Dropped Your Watch? Assess Systematically

Assessing Damage After Drops

Your watch just hit concrete. Here is the systematic damage assessment before you trust it again.

Immediate Checks (First 5 Minutes)

1. Is it running? Stopped movement suggests shock damage to balance assembly
2. Crystal intact? Hairline cracks may not be immediately visible — check under angled light
3. Crown/stem functional? Pull to each position; rough engagement suggests stem damage
4. Bezel rotates normally? Gritty action means debris entered through impact gaps

Accuracy Check (Next 24 Hours)

• Set exact time; check deviation after full day
• Drift within ±30 sec/day: likely survived unharmed
• Dramatic change from baseline: internal damage probable — see our diagnostic guide

Internal Damage Signs

Shock protection systems explained in our protection guide — modern movements survive most drops better than owners fear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Watch seems fine — anything else to check?
Water resistance is now suspect if the impact was hard enough to mark the case — pressure test before swimming again.