Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The power reserve may not be sufficient. Expose the dial to direct sunlight to charge it. The charging time required for a stopped watch to return to normal operation varies by model. To check the charging times, refer to the instruction manual of the watch.
For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Instruction manual

Contact your nearest service center if the watch does not move even after charging.

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The power reserve may not be sufficient. Expose the dial to direct sunlight to charge it. The charging time required for a stopped watch to run normally again differs depending on the model. To check the charging times, refer to the instruction manual of the watch.
For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Instruction manual

Contact your nearest service center if the watch does not have a stopwatch function.

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This means that the battery needs to be charged (insufficient charge warning function). After the battery is sufficiently charged, the second hand returns to normal operation.

This can happen when you take the Eco-Drive watch with power save function out of the drawer or look at the watch when it was previously under your sleeve. Under such circumstances, when the watch is not exposed to light, the watch will enter power saving mode and stop the hand movement to save power. Once the watch is exposed to light, the hands will move very slowly to adjust to the current time stored in the watch.

This could be caused by the end of life of the LCD or other parts. The life of the LCD is approximately eight years (about 70,000 hours).

Due to the properties of liquid crystals, the display speed of the LCD may become slower when the ambient temperature is 0 °C or lower. This is not a malfunction.

The LCD display may temporarily turn black when the ambient temperature is 60 °C or more. This is not a malfunction.

If the fogging disappears a few minutes after the glass surface dries, this is not a problem. However, if the watch remains fogged up for a longer period of time, there may be a problem with the water seal.

If the fogging disappears a few minutes after the glass surface dries, this is not a problem. However, if the watch remains fogged up for a longer period of time, there may be a problem with the waterproofing.

You can download PDFs of the manual instructions from the support page of our website.

As shown in the figure below, make sure you are outside in an area with few trees, buildings, or other objects in close proximity that could obstruct the satellite signal. Point the dial at the sky and perform signal reception.
Ideally, the sky directly above you should not be cloudy (see illustration) when you try to receive the signal.

You can set the time manually. The setting method differs depending on the model. For how to make the changes, refer to the instruction manual of the clock.
For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Operating instructions

This may be because the time set on the clock is wrong or the reference position of the hands on the clock is wrong.
Try receiving satellite signals manually to set the time.
Check the leap second setting on the clock if the time is still wrong even after receiving the signal manually.
Check the reference position of the hands on the clock if the leap second setting is correct.

The methods for manual signal reception, leap second setting and checking the reference position of the hands differ depending on the model.
For how to make the changes, refer to the instruction manual of the watch.

For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Operating instructions

The world time setting may be incorrect. Check the world time setting. The setting method for the world time differs depending on the model. For how to make the changes, refer to the instruction manual of the watch.

For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Operating instructions

The daylight saving time setting may be incorrect. Check the daylight saving time setting. The daylight saving time setting method differs depending on the model. For how to make the changes, refer to the instruction manual of the watch.

For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Instruction manual

Possibly the leap second setting and/or the rollover number or the reference position of the hands on the clock is incorrect. Check the settings and position.

The methods for adjusting the leap second and roll-over number, as well as checking the reference position of the hands, vary depending on the model. You can find the instructions for making these changes in the user manual of the clock.

For certain models, you can also use the short instructions.

Instruction manual

They are GPS satellites, which are also used for car navigation systems. Some models also receive information from "Michibiki", a Japanese quasi-Zenit satellite.

It then runs like a normal quartz watch. For more information on accuracy without signal reception, see "Technical data" in the operating instructions for your watch.

Instruction manual

A satellite-controlled clock only receives signals from satellites. It does not transmit radio signals itself. It can be used in a hospital or an airplane without any problems.

You can set the time manually. The setting method differs depending on the model. For how to make the changes, refer to the instruction manual of the clock.
For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Operating instructions

You can perform signal reception manually. The method for manual signal reception differs depending on the model. For how to make the changes, refer to the instruction manual of the watch.
For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Instruction manual

This may be because the time set on the clock is incorrect or the reference position of the hands on the watch is incorrect. Try receiving signals manually to set the time. Check the reference position of the hands on the watch if the time is still wrong even after successful manual signal reception.

The methods for manual signal reception and checking the reference position of the hands differ depending on the model. For how to make the changes, refer to the instruction manual of the watch.
For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Operating instructions

The world time setting may be incorrect. Check the world time setting. The setting method for the world time differs depending on the model. For how to make the changes, refer to the instruction manual of the watch.
For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Instruction manual

The reference position of the hands on the watch may be incorrect. Check the reference position. The method for checking the reference position differs depending on the model. For how to make the changes, refer to the instruction manual of the watch.
For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Operating instructions

The daylight saving time setting may be incorrect. Check the daylight saving time setting. he daylight saving time setting method differs depending on the model. For how to make the changes, refer to the instruction manual of the watch.
For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Instruction manual

The reference position of the hands on the watch may be incorrect. Check the reference position.The reference position of the hands on the watch may be incorrect. Check the reference position. The method for checking the reference position differs depending on the model. Refer to the instruction manual of the watch to make the changes.
For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Operating instructions

Our radio-controlled watches can receive time signals from all or any of the signal locations in Japan, the USA, Germany and China. The available signals differ depending on the model. Please refer to the instruction manual of the watch to find out how to make the changes.

Operating instructions

It runs like a normal quartz watch. For more information on accuracy without signal reception, refer to "Technical Specifications" in the instruction manual of your watch.

Operating instructions

A radio-controlled clock only receives time signals from signal points. It does not transmit radio signals itself. It can be used in a hospital or an airplane without any problems.

Do not charge the watch at high temperatures (about 60 °C or higher). Charging at excessively high temperatures may cause deformation and/or discoloration of the dial or solar cell, or malfunction of mechanical parts.

Take special care when charging the watch in the following locations: Under lamps that emit excessive heat, such as incandescent lamps or halogen lamps. Ensure sufficient distance (50 cm or more) when charging.

On the dashboard of a vehicle. It can get extremely hot there in seasons other than summer.

It may differ depending on the illuminance of the light that the watch's solar panel receives from the light source. If an Eco-Drive watch with a solar panel under the dial is laid flat, it will take longer to charge in the winter than in the summer. Since the position of the sun is lower in winter than in summer, the illuminance of this light is weaker in winter.

In addition, the watch is often covered by a sleeve of a coat or other clothing and thus does not receive enough light in winter. As a result, it is not sufficiently charged.

You should charge the watch with dial (solar panel) vertically towards the light source in any season.

Yes, but you should charge them in direct sunlight for full and efficient charging.

The time on the clock is twelve hours faster or slower. Set the time on the clock twelve hours forward or backward. The setting method differs depending on the model. For how to make the changes, refer to the instruction manual of the clock.
For some models, you can also use the short instructions.

Operating instructions

The calendar function of old watches is sometimes limited (for example from 1992 to 2004) and does not cover the last years. Dates and weekdays for years not covered will not be displayed correctly on such watches.
In this case, you can display the correct date and day of the week on your watch by selecting a covered year that has the same calendar as the year you want to set.

The following list shows alternative corresponding years (1992-2004) for 2016-2099.

List of alternative corresponding years (1992-2004) for 2016-2099:

About "Alternate year after March 1"The years 2016, 2036, 2040, 2044, 2064, 2068, 2072, 2092 and 2096 are leap years. The alternate years corresponding to them are not leap years and their calendars do not coincide with them after February 29. In these leap years, you must set another alternate year or "alternate year after March 1".

For the following reasons, the date and day of the week are displayed correctly after setting a year other than the current year. An alternate year of a given year has the same calendar as the year in question. This means that January 1 falls on the same day of the week in both years.
Example: January 1, 2017 is a Sunday and the calendar of the year can be replaced by the calendar of the year 1995, which also starts with a Sunday.

Except for the Eco-Drive models, the batteries are inserted into the new watches shortly before shipment to verify that all functions work as intended. For this reason, the batteries may already be discharged to a certain extent at the time of purchase.

You should not replace the battery yourself. Removing the back of the watch case to replace the battery may allow dust to enter and the waterproofing may be compromised, resulting in malfunction.

Contact your dealer for battery replacement or find your nearest service centre on the support page of our website and ask them for advice.

Worldwide service centre

Find the nearest service center on the support page of our website and ask them for advice. Battery replacement for diving watches and watches with high water resistance requires a special environment for testing water resistance after battery replacement.

Worldwide service center

Wash it with water and dry it with a cloth.

Precautions when using a urethane bracelet

• A urethane bracelet may be stained by dyes that adhere to clothing or accessories. Since such stains may not be removable, avoid wearing your watch with clothing, bags, etc. that stain easily.
• With a urethane bracelet, wear may occur due to solvents and humidity on the bracelet. Replace the bracelet when it loses elasticity or becomes brittle.

If a leather bracelet has become wet due to water or sweat, wipe it immediately with a dry and soft cloth. Be careful not to rub the strap, but dab it.

Precautions when using a leather wristband

• If you get a rash while wearing a leather bracelet, take it off immediately and consult a doctor. You should replace the bracelet with one made of other materials such as metal or urethane.
• Do not wear the leather bracelet too tightly. Leave enough space between the bracelet and your skin to ensure adequate ventilation.
• If substances containing volatile materials, bleach or alcohol get on the leather wristband, it may cause discoloration and/or wear. Avoid.
• Leather wristbands are made of a natural material and will wear, deform and discolor over time. Replace them regularly.

If a metal bracelet has become wet due to water or sweat, wipe it immediately with a dry and soft cloth. Otherwise, even a bracelet made of stainless steel or with gold plating may rust, and the rust may cause a skin rash.

If it is very dirty, cover the main case of the watch with a plastic sheet or something similar and clean the band with a neutral cleaner or soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Then dry it immediately with a soft and dry cloth.

Precautions when using a metal bracelet

• Stainless steel bracelets have an anti-rust treatment, but sweat or dirt can damage the surface coating of the metal and cause rusting.

It must be replaced with a new one.With a urethane bracelet, wear can occur due to solvents and humidity on the bracelet. Replace the strap when it loses elasticity, or becomes brittle.

Generally, bracelets are not interchangeable because the case connecting construction of a metal bracelet and a leather bracelet often differ.
However, they are interchangeable on some models. Find the nearest service center on the support page of our website and ask them for advice.

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If the watch comes into contact with the following chemicals, it may cause discoloration, wear or breakage of the main case or bracelet:
Gasoline, benzine, thinner, alcohol, cosmetic liquids or other products for spraying, nail polish, nail polish remover, glue, varnish.

If you do not turn or press them, dirt and dust will gradually accumulate around the crown and buttons. When such foreign objects accumulate and become solid, they may jam. Turn the crown and push the buttons to remove such things before problems occur.

Find the nearest service center on the support page of our website and ask them for advice.

Worldwide service center

Find the nearest service center on the support page of our website and ask them for advice.

Worldwide service center

A watch has precision mechanics with parts that gradually wear out, and the surfaces become scratched and worn over time, even with proper use.
The deterioration of water resistance is particularly critical. It can cause water to enter the watch and cause it to malfunction.
It is very important to periodically take the watch in for inspection to correct problems such as wear of the seals, scratches or breakage of the glass, or otherwise.

The seals should be replaced every two or three years as they wear out over time.
Contact your nearest service center for more information on the cost and ordering method for seal replacement.

Worldwide Service Center

Locate and contact the nearest service center by visiting the support page on our website.

Worldwide Service Center

Locate and contact the nearest service center by visiting the support page on our website.
However, the watch may not be repairable if the parts for the repair have run out with the end of production of the model. During overhaul, the watch is disassembled and each part is cleaned and adjusted. Deteriorated parts are replaced to ensure the watch runs normally.

Worldwide service center

A watch has a precision mechanism with parts that can gradually wear out and surfaces that will gradually become scratched and worn even with proper use. Deterioration of water resistance is crucial, as it can cause water to enter the watch and cause it to malfunction. It is very important to send the watch for periodic inspections to solve problems such as the deterioration of the packaging, scratches or broken glass or others.

Yes, it is recommended to perform a periodic inspection every two or three years. The inspection of the movement and the water resistance is very important to keep the watch working correctly and to prolong its life.