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MaraWatch & Company

Is MaraWatch & Company a Swiss company/brand?

MaraWatch & Company is a US company based out of the Greater Boston area. “MaraWatch” is a registered trademark. We have partnered with master Swiss timepiece manufacturers to create the Wolverines Collection. Design, Construction, Manufacturing, Assembly, and Testing of each timepiece is completed in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland (aka, "watch valley").

Why does MaraWatch offer such limited quantities?

MaraWatch timepieces are designed for the customer who wants something unique because they have seen or worn everything else. We restrict the annual production because it ensures our ability to offer the highest level of quality and a bespoke (highly personalized) customer experience.

Is MaraWatch licensed to sell University of Michigan merchandise?

Yes, MaraWatch is a proud, officially licensed partner of the University of Michigan. GoBlue!

Warranty and Service

What is covered under warranty? / How long is the warranty?

The MaraWatch warranty is valid for three years from the date of delivery and covers all manufacturing defects.

The warranty does not cover: normal wear and tear, damage from mishaps (i.e., dropping), mishandling, or negligence, damage from exposure to water, chlorine, oils, solvents and cleaning products or cosmetics, damage from service or repair performed by an unauthorized party, damage occurring outside the 3-year warranty period, watch packaging, or loss or theft.

Please note that variations are expected with each custom strap because they are handmade using natural materials.

Where can I get service for my watch?

MaraWatch is proud to service and repair your timepiece. Please call us to explain the issue and we will provide guidance on how to proceed. Typically, the watch will need to be shipped to us for a comprehensive examination by our master watchmaker. The watchmaker will provide a quotation (if outside of warranty) and an estimated date of return. Upon your review and acceptance of the estimate we will commence service of your timepiece.

How often should I get my timepiece serviced?

As with all machines, routine maintenance of your MaraWatch timepiece is required to ensure optimal performance and enjoyment.

A wristwatch is subject to many different types of stress, such as impacts, dust, water, vibrations, perspiration, radiation, and fluctuations in temperature. These strains compounded over time may cause a watch to run fast/slow. Other times, a watch may stop working because water has entered the case or it was dropped.

A routine maintenance is recommended every three to five years. The maintenance typically includes a thorough cleaning of all the moving parts, checking water resistant seals, lubricating parts, and identifying any other issues. This check-up is helpful to make sure the watch is running smoothly and it is also an opportunity for preventative maintenance.

A major service, or overhaul, should be completed as needed. Typically, a major service completed every three to five years will help ensure lifetime enjoyment of your timepiece.

Care & Maintenance

How do I take care of my timepiece (Day-to-Day)?

Each MaraWatch timepiece is carefully crafted using the best materials and components so that you can enjoy wearing it as you desire. Please follow the instructions on how to correctly handle your timepiece.

Here are some suggestions:

Wearing the watch while in contact with water (i.e., showering, swimming) should be restricted.
Watch winding is not necessary when wearing continuously.
If not worn in a few days, we recommend that you wind the watch and you may need to set the time and date before wearing.

How do I maintain my timepiece (Long-term)?

As with all machines, routine maintenance of your MaraWatch timepiece is required to ensure optimal performance and enjoyment.

A major service, or overhaul, should be completed as needed. Typically, a major service completed every three to five years will help ensure lifetime enjoyment of your timepiece.

Water Resistance

What is the difference between “water resistance” and “waterproof”?

The phrase waterproof is inexact. No watch is completely “waterproof” forever. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission in its enforcement of the truth-of-advertising has deemed the term "Waterproof" inappropriate. The term, “waterproof” connotes complete protection, something that does not exist in the world of high end watches. The FTC has found the term “water resistant” to be acceptable.

How is a timepiece tested for water resistance?

There are two common testing methods:

The dry test method places a watch in a chamber and increases the air pressure. In the event the case expands, the watch is deemed as not water resistant.
The wet test method places a watch in a closed chamber filled halfway with water. The watch is held above the water and air pressure is increased. Then the watch is immersed into the water. The test checks to see if any bubbles escape from the watch – the area from where the bubbles escape is the area where water can seep into the case. If bubbles escape, the watch is not water resistant.

What do the different ratings (ATM, BAR, and Meters) mean?

ATM: Atmosphere, equal to 10 meters
BAR: Also atmosphere, typically used in Europe, also equal to 10 meters

These ratings are used to provide a general indication of water resistance, and are not intended to translate directly to how deep a timepiece can be immersed in the ocean.

What is the water resistance rating of MaraWatch timepieces?

MaraWatch timepieces are rated at 5 ATM, or 5 BAR (50 meters, or 165 Feet). This rating allows for contact with water when washing hands or when walking in the rain.

However, we strongly advise against regular contact with water, soaps, oils, etc. as this may increase the erosion of the gaskets (rubber seals) over time, reducing water resistance.

It is also important to note that the crown is one of the most important factors of ensuring water resistance. When the crown is pulled out to set the time/date and not pushed back in fully, it leaves the case vulnerable to water penetration.

Swiss Movements

What are “jewels” and why are they used?

Each MaraWatch automatic movement contains 21 man-made rubies. These rubies, which appear pink/red in color, are used in each movement to reduce friction as well as wear among the micro-components.

What are the basic types of Swiss movements and the differences among them?

Mechanical – a mechanical movement was first developed in 1657 to measure and tell time. These movements were first used in pocket watches and then later developed for wristwatches. These movements needed to be wound by a key or by hand, or they would not operate.
Automatic – an automatic movement is also a mechanical movement, but it is self-winding. The automatic movement uses a weighted rotor that spins and charges the spring used to power the watch.
Quartz – a quartz watch is an extremely accurate battery powered watch. It is one of the most common types of watches available in the market today. A quartz crystal is used to regulate the electronic oscillator, which typically oscillates at a frequency of 32,768Hz.
Chronograph – also known as a ‘stop-watch’. It is a timepiece equipped with additional time measurement functions independent of normal time-telling.
Chronometer – a movement that has received an official timing certificate from an official timing bureau. One important fact about a chronometer is that it is allowed to run slow by up to 4 seconds per day and fast by up to 6 seconds per day.
Complicated – a complication is an additional measurement function, beyond hours, minutes, and seconds. For example, common complications include; chronographs, day, date, moon phase, alarm, 24-hour time zone (GMT), repeater, and perpetual calendar.

Why do people choose to wear watches with automatic movements even if they are not as accurate as quartz or digital?

In today’s age, a wristwatch has become more than just a device used to tell time. It can be a connection to one’s past, an expression of one’s style, or even just as simple as having something that is analog in a digital world. For some, wearing an automatic timepiece is a display of respect for the art of traditional watchmaking, as it was intended centuries ago.

Custom Straps

Do I need any special tools to change the strap on my MaraWatch timepiece?

All MaraWatch custom straps come with a quick release pin system. Each half of the strap is fitted with a Swiss Made capsa pin that can be released and refitted with the edge of your fingernail.

What kinds of materials are used to make the straps?

MaraWatch straps are bespoke, handmade to the specifications and tastes of each customer. The straps are offered in the finest natural and synthetic materials.

We do not use leather taken from protected species. The alligator leather is sourced from farms in Louisiana and is tanned in the best tanneries in Europe.

If I am allergic to the lining of the straps, are there other options for me?

Each strap is made to order and we are happy to craft your leather strap(s) with antiallergenic linings.

Are the leather and synthetic straps water resistant?

Leather and other materials are naturally porous. Due to the nature of these materials, exposure to water, soap, oils, and other agents may result in premature aging or discoloration – so we suggest that contact be limited.