Frequently Asked Questions

Our watches are available exclusively on akrone.fr. This allows us to guarantee fair prices, quality service, and a direct relationship with you, without intermediaries.

Akrone watches can be tried on by appointment in our showroom in Nantes, Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding public holidays). Appointments can only be made via the online schedule available on our website.

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 sheet, at the thumbnail level.
If a model is out of stock, you can enter your email address in the dedicated area on the right of the screen, clearly marked in red . You will then be informed as soon as it is back in stock.

To ensure optimal operation, each watch is assembled to order, then carefully tested and adjusted before shipping.
A mechanical movement that remains stationary for too long can deteriorate (congealed oils, dry seals, loss of precision), which is why we do not keep stock in advance. Only ordered models are assembled.

The shipping time for a model in stock is approximately 15 to 18 working days (Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays and summer closing periods). This non-compressible time is necessary to comply with all stages of assembly, inspection and adjustment.

If you did not take this time into account when placing your order, you can send us an email to request the cancellation and refund of your order.

To avoid the frustration or annoyance of missing out on your favorite number, we no longer offer this option.
As each number is unique, they are now randomly assigned during shipping, to ensure fairness and peace of mind for all.

Customizing an Akrone watch is possible starting from 30 pieces, only on models C-02, C-03, and C-04. To discover the available options and understand how it works, visit the Professionals tab on our website, where all the information is explained.

Pre-order projects are custom watches, designed specifically for units, companies or clubs.
These customizations are based on our technical bases C-02, C-03, C-04 , etc.

The lead time from conception, design, production and delivery is approximately 10 months minimum . This period may be extended depending on technical or logistical constraints, or if the pre-order period is extended. This may occur in particular if:
– the minimum order target has not yet been reached,
– some members of the group are on a mission and their return is necessary before the project closes.

No firm delivery date can be guaranteed until the process is complete.

Regular newsletter updates keep you informed of every step, from design to shipping, with complete transparency.

By validating a pre-order, you agree to wait the time necessary to complete a unique, personalized project, offered at the best quality/price ratio for this level of custom manufacturing.

Finally, if you have not taken into account the deadlines inherent in the pre-order principle, you can contact us to request the cancellation and reimbursement of your order.

Some military or special projects are password-protected because they are reserved exclusively for the organizations that created them. They are custom-designed and not intended for general sale.

When a pre-order is placed, the project owner performs a check to ensure that the person is authorized. If this is not the case, the order can be canceled at their request, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions. This ensures the compliance and security of these projects, without exception.

In some special cases, a special or military project may be made more widely available. It then becomes accessible without a password and joins our general public collections.

Our watches are designed by Akrone , then assembled and inspected in our workshop in Nantes . We use reliable movements (Swiss, French or Japanese), adjusted by our watchmakers to guarantee precision and reliability. The cases, dials, glasses and hands are manufactured exclusively for us by partners in Hong Kong, according to our plans and strict specifications in accordance with European and Swiss standards.

For more than 10 years, our approach has remained the same: to offer the best value for money , with solid, reliable and affordable watches. When possible, we use local players , but this is not always achievable: sometimes the expected level of reliability or competence is not reached, sometimes the prices do not correspond to the expectations of our customers, and very often the industrial tool necessary to manufacture certain components simply no longer exists in France.

A 100% Made in France or Switzerland watch would cost more than €2,500 today. This is why we favor the clear and transparent label "Assembled in France" rather than hiding behind ambiguous labels. Our goal has not changed: to create durable, reliable, and affordable watches, in all honesty.

Our approach is based above all on common sense . Our watches are designed to last, be easy to maintain and ensure true longevity. We choose quality materials – titanium, 316L steel, ceramic, carbon, sapphire crystal – which are durable, recyclable at the end of their life and come largely from recycling channels.

All our activities are centralized in our workshop in Nantes : design, quality control, assembly, maintenance, shipping, after-sales service, and communication. This allows us to control our processes and limit intermediaries. We also work with carriers committed to a CSR approach, such as Colissimo.

Let's face it: in watchmaking, the industrial sector is the same for everyone. No brand is "greener" than another, despite the virtuous rhetoric some people maintain. All industrial activity has an impact. The difference is made in the choices: using sustainable and recyclable materials, prioritizing reuse when possible, and limiting the superfluous. This is what we've been doing since our beginnings, without making it a marketing argument.

When it comes to packaging, we've opted for sturdy, reusable solutions. Some models, like our briefcases, are made from end-of-life recycled plastic—material that would otherwise end up incinerated or in nature. The idea is to give it a final use , rather than abandoning it.

Our vision is simple: an environmental approach necessarily involves intelligent compromises . We do our best, seriously and consistently, without claiming to be "cleaner than others."

The Akrone warranty protects your watches for 3 years, including parts and labor. Excluded are straps, normal wear and tear of surface treatments, natural aging, and damage due to misuse.

To find out more, go to the warranty conditions at the bottom of our site.

We offer a selection of straps in the dedicated area of ​​our website. All our watches have a standard 20mm lug width, making them compatible with many straps on the market.

If you are looking for a particular style or function, you are free to explore other options from specialists, without being limited to our offer.

Your credit card payments are secured via Crédit Agricole, Alma, and PayPal. You can also choose to pay in installments with Alma or PayPal, at no additional cost.

We do not accept payments by check, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.

No. At Akrone, there are never any sales . We have chosen to offer a fair price all year round, rather than resorting to inflated prices and seasonal discounts.

For over 10 years, our philosophy has remained the same: to offer the best value for money , with fair compensation for both us and our partners. Whether you're a long-time loyalist or a new customer, you'll benefit from the same fair price, the same service, and the same attention.

We believe this is the most honest way to operate: everyone pays the right price, no more, no less. It is this trust, shared between old and new customers, that allows us to continue creating solid, reliable, and affordable watches.

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 have been 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 necessary 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.

Finally, please note that delivery times announced by carriers are in working days and remain subject to weather conditions. The carrier will always provide you with a tracking number, which will allow you to track the progress of your package and be informed of any delays.

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.

To avoid damage from water infiltration, use while swimming should be limited to watches with screw-down crowns , such as those designed for diving. Push-in crowns, used on aviation watches, can open accidentally, by getting caught on clothing for example. And in water, an opening crown is almost guaranteed to cause infiltration. Prevention is better than cure.

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.

What is DLC?
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) is an ultra-thin coating of carbon applied by PVD, which creates a reinforced shield on the metal of your watch.

Why adopt it?

• Anti-scratch shield: 10 to 15 times harder surface (2,000–3,000 HV) than 316L steel (~200 HV) or Grade 2 titanium (~160 HV), to minimize micro-scratches.
• Anti-corrosion shield: protects against sweat, salt and oxygen.
• Gun Metal & Matte Black finishes: dark and uniform, unalterable shade.

What about watches without treatment?

• Classic maintenance: a light polish restores shine, but removes a little material with each intervention, use sparingly.

Points of vigilance

• Repair: A deep scratch requires a complete re-deposition of the DLC, or even replacement of the part.

In a word
The DLC is a high-performance shield, combining extreme robustness and lasting elegance!

Super-LumiNova® is a Swiss brand specializing in luminescent pigments. This material recharges in light and emits a glow in the dark.
Today, Super-LumiNova® is the undisputed market leader , with no real reliable alternative.
At Akrone , we exclusively use Super-LumiNova® distributed by the original brand.

Influence of hues and exposure

The light output varies depending on the color chosen:

• Light shades : fast charging, strong and long-lasting intensity.
• Dark shades : more discreet effect, more moderate brightness.

Effectiveness also depends on light: direct exposure to sunlight is much more effective than diffused light on cloudy days.
The choice of a shade is therefore both aesthetic and technical : it is a question of finding the balance between nighttime readability and visual harmony. For optimal visibility, white is generally preferred.

Comparative performance

Super-LumiNova® communicates the luminous intensity of its references (100% base):

• C3 : 100% (most powerful)
• BGW9 : 95%
• C5 : 89%
• Dark Red : 22%
• Dark Orange : 27%

Customizations and compromises

It is possible to work on a customized Super-LumiNova® (specific mixture not available in the standard range).
However, adding material mechanically reduces the light intensity, sometimes below 40%.

This customization represents a high cost, which explains why few watchmaking houses choose this option.
At Akrone , we do this in order to take care of every detail, express our creativity and respond to specific projects, particularly military ones, where certain color codes are essential.

Example at Akrone

On our C-02 Tactik we use the BGW9 .
To enhance the intensity and duration of the luminescence, we designed 3D indexes incorporating 16 layers of Super-LumiNova® .

Such a superposition is complex to achieve and remains impossible on certain types of finishes, such as faceted indexes or sandwich dials .

Conclusion

Perceived brightness is intrinsically linked to the shade of the chosen pigment . Comparing two watches without taking this parameter into account is therefore irrelevant : a dark Super-LumiNova® will necessarily be more discreet than a light one, and this is part of the aesthetic and technical choice of the model.

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 supporting the balance pivots.

In the event of an impact, the spring deforms, absorbs the energy, 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.

The nesting circle: the invisible bumper

To this, Akrone adds in all its collections a casing circle , which perfectly wedges the mechanism in its case and acts as an additional bumper .

To illustrate:

• the nesting circle is the equivalent of a car's bumper ,
• The Incabloc system corresponds to the airbag .

Ultimately, this effectively protects the mechanism, even if - as with a vehicle - no device can guarantee that it will come out completely unscathed in the event of an extreme impact .

Mind the limits

Automatic mechanisms, however robust they may be, are not indestructible .
With technical choices like the Incabloc and the casing circle, we ensure we limit the risk of breakage , but careful care is still necessary.