Answers to the questions we are asked most often about Claude Bernard, Swiss watchmaking, and choosing a watch. If yours is not here, write to us.
About the brand
Who owns Claude Bernard?
Since 1973, Claude Bernard has been owned by the Strambini family.
Where are Claude Bernard watches made?
All Claude Bernard watches are hand-assembled by qualified watchmakers in the brand's atelier in Les Genevez, Switzerland. Les Genevez is a village of roughly five hundred people in the Franches-Montagnes, in the canton of Jura.
Is Claude Bernard a real Swiss watch brand?
Yes. Claude Bernard watches are Swiss Made, which is a legally defined term rather than a marketing phrase. See the question below on what Swiss Made requires.
How many Claude Bernard collections are there?
Seven: Slim Line, Ora Vera, NEO 1973, Proud Heritage, Classic, Aquarider and Dress Code. Each has a distinct character, from thin dress watches to a 200-metre diver.
Choosing a watch
What does Swiss Made actually mean?
Swiss Made is protected by Swiss law. In short, the movement must be Swiss, it must be cased up in Switzerland, the manufacturer must carry out the final inspection in Switzerland, and at least 60 per cent of the manufacturing costs must be generated in Switzerland. We cover this in detail in The Journal.
Should I choose an automatic or a quartz watch?
Choose quartz if you value accuracy and want a watch you can forget about between battery changes. Choose automatic if you want a mechanical object that runs on the movement of your wrist and can be serviced indefinitely. Claude Bernard makes both.
What size watch should I buy?
Case diameter matters less than the distance between the lugs, which determines how the watch sits on your wrist. As a rough guide, a wrist under 16 cm suits cases up to about 38 mm, 16 to 18 cm suits 38 to 42 mm, and above 18 cm carries 42 mm and larger comfortably. Every product page lists the case diameter, the case height and the horn gap.
What does the water resistance rating mean?
The ratings describe pressure, not diving depth. In practice, 30 m / 3 ATM survives splashes and rain but should not be worn swimming. 50 m / 5 ATM handles brief swimming. 100 m / 10 ATM is comfortable for swimming and snorkelling. 200 m / 20 ATM, as on the Aquarider, is a genuine diver's rating. Never operate the crown or pushers underwater.
What is a sapphire crystal?
Synthetic sapphire is the second-hardest material commonly used in watchmaking. It resists scratching far better than mineral glass or acrylic, which is why it is the standard on watches intended to be worn daily for years.
Owning and caring for your watch
How often should a mechanical watch be serviced?
Every four to six years under normal wear, or sooner if the timekeeping changes, the power reserve shortens, or the crown feels different. We cover the signs and what a service involves in The Journal.
My automatic watch stopped. Is something wrong?
Almost certainly not. An automatic movement is wound by the motion of your wrist, so it will stop after roughly one to three days off the wrist depending on the movement. Wind it by hand, reset the time and date, and put it on.
Do I need a watch winder?
No. A winder is a convenience for people who rotate between several automatics. Wearing the watch, or winding it by hand, does exactly the same job.
How do I clean my watch?
Wipe the case and a metal bracelet with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry it thoroughly. Keep leather straps away from water, and let them dry naturally if they do get wet. Do not use solvents or ultrasonic cleaners at home.
Buying
Where can I buy a Claude Bernard watch in Canada or the United States?
You can order directly from this site, or visit an authorised Claude Bernard dealer. Our store finder lists authorised retailers.
Are watches sold here new and covered by warranty?
Yes. Every watch sold on this site and by our authorised dealers is new, unworn, and supplied with the Claude Bernard international warranty.
I am a retailer. How do I become an authorised dealer?
We are actively expanding the Claude Bernard network across Canada and the United States. Write to us through the contact page with your store name and city, and our North American team will be in touch with the catalogue and an introduction.