Warranty & repair

What is the warranty period?

The warranty period depends on our agreement with the respective suppliers/manufacturers we purchased the watch from. For new watches, you can usually assume that the warranty period is 1 or 2 years. For used watches, we apply a standard warranty period of 1 year.  

What proof of purchase do I need to show De Horlogemeesters?

As long as you are still within the warranty period of your watch, please make sure you hold on to the purchase invoice of the watch. We can only help you if you can show us the receipt.

When can I claim a warranty with De Horlogemeesters?

Only for damages that are not caused by misuse. Moisture damage is therefore not eligible for warranty unless a technical defect is the cause.

How do I prevent moisture damage?

How can I prevent water damage?

To keep your watch in top condition and prevent water damage, it is important to follow these guidelines strictly. Water damage can have serious consequences for the movement.

To keep your watch in top condition and prevent water damage, it is important to strictly follow the guidelines below. Water damage can have serious consequences for the movement.

No showering: We advise against ever showering whilst wearing your watch. The combination of heat and shower products (soap, shampoo) can damage the protective rubber seals, leading to condensation.

Swimming: Only do this with a watch that has a water resistance rating of 100M (10 ATM) or higher. We advise against swimming with watches with a lower rating.

Crown and pushers: Before any contact with water, check that the crown and pushers are fully and securely screwed down. Furthermore, never use the pushers whilst the watch is underwater.

Temperature differences: Avoid extreme temperature changes (for example, moving from a cold environment directly into a hot bath). This can cause condensation on the inside of the glass.

Warranty Terms

It is useful to know what is and isn’t covered by the water resistance warranty:

Water Resistant No contact with water.

30m / 3 ATM Splash-proof (rain/washing hands).

50m / 5 ATM Washing hands, not suitable for swimming.

100m / 10 ATM Swimming on the surface.

200m/ 20 ATM Snorkelling and recreational diving.

Covered by warranty: Water damage demonstrably caused by manufacturing defects.

Not covered by warranty: Use outside the specified water resistance limits, damage caused by an open or incorrectly tightened crown/buttons, condensation due to temperature differences, wear and tear of seals due to lack of maintenance.

Why can't I contact a brand dealer directly for the warranty?

All warranty claims go through us. This is due to the fact that we buy watches directly from manufacturers or through an intermediary. This often involves older collections or watches returned by dealers via consignment (ex-display). Brand dealers will, therefore, not be able to help you further.

How do De Horlogemeesters provide repair services for my watch?

We are not a dealer of any brand, but in most cases we use the same method when guaranteeing new watches. In general, a dealer does not repair your watch himself, but sends it to the service center of the relevant brand. That is exactly what we do. Unless we can easily solve the issue ourselves. Please note that we can only do this for new watches. Used watches go back to ourselves or the relevant suppliers for warranty in case we cannot easily repair them ourselves.

How long will it take for my watch to be repaired under warranty?

Warranty, which we carry out ourselves, lasts on average 1-3 weeks. Factory service and supplier service takes 4-8 weeks on average.

Does the warranty cover third-party repair costs?

If you use third parties for repairs within the warranty period, your costs will not be reimbursed. As mentioned above, only manufacturers' service centres carry out repairs for De Horlogemeesters unless otherwise agreed at the time of your purchase.

How can I report my warranty claim to De Horlogemeesters?

If you wish to use your warranty, you have to fill in a warranty request form via the link below. Upon receipt, we will contact you as soon as possible.