Frequently Asked Questions

Akrone watches are available exclusively on our official website, akrone.fr. This choice allows us to control prices, service quality, and customer relations. We distribute directly, without intermediaries.

Akrone watches can be tried on by appointment in our showroom in Nantes, Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding public holidays). Requests can only be made via the online schedule available on our website. Appointments are not taken by email, phone, or chat. Outside of the showroom, we regularly participate in trade shows in France and abroad. To stay up-to-date with our latest news and upcoming dates, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media.

Availability is indicated directly on each product page. If the item is out of stock, you can leave your email address to be notified when it's back in stock.

To ensure optimal operation, our watches are assembled to order, tested and adjusted before shipping.

A stationary mechanical movement degrades over time (congealed oils, dry seals, loss of precision), which is why we only assemble what is ordered.

It takes approximately 15 working days for shipping of an in-stock model.

Pour éviter la frustration ou l’agacement d’être passé à côté de son numéro fétiche, nous ne proposons plus cette option.
Chaque numéro étant unique, ils sont désormais attribués de manière aléatoire lors de l’expédition, afin de garantir équité et sérénité pour tous.

Yes, Akrone watch customization is possible starting from 25 pieces, only on the C-02, C-03, and C-04 models. To find out about the available options and how customization works, simply visit the "Professionals" tab on the website, where all the information is detailed.

A pre-order project concerns special or military projects, tailor-made for a unit, a company, a corporation, or a club. This type of project involves complete development, with a minimum production time of 10 months. This timeframe is not compressible and may be extended depending on technical or logistical hazards. The project leader must therefore anticipate sufficiently in advance, particularly if targeting a specific delivery date, and allow for an appropriate safety margin. For customers placing a pre-order, it is important to keep in mind that no fixed delivery date can be guaranteed in advance. The shipping date is only confirmed once the watches are finalized. Monitoring is provided throughout the project: from design to manufacturing, all the way to shipping. Each step is communicated via newsletter to allow you to follow the project from A to Z in complete transparency.

Access to military projects is protected by a code. Only authorized members can place orders. The project leader validates each eligibility once the project is closed.

Any unauthorized order will be canceled. 10% of the refunded amount will be retained to cover bank charges and administrative processing related to the cancellation.

For any questions, please contact your project leader.

Akrone designs, assembles, and inspects its watches in its own workshop in Nantes. We use reliable and renowned movements—Swiss (Soprod, Sellita), French (France Ébauches), or Japanese (Miyota). The other components (cases, dials, crystals, hands) come from specialized partners based in Hong Kong, who adhere to European and Swiss watchmaking standards. This choice allows us to offer robust, precise, and well-crafted watches at a reasonable price. A fully French production would cost well over €2,500, which does not correspond to our positioning. That said, we could claim the "Made in France" label. For the sake of clarity and consistency, we have chosen not to display it until 100% of the components are produced in France.

At Akrone, we design watches to last, not to be replaced. The materials we use—titanium, 316L steel, ceramic, carbon, sapphire crystal—are chosen for their strength, longevity, and recyclability. Production is controlled: no overstock, no unnecessary manufacturing. Our watches are assembled just-in-time, in small batches, in our workshop in Nantes. We also ensure the maintenance and repair of each piece thanks to a responsive after-sales service. No planned obsolescence: our approach is based on reliability, repairability, and common sense.

The Akrone warranty covers parts and labor for 3 years. Excluded are: straps, wear and tear of surface treatments, normal aging, and damage due to misuse. For more information, see the warranty conditions at the bottom of the website.

We offer a selection of straps in the dedicated area of ​​our website. All our watches use a standard 20mm lug width, which allows compatibility with many straps on the market. If you're looking for a specific style or use, feel free to explore other options with specialists. Compatibility guaranteed, freedom respected.

Credit card payments are secured via Crédit Agricole, Alma, and PayPal. Payment in installments is possible with Alma and PayPal, at no cost to the customer. We do not accept payments by check, bank transfer, or cryptocurrency.

At Akrone, the price is the same for everyone, all year round. We don't have sales or discounts, as our prices are calculated as accurately as possible, based on the actual manufacturing cost and labor involved. You're free to opt in, but for us, selling off a meticulously designed product makes no sense.

Secure delivery
In mainland France, shipments are made via Colissimo, with hand delivery upon presentation of a code received by SMS and/or email.
In case of absence, the package is left at the nearest post office.
Shipping costs are free for purchases over €100.

Internationally, delivery is entrusted to FedEx, DHL or UPS, with delivery against signature.
Shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer.
These carriers were selected for their reliability, in line with the value of the parts shipped. No other delivery methods are offered.

A tracking number will be sent to you as soon as the package is collected.
You can track its progress in real time and reschedule delivery if necessary.
The day before shipping, a confirmation email will be sent to you with all the useful information.

The delivery information provided when you order or pre-order is your responsibility.
If there is an error, please contact us before shipping.
No changes can be made once the package has been handed over to the carrier.

Shipping & Coverage
In mainland France, shipping costs are free from €100 including tax.

Outside France, delivery costs are the responsibility of the customer.
They can be estimated by simulating an order on our site.

EU zone: average costs between €20 and €50.
Outside the EU: average costs between €70 and €80.

All our shipments include transport insurance covering loss, theft or damage.
Tracked shipping. Protection tailored to the value of each watch.

Insurance included
Each package delivered by hand is covered worldwide by our Albingia watch insurance.
Insurance costs are included in the transport, at no additional cost to the customer.

Logistics designed to protect what matters.
Everywhere. Without compromise.

Change of address
To change the delivery address of a current order, contact us directly by email, specifying your order number, your first and last name.

Changing your contact details in your customer area does not update an order that has already been validated.
Only a request sent by email can be taken into account.

Clarity. Efficiency. Traceability.

Tracking & Delivery
If you have any problems with delivery, please contact us via our dedicated page.
We will take over from the carrier to ensure the delivery of your package in the best conditions.

Estimated delivery times after shipment
Metropolitan France: 2 to 3 working days (4 to 5 days during the holiday season)
European Union: 3 to 4 working days
Outside the EU: 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the destination

A tracking number will be sent to you as soon as the package is collected.
You can track its journey at any time.

If there is a delay after shipping, do not wait: contact us.
We personally ensure that each watch reaches its destination.

Delivery within the European Union
For any delivery address located in the European Union, the prices displayed on the Akrone website include VAT — French or local, depending on the destination country.
No customs duties or additional fees will be requested upon receipt of the package.

Delivery outside the European Union
For any address outside the European Union, products are offered tax-free (VAT 0%).
Customs duties, local taxes or import fees may be applied by your customs service.
The amount will be specified to you before delivery of the package, via an email containing a secure payment link, sent directly by the carrier or the customs service.

You can estimate these fees in advance by consulting the official simulator on service-public.fr (Customs section). Customs duty simulator

More information: https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/tva-lexportation

Tax refund with Zapptax
If you live outside the European Union but have your watch delivered to France, you can benefit from a VAT refund via Zapptax.

The declaration to your local customs office, as well as the payment of any duties and taxes, remains your responsibility.

Your invoice is available in your customer area.
Zapptax requires that it be in the name of their service and dated within the last three months.

In case of pre-order, the invoice indicates the purchase date.
It will be your responsibility to update it on the shipping date if necessary.

Akrone does not reissue invoices.
The procedure via Zapptax is entirely your responsibility.

https://zapptax.com/fr

Return & withdrawal
You have 14 days from receipt of your watch to exercise your right of withdrawal.

This right does not apply to personalized or custom projects.
Return costs are your responsibility.

The complete procedure is available in our General Conditions of Sale.

Maintain to last
An automatic watch requires attention.
Every 2 to 3 years, a check with the chronocomparator allows you to check its precision and amplitude, and to anticipate a possible revision.

For diving models, a watertightness check is recommended at the same frequency.
Seals lose effectiveness over time, especially under heavy use.
Before an extended stay in immersion, this test is essential - as with all diving equipment.

After 5 years, a complete overhaul is recommended:
cleaning the caliber, replacing oils and wearing parts, changing gaskets, adjusting the setting.

Once the warranty has expired, maintenance can be entrusted to a qualified watchmaker.

A serious overhaul represents an investment, but avoids sometimes irreversible damage.
Taking care of the movement means extending the life of your watch.

Maintenance & repairs
Akrone after-sales service is provided in our workshop.
Revision, adjustment, restoration: each intervention is handled by our watchmakers.

For any request, simply fill out the form available in the after-sales service area.
We will contact you shortly to arrange pick-up.

Once the warranty has expired, routine maintenance can be carried out by a qualified watchmaker.
Movement parts are available directly from the manufacturers; most professionals have easy access to them.

On the other hand, components exclusive to Akrone — cases, crowns, dials, hands — are neither distributed nor available outside our workshop.

If the repair concerns damage not covered by the warranty (impact, improper handling, etc.), a quote will be drawn up before any intervention.

At Akrone, each watch benefits from rigorous monitoring.
Because a well-designed watch deserves to be maintained with the same high standards.

Precise, not invincible
Even when equipped with anti-shock systems, mechanical movements remain sensitive.
To maintain their accuracy and longevity, avoid shocks, vibrations, drops and sources of magnetism.

We do not recommend wearing your watch during risky activities: sports, DIY, gardening or any situation exposing the movement to excessive stress.

Each component is carefully adjusted.
It is up to you to protect it with the same rigor.

Controlled precision

Each movement is adjusted in our workshop to optimize its performance.

• Swiss and French 3-hand movements (Soprod, Sellita, France Ébauches): average settings over 6 positions between –4/+6 seconds per day
• Japanese GMT movements (Miyota): average of settings on 6 positions between –10/+10 seconds per day

The accuracy of a mechanical movement depends on many factors: wearing habits, resting position, temperature, magnetic environment, etc.
The values ​​indicated correspond to an average measured over several days .
Over time, accuracy may change: this is a natural phenomenon.

For automatic watches over 5 years old , a service is strongly recommended to ensure their reliability and longevity: replacement of gaskets, new lubrication, complete cleaning and adjustment.

Consult the technical sheet of each model on our site for more information on its technical specifications.
For older collections, refer to the user guide provided upon shipment.

At Akrone, precision isn't something you promise. It's something you adjust.

Controlled autonomy
The C-02 and C-03 collections offer an average power reserve of 38 to 40 hours.
Each model features manual winding via the crown—a useful feature for keeping your watch always ready.

The power reserve is the time during which a mechanical watch continues to run once fully wound.
Depending on the caliber used, the autonomy of Akrone watches can vary from 38 to 44 hours.

For more details, consult the technical sheet of the collections available on our site.
For older series, refer to the user guide emailed before shipping.

Designed to last. Ready to keep up with you.

Maintenance & Revision
For any intervention, a prior diagnosis is necessary.
An indicative price list is available at the bottom of our site.

In the event of major restoration, a personalized quote will systematically be offered to you before any treatment is taken.

Once the warranty has expired, maintenance can be entrusted to a qualified watchmaker.
Movement parts remain accessible through the manufacturers, but the exclusive Akrone elements—case, dial, crown, hands—are not distributed outside our workshop.

The cost of a revision reflects above all the time and care it requires.
Each intervention requires several hours of precise work, often invisible but essential.

Like any mechanical instrument, an automatic watch requires regular maintenance to function sustainably.
Periodic monitoring—replacing oils, seals, adjusting settings—prolongs its reliability over time.

A well-maintained watch is a watch that will last a long time. Simply, effectively.

Second-hand market: what you need to know
The price of a watch on the secondary market depends on many factors: general condition, service history, popularity of the model.
There is no official rating.

Estimate a used watch
For a consistent estimate:
– Remove VAT (approximately 20%) from the new price.
– Include the potential cost of a service (count between €100 and €200 if the watch is more than 3 to 5 years old).

For example :
– A watch purchased for €650 including tax can be resold for around €400 to €450.
– A model purchased for €1,000 including tax is generally around €700, depending on its condition.

What to check
Before any purchase, ask for a copy of the original invoice .
This document attests to the seller's ownership and confirms the watch's eligibility for Akrone services.

In the absence of an invoice, the watch can:
– have been offered as part of a competition, a partnership, a press test or a lottery,
– not benefit from any contractual guarantee ,
– or have an uncertain origin.

It's not about alarming, but about buying with complete transparency.

Please note
The benefits associated with new purchases (extended warranty, personalized services, etc.) are not transferable during resale between individuals.

Current trends
The second-hand market is evolving. Prices are tending to fall, which benefits enthusiasts more than speculators.
At the same time, the prices of new products are increasing – sometimes without any objective reason.

Our position
At Akrone, we make another choice:
A fair price from the start .
And an interview open to all owners of Akrone watches , whether they were purchased new or used*.

*Subject to being able to present the purchase invoice and the warranty card .

Winders: use with discernment
Automatic watch winders have become popular items among watch enthusiasts.
But their usefulness remains limited, especially for watches for everyday use.

An improperly adjusted winder can damage the movement.
Continuous turning puts unnecessary stress on the mechanism and accelerates wear.

Like an engine left running unnecessarily, an overused watch wears out more quickly.
Conversely, if your watch remains stationary for more than a month, simple manual winding is enough to maintain lubrication and ensure smooth restarting.

A winder can be useful in certain specific cases:
– watches with sensitive complications (moon phase, annual calendar),
– alternation between several parts, with the need to maintain a complex setting.

In any case, it is a supplementary tool. Not a necessity.
It is best to use it in moderation.

Finally, each revision involves time, know-how, and sometimes expensive parts.
Preserving your watch also means respecting its rhythm.

Mechanical, but alive
An automatic watch is a mechanical watch with a self-winding system.
With each movement of the wrist, energy is transmitted to the barrel spring. It is this spring that powers the movement.

No electronic components. Just mechanics.
More than 70 parts, fine-tuned to the micron. Some thinner than a hair. All in constant motion.

This precision ballet makes the second hand turn fluidly.
One second after another. Without noise. Without battery.
Just the energy of the gesture.

Crown: function and vigilance
The crown is the control point of your watch.
It allows you to set the time, the date, and to manually wind the movement.

On some models, it pushes itself.
On others, it screws on to ensure watertightness.

Before each immersion or active use, check that it is properly in place.
A poorly closed crown can compromise the seal.
And a shock to an open crown can cause damage.

It's a simple gesture.
But it protects your watch's most precious asset: its movement.

Glasses: beyond style
Visible on the front face, the bezel surrounds the dial and holds the glass in place.
It structures the watch, defines its lines—but above all, it can be useful. Very useful.

Even if you're not a diver or aviator, a well-designed pair of glasses can be useful in your daily life.

Count an interval
Position the marker on the current minute: you get a simple and readable chronograph.
Perfect for timing a cooking session… or a briefing.

Create a temporary reminder
A quick spin is all it takes to mark the time for an upcoming appointment.

Follow a second time zone
Move the marker to the 12 o'clock position of another time zone. You now have two local times in front of you.
Ideal for missions, traveling, or to stay in touch with someone abroad.

Two types. Two uses.
– Unidirectional bezel : turns in one direction only. Used for diving, it operates with a 120-notch ratchet system. Precise, firm, with no margin for error.
– Bidirectional bezel : rotates in both directions. Ball-bearing system, 48 or more notches. Smoother, more versatile—but a little less firm.

Design, mechanics, function.
Three dimensions. One intention: to serve.

Bottom alignment: a question of logic
On a watch with a screw-down back, perfect alignment of the marking is not guaranteed.
This is normal, and applies to Akrone as well as to the biggest watchmaking houses.

The thread determines the final position once the bottom is tightened.
Forcing or calibrating it for alignment would weaken the seal or require custom machining, incompatible with reliable production.

Laterally clipped or screwed bottoms allow visual alignment.
But their watertightness remains inferior.

At Akrone, every choice is guided by function.

Mechanical precision: the art of adjustment
Daily drift refers to the daily variation in the time displayed by an automatic watch.
It's the difference between the ideal time... and the actual time, measured over the days.

Unlike quartz watches, mechanical watches rely on the balance of a living movement: gears, springs, levers and bridges operating continuously, powered solely by the power of the wrist.
A complex assembly, adjusted to the nearest micron.

On average, a well-regulated mechanical movement displays a drift of +/- 12 seconds per day.
On models equipped with quality Swiss or French movements, this precision drops to +/- 7 seconds.
Chronometer-certified calibers (COSC or Viper type) are held at -4 / +6 seconds per day.

At Akrone, our watchmakers adjust each watch by hand, with meticulous care.
Swiss movements are calibrated to +/- 7 seconds per day.
And our France Ébauches caliber achieves an accuracy of -4 / +6 seconds — without the need for official certification.

No COSC logo. No marketing. Just precise tuning, done in-house.

Please note: The accuracy of a mechanical movement may vary depending on the position of the watch, wrist movements, temperature or environment.
Every watch naturally gains or loses a few seconds throughout the day. It's normal. And above all, it's mechanical.

Power reserve: energy in reserve
In an automatic watch, energy is stored mechanically.
By wearing the watch, you wind a mainspring.
It is this voltage that powers the movement — without batteries, without recharging.

Power reserve refers to the time the watch continues to run once fully wound.
At Akrone, it varies from 38 to 44 hours , depending on the movement.

In practice, this allows you to put your watch down at the end of the day... and pick it up again without any worries the next day.
It is autonomy designed for everyday life.
Reliable. Predictable. No surprises.

Qu’est-ce que le DLC ?
Le DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) est un revêtement ultrafin de carbone appliqué par PVD, qui crée un bouclier renforcé sur le métal de votre montre.

Pourquoi l’adopter ?

• Bouclier anti-rayures : surface 10 à 15 fois plus dure (2 000–3 000 HV) que l’acier 316L (~200 HV) ou le titane Grade 2 (~160 HV), pour minimiser les micro-égratignures.
• Bouclier anti-corrosion : protège de la sueur, du sel et de l’oxygène.
• Finitions Gun Metal & Noir Mat : teinte sombre et uniforme, inaltérable.

Et les montres sans traitement ?

• Entretien classique : un polissage léger redonne de l’éclat, mais enlève un peu de matière à chaque intervention, à utiliser avec parcimonie.

Points de vigilance

• Réparation : une rayure profonde exige un redépôt intégral de DLC, voire le remplacement de la pièce.

En un mot
Le DLC constitue un bouclier haute performance, alliant robustesse extrême et élégance durable!

Incabloc: absorb without deviating
In a mechanical watch, the balance wheel regulates the rhythm.
Its pivots — as thin as they are fragile — are exposed to shocks.
The Incabloc system was designed to protect them.

It rests on a flexible spring which holds the ruby ​​stones on which the balance pivots rest.
In the event of an impact, the spring deforms, absorbs the energy, and then returns the stone to its initial position.
Simple. Precise. Reliable.

Without Incabloc, one shock can be enough to bend a pivot.
With it, stability is maintained, precision preserved.

This device has become a standard in quality watchmaking .
At Akrone, it now equips our recent collections, integrated with the latest generation of Swiss, French or Japanese calibers.

Rolex, Richemont and Patek Philippe acquire Incabloc