Watch Repair & Consumer Rights FAQ: Three-Guarantee Policy, Timekeeping Standards & Quality Inspection Explained
Frequently Asked Questions About Watch Repair, Consumer Rights & Quality Standards
Whether you’re buying a new watch, sending one in for service, or dealing with a timekeeping issue, understanding your rights and the technical standards that govern watch quality is essential. Here are the most commonly asked questions — answered with authority.
What is the Three-Guarantee Policy for watches?
The Three-Guarantee Policy (from the Regulations on the Responsibility for Repair, Replacement and Return of Certain Products) establishes three core consumer rights: the right to repair, the right to exchange, and the right to return. The specific timeframes are: 7 days for return, exchange, or repair; 15 days for exchange or repair; 30 days maximum repair period before a mandatory exchange; 90 days for spare parts availability; and a mandatory free exchange after two failed repairs.
Can I return a watch within 7 days?
Yes. Within 7 days of the date of sale, if a performance fault occurs, the consumer may choose to return, exchange, or have the product repaired. This is an unconditional right under the Three-Guarantee Policy.
What happens if my watch cannot be repaired within 30 days?
If the repair period exceeds 30 days due to the repairer’s own reasons, the repairer must replace the product with one of the same model and specification at their own cost. The consumer does not bear any additional cost.
What if spare parts are unavailable for 90 days?
Within the Three-Guarantee warranty period, if the product cannot be repaired within 90 days from the date of submission because the manufacturer has not supplied spare parts, the repairer must note this in the repair record. The seller may use this as the basis to exchange the product for one of the same model and specification, and then pursue compensation from the manufacturer or supplier in accordance with the law.
What if my watch has been repaired twice and still doesn't work?
Within the Three-Guarantee warranty period, if the product has been repaired twice and still cannot be used normally, it must be replaced free of charge with one of the same model and specification. If the consumer insists on a return instead of an exchange, the return is permitted, but a depreciation fee of 0.05% per day must be charged.
What is a performance fault in a watch?
A performance fault means the watch does not meet safety or hygiene requirements, presents an unreasonable risk of danger, does not possess the functional performance it should have, or does not meet the quality standards indicated on the product. For watches specifically, performance faults include: stopping, self-winding failure, calendar malfunction, failure to reach the rated timekeeping accuracy, and timekeeping errors that cannot be corrected through professional adjustment.
What is the difference between a performance fault and a manufacturing defect?
A performance fault affects the watch’s ability to function as a timekeeping instrument — it stops, runs inaccurately, or fails to perform its stated functions. A manufacturing defect refers to non-functional flaws: movement or component specifications that do not meet quality standards, uneven dial graduations, asymmetric cases, or other cosmetic defects caused by the manufacturing process rather than use.
How accurate should a mechanical watch be?
National quality standards permit a certain range of timekeeping error for mechanical watches. The standard inspection positions are Crown Up (CH), 6 o’clock Down (6H), and 9 o’clock Down (9H). The permitted accuracy is not more than −10/+30 seconds per day. If a watch runs outside this range and cannot be corrected through professional adjustment, it constitutes a performance fault.
How accurate should a quartz watch be?
Quartz watches are tested in a position-independent manner. The permitted accuracy is not more than ±15 seconds per month (equivalent to not more than ±0.5 seconds per day). All watches must undergo at least 24 hours of actual running inspection to verify timekeeping accuracy and calendar date-change performance.
What should I check when buying a new watch?
A thorough inspection covers four areas: appearance (crystal clarity, case finish, crown clearance of 0.1–0.2 mm, hand alignment, dial cleanliness, strap quality), timekeeping accuracy (24-hour running test), water resistance (tested with a professional water resistance tester), and other functions (calendar date-change accuracy, quick-set mechanism, automatic winding). Appearance inspection must be conducted under natural light at 30 cm distance with the naked eye.
What are the crown clearance requirements for a watch?
The clearance between the crown and the case must be 0.1–0.2 mm. A threaded crown must be lockable. When the crown is pulled out, the position must be clearly defined and the movement must not shake. When the crown is rotated, the resistance must feel appropriate — neither too stiff nor too loose.
What are the hand alignment requirements for a watch?
The hour, minute, and seconds hands must be consistent in colour, flat, smooth, and scratch-free. There must be appropriate clearance between hands, between hands and the dial surface, and between hands and the crystal. When the hour hand points to the exact hour, the deviation of the minute hand must not exceed ±3 minutes.
What professional ethics should a watch repairer follow?
The core principles of professional ethics for watch repair technicians are: enthusiastic service and courteous conduct; honesty, integrity, and a commitment to reputation; mastery of the craft and contribution to a thriving market; and guidance to consumers and promotion of the industry. In traditional society, watchmaking was classified among the highest-skilled trades. Today, the watch repair profession must be a model of professional ethics — earning consumer trust is the foundation of any sustainable business.
Where can I buy a watch that meets all these quality standards?
At Aorawa Time, every watch and accessory is inspected to professional quality standards before sale. We invite you to apply the criteria above to our collection:
- Men’s 42mm Skeleton Automatic Watch — open dial, genuine automatic movement, every component visible and verifiable.
- Men’s Full Diamond Octagonal Luxury Watch — precision engineering meets uncompromising luxury.
- Vintage Leather Apple Watch Band — genuine leather craftsmanship, inspected to the same standard.