FAQ

What is a custom ModTime watch?

A custom ModTime watch is an independently assembled watch built from compatible components: case, dial, hands, bracelet or strap, crystal, movement and finishing direction. Instead of choosing a sealed mass-market product, you choose a build with a defined look, a movement type and a set of options that shape how the watch feels on the wrist.

The word "custom" matters. A ModTime watch is not presented as a watch from another brand. It is a ModTime build, assembled around a clear design direction and explained with transparent expectations about movement, water resistance, sizing, support and care.

If you are new to this category, start with How We Build. If you want the technical layer first, read Movements and Materials.

Is ModTime independent?

Yes. ModTime is an independent custom watch studio. That means the watch should be understood as a ModTime watch: built, checked and supported by ModTime, not as a product from another watch company.

This is important because many buyers discover custom watches through familiar design language. A design can feel classic, sport-focused, integrated, minimal, open-heart or chronograph-inspired, but the trust should come from what is honestly stated: the components, the movement, the options, the build path and the support route.

For identity questions, read Logo / No Logo. If a product page gives you any doubt about what you are ordering, contact us before placing the order.

Why not buy the cheapest custom watch I can find?

Price matters, but a watch is not only a photo and a movement name. The questions that matter are: who stands behind the build, are the options clear, is the water-resistance language honest, is support reachable, and does the seller explain what the watch is and is not?

A cheaper custom watch may still look attractive in a listing. The risk is usually hidden in the parts story, assembly quality, after-sales support, unclear water-resistance claims, poor communication or a watch that looks good online but feels unresolved in person.

ModTime's role is to make the decision easier to understand before you buy. We explain movement families, sizing, water-resistance boundaries, shipping timing and support expectations so the watch feels like a considered purchase, not a guess.

What happens after I place an order?

After an order is placed, the build is reviewed against the selected model and options. The watch then moves through preparation, assembly, fit and function checks, packing and dispatch.

This is not the same as pulling a finished watch from a warehouse shelf. A custom watch needs the selected configuration to make sense as one complete piece. The dial, hands, movement, case, bracelet or strap and water-resistance option all need to match the product you chose.

If you made a mistake in your order options, contact us as soon as possible. The earlier you ask, the easier it is to review what can still be changed.

Why does assembly take a few days?

Current storefront guidance communicates an assembly window of about 4-6 days. That time exists because the watch needs to be assembled, checked, prepared and packed before it leaves us.

For a custom watch, speed is not the only value. A rushed build can create the exact problems buyers worry about: weak alignment, unclear option handling, poor preparation or avoidable support issues after delivery.

If your order is time-sensitive, contact ModTime before ordering. We can help you understand whether your timing is realistic instead of letting you assume a guaranteed arrival date.

Which movements do we use?

The movement depends on the model and the type of watch you choose. Across ModTime builds, you may see movement families such as NH35 for date automatic builds, NH38 for clean no-date or open-heart automatic layouts, NH34 for GMT builds with a second time-zone hand, and VK63 for chronograph-style builds.

The movement is the mechanism that gives the watch its behavior. It changes how the watch is used, how the dial is arranged and what the watch is best suited for day to day.

For a deeper explanation, read Movements.

Which movement should I choose?

If you want a simple everyday automatic watch, an NH35-style date automatic build is usually the clearest route. If you prefer a cleaner dial without a date window, or an open-heart visual direction, an NH38-style layout may fit better. If you want a travel-oriented watch with a second time-zone hand, look at GMT builds using an NH34-style movement. If you want a sportier dial with subdials and timing character, look at VK63 chronograph-style builds.

The best movement is not the one with the most complicated name. It is the one that matches how you will actually wear the watch. A daily office watch, a weekend sport-style watch, a travel GMT and a chronograph-style piece solve different emotional and practical jobs.

Will the watch keep perfect time?

A mechanical automatic watch should not be judged like a phone clock. Mechanical movements are physical systems: springs, gears, balance, position, magnetism, temperature, wearing pattern and power reserve can all influence timekeeping.

That is part of the character of a mechanical watch. It also means that if you need absolute precision with almost no interaction, a quartz or meca-quartz style watch may feel easier to live with than a fully mechanical automatic.

If your watch behaves unusually, gains or loses time dramatically, stops unexpectedly, or feels inconsistent after normal use, contact support with your order number and a short video or description. Clear evidence helps us assess the issue faster.

Do I need to wind or wear an automatic watch?

An automatic watch winds through the movement of your wrist. If it is not worn for a while, it can stop. That is normal. You can usually restart it by winding it carefully and setting the time again.

If you rotate between several watches, do not be surprised when an automatic piece needs attention before wearing. The ritual is part of mechanical ownership: set it, wind it, wear it, and let the movement come back to life.

Always handle the crown gently. Avoid changing settings underwater, after exposure to moisture or with unnecessary force.

Can I adjust the watch size myself?

Yes. ModTime watches with metal bracelets are prepared so the bracelet can be adjusted after delivery. A complimentary adjustment kit is included with each timepiece, so many customers can size the bracelet at home with patience and care.

Work slowly, protect the bracelet surface, remove small amounts at a time and test the fit before removing more links. A good bracelet fit should feel secure without cutting into the wrist.

If you are unsure, a local watchmaker is often the safest option. This is especially true if you have never adjusted a bracelet before or want the cleanest possible result.

How do I know it will fit my wrist?

Fit is more than case diameter. Case shape, bracelet style, lug-to-lug feel, thickness, weight and wrist shape all affect how a watch wears.

If you already own a watch that fits well, compare the product family and case size against that experience. If you are buying your first custom watch, choose the model that matches how you plan to wear it: everyday, dress-sport, travel, statement piece or gift.

If wrist comfort is a serious concern, contact us before ordering and include your wrist size plus the product link. We can help you avoid choosing a watch that is visually right but physically wrong for you.

Can I choose a clean or dial-marked version?

On selected models, yes. Some ModTime builds offer a cleaner dial direction and some offer a dial-marked direction. This choice changes the personality of the watch more than many buyers expect.

A clean version usually feels quieter, more minimal and more focused on shape, dial color, bracelet flow and proportion. A dial-marked version can feel more traditional, more detailed or more visually complete depending on the design.

If a model offers the option, choose it on the product page before adding the watch to cart. Read more on Logo / No Logo.

Can I design my own watch?

Yes, you can ask about a more personalized build before ordering. The best custom requests are specific: product family, dial color, bracelet or strap direction, case tone, movement preference and details you want to avoid.

Not every idea is possible or sensible. Some combinations may not be available, may not fit correctly, may create a weaker final design or may not match the quality standard we want to ship.

For the fastest answer, use Contact and include links or screenshots of the ModTime product family you are starting from. We will help you understand what can be done, what should be avoided and which existing build may already be close to your idea.

Will the watch look exactly like the photos?

Product photos are meant to help you understand the design, proportions and option direction. Real-world appearance can still vary because of lighting, screen settings, reflections, wrist size and the way polished or brushed surfaces catch light.

If a detail matters to you, such as dial tone, logo/no-logo direction, bracelet style, case size or water-resistance option, review the product page carefully before ordering. If the decision is close, contact us before checkout rather than guessing.

A premium buying experience should reduce surprises. The better you understand the configuration before purchase, the more confident the watch will feel when it arrives.

Are the watches water resistant?

Water resistance depends on the model and option you choose. Most ModTime watches start at 3 ATM, and selected builds offer a 5 ATM option.

Water resistance is protection with boundaries. It is not the same as saying a hand-assembled custom watch is ready for swimming, diving, bathing, hot water, steam, pressure shocks or full submersion. Daily rain, careful hand washing and light splashes are different from sustained water exposure.

Water-resistance ratings are also affected by real-world factors such as crown position, seals, age, impacts, temperature change and how the watch is handled. If water resistance is important to you, choose the stronger available option and read Water Resistance before ordering.

What should I do if moisture appears inside the watch?

If you notice moisture, condensation or water inside the watch, stop wearing it and contact support quickly. Do not keep testing it in water. Do not use heat, a hair dryer or force to "fix" the problem yourself.

Send your order number, clear photos or a short video, and explain what happened before the issue appeared. Was the crown pulled out? Was the watch exposed to rain, hand washing, shower, hot water, swimming, steam, impact or sudden temperature change?

The faster we understand the situation, the better we can assess the next step. Water-related cases depend on configuration, handling, evidence and the formal support terms.

How should I care for the watch day to day?

Treat the watch like a mechanical object, not a disposable accessory. Avoid strong impacts, unnecessary exposure to water, hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, magnets, chemicals and opening the watch yourself.

After wearing, wipe the watch with a soft dry cloth. If the bracelet is metal, keep it clean and avoid wearing other jewelry on the same wrist if it can rub against the case or bracelet. If the watch has been exposed to sweat or light moisture, dry it carefully.

If the crown or pushers feel unusual, the watch suddenly behaves differently, or you see moisture under the crystal, contact support instead of forcing the mechanism.

Shipping time, costs and tracking

Each watch is hand-assembled before dispatch. Current storefront guidance communicates an assembly window of about 4-6 days, followed by shipping that usually takes about 7-12 days depending on destination, carrier flow and local delivery conditions.

The total time from order to delivery is therefore build time plus shipping time. It is not only the carrier transit window.

Shipping costs and available options can depend on destination and checkout details. For formal current terms, read the Shipping Policy and check the information shown at checkout.

Will I pay customs, taxes or import duties?

Depending on your destination, local customs, taxes, import duties or carrier fees may apply. These costs are controlled by local rules and carrier processes, not by the design of the watch itself.

If you are ordering internationally, check your local import rules before buying. If checkout shows specific tax or shipping information, treat that as part of your decision before placing the order.

When in doubt, contact us before ordering. It is better to clarify the expected path before the watch is built and dispatched.

Is a ModTime watch a good gift?

A custom watch can be a strong gift because it feels personal. The risk is timing and fit. If the watch is for a birthday, wedding, graduation or anniversary, order early and do not assume a guaranteed arrival date.

If you are unsure which style to choose, safer gift decisions usually start with a versatile color, a bracelet that can be adjusted, and a movement style the recipient will enjoy using. A person who wants simplicity may prefer a clean automatic or chronograph-style watch. A person who travels may enjoy a GMT direction.

If you need help choosing, contact us with the occasion, deadline, wrist size if known, and two or three product links you are considering.

What if the watch arrives damaged or stops working?

If something is wrong when the watch arrives, contact us with your order number, clear photos, a short video if useful, and a direct description of the issue. The more precise the evidence, the faster the support path can be assessed.

Do not open the watch yourself. Do not force the crown, pushers, bracelet links or caseback. If the issue involves moisture, stop wearing the watch and contact us quickly.

Support decisions depend on the order, product condition, issue, evidence and formal support terms. The goal is to understand what happened, respect the product's limitations and choose a fair next step.

Warranty, support and returns

ModTime is built around direct support and clear expectations. This FAQ gives orientation, but it does not replace the formal policy pages or a support assessment.

Warranty and support questions depend on the watch, order details, condition, evidence and the specific issue being reviewed. Return and refund questions should always be checked against the current formal policy.

For support framing, read Warranty & Support. For formal return terms, read the Refund Policy. For order-specific help, use Contact.

Should I buy it for future resale value?

No watch on this page should be bought because you expect it to increase in value. A ModTime watch should be bought because you like the design, understand the build and want to wear it.

Custom watches are about personal configuration and daily ownership. The value is in the combination of style, movement choice, fit, support and the feeling of wearing something that matches your taste.

If future resale value is your main priority, a custom watch may not be the right purchase. If personal expression and a clear build story matter more, ModTime may be the better fit.

Which page should I read next?

If you are still deciding whether ModTime is right for you, start with About ModTime and How We Build. If your question is technical, read Movements, Materials and Water Resistance. If your question is about identity or dial choice, read Logo / No Logo.

The best FAQ page should not pressure you. It should make the decision clearer. If the answer you need is not here, contact ModTime before ordering and we will help you choose with more confidence.