Your Comprehensive Guide Y-01 Ownership

Hello there! 

If you're on this page, you've either scanned the QR on your Y-01 warranty card or come across our website's Blog section. This comprehensive guide will cover essential tips for Y-01 owners - everyday wear, long term care, and everything you'd need to keep your watch in optimal condition for many years to come. 

Setting Time

Being a time-only automatic, your Y-01 is as simple as it gets for a mechanical watch. Here's how to set the time: 

1. Unscrew the crown by turning it counter clockwise until it pops out
2. Pull out the crown, turn it clockwise to set the time
3. Push the crown once the time is set
4. Screw the crown back in by pushing in slightly and turn clockwise until it's tight

Note: Remove the Y-01 from your wrist before setting the time. This allows for even pressure on the crown stem during the setting process and keeps your movement safe from unnecessary damage. 

Manual Winding

With no batteries involved, the movement operates by releasing energy stored in the mainspring. The mainspring is wound through either regular wear (where moving your wrist winds the rotor) or manual winding. Here's how to manually wind your Y-01: 

1. Unscrew the crown by turning it counter clockwise until it pops out
2. Without pulling the crown out any further, turn it clockwise for 10-20 rotations (you should feel a little resistance from the winding mechanism)
3. Screw the crown back in by pushing in slightly and turn clockwise until it's tight

Note: Remove the Y-01 from your wrist before winding. This allows for even pressure on the crown stem during winding and keeps your movement safe from unnecessary damage. 

Changing Straps

Your Y-01 comes with two sets of suede straps with quick release spring-bars, and lugholes that are compatible with both curved end and straight end straps. This means you can easily swap the suede strap out for any other 20 mm strap. 

1. On the back of the attached strap, slide the metal lever inward and angle the strap out of the lug holes
2. Take your new strap and insert the spring-bar opposite the lever into its lug hole
3. Pull the lever inwards, align it with the remaining lug hole, and release the lever to lock it in
4. Give the new strap a gentle tug to confirm the spring-bar is fully seated and won't pop out during wear

Water Resistance

Your Y-01 is rated for 10 atm water resistance and I have personally tested the prototypes for several kilometres worth of lap swimming, and several shallow dives. Here's what I do before taking Y-01 for a swim:  

1. Make sure the crown is fully screwed down, the seal provides the 10 atm WR
2. Switch out the Y-01's quick-release suede straps to any waterproof strap
3. Check again that the crown is screwed down before entering water
4. After exiting water, rinse the watch with fresh water before toweling off and leaving it to dry (do not unscrew the crown before the watch is dry)

Note: While the Y-01 is rated safe for hand-washing, dishwashing, cold showers, and swims, it is not rated for hot showers, steam rooms, jacuzzis, high impact water sports, scuba diving, or rapid temperature changes (hot sunny weather diving into a cold pool)

Basic Cleaning

A microfibre cloth is perfect for wiping away fingerprints and grime, which come naturally with daily wear. For more stubborn stains, dampen the cloth with water and a bit of mild soap. Dry it off after using the damp cloth for that 'good as new' look

Scratch Resistance

The sapphire crystal of the Y-01 is incredibly hard (second only to diamond), so metal bits like zippers and keys will not scratch the surface. However, be aware that surfaces like brick or concrete may contain minerals hard enough to leave a mark. 

The stainless steel case features alternating polished and brushed surfaces, these being prone to battle scars from daily wear. I personally view these as a positive that give each watch character, but scratches can usually be buffed out for those who prefer a pristine look. 

Note: I personally take off my watch and other accessories before engaging in high-impact sports or activities for safety reasons, as intense shocks and drops may dislodge the internal components of the watch. 

Storage and Hazards

The preferred natural habitat of the Y-01 is either on your wrist or in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperature (heat and cold) and humidity can affect lubricants inside the movement, as well as degrade gaskets or other materials over time. 

Avoid placing your watch near speakers, refrigerators, or electronics which may have strong magnetic fields which can affect its time-telling accuracy.

Servicing

The Y-01 is designed and built to last a lifetime of wear. Like every other mechanical watch, the internal lubricant and rubber gaskets will eventually dry out. This can be rectified with a professional service by one of our global service partners where your watch can be disassembled, cleaned, reassembled, lubricated, and any necessary part replacements undergone. 

Service intervals are usually recommended between 5-10 years (depending how often its worn - 5 years for daily, 10 years for weekly), so parts can be checked and cleaned which is preferred to (and cheaper than) replacing damaged parts. Rubber also degrades faster than metal, so pressure checks are recommended every few years if you take the Y-01 swimming often. 

If you notice any of the following, do reach out to us via our Contact Us page:
    - Moisture under the crystal (water has entered the watch and will rust the movement within days if not addressed)
    - Significant time inaccuracy (+1/-1 minute a day may indicate a magnetised watch)
    - Difficulty turning crown (internal threads or seals may be damaged)
    - Significant power reserve drop (rotor winding efficiency may be reduced due to dried lubricants)

Bottom Line

Your Y-01 is built to last - Treat it well, wear it well, and it will serve you well for years to come. 

Thanks for reading and I wish nothing but the best to you and your Y-01 <3

JY