note that any contact with water may damage your genuine leather strap.
Q You are not sure whether your watch is water resistant or not
A All our watches are water resistant to at least 30 meters.
