Ralph Christian Presents
A brief introduction to timepiece mechanics
All watches tell the time... but not all watches operate the same way. Understanding how your timepiece works is a crucial part of ownership and maintenance. If your watch has an automatic movement it will need more care and attention than one which features a quartz movement. Below we've outlined some of the key differences between automatic and quartz operated watches.
Automatic Timepieces
For an automatic self-winding watch to function properly the mainspring must build up a sufficient power reserve. Many people are unaware that a self-winding watch needs to be wound first manually before it will run automatically. This is called the initiation process and without this, your timepiece will never operate properly or consistently.
To initiate the watch, turn the winding crown at the 3 o'clock position in a clockwise direction for about 20 revolutions. This start up wind is usually sufficient for most automatic watches. The initiation process will manually tighten the small spring inside of the watch, so that it builds up enough tension for the timepiece to operate. As the spring starts to unfurl itself it will pull along the cogs that, through intricate engineering, in turn, move the hands. Once the spring is completely unfurled then the watch will stop operating.
After the initiation process has been completed the watch will wind itself automatically by means of an oscillation weight that moves every time the watch's position is changed. A self-winding watch should be worn for at least eight hours a day to maximize the power reserve. If this isn't possible, or if the watch has not been worn for more than 15 hours, the initiation process must be repeated.
Quartz / Battery Powered Timepieces
Unlike their mechanical counterparts, a watch with a quartz movement does not require any winding nor initiation.
Because it utilizes a battery which sends an electrical signal through a tiny crystal of quartz, it requires relatively little upkeep and should keep the time regardless of how often it is worn.
How To Wind Your Automatic Wrist Watch
WATCH VIDEO
01 — Push The Crown In
Make sure the crown is fully pushed in, so the winding mechanism is connected to the crown. If the crown is pulled out, the watch will be in time-setting mode.
02 — Rotate The Crown
Rotate the crown in a clockwise direction (away from yourself) for around 20-30 full rotations. This should wind the mainspring enough so that it is fully charged.
03 — Repeat If Not Worn (For At Least 15 Hours)
A fully charged watch should last for around 10-15 hours without any movement 'topping it up'. If it's not worn for at least this period of time you will need to repeat the process.
Changing The Straps On Your Watch
WATCH VIDEO
01 — Lift The Buckle
Using either a flathead screwdriver or other adjustment tool.
02 — Shift The Buckle
To the desired slot to adjust the length of the strap.
03 — Press The Buckle
down firmly to secure the clasp. You will hear an audible click.
Setting Your Watch
For comprehensive instructions on how to operate each watch please review the interactive tool below. If you have any questions please feel free to get in contact with us at info@ralphchristian.com
- AVALON
- Delta Chrono
- ENTOURAGE CHRONO
- FROSTED STELLAR
- FUSION
- INTREPID CHRONO
- INTREPID SPORT
- MAVERICK
- Momentum
- Phantom Chrono
- PRAGUE
- Prague Deluxe
- SETTING THE TIME
- INITIATING THE MOVEMENT
- STRAPS
- ADJUSTING YOUR MESH SLIDING CLASP
Pull out the crown until you hear an audible click. Rotate the crown in an anti-clockwise direction until you reach the correct time. Once set, push the crown back into the starting position.
As the Avalon has an automatic movement, you will need to 'initiate' it when first using it after a period of it laying dormant. Please see the text on 'Automatic Watches' above for more information.
To remove the current strap simply press the springbar lever in and lift the strap out of place to remove it from the watch case.
To attach a new strap, align the left side of the springbar lever into the cut-out hole in the watch-case. Press in the springbar lever to align the right side in the opposite cut-out hold. You may need to adjust the position slightly until it locks into place.
1. Simply lift up the buckle with a flathead screwdriver or other adjustment tool.
2. Slide the clasp to the desired slot to adjust the length of the strap.
3. Push the buckle down to secure the clasp.
- SETTING THE TIME & DATE
- OPERATING THE CHRONOGRAPH
- 24 Hour Subdial
- Adjusting The Chronograph Reset Position
Pull out the crown to position one and rotate counterclockwise to adjust the date (shown in subdial 4). Pull out the crown to position two to adjust the time.
The Chronograph can be operated by buttons A & B. Button A will start & stop the Chronograph, whilst button B will reset it. Please ensure that the Chronograph is stopped (by pressing button A again) before resetting it. The Chronograph is displayed on subdials 1 & 3. Subdial 1 displays seconds whilst Subdial 3 displays minutes.
Subdial 2 displays time in a 24- hour format and does not need to be set as it is synchronized with the main dial.
The Chronograph sub-dials can be manually adjusted to reset to any number (instead of '0'). To make an adjustment:
1. Start the chronograph by pushing button A, and leave it running for a few seconds.
2. Stop the chronograph by pushing button A again.
3. Reset the chronograph by pushing button B. This ensures the chronograph is in its 'reset' position before making any adjustments.
4. Pull the crown out so that it is fully extended.
5. Push either button A or B to adjust the chronograph 'reset potion' backward or forward, respectively.
Pro-tip: You can hold either button down to 'fast-move' the subdials. The 'seconds' sub-dial is linked to the 'minutes' sub-dial, and so as you hold the button down to move the 'seconds', you will see the 'minutes' move as well.
N.B. Sometimes this feature is accidentally utilized during transit due to the fact that we ship the watches with the crown extended to preserve battery. If the buttons are tapped by the packaging then you may receive the watch with the Chronograph 'reset' position a few seconds before, or after, 0. To adjust this, simply follow the above instructions.
- SETTING THE TIME
- OPERATING THE CHRONOGRAPH
- 24 HOUR SUBDIAL
- ADJUSTING THE CHRONOGRAPH RESET POSITION
Pull out the crown to position one and rotate counterclockwise to adjust the date (shown in subdial 4). Pull out the crown to position two to adjust the time.
The Chronograph can be operated by buttons A & B. Button A will start & stop the Chronograph, whilst button B will reset it. Please ensure that the Chronograph is stopped (by pressing button A again) before resetting it. The Chronograph is displayed on subdials 2 & 3. Subdial 3 displays seconds whilst Subdial 2 displays minutes.
Subdial 1 displays time in a 24- hour format and does not need to be set as it is synchronized with the main dial.
The Chronograph sub-dials can be manually adjusted to reset to any number (instead of '0'). To make an adjustment:
1. Start the chronograph by pushing button A, and leave it running for a few seconds.
2. Stop the chronograph by pushing button A again.
3. Reset the chronograph by pushing button B. This ensures the chronograph is in its 'reset' position before making any adjustments.
4. Pull the crown out so that it is fully extended.
5. Push either button A or B to adjust the chronograph 'reset potion' backward or forward, respectively.
Pro-tip: You can hold either button down to 'fast-move' the subdials. The 'seconds' sub-dial is linked to the 'minutes' sub-dial, and so as you hold the button down to move the 'seconds', you will see the 'minutes' move as well.
N.B. Sometimes this feature is accidentally utilized during transit due to the fact that we ship the watches with the crown extended to preserve battery. If the buttons are tapped by the packaging then you may receive the watch with the Chronograph 'reset' position a few seconds before, or after, 0. To adjust this, simply follow the above instructions.
- Setting the date
- Setting The Time
Pull out the crown to position 1 and rotate until the correct date is displayed on subdial 1.
Pull out the crown to position 2 and rotate until the correct time is displayed.
- SETTING THE TIME
- Setting the day and date
- 24 Hour Time
Pull out the crown and rotate clockwise to adjust the time.
Press button 'A" to adjust the day (subdial 3). Press button 'B' to adjust the date (subdial 2)
Subdial 1 displays time in a 24- hour format and does not need to be set as it is synchronized with the main dial.
- SETTING THE TIME & DATE
- Operating the Chronograph
- 24 Hour Subdial
- Adjusting The Chronograph
Pull out the crown to position one and rotate counterclockwise to adjust the date (shown in subdial 4). Pull out the crown to position two to adjust the time.
The Chronograph can be operated by buttons A & B. Button A will start & stop the Chronograph, whilst button B will reset it. Please ensure that the Chronograph is stopped (by pressing button A again) before resetting it. The Chronograph is displayed on subdials 1 & 2. Subdial 2 displays seconds whilst Subdial 1 displays minutes.
Subdial 3 displays time in a 24- hour format and does not need to be set as it is synchronized with the main dial.
The Chronograph sub-dials can be manually adjusted to reset to any number (instead of '0'). To make an adjustment:
1. Start the chronograph by pushing button A, and leave it running for a few seconds.
2. Stop the chronograph by pushing button A again.
3. Reset the chronograph by pushing button B. This ensures the chronograph is in its 'reset' position before making any adjustments.
4. Pull the crown out so that it is fully extended.
5. Push either button A or B to adjust the chronograph 'reset potion' backward or forward, respectively.
Pro-tip: You can hold either button down to 'fast-move' the subdials. The 'seconds' sub-dial is linked to the 'minutes' sub-dial, and so as you hold the button down to move the 'seconds', you will see the 'minutes' move as well.
N.B. Sometimes this feature is accidentally utilized during transit due to the fact that we ship the watches with the crown extended to preserve battery. If the buttons are tapped by the packaging then you may receive the watch with the Chronograph 'reset' position a few seconds before, or after, 0. To adjust this, simply follow the above instructions.
You can also see this video here: (click / tap me)
- SETTING THE TIME
- SETTING THE DAY OF THE WEEK
- SETTING THE DAY OF THE MONTH
- 24 Hour Subdial
Pull out the crown and rotate clockwise to adjust the time.
Subdial 2 shows the day of the week. Simply push button 'A' until you reach the correct day.
Subdial 3 displays the day of the month. Simply push buttton 'B' until you reach the correct day
Subdial 1 displays time in a 24- hour format and does not need to be set as it is synchronized with the main dial.
- SETTING THE TIME
- Initiating The Movement
- STRAPS
Pull out the crown until you hear an audible click. Rotate the crown in an anti-clockwise direction until you reach the correct time. Once set, push the crown back into the starting position.
As the Maverick has an automatic movement, you will need to 'initiate' it when first using it after a period of it laying dormant. Please see the text on 'Automatic Watches' above for more information.
To remove the current strap simply press the springbar lever in and lift the strap out of place to remove it from the watch case.
To attach a new strap, align the left side of the springbar lever into the cut-out hole in the watch-case. Press in the springbar lever to align the right side in the opposite cut-out hold. You may need to adjust the position slightly until it locks into place.
- Setting the date
- Setting The Time
- How To Operate The Chronograph
- Adjusting The Chronograph 'Reset' Position
Pull out the crown (denoted as C) to position 1 and rotate until the correct date is displayed on subdial 4.
Pull out the crown (denoted as C) to position 2 and rotate until the correct time is displayed.
To initiate the Chronograph press button A. To stop the Chronograph press button A again.
To reset the chronograph press button B.
The Chronograph will operate up to a maximum of 60 minutes.
Subdial 1 displays the time elapsed in milliseconds.
Subdial 3 displays the time elapsed in seconds.
Subdial 2 displays the time elapsed in minutes.
The Chronograph sub-dials can be manually adjusted to reset to any number (instead of '0'). To make an adjustment:
1. Start the chronograph by pushing button A, and leave it running for a few seconds.
2. Stop the chronograph by pushing button A again.
3. Reset the chronograph by pushing button B. This ensures the chronograph is in its 'reset' position before making any adjustments.
4. Pull the crown out so that it is fully extended.
5. Push either button A or B to adjust the chronograph 'reset potion' backward or forward, respectively.
Pro-tip: You can hold either button down to 'fast-move' the subdials. The 'seconds' sub-dial is linked to the 'minutes' sub-dial, and so as you hold the button down to move the 'seconds', you will see the 'minutes' move as well.
N.B. Sometimes this feature is accidentally utilized during transit due to the fact that we ship the watches with the crown extended to preserve battery. If the buttons are tapped by the packaging then you may receive the watch with the Chronograph 'reset' position a few seconds before, or after, 0. To adjust this, simply follow the above instructions.
- SETTING THE TIME & DATE
- Operating the Chronograph
- 24 Hour Subdial
- Adjusting The Chronograph
Pull out the crown to position one and rotate counterclockwise to adjust the date (shown in subdial 4). Pull out the crown to position two to adjust the time.
The Chronograph can be operated by buttons A & B. Button A will start & stop the Chronograph, whilst button B will reset it. Please ensure that the Chronograph is stopped (by pressing button A again) before resetting it. The Chronograph is displayed on subdials 1 & 2. Subdial 2 displays seconds whilst Subdial 1 displays minutes.
Subdial 3 displays time in a 24- hour format and does not need to be set as it is synchronized with the main dial.
The Chronograph sub-dials can be manually adjusted to reset to any number (instead of '0'). To make an adjustment:
1. Start the chronograph by pushing button A, and leave it running for a few seconds.
2. Stop the chronograph by pushing button A again.
3. Reset the chronograph by pushing button B. This ensures the chronograph is in its 'reset' position before making any adjustments.
4. Pull the crown out so that it is fully extended.
5. Push either button A or B to adjust the chronograph 'reset potion' backward or forward, respectively.
Pro-tip: You can hold either button down to 'fast-move' the subdials. The 'seconds' sub-dial is linked to the 'minutes' sub-dial, and so as you hold the button down to move the 'seconds', you will see the 'minutes' move as well.
N.B. Sometimes this feature is accidentally utilized during transit due to the fact that we ship the watches with the crown extended to preserve battery. If the buttons are tapped by the packaging then you may receive the watch with the Chronograph 'reset' position a few seconds before, or after, 0. To adjust this, simply follow the above instructions.
You can also see this video here. It displays the Intrepid Chronograph but the instructions are the same: (click / tap me)
- SETTING THE TIME
- INITIATING THE MOVEMENT
Pull out the crown until you hear an audible click. Rotate the crown in an anti-clockwise direction until you reach the correct time. Once set, push the crown back into the starting position.
As the Prague has an automatic movement, you will need to 'initiate' it when first using it after a period of it laying dormant. Please see the text on 'Automatic Watches' above for more information.
- SETTING THE TIME
- INITIATING THE MOVEMENT
- CHANGING THE SILICONE / LEATHER STRAPS
- CHANGING THE METAL / LINK STRAPS (Part 1)
- CHANGING THE METAL / LINK STRAPS (Part 2)
Pull out the crown until you hear an audible click. Rotate the crown in an anti-clockwise direction until you reach the correct time. Once set, push the crown back into the starting position.
As the Prague Deluxe has an automatic movement, you will need to 'initiate' it when first using it after a period of it laying dormant. Please see the text on 'Automatic Watches' above for more information.
To attach a new leather / silicone strap, align the left side of the springbar lever into the cut-out hole in the watch-case. Press in the springbar lever to align the right side in the opposite cut-out hold. You may need to adjust the position slightly until it locks into place.
The metal / link straps come with two seperate (detached) quick-release pins. Insert the pins into the cut-out slot on both sides of the metal strap. (see section below for part 2)
Press in both sides of the pins and attach to the watch case. Repeat for the bottom strap.
THE RALPH CHRISTIAN 12 MONTH WATCH WARRANTY
This watch comes with a 12 month movement warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers the watch movement against manufacturers defects.
Within that period your watch will be repaired free of charge except for a $19.95 shipping & handling fee. We cannot accept responsibility for damage or loss caused in transit.
Please note the warranty does not cover the case, glass or band/strap. Damage caused through accident, misuse, neglect, inexpert repairs, normal wear and tear or theft is also not covered.
