Services - FAQs

A mechanical watch employs a mechanical movement, equipped with a series of moving parts such as a barrel and a gear train. This type of watch is fitted with an escapement, a mechanism that mechanically controls the flow of time, correctly indicating the hours, minutes, etc. A quartz watch incorporates a quartz oscillator, powered by a battery. On receiving a current from the battery, the oscillator vibrates to a pre-determined frequency, which in turn controls the speed at which the hands rotate. Quartz watches are usually more precise.

It is recommended that a mechanical watch is serviced approximately every 4 to 5 years in order to deliver optimal performance. A full service involves cleaning, lubrication, and adjusting/replacing faulty/worn components. However, during the intervening period, if you notice that the watch is not functioning correctly or the watch is no longer precise, it is best to have the watch serviced earlier at an authorised service centre.

In general, quartz watches require less maintenance than mechanical watches. It is recommended that you replace the watch battery every 2 years and have the water resistance checked approximately every 1 to 2 years at an authorised service centre.

The movement of an automatic watch is powered by the natural motion of the wearer's wrist, maintaining the optimal tension of the mainspring. The power reserve decreases if the wearer does not move sufficiently. This can potentially cause the watch to stop. We recommend manually winding the mainspring using the crown in the unscrewed or neutral position (at least 30 turns) when the watch has not been worn for the past 24 hours.

Ensure that your watch stays clean by regularly cleaning it with a soft, dry brush or microfibre cloth, as needed. Perform a Maurice Lacroix maintenance service every 2 to 3 years to ensure the watch remains water resistant. Furthermore, a complete Maurice Lacroix overhaul should be carried out every 4 to 5 years to ensure the watch functions correctly.

If you do not regularly wear your mechanical watch, we recommend manually winding the mainspring using the crown in the unscrewed or neutral position (at least 30 turns) on a regular basis to prevent movement dysfunction. You can also consider using an automatic watch winder. Additionally, we recommend having a complete overhaul performed at an authorised Maurice Lacroix workshop every 4 to 5 years.

To change the battery of your watch, it is recommended you contact a Maurice Lacroix authorised service centre to arrange for them to undertake this task. A qualified watchmaker can open the watch case, remove the old battery and install a new battery suitable for your model. At the same time, the watchmaker will replace the gaskets in order to ensure the watch remains water resistant.

The chronograph function allows for precise measurement of short time intervals. It is used to time events such as races and sporting competitions, or simply to measure specific durations. The chronograph is activated by a push-button and the sub-dials' hands are used to measure seconds, minutes, and sometimes hours.

Maurice Lacroix watches are manufactured in accordance with Swiss watch industry standards (NIHS) and are water-resistant up to 30, 50, 100, 200, or 300 metres, dependent on the model. The water resistance of your watch should be checked every 1 to 2 years by an authorized Maurice Lacroix service centre.

All Maurice Lacroix watches are designed to be worn daily and withstand impacts. However, it depends on the type of sport you wish to engage in as well as the specification of your watch. The ‘Manufacture’ and ‘Masterpiece’ models are not suitable for intense sports activities such as tennis.

It is advisable to avoid exposing your watch to extreme temperatures as this can have a detrimental effect on its functionality. Very high temperatures, such as those encountered in a sauna or behind the windshield of a vehicle in direct sunlight, can damage the internal components of the watch as well as impair its accuracy. Similarly, very low temperatures can also affect the functioning of the watch movement.

We are unable to advise of the current value of a Maurice Lacroix watch. Values depends on a variety of factors, with prices for second-hand watches constantly fluctuating. We suggest contacting a reputable auction house, specialising in the sale of luxury watches, in order to obtain an accurate valuation.

Maurice Lacroix uses different date change mechanisms:

• Semi-instantaneous date change: takes place a few minutes just before or after midnight.
• Gradual date change: takes several hours. The date disc gradually rotates to change the date as midnight approaches.

You can send your watch directly to an official Maurice Lacroix service centre. CLICK HERE to view the list of our official service centres.

We recommend carefully packaging your watch, including a letter explaining the reasons for its return, and insuring the package; a wise precaution should the watch go missing or become damaged in transit. If your watch is under warranty, don't forget to include the international warranty card as well. Upon receipt of your timepiece, we will provide you with a quote or an acknowledgement of receipt if it is under warranty. We suggest contacting your nearest official Maurice Lacroix service centre before sending your watch.

The compatibility of the straps may vary depending on the model. To determine if a strap is compatible with your watch, refer to the compatibility information provided for each strap on the Maurice Lacroix website. The model number of your watch can be found engraved on the case back, consisting of 2 letters and 4 digits (eg AI1004 or PT6358).

Using unofficial straps with your Maurice Lacroix watch is not recommended. It is best to use only official straps available on the Maurice Lacroix website or from authorized retailers.