FAQ

No. Jowissa croco-style straps are made from calf leather embossed with a crocodile pattern. This creates the distinctive look of crocodile leather without using crocodile hide. Check the product specifications for the exact material of each strap.

Yes, quartz watches are known for "high accuracy." Because the quartz crystal vibrates at such a stable and high frequency, they are typically much more accurate than mechanical watches, often varying by only a few seconds per month.

Yes, the length of our steel and ceramic bracelets can be adjusted to fit an individual wrist size. When you order with jowissa.com we shorten the bracelet for you free of charge. Optionally your local watch dealer may also offer the bracelet adjustment as a service.

Yes. Many Jowissa watches use interchangeable bands, and selected bands have a quick-release system that can be changed without tools. Other straps or bracelets may require a spring-bar tool or a watchmaker. Before ordering, check the band width and attachment type for your watch.

While possible, it is generally not recommended for battery-powered quartz watches. Leaving the chronograph function running continuously drains the battery significantly faster than standard timekeeping. To preserve battery life, we suggest stopping and resetting the chronograph hands to zero when you are not actively timing an event.

No. A watch tested to 3 ATM is intended for light rain, perspiration and brief accidental contact with water. It should not be worn while swimming, bathing or showering. Always check the rating in the specifications for your exact model.

No. Watches tested to 5 ATM are designed to withstand rain, perspiration and brief contact with water. They are not intended for swimming or diving. For water activities, choose a model with a rating specifically suited to that use and follow its product specifications.

Leather bands should not be washed with water. For cleaning your strap refer to your local watch dealer to get a special leather cleaning product.

Selected Jowissa models use genuine diamonds as dial markers when “Diamonds” is stated in the product specifications. A “diamond-cut” glass, however, describes a faceted shape and finishing technique; it does not mean the glass contains diamonds. Check the specifications for your exact model.

Measure the distance between the lugs where the band attaches to the watch case. The replacement band must have the same width and a compatible attachment. Jowissa offers several widths, including 12, 15, 18, 20 and 22 mm, but availability depends on the model. If you are unsure, contact us with the watch reference and a clear photo.

Buy from jowissa.com or an authorized Jowissa retailer and keep the proof of purchase. Check that the model reference and specifications match the information supplied with the watch. If you are unsure about a seller or a watch, contact Jowissa before purchasing and provide the seller details, model reference and clear photographs. Authenticity cannot be confirmed reliably from a single photograph alone.

Start with the recipient’s style, preferred case size, wrist circumference and usual jewellery colours. A smaller, slimmer watch often feels discreet and elegant; a larger case creates a stronger statement. Consider whether they prefer leather, metal or another strap material and whether easy strap changes would be useful. Each product page lists dimensions, materials and movement type to help you compare.

Measure your wrist circumference, then compare the case diameter and strap length in the product specifications. Case shape, lug-to-lug length, thickness and personal style also affect how a watch wears, so diameter alone is only a guide. A smaller case usually looks discreet; a larger case makes a stronger statement. Choose the proportions that feel comfortable and suit your style.

Reading a Roman numeral watch is simple once you know the three basic symbols: I (1), V (5), and X (10). The numbers 1 to 3 are written as I, II, and III. The number 4 is traditionally written as IIII on watches. From 6 to 8, you add I to V (VI, VII, VIII). 9 is written as IX (one before ten), and 12 is XII. This elegant style is the signature feature of the Jowissa Roma collection.

It works through a circuit: a battery sends electricity to a quartz crystal, causing it to oscillate (vibrate) 32,768 times per second. A microchip detects these vibrations and converts them into regular electric pulses (one per second). These pulses drive a stepping motor, which turns the gears and moves the watch hands.

The expected battery life is 2 to 4 years depending on external factors like heat and cold. Jowissa uses standard silver oxide battery cells in combination with high quality and low energy consuming Swiss quartz movements.

Wipe the case and crystal with a soft, dry microfibre cloth. Keep leather straps away from water and use a suitable leather-care product when needed. Avoid solvents, abrasive cleaners, extreme temperatures, strong magnetic fields and impacts. Have the water resistance checked after the case has been opened or if the seals may have aged.

Yes, we accommodate a variety of wrist sizes. To help you find the perfect fit, here is what you need to know:

- Check the specifications: The maximum wrist circumference for each watch is listed under the product specifications on its page.
- Bracelet vs. Leather: Generally, our stainless steel bracelet watches offer a slightly larger, looser fit compared to our leather band models.
- Custom extensions: We can extend our stainless steel bracelets by adding extra links.
- XXL Leather bands: We also carry select leather bands in XXL measurements.

If you have a larger wrist and want to ensure a perfect fit, please contact us at shop@jowissa.com. We are happy to consult with you and arrange for extra links or an XXL band.

Jowissa does not provide market valuations for vintage watches. Value depends on factors such as condition, rarity, provenance, original packaging and current collector demand. For an appraisal, contact a specialist vintage-watch dealer, auction house or qualified horological appraiser. Jowissa may not have complete archive information for every historical model.

Yes, these terms are often confused but mean different things. A Chronograph is a watch with a built-in stopwatch function (buttons to start, stop, and reset). A Chronometer is a specific certification given to a high-precision watch movement (usually mechanical) that has passed rigorous accuracy tests by COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute). A watch can be both, but "Chronograph" refers to the function, while "Chronometer" refers to the accuracy rating.

Mineral crystal, which is used in most Jowissa watches, is a type of glass that's been treated to make it a bit tougher than regular glass. Think of the glass in a smart phone screen – mineral crystal is similar to that.

Because it's treated, mineral crystal is more resistant to scratches than a plain glass window. It can handle everyday wear and tear pretty well, like little bumps and rubs against things.

However, it's not as hard as some other materials, like sapphire crystal. This means that if your watch rubs against something really hard, like certain types of rock or even another piece of glass with a higher hardness, it could potentially get a scratch.

Here's the main idea:
- Mineral crystal is more scratch-resistant than regular glass.
- It can handle most of the little bumps and scrapes you might have during the day.
- However, it's not completely scratch-proof, and harder materials can still scratch it.

So, while your Jowissa watch with a mineral crystal is pretty durable for everyday use, it's still a good idea to be a little careful with it to keep it looking its best!

No. Jowissa watch crystals are made from materials such as mineral glass or sapphire crystal, depending on the model. “Diamond cut” refers to the faceted shape and finishing technique, not to the material. Check the product specifications to see which crystal your watch uses.

Most of our Jowissa watch crystals are made with mineral glass. Think of it like the glass in your windows, but a bit tougher. It can handle everyday wear and tear pretty well and is more scratch resistant than regular plastic.

However, just like anything made of glass, it's not completely scratch-proof. Really hard or sharp things could potentially leave a mark.

For some of our more premium collections, we also use sapphire crystal. Sapphire is very tough! It's much harder than mineral glass and offers even better scratch resistance. You'll usually find this mentioned in the specific watch description if it has a sapphire crystal.

Let's summarize:
Mineral glass (most Jowissa watches): Good scratch resistance for daily use.
Sapphire crystal (some premium models): Excellent scratch resistance, very durable.

To keep your Jowissa Watch looking its best, it's still a good idea to be mindful of bumps and scrapes against hard surfaces.

A Jowissa watch is tested for water resistance from 3 to 30 ATM, depending on the collection.
3 ATM: Watches tested to 3 ATM should not be worn while bathing or showering. They are built to withstand light rain, perspiration and brief contact with water.
5 ATM: Watches tested to 5 ATM are designed to withstand rain, perspiration and brief contact with water. They are not intended for swimming or diving.
10 ATM: Suitable for swimming and other surface water activities. Not intended for diving.
20 ATM: Suitable for swimming, water sports and recreational diving.
Always follow the water-resistance rating and product specifications for your exact model.

Yes. Synthetic sapphire crystal is extremely hard and highly resistant to everyday scratches. It is not completely scratch-proof, however: materials of equal or greater hardness, including diamond and some abrasives, can still mark it. Check the product specifications to confirm whether a particular Jowissa model uses sapphire crystal.

Traditionally, a man wears his watch on the left wrist. This custom originated because the majority of people are right-handed, and wearing a watch on the non-dominant hand protects the timepiece from damage and keeps the dominant hand free for writing or working. However, the modern rule is practical: wear your watch on the wrist opposite your dominant hand. Therefore, if you are left-handed, it is perfectly acceptable to wear your watch on the right wrist.

According to etiquette, a woman should wear her watch on the left wrist if she is right-handed. This traditional rule places the watch on the non-dominant hand to prevent damage and scratches from daily tasks. However, modern fashion is flexible: many women choose the wrist that best complements their other jewelry. If you wear a heavy bracelet on your left hand, it is perfectly stylish and practical to wear your watch on the right wrist to balance your look and avoid scratching the timepiece.

Choose quartz if you want high accuracy, a slim profile and minimal day-to-day maintenance. Choose automatic if you enjoy traditional mechanical watchmaking and do not mind winding or resetting the watch after it has not been worn. Jowissa offers both; check each product page for the movement type and choose the option that best matches how you plan to wear it.

Luminous hands on a watch refer to the hands (hour and minute, and sometimes the second hand) that have been treated with a phosphorescent material. This material absorbs light from various sources, such as sunlight or artificial light, and then emits that light over a period of time, allowing the wearer to read the time in low-light or dark conditions.

At Jowissa, we incorporate luminous hands into select models to enhance their practicality and legibility. This feature ensures that the time can be easily discerned, even when visibility is limited. The application of luminous material is carefully considered in our designs to complement the overall aesthetic of each timepiece while providing functional benefit to the wearer.

The term "brilliant cut" in the world of diamonds refers to a specific way of cutting a diamond to maximize its brilliance, which is the amount of light it reflects back to the viewer. It's not just about the shape of the diamond, but also the arrangement and number of facets (the flat surfaces on a diamond).

Brilliant cut diamonds have a large number of facets, typically 57 or 58. These facets are strategically placed to capture light entering the diamond and reflect it back out. The round brilliant cut is the most popular and widely recognized.

Rather than diamond, Jowissa utilizes expertly cut mineral glass (for watches) and Austrian crystal (for jewelry), each piece faceted in the brilliant cut to capture and reflect light with exceptional brilliance.

On a Jowissa watch, “diamond cut” refers to precisely faceted glass or dial surfaces that reflect light like a cut gemstone. It describes the shape and finishing technique; it does not mean that the watch crystal is made of diamond.

The emerald cut is a sophisticated and elegant shape defined by its rectangular silhouette and cropped corners. Unlike brilliant cuts, the emerald cut is a "step cut," meaning its facets are arranged in parallel lines. This creates a mesmerizing "hall of mirrors" effect, producing flashes of white light rather than all-over sparkle.

Originally developed for cutting emerald gemstones to prevent chipping, this style became a hallmark of the Art Deco era. It is prized for its vintage charm, architectural lines, and understated luxury.

Rather than diamond, Jowissa utilizes expertly cut mineral glass (for watches) and Austrian crystal (for jewelry), each piece faceted in the emerald cut to capture and reflect light with distinct, geometric elegance.

The oval cut is an elongated version of the classic round brilliant diamond. It features a similar facet arrangement—typically 57 or 58 facets—which gives it nearly the same level of fire and brilliance as a round cut, but with a unique, contemporary shape.

Because of its elongated form, the oval cut can create an optical illusion of greater size compared to a round stone of the same carat weight. It is also highly favored for its flattering aesthetic, as the shape tends to lengthen the appearance of the fingers or the wrist.

Rather than diamond, Jowissa utilizes expertly cut mineral glass (for watches) and Austrian crystal (for jewelry), each piece faceted in the oval cut to capture and reflect light with exceptional brilliance.

The radiant cut is a beautiful and unique diamond shape that combines the elegance of an emerald cut with the brilliance of a round brilliant. It's a popular choice for those who want a diamond with a lot of sparkle and a distinctive shape.

Rather than diamond, Jowissa utilizes expertly cut mineral glass (for watches) and Austrian crystal (for jewelry), each piece faceted in the radiant cut to capture and reflect light with exceptional brilliance.

A watch may be labelled “Swiss Made” only if it meets Swiss legal requirements. Its movement must be Swiss, the movement must be cased in Switzerland, the completed watch must be inspected in Switzerland, and at least 60% of the manufacturing costs of the watch as a whole must be generated in Switzerland. Jowissa watches are assembled and quality-controlled in Bettlach, Switzerland.

A chronograph is a watch with a built-in stopwatch function. Pushers on the case start, stop and reset the chronograph without interrupting normal timekeeping. Separate hands or subdials display the measured seconds and, depending on the model, minutes or hours.

A dress watch is an elegant, slim-profile timepiece designed to be worn with formal attire, such as business suits or evening wear. Unlike sports watches, dress watches focus on minimalism and sophistication.

For Men: It must be thin enough to slide easily under a shirt cuff (the "Cuff Test").

For Women: It often acts as jewelry, featuring refined materials or faceted glass to complement evening outfits.

Key Features: Simple dials, leather or mesh straps, and a lack of bulky buttons or bezels.

On relevant Jowissa models, a gemstone dial is made from a thin slice of natural ornamental stone. Its colour, veining and pattern vary naturally, so no two dials look exactly alike. Always check the product specifications for the exact dial material used on a particular model.

A mechanical watch movement is a purely mechanical system that powers the watch, keeping time through the intricate interaction of various components. Unlike quartz movements that rely on a battery and electronic circuitry, mechanical movements operate using energy stored in a mainspring, which is typically wound manually by turning the crown or automatically through the motion of the wearer's wrist.

The main components of a mechanical watch movement include:
- Mainspring: A tightly coiled spring that stores the energy to power the watch.
- Gear Train: A series of interconnected gears that transmit the energy from the mainspring to the escapement at a controlled rate.
- Escapement: A crucial mechanism that regulates the release of energy from the gear train, ensuring the hands move at a consistent pace. Key parts of the escapement include the escape wheel, pallet fork, and balance wheel.
- Balance Wheel: An oscillating wheel that, along with the hairspring, vibrates at a precise frequency, acting as the timekeeping heart of the movement.
- Hairspring: A delicate spiral spring that controls the oscillation of the balance wheel.

Mechanical movements are appreciated for their craftsmanship, the beauty of their intricate mechanics, and the absence of a battery requirement. They represent a long-standing tradition in horology and are often favored by watch enthusiasts for their heritage and the skill involved in their creation and assembly.

At Jowissa, while we also offer quartz timepieces known for their precision and convenience, our mechanical watches showcase the art and complexity of traditional watchmaking. These movements require regular maintenance, including cleaning and lubrication, to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The subtle sweep of the second hand, characteristic of many mechanical watches, is a visual indicator of the movement's intricate operation.

A moon-phase complication displays the current phase of the Moon as it waxes and wanes through its cycle. Most watches show it with a rotating disc visible through an opening in the dial. It is a traditional astronomical display and may need occasional correction because the lunar cycle does not divide evenly into calendar days.

A mother-of-pearl dial is crafted from the iridescent inner layer of certain mollusk shells, primarily oysters and abalone. This natural material is prized for its unique visual properties, exhibiting a shimmering play of colors that can include whites, creams, pinks, blues and greens. The exact hues and patterns vary from one piece to another, making each mother-of-pearl dial truly individual.  

What makes a mother-of-pearl dial special is its inherent beauty and the way it interacts with light. The nacreous structure of the shell refracts light, creating a subtle, dynamic luster that shifts as the viewing angle changes. This gives each watch dial a distinctive and luxurious character.  

At Jowissa, we often feature mother-of-pearl dials in our ladies' collections to enhance the elegance and sophistication of our timepieces. The natural iridescence complements our design aesthetic, adding a touch of unique artistry to each watch. Due to the organic nature of the material, every Jowissa watch with a mother-of-pearl dial is a one-of-a-kind piece, showcasing the beauty of the natural world.

A quartz watch is a timepiece powered by a battery rather than a wound spring. The "quartz movement" refers to the internal engine of the watch, which uses a tiny crystal of quartz mineral to regulate time. This crystal vibrates at a very precise frequency when electricity is passed through it, ensuring high accuracy.

A tachymeter is a scale used with a chronograph to calculate average speed over a known distance. Start the chronograph at the beginning of one kilometre or one mile and stop it at the end. The central chronograph seconds hand points to the average speed in units per hour. For example, 30 seconds over one kilometre corresponds to 120 km/h. The scale only works for times within its displayed range.

An automatic watch movement, also known as a self-winding movement, is a mechanical movement that harnesses the kinetic energy generated from the natural motion of the wearer's wrist to wind the mainspring. This eliminates the need for manual winding, provided the watch is worn regularly.

The key difference between an automatic and a manual mechanical movement lies in the addition of an oscillating weight, or rotor, in the automatic movement. This semi-circular or shaped weight pivots freely on a central staff and swings back and forth as the wearer moves their wrist. This motion is then transferred through a series of gears to wind the mainspring, the energy source of the watch.

Key components specific to an automatic movement include:
- Oscillating Weight (Rotor): A weighted component that rotates with the movement of the wearer's wrist.
- Winding Train: A set of gears that transmits the rotational motion of the rotor to the mainspring barrel, winding the mainspring.
- Reversing Mechanism: A system, often utilizing pawls or gears, that ensures the mainspring is wound regardless of the direction in which the rotor spins.

Automatic movements retain the intricate mechanics and craftsmanship of traditional mechanical movements while offering the added convenience of self-winding. As long as an automatic watch is worn with sufficient frequency, it will remain wound and continue to function without manual intervention. If an automatic watch is not worn for a period, the power reserve stored in the mainspring will deplete, and the watch will need to be wound manually (typically by turning the crown) to restart.

Jowissa offers a selection of automatic timepieces that showcase the beauty and engineering of these self-winding movements. These watches provide a seamless blend of horological tradition and everyday practicality. We encourage you to explore our collection to discover the elegance and convenience of Jowissa automatic watches.

Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) is a vacuum process used to apply a very thin coloured or protective coating to metal watch parts. It creates a smooth, durable finish, but it is not scratch-proof and can wear over time, especially on edges and other high-contact areas. Avoid abrasives, chemicals and impacts, and clean the surface with a soft cloth.

The End-of-Life (EOL) indicator appears on selected quartz movements when the battery is nearly depleted. The seconds hand pauses and then jumps forward, often in four-second steps, while the watch continues to keep time. The watch is not necessarily faulty, but the battery should be replaced promptly by a professional watchmaker or an authorized service centre.

Edelweiss is an Alpine flower traditionally associated with courage, devotion and the mountain landscape. For Jowissa, it is a natural symbol of the brand’s Swiss roots and its home in Bettlach, Switzerland.

The name Jowissa is derived from the name of company founder Josef Wyss. He founded the business in Bettlach, Switzerland, in 1951, and Jowissa has operated continuously since then.

Lapis lazuli is a natural stone known for its deep blue colour, often with pale calcite or golden pyrite inclusions. In cultural and symbolic traditions, it is often associated with wisdom, truth and self-awareness. These meanings are traditional beliefs rather than scientifically proven properties.

Malachite is a natural stone recognised by its vivid green colour and distinctive banded patterns. In cultural and symbolic traditions, it is often associated with transformation, growth and protection. These meanings are traditional beliefs rather than scientifically proven properties.

Tiger’s eye is a natural stone known for its silky, banded appearance in golden to reddish-brown tones. In cultural and symbolic traditions, it is often associated with courage, confidence and protection. These meanings are traditional beliefs rather than scientifically proven properties.

Leather offers a classic, comfortable look but should be kept away from water. Stainless steel is durable and easy to wipe clean. Rubber, silicone and nylon are practical for active or casual wear. Always check the strap width and attachment type listed for your watch before ordering a replacement.

This is known as the "Watchmaker's Four." We use IIII instead of IV primarily for visual symmetry. On a round dial, the four characters of IIII perfectly balance the four heavy characters of VIII (8) on the opposite side. It also creates a harmonious pattern: the first four numbers use only I, the next four use V, and the last four use X. This classical tradition is kept alive in our Swiss Made timepieces.

An automatic watch stops when its stored power reserve is depleted, usually after it has not been worn for some time. Gently wind it using the crown if the model supports manual winding, then set the time and wear it so wrist movement can keep it wound. Follow the instructions for your specific movement and never force the crown. If the watch does not restart or stops unusually quickly, contact an authorized watchmaker or Jowissa service.

This is the End-of-Life (EOL) indicator used in selected quartz movements. The watch continues to keep time, but the battery is nearing depletion. Have the battery replaced promptly by a professional watchmaker or an authorized service centre.

On many watches, the date-changing mechanism begins to engage around midnight. Using the quick-set date while it is engaged can damage the movement. The exact restricted period varies by movement, so follow the instructions for your watch. If you are unsure, move the hands to about 6:30 before setting the date, then set the correct time.