If your timepiece contains an automatic movement (not a battery-powered quartz):
You first want to make sure the winding is happening at the first click/setting when the crown is opened. It may feel slightly rough because of the winding spring. If the minute/hour hands are moving, you may be on the 3rd setting that's adjusting the time. This process is very similar to jump starting a car. 

Once it is wound, we typically recommend the timepiece being worn about 8 hours for the day to charge with arm swings and movements. When taken off and not worn, that's when the power reserve starts to dwindle. If the issue persists, it may need to be sent in for inspection/service. Submit a service request for further instruction.

If your timepiece is battery powered (quartz), this likely means the battery needs to be replaced.

If you can, unscrew the crown completely and throw it in a bag of rice immediately. Hoping it can absorb any moisture before it rusts. If you'd prefer to send it in to dry it out and check the movement, submit a service request for further instruction.

For Automatic movements, before we have you send it in, can you do us a favor and run a quick test:
Unscrew the crown to the first click/setting where you can wind your watch ~40x. Once you see the seconds hand moving, set it to time.gov. Either wear it as normal (8 hours on the wrist recommended) or leave it face up and track what the time reads after 24 hours and 48 hours. Info down to the second on how far off it is, will give us a better idea of what's going on with it. Submit your results through a service request and our service team will review/get back to you.

For timepieces with quartz movements, the battery may be dying or something is going on with the movement.  Submit a service request for instructions on sending it in for our team to inspect.

The first trick before sending it over: Make sure the crown is fully closed and put it into a cup with a dab of dish soap. Let it sit in the warm water for about 5 minutes and then pull it out and turn the bezel. Repeat the process a few times and it should clear out any gunk that's built up. 

If this doesn't work, we can pull the bezel, give it a good clean, and re-lube the gasket. Submit a service request for instructions on sending it in.

The calendar wheel may be damaged. Submit a service request for instructions on sending it in.

Lume needs a light source to charge. You can take it to sunlight or point a flashlight or UV light to charge it up. Over the years, the lume may fade, in which case we may be able to replace the dial if we have the parts available. Submit a service request for our team to confirm parts availability or instructions on sending it in.

The second hand skipping or twitching is an indication that the battery may be dying. In a few rare cases, it can also mean the second hand is stuck against another hand. Submit a service request for instructions on sending it in.

Over time, the stem of the crown will collect oils and debris and the gasket may wear down. For screw down crowns, you can take a floss pick and run the floss through the stem. If it’s been worn between 3 to 5 years, our technician can inspect and clean it. Submit a service request for instructions on sending it in for our team to review.

The automatic timepieces use Swiss Made automatic movements from Sellita Watch Company S.A., or Manufacture la Joux-Perret S.A.The quartz timepieces use Swiss Made movements manufactured by Ronda A.G.

Case sizes are listed under the specifications of each watch. The width is measured from 3:00-9:00 or from 2:00 - 8:00 on the case. The Lug width is the space between the lugs where the strap or bracelet is installed. All Sangin Instruments watches utilize a 20mm lug-width as of 2026.

All Sangin Timepieces have a minimum level of anti-magnetic resistance due to modern materials and manufacturing. Some models will feature additional antimagnetic resistance in the form of a soft-iron shield around the movement. Any additional resistance is listed in the specifications section on each product page.

The water resistance rating of a timepiece indicates the depth it can be taken below the surface. This rating is always found on the caseback in Meters (M) or Atmospheres (ATM). Sangin timepieces range from 200 meters of water resistance to 1000 meters of water resistance. This information can be found in the specifications section on each product page.

All Sangin Instruments models feature screw-down crowns.

All Sangin Instruments models use Sapphire crystals.

Fixed bezels do not rotate or have any adjustment, and may or may not contain information. Rotating bezels are multi-functional and can be used for calculating timezone changes, elapsed time, count-downs, and in specific cases even heart rate, speed of travel, distance, air speed, and many other use cases. To find which Sangin Instruments timepieces have fixed or functional bezels, refer to the specifications section on each product page.

Sangin Instruments regulates all of our automatic movements to a minimum of +/- 10 seconds per day. Quartz movement accuracy is often +/- 10 seconds per month, or even year.

Sangin Instruments uses Swiss Super-LumiNova of various grades, pigments, and hues. These luminescent prints will glow bright for a short period of time, and retain a low light and long glow from 8-12 hours depending on conditions and initial exposure to a light source. Additional information can be found in the specifications section on each product page.

Custom Timepieces are built exclusively for an organization, with the organization managing the sales distribution and the certification process for member purchases. The purchase window will remain open typically for 30 days, or as determined by the unit. Once orders are in, we then begin production, which ranges from 6-14 months.

Specialty Timepieces are created for a particular unit or skillset. Sangin is responsible for verifying member eligibility and handling the sales distribution. Specialty timepieces are offered once per year.

Each Specialty timepiece has specific qualification requirements. For example, the Para Overlord requires a jump certificate or similar document proving the earned certification (such as a DD214 or Jump Log).

Certification can be submitted for each Specialty Timepiece under the “Specialty” dropdown in the site menu, where you can provide your certifications through our secure upload. These documents are temporarily stored in a secure cloud for review. Once your certification is checked, we manually add you to the list and permanently delete the certification from the secure cloud. We do not keep any local files of your certification for OPSEC and personal security reasons

Yes, if you are certified for multiple different Specialty timepieces, you may purchase one of each.

Yes, provided you can supply proof that the recipient is certified to own that specific timepiece.

Specialty models are typically produced in small batches once a year.

Submit your concept through our Custom Order Portal. We limit ourselves to approximately 5 projects per month, so please be patient. Our custom process involves a direct call with you, collaborative design work, and multiple stages of design refinement. This focused approach ensures we handle each project with the utmost care, which can take a bit longer.

The timeline varies based on the movement and complexity, with orders typically taking between 6 to 12 months.

It’s possible, but not guaranteed. We produce a small number of extras for warranty and support. If they aren’t needed for component changes or replacements for existing customers, they may be made available for purchase. If interested, please reach out to inquire. Be sure your unit’s custom lead is aware, as we’ll need to verify your affiliation with the organization.

Customs generally require a pre-order unless you are purchasing a timepiece post the original order. Having additional Custom timepieces on hand is rare.

Specialties are made annually. We may have them in stock when you order, or they may be in the build process, allowing for a pre-order.

No. Specialty watches are already custom-built for that specific organization or skillset and cannot be further customized.

Yes, provided the recipient is confirmed to be a member of the relevant unit or certified for the specialty.

Each timepiece has its own waitlist. Go to the page for that specific timepiece, click “JOIN WAITLIST,” and enter your email. Be sure to check the opt-in box or we may not be able to notify you when it becomes available.

Yes, you can join as many waitlists as you’d like. 

You will only be notified about the timepiece(s) you joined a waitlist for. 

Yes, you’ll stay on the waitlist for future releases of that timepiece unless you opt out or purchase the timepiece. Either action removes you from the waitlist.

If the waitlist significantly exceeds available units for a release, notifications go to the earliest signups first. If you haven’t been contacted yet, you’ll likely be included in the next release. To confirm if you’re on a waitlist, email sales@sangininstruments.com.

Another reason for not receiving a notification could be if you already own a timepiece and are looking to purchase another of the same piece (to gift or as a replacement). In this case, contact us directly at sales@sangininstruments.com to manually add you to the waitlist.

Most standard models will have 1-2 releases per year. Keep an eye on our Updates Page for info on upcoming release dates. 

You can contact us at sales@sangininstruments.com and we can do our best to let you know when you will most likely be contacted for a release.

Depending on the available units for an upcoming release, we may contact the waitlist members ahead of time to give advance notice, but this is not guaranteed. The best place to get information on upcoming releases is our Updates Page.

It depends on the size of the release in relation to the size of the waitlist, but we typically see releases sell out within a few hours. 

No, adding an item to your cart does not reserve it. Unfortunately, we have had issues with competitors and other entities flooding our cart system during product releases. To prevent them from blocking real customers, we do not allow carts to lock inventory before purchase. It is not ideal, but it is the best way we have found to keep things fair. 

For standard (non custom) models, please allow up to two weeks for shipping, though most orders ship within three days.

All timepieces go through:

• Final QC inspection
• Warranty registration tied to your order

This process is what can extend handling time. If you need your item for a specific event, please contact us at fulfillment@sangininstruments.com and we will try our best to accommodate.

If your order is for a Custom Timepiece, please allow 6-12 months for build before shipping.

Carriers occasionally mark items delivered early. What to do:

• Wait 24 hours
• If still missing, contact: fulfillment@sangininstruments.com

We will help you open a case so we can resolve the lost item.

We currently use USPS and UPS, depending on your location. We are expanding to include DHL and additional options.

Not required, but strongly recommended for full insurance coverage. By default, all timepieces will ship priority with signature required, unless otherwise specified in the “Waive Signature Required Delivery” section in the cart during checkout.

Yes, if the order has not yet shipped. Please contact us immediately: fulfillment@sangininstruments.com

We are only notified once it arrives back to us. Please reach out to us at fulfillment@sangininstruments.com once you know it is RTS so we can expect it. Once received, we will contact you to arrange reshipment or resolution.

Yes, currently to 21 countries OCONUS and all APO/FPO. If checkout blocks your location, please email sales@sangininstruments.com and we can see if an exception can be made to ship your timepiece.

No. The purchaser is responsible for all duties and taxes.

Contact us immediately if your package has been lost or stolen at fulfillment@sangininstruments.com. We will help you open a case so we can resolve your lost, stolen, or damaged item.

Submit a service request for instructions on sending it in.

Our current turnaround time is up to 3 weeks, including shipping. We do prioritize newer timepieces so they may be bumped up the queue for a shorter turnaround time.

Yes we do. Submit a service request for instructions on sending it in and pricing.

If the case back needs to be opened for inspection or replacement of an internal component (such as the battery, movement, or crown/stem), we will lubricate the gaskets to ensure they aren’t dried out or worn down. Once the case back is sealed, our technician will do a wet and dry pressure test to ensure the watch maintains waterproofness.

Yes, we regulate movements in-house. The standard accuracy will depend on which movement is in the timepiece, but we aim for above average accuracy. Submit a service request for instructions on sending your watch in.

Yes we do. Submit a service request for instructions on sending it in and pricing.

We may be able to offer an estimate depending on the service, but we will provide an official quote for service upon inspection, after the timepiece is received. We charge at-cost for parts and a labor fee for our technician to service the repair. For multiple services, the labor fees may be combined as we do not charge services a la carte.

Payment is due once the repair estimate is received. We will send a rundown of the service, cost, and confirm a few details before sending an invoice.

Yes, we do battery replacement for Sangin Instruments timepieces that operate on quartz movements. Submit a service request for instructions on sending it in and pricing.

The payment for preorders will be collected at the time the order is placed, to reserve your spot for the item that is being made.

We do not offer payment plans at this time.

Visa, Mastercard, American Express (Amex), Discover, Diners Club, Elo, JCB, UnionPay, Shop Pay

Yes, you may cancel your order for a full refund if you contact us before your order ships. If your order has already shipped, we will need to wait until it is delivered for you to return it to us for a refund. 

If you need to use a different payment method, we can work with you to cancel and refund your order, then send you a direct invoice for a new order of the same item(s) that you can complete with the correct payment method. Please reach out to us at sales@sangininstruments.com.

Please reach out to us at customs@sangininstruments.com to accommodate this request. 

Keep in mind that Custom Projects do require a project minimum, so if cancellations result in the project dropping below the order minimum, the project lead may be responsible for filling order spots to ensure the minimum is reached. 

Refunds take about 3-5 business days to fully process back to your original payment method.