A Little Care Goes a Long Way
A Zeppelin watch is built to be worn every day, and with a few simple habits it can keep running and looking good for decades. Most of what it needs takes seconds: a few turns of the crown, a wipe with a soft cloth and some common sense around water.
This guide covers everything you need to know, whether you own an automatic or a quartz model.
Winding and Setting a Zeppelin Automatic
Zeppelin automatics use Japanese Miyota movements that wind themselves as you wear them. When fully wound, they run for roughly 40 to 42 hours off the wrist.
Starting a Stopped Watch
- With the crown pushed in, turn it clockwise (away from you) 20 to 30 times. This hand-winds the mainspring.
- Give the watch a few gentle side-to-side shakes if the seconds hand doesn’t start straight away.
- Once it is running, set the date and time.
Setting the Time and Date
- Crown position 1 (pushed in): winding.
- Position 2 (first click out): quick-set date, and on day-date models such as the Atlantic, the day.
- Position 3 (fully out): set the time.
Two things to know:
- Avoid changing the date in the late evening and early morning. Roughly between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., the date mechanism is already engaging. Forcing a quick-set then can damage it. Move the hands to around 6 o’clock first, set the date, then set the correct time.
- The seconds hand may keep running while you set the time. Many Miyota calibers don’t stop the seconds hand when the crown is pulled out. This is normal, not a fault.
Always push the crown fully back in when you are done, especially before washing your hands.
Caring for a Quartz Zeppelin
Quartz models need far less attention, but a few habits help:
- Replace the battery promptly. If the seconds hand starts jumping in multi-second steps or the watch stops, it is time for a new battery. A dead battery left inside for months can leak and damage the movement.
- Use a professional for battery changes. A jeweler will reseal the case back properly to keep its water resistance.
- Go easy on the extras. Running the chronograph constantly or using the alarm every day drains the battery faster.
- Don’t press chronograph pushers underwater. Water can get past the seals while a pusher is pressed.
Water Resistance in Practice
Most Zeppelin watches are rated 5 ATM (50 meters). Despite the number, that rating does not mean you can dive to 50 meters. Here is what it means day to day:
| Activity | 5 ATM Zeppelin |
|---|---|
| Rain, splashes, washing hands | Fine |
| Showering | Best avoided: hot water, steam and soap age the seals |
| Swimming, snorkeling | Not recommended |
| Sauna, hot tub | Avoid |
Leather straps don’t like water either. Even if the case survives a soaking, the strap can warp, stain and crack.
Cleaning Your Zeppelin
Case and Crystal
- Wipe the case and crystal regularly with a dry microfiber cloth to remove fingerprints and skin oils.
- For more grime, use a cloth that is barely damp with water, then dry immediately. Keep the crown pushed in.
- Use a soft, dry toothbrush to clean around the lugs and the stepped edges of the case.
- Avoid solvents, alcohol and household cleaners, which can damage seals and finishes.
Leather Strap
- Let the strap air out after a warm day instead of putting it straight into a box.
- Wipe it occasionally with a dry cloth, and use a leather conditioner made for straps sparingly a few times a year.
- Avoid perfume, lotion and sunscreen on the strap.
- Rotate wear or swap to a spare strap in hot summer months to extend its life.
Storage and Magnetism
- Store it in its box or a watch case when not wearing it, away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity.
- Keep it away from strong magnets. Speakers, tablet covers, magnetic bag clasps and some phone accessories can magnetize a mechanical movement, making it run very fast. A watchmaker can demagnetize it quickly and cheaply.
- A watch winder is optional. It keeps an automatic running when you aren’t wearing it, but simply resetting the watch when you put it on is fine too.
- Avoid knocks. Take your watch off for heavy work, sports and gym sessions, which are the most common causes of shock damage.
When to Service Your Zeppelin
Automatic models: a full service every three to five years keeps the movement lubricated and the seals fresh. A watchmaker cleans and oils the movement, replaces gaskets and checks accuracy. Because Zeppelin uses widely available Miyota calibers, servicing is generally straightforward and affordable.
Quartz models: no regular mechanical service is needed. Have the seals checked whenever the battery is replaced.
Get it checked sooner if you notice:
- Moisture or fog under the crystal
- The watch gaining or losing much more time than usual
- The automatic stopping overnight despite daily wear
- A loose, stiff or grinding crown
For warranty repairs, keep your Zeppelin service card and proof of purchase, and check the warranty terms included with your watch.
FAQ
How do I wind a Zeppelin automatic watch? With the crown pushed in, turn it clockwise 20 to 30 times. After that, daily wear keeps it wound.
Can I overwind an automatic watch? No. Automatic movements have a mechanism that prevents overwinding. Stop when you’ve turned it around 30 times.
Why does my automatic stop overnight? It may not be getting enough wrist motion to stay fully wound. Give it a few turns of the crown each morning. If it still stops, have it checked.
Can I shower with my Zeppelin watch? It’s best not to. Hot water, steam and soap wear out the seals and damage leather straps.
How often should I service my Zeppelin? Every three to five years for automatics. Quartz models only need battery changes and a seal check.
Keep It Running for Years
A few seconds of care each day and a service every few years are all a Zeppelin watch needs to keep its airship-era charm for decades. Looking for your next Zeppelin? Browse the full Zeppelin collection on Amazon.