Choosing a quartz mechanism – first read its designation

Choosing a quartz mechanism is best started with the old mechanism found in the watch. In most cases, the manufacturer places a marking on it that allows for precise identification of its model or caliber.

The basic rule is simple:

1. read the model engraved on the old mechanism,
2. find this model in our store,
3. determine the correct version of the mechanism.

Go to watch mechanisms at Hurtownia Kurant

First, read the marking on the old mechanism

The most important information when choosing a replacement is the marking located directly on the mechanism.

It may be located:

• on the metal plate of the mechanism,
• on the plastic part of the casing,
• next to the battery,
• under the battery,
• near the coil or electronic circuit.

The marking may consist of numbers, letters, or their combinations. It should be copied in full, as even a small difference in the symbol may indicate a different mechanism.

Why should you not choose a mechanism based only on appearance?

Many quartz mechanisms look very similar. They may have a similar diameter, the same battery layout, and a similar construction, yet differ in parameters that prevent direct replacement.

Differences may include:

• the height of the hour wheel,
• the position of the date display,
• the presence or absence of a second hand,
• the position of the shaft,
• the height of the hands' axes,
• the type of dial,
• the method of securing the dial,
• additional functions.

Therefore, a photo of the mechanism may help, but it should not replace reading its marking.

After reading the symbol, search for the mechanism in the store

After determining the full marking, it is best to enter it directly into the search engine of our store or go to the mechanisms category.

See watch mechanisms and search for the marking of the old mechanism

If a given model is available only in one version, the choice is usually simple. However, many popular mechanisms come in several variants, and then additional parameters must be checked.

The same model of the mechanism may come in several versions

Finding the correct model is just the first step. The same mechanism may be available in several versions that differ in construction details.

Before purchasing, it is essential to check:

• whether the mechanism has a date display,
• where the date window is located on the dial,
• whether the mechanism has a central second hand,
• whether it is a version without a second hand,
• the height of the hour wheel.

Date display – check its position

If the watch has a date display, it is not enough to state that the new mechanism also has a date function.

You need to check where the date window is located on the dial.

Depending on the version of the mechanism, the date may be intended to be displayed at different hours on the dial.

A mechanism of the same model with a different date display position may not fit the dial you have, even if the other parameters match.

Version with a second hand or without a second hand?

Another parameter is the way the second hand is operated.

The mechanism may come as:

• a version with a central second hand,
• a version without a second hand,
• in some constructions, a version with a different second indication layout.

If the watch has three hands, make sure that the selected mechanism has the appropriate axis for the second hand.

Do not assume that every version of the same model of the mechanism has the same hand layout.

Height of the hour wheel – a very important parameter

One of the most commonly overlooked parameters is the height of the hour wheel.

The same model of the mechanism may come in several height versions. This parameter affects the position of the hour, minute, and second hands relative to the dial.

If the height is incorrect, it may lead to a situation where:

• the hour hand rubs against the dial or indices,
• the minute hand is too close to the hour hand,
• the second hand rubs against the minute hand,
• the entire set of hands is too high and starts touching the glass.

Therefore, before purchasing, it is essential to check what height version was used in the old mechanism.

Why can the height of the hour wheel be different in the same mechanism?

Manufacturers offer different heights because the mechanism may be used in watches with dials of varying constructions and thicknesses.

Factors affecting the required height may include:

• the thickness of the dial,
• the height of the indices,
• the construction of the hands,
• the distance from the dial to the glass,
• the construction of the case.

Therefore, the marking of the mechanism model should always be combined with determining its correct version.

Can the type of battery determine the mechanism?

No. The same battery can be used in many different mechanisms.

Information about the battery may be helpful, but it should not be the basis for selection.

The most important is the symbol engraved on the mechanism.

Can a mechanism be selected based on the watch model?

The watch model alone is usually not sufficient.

Within one model or family of watches, the manufacturer may have used:

• different mechanisms,
• different versions of the same mechanism,
• different heights of the axis,
• different positions of the date display,
• design changes made during production.

Therefore, even knowing the exact model of the watch does not replace checking the marking on the mechanism itself.

What to do if the marking on the mechanism is poorly visible?

It is worth taking a clear photo of the mechanism in good lighting and enlarging it on the phone or computer screen.

If the symbol is under the battery, it can be read after removing it.

Do not guess the marking. One incorrectly read letter or number can lead to a completely different product.

What to do when there are different versions of the same mechanism in the store?

Compare primarily:

1. the full marking of the mechanism,
2. the presence of a date display,
3. the position of the date display relative to the dial,
4. the presence or absence of a second hand,
5. the height of the hour wheel.

If all parameters match, you can proceed to purchase the appropriate version.

What to do in case of doubts?

If you are unsure which version of the mechanism is correct, it is best to contact us via email before purchasing.

In the message, it is worth providing as much information as possible:

• the full marking engraved on the mechanism,
• a photo of the entire mechanism,
• a clear photo of the marking,
• a photo of the watch from the dial side,
• information about the position of the date display,
• information on whether the watch has a second hand,
• the height of the hour wheel, if measured,
• a side photo of the old mechanism, if it helps determine the height of the axis.

The more information we receive, the easier it will be to verify the correct version.

How to select a quartz mechanism step by step?

1. Read the model engraved directly on the old mechanism.
2. Search for that exact model in our store.
3. Check if it comes in several versions.
4. If it has a date display, determine its position relative to the dial.
5. Check if a version with a second hand or without is needed.
6. Determine the height of the hour wheel.
7. Compare the remaining information on the product card.
8. If in doubt, contact us before purchasing.

Common mistakes when choosing a mechanism

• selecting only based on the watch model,
• choosing a mechanism only based on a photo,
• not reading the symbol on the old mechanism,
• assuming that all versions of the same model are identical,
• ignoring the position of the date display,
• ignoring the version with or without a second hand,
• not checking the height of the hour wheel,
• purchasing based on the type of battery used.

Watch mechanisms at Hurtownia Kurant

First, read the marking on the old mechanism, then search for its full symbol in our store. On the product card, check the available versions and their parameters.

See watch mechanisms and search for the correct model

If you are unsure which version to choose, contact us via email and send the marking of the mechanism along with as accurate photos as possible.