What a Watch Warranty Actually Covers
A standard new watch warranty covers manufacturing defects. That means: if a component fails under normal use because it was faulty at the point of manufacture, the warranty covers repair or replacement at no cost to you. It does not cover the watch against every possible problem.
Common manufacturing defects that would be covered include: a movement that stops running within the warranty period for no external reason; a crown that becomes loose or fails to operate the setting mechanism; a caseback that is incorrectly sealed from the factory. These are real but uncommon occurrences.
What a Warranty Does Not Cover
Battery Depletion
Batteries are consumable parts. Running out of battery is not a defect. Battery replacement is a routine maintenance item, not a warranty claim.
Physical Damage from Impact
If the watch is dropped and the crystal cracks or the case is dented, this is not a manufacturing defect. Impact damage is not covered. Accidental damage cover requires separate insurance.
Water Damage Beyond the Rating
A watch rated at 50m that is worn scuba diving and then stops working has exceeded its stated capability. The warranty does not cover damage from use outside the specified conditions.
Normal Wear and Surface Scratches
The case and crystal will accumulate fine scratches over time with daily wear. This is normal use and is not covered by warranty. Scratches are not a defect.
What Voids a Warranty
Opening the caseback or movement by an unauthorised person typically voids the manufacturer warranty. This is why battery replacements should be done by a qualified watchmaker who can correctly reseal the case. An incorrectly resealed caseback that allows moisture in is not covered.
Modification of the movement, dial, or hands also voids coverage. If the watch has been altered from its original specification in any way, the manufacturer is not responsible for subsequent issues.
Keep your receipt. Warranty claims require proof of purchase. Our receipts include the date of sale, the model reference, and our workshop details. Store your receipt somewhere safe, ideally photographed to your phone as a backup.
The Warranty Period
Warranty periods vary by brand. For the watches we sell, the standard period is confirmed at the time of purchase and noted on the receipt. If you are unsure of the warranty period on a watch you purchased from us, contact us with the purchase date and model and we will confirm it.
In practice, the warranty period matters most in the first year. If a manufacturing defect is going to appear, it usually does so early in the watch's life rather than after several years of normal use.
How to Make a Warranty Claim
If a watch bought from us develops a fault you believe is a manufacturing defect, bring it to the workshop with your receipt. We will assess the watch and, if the fault is covered, either repair it in-house or liaise with the manufacturer on your behalf. We do not charge for assessment of potential warranty claims on watches purchased from us.
If you purchased remotely and cannot travel to Durrës, message us on WhatsApp with a description of the issue and a photo if relevant. We will advise on the best next step.
Beyond warranty. Once the warranty period ends, out-of-warranty repairs are quoted before any work starts. We are not more expensive than the manufacturer for common repairs, and for quartz watches the most common post-warranty work is a battery change or gasket replacement, which is inexpensive regardless of where it is done.
Iglisi Watch’s Own 1-Year Guarantee
Every new watch sold at Iglisi Watch comes with a 1-year Iglisi Watch guarantee in addition to any brand warranty. This covers manufacturing defects as described above: if the watch stops working under normal use within 12 months for a reason that is not physical damage, water damage beyond the rating, or battery depletion, we fix it or replace it at no cost.
The guarantee is attached to the receipt we issue at the point of sale. Keep the receipt. It is your proof of purchase date and the basis of any claim. We do not ask for the original packaging, only the receipt and the watch.
Our guarantee is practical: we are a physical workshop in Durrës with a phone number and a WhatsApp line. If you have a problem, you contact us directly and we assess it at the workshop, usually within the same day you bring it in. There is no postal claim process, no waiting weeks for a response, and no arguing with a foreign customer service department.
Brand Warranty vs Dealer Guarantee
A brand warranty is issued by the watch manufacturer and is theoretically enforceable wherever the brand has an authorised service centre. In practice, for brands like Navimarine and Hislon sold in Albania, there is no local brand service infrastructure. If a problem arises, the brand warranty is handled through us as the seller you bought from. We are an independent reseller, not an authorised dealer, which is exactly why the Iglisi Watch guarantee is the document that practically matters.
For major international brands (Rolex, Omega, Seiko, Casio) bought elsewhere, brand warranties are supported by the brand’s international service network. Casio, for example, has an international repair process and will honour warranty claims on genuine products purchased from authorised dealers globally. For watches bought from unauthorised sellers or marketplaces, no brand warranty applies - the brand stamp on the dial does not create a warranty obligation if the purchase was not from an authorised source.
Keeping Your Watch in Warranty
Beyond not doing the things listed above that void a warranty, a few practical steps keep your watch covered and serviceable throughout the warranty period and beyond:
- Keep the receipt. Without it, the purchase date cannot be verified and the warranty period is unenforceable.
- Do not open the caseback yourself. A caseback opened by someone other than a watchmaker can introduce dust, disturb the movement seating, or damage the gasket. If a watchmaker opens it, the work should be recorded.
- Service at appropriate intervals. A watch that stops working after three years of no maintenance is not a warranty claim - regular servicing is part of responsible ownership of a mechanical watch.
- Contact us first. If the watch is under warranty and something seems wrong, bring it to us before attempting any fix. A self-repair attempt that fails will make a warranty claim more complicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the warranty on Hislon watches bought from Iglisi Watch?
Hislon watches sold by Iglisi Watch come with a manufacturer warranty. The specific period is confirmed at the time of purchase and recorded on the purchase receipt. If you have a warranty concern, contact us with the date of purchase and a description of the issue.
Does normal battery depletion void a watch warranty?
No. Battery depletion is expected in a quartz watch and does not void the warranty. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, not consumable parts like batteries. A battery replacement by a qualified watchmaker does not void the warranty provided the caseback seal is correctly reinstated.
What voids a watch warranty?
Physical damage from impact or drops, water damage in excess of the watch's rated resistance, damage from contact with chemicals or solvents, and modification of the movement or case by an unauthorised person typically void watch warranties. Normal wear, minor surface scratches, and battery depletion do not.
What does a watch warranty cover?
A standard watch warranty covers manufacturing defects - components that fail under normal use because they were faulty at manufacture. It does not cover battery depletion, physical impact damage, water damage beyond the watch's stated water resistance rating, or wear of straps and buckles. Normal scratching is not covered.
How long is the warranty on a new watch from Iglisi Watch?
Every new watch sold at Iglisi Watch comes with a 1-year guarantee. If the watch stops working under normal use within 12 months due to a manufacturing defect, we repair or replace it at no cost. Keep your receipt - it is required to make a claim.
Does getting a watch serviced void the warranty?
Only if the service is done improperly or involves modifications. A routine battery replacement or gasket check by a trained watchmaker does not void a warranty. Opening the caseback yourself without proper tools can damage the gasket and technically constitutes unauthorised modification.
What should I do if my watch stops working under warranty?
Bring it to us with your receipt. We assess it at the workshop, usually within the same day. If the fault is a manufacturing defect covered by the warranty, we repair or replace it at no cost. Do not attempt any repairs yourself before bringing it in, as this can complicate the claim.
Questions About Your Watch?
For warranty questions, repairs, or general advice, message us on WhatsApp or visit the workshop in Durrës.
Rruga Aleksander Goga · Durrës 2001 · Albania · +355 67 571 6090
We also sell watches. Brand-new men’s and women’s watches from €50, each with a 1-year guarantee. Order on WhatsApp with cash on delivery anywhere in Albania, or try them on at the workshop in Durrës. See what you get at each price.
Published by Iglisi Watch · Durrës, Albania · May 2026.