FAQ
Product Information:
Q: What materials are used in your watch construction?
A: All of our watch cases and bracelets are made from marine grade 316 stainless steel. Straps may be calf leather or FKM rubber, product depending.
All automatic watches have high scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass, and the quartz watches have scratch resistant mineral glass.
Q: Can you provide details about the movement used in your watches?
A: We currently use 3 different movement types
- Swiss Automatic movement, calibre SW200-1 B in the Murchison series watches
- Japanese Automatic movement, calibre 9039 in the Pilbara Diver Watches
- Swiss Quartz movement, calibre 673, in the Gift watches
Q: What is the difference between quartz and automatic movements?
A: Quartz movements are powered by batteries, and the electrics incorporate a small quartz crystal to help regulate movement.
Automatic watch movements, also known as self-winding movements, are mechanical movements that are powered by a spring and a set of gears which release power over time. They include a weighted rotor which, as you move the watch around in day-to-day use, swivels around and winds up the spring- automatically ‘charging’ the watch.
Q: Are your watches water-resistant, and if so, to what depth?
A: Yes, all of our watches are water resistant.
The Pilbara Series is 200m resistant - suitable for swimming, snorkelling, water sports and scuba diving.
The Murchison Series is 100m resistant - suitable for swimming, snorkelling but not suitable for high diving or scuba diving
The Gift watch series is 50m water resistant - withstand splashes, accidental shower use, though it is not suitable for water sports, pool diving or scuba diving.
Order and Shipping:
Q: How can I place an order for a watch on your website?
A: Head to the product page of the item you are interested in, select ‘Place order’, and follow prompts through to checkout. If you have problems checking out, please contact us.
Q: What are the shipping options available, and how can I track my order?
A: We ship using international post and DHL express. A tracking number will be emailed to you on shipment – if you don't receive an email, please check spam folder for your tracking details. Your order can also be tracked through the Shop app, and by logging into our website.
Q: Do you offer international shipping, and are there associated costs?
A: Yes, we ship internationally, for automatic watches the price includes express delivery. For other items, such as wallets, shipping is calculated at checkout- orders over $100 include free shipping option.
Sizing and Adjustments:
Q: How do I determine the correct size for my wristwatch?
A: Watch bracelets can be adjusted, and straps include a number of holes to help you get a good fit.
The watch itself, sizing is generally down to personal taste though as a general rule If your wrist circumference is less than 16cm, we recommend 40mm or smaller watch size. For wrists 16cm circumference and above, we recommend 40mm and larger. Note though, that the watches dial size can make a watch look bigger or smaller than the case size suggests.
Q: Can I resize the watch bracelet at home, or do I need professional assistance?
A: Bracelets can be changed at home, we include a screw driver with each one to allow you to change it yourself.
Q: What tools are recommended for adjusting the watch bracelet?
A small flat head screw driver is all that is needed, and comes suppled with the bracelet. Check out our step by step guide here.
Warranty and Repairs:
Q: What is the warranty period for your watches, and what does it cover?
A: Warranty Period:
Mechanical watches (e.g. Pilbara Series, Murchison Series): 2 years from date of shipping.
Quartz (battery) watches (e.g. gift watch): 1 year from date of shipping.
This warranty covers manufacturing and material defects, it does not cover:
- Straps, glass or batteries
- Internal or external damage from excessive wear, improper use or mishandling.
- Damage resulting from service provided from an unauthorised service agent
- Damage resulting from normal wear and tear, impact, negligence, including but not limited to chips in the sapphire, scratches, or wearing away of strap or watch finishes, lume, or coatings.
- Water damage resulting from improper use, such as exceeding watch maximum depth rating, or failure to screw-down crown.
More information can be found here
Q: How can I initiate a warranty claim or request a repair?
Simply contact us, and we will advise you from there.
Q: Do you offer repair services for watches outside the warranty period?
Yes we can, depending on what is required- please contact us. As part of our design process, we have chosen high quality, proven parts to give you years of hassle free use.
Returns and Exchanges:
Q: What is your return policy, and how can I initiate a return?
We offer free returns up to 30 days, please check our policy for conditions.
Q: Is there an exchange option available for watches that don't meet expectations?
Yes, so long as watch is still in original condition, we offer 30 day free returns.
Care and Maintenance:
Q: How should I care for and maintain my wristwatch?
Q: Are there any specific guidelines for cleaning or storing the watch?
A:
Limited Editions and Collections:
Q: Can you provide more information about your limited edition releases?
A: Currently, all automatic watches are limited release. The most of 1 type of watch we have ever made available is 75, all other models are less than 70 made. Houtman is a small brand, and we only ever do small production runs to ensure quality is kept to a high standard.
Q: What inspires the designs?
A: Usually, our design is initially inspired by the landscapes of Western Australia. From there we make concept drawings, and expand on the idea adding new colour variants.
Customisation Options:
Q: Do you offer any customisation services for your watches?
A: We can offer custom dials, colours, or even your own branded watch- however minimum order quantities may apply. Contact us for more details
Q: Can customers engrave or personalise their purchased watches?
A: Laser etching is possible, particularly for the gift watch and the Murchison series – as we have plain case backs to suit these watches.
Availability and Pre-Orders:
Q: Are your watches available for immediate purchase, or are there pre-order options?
Unless otherwise stated, all watches are available for immediate delivery. Occasionally we do pre orders, however this is clearly listed on the product page.
Q: How often do you restock popular models that are currently sold out?
After selling out, models are not restocked. Occasionally we may release a second version of the model, though there will be differences between them to identify which generation they are from.
Contact and Support:
Q: How can I get in touch with your customer support team?
Head to our Contact Us page, and fill in the form 😊
Q: What are your customer support hours?
Our hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (Perth- Western Australian time, GMT+8)