Christopher Butendorff
Help Center
Help Center
Answers to common questions about the modular watch system, materials, manufacturing, ordering, and more. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us directly.
The Modular System
How does the modular system work?
Each Christopher Butendorff watch is built around three interchangeable parts: the watch head, the frame, and the strap. The head releases by pressing it down and out of the frame — no tools, no jeweller required. A new strap with its frame clicks in to replace it. The entire swap takes seconds.
Do I need any tools to change straps?
No. The system is designed for tool-free swaps. Press the watch head down from the frame, lift it away, and click in a new strap with its frame. No pins, no spring bars, no specialist tools.
What is included in each watch set?
Every Christopher Butendorff watch ships as a complete bundle: one watch head and one strap with its frame. The head, strap, and frame are sold together — straps and frames are not available as separate purchases outside of our strap add-on range.
Can I mix straps and heads from different collections?
Yes, within the same shape. Round watch heads are compatible with all round-format straps and frames. Square watch heads are compatible with all square-format straps and frames. Round and square components are not interchangeable with each other.
Case Sizes and Fit
What case sizes are available?
We offer three case sizes: 24mm, 36mm, and 42mm. These refer to the diameter of the watch head.
Which size should I choose?
As a general guide: 24mm suits smaller wrists and those who prefer a delicate, understated profile. 36mm is a versatile size that works well on most wrists. 42mm suits larger wrists or those who prefer a more prominent dial. The best guide is your own preference — watch sizing is personal.
What strap widths do the different case sizes use?
The 24mm case uses 12mm-wide straps. The 36mm and 42mm cases use 20mm-wide straps.
Movement and Technical Specifications
What movement is inside a Christopher Butendorff watch?
We use Swiss-made Ronda movements throughout the collection. The caliber depends on the case size.
24mm watches are fitted with the Ronda 702 — a Swiss-made quartz caliber from Ronda's Normtech 700 series. It runs on a standard SR371 cell with a battery life of up to 60 months, approximately five years between battery changes.
36mm and 42mm watches are fitted with the Ronda 762 — also from the Normtech 700 series, engineered for extended endurance. Under normal use, a single cell lasts up to 10 years.
Both calibers are manufactured by Ronda AG, a Swiss movement maker based in Lausen, near Basel, in continuous production since 1946. Their movements are used across a wide range of respected European watch brands, chosen for their precision, reliability, and Swiss-made quality.
Is quartz a compromise?
We chose Swiss quartz deliberately. A precision quartz caliber like the Ronda 762 regulates time via a crystal oscillating at 32,768 Hz — achieving an accuracy of approximately ±10–20 seconds per month. That is, in practice, more precise than most mechanical movements at any price point. Swiss quartz also suits the slim case profiles of our watches, requires almost no maintenance, and allows us to focus investment on what defines this watch: the handmade Swiss case, the K1 sapphire-coated glass, the modular frame system, and the craftsmanship behind every piece made in Solothurn, Switzerland.
How long does the battery last?
Up to 60 months (5 years) in 24mm watches running the Ronda 702. Up to 10 years in 36mm and 42mm watches running the Ronda 762. Battery life varies depending on conditions and usage.
What glass is used?
All watches use K1 sapphire-coated glass — scratch-resistant and optically clear.
What is the water resistance?
Round watch heads (Timeless): 5 ATM — suitable for swimming and splashing. Square watch heads (Modern): 3 ATM — suitable for rain and hand-washing. Neither is designed for diving or submersion under pressure.
Manufacturing and Delivery
Where are Christopher Butendorff watches made?
Every watch is handmade in Solothurn, Switzerland. We work with a small-batch Swiss atelier and do not disclose our manufacturer by name, but every piece carries full Swiss Made certification.
What does Swiss Made mean?
Under Swiss law, a watch carrying the Swiss Made designation must be assembled in Switzerland and meet a minimum threshold of Swiss-origin value in its components and production. Every Christopher Butendorff watch meets this standard.
How long does production take?
Production takes 9–12 months from the point of order. This reflects the nature of small-batch, hand-assembled Swiss watchmaking — it is deliberate, not a delay. Each piece is produced to order, not held in mass inventory.
When will my watch be delivered?
Kickstarter backers will receive updates at key production milestones: factory production start, progress, completion, and shipping. You will be notified via email and through the Kickstarter platform at each stage.
Materials and Quality
What materials are used in the cases?
Watch cases are polished stainless steel. Glass is K1 sapphire-coated. Movements are Swiss-made Ronda quartz calibers. Strap materials vary by type: full-grain leather, PVC (Sport), stainless steel mesh (Metal Link), and woven nylon textile (Nato).
What is included in the packaging?
Every watch ships in a premium box containing: the watch set, a certificate of authenticity, a warranty card, a cleaning cloth, and strap storage.
Is each watch individually numbered?
Yes. Every Christopher Butendorff watch carries an individual edition number, documented on the certificate of authenticity that ships with each piece.
Strap Compatibility
Which straps are available?
We offer four strap types: Leather (Black, White, Brown, Pink), Sport PVC (Black, White), Metal Link (Silver, Black), and Nato (Nato, Canterbury, Glasgow). Each strap is paired with a frame that matches the watch head shape — round or square.
Can I order additional straps separately?
Yes. Strap add-ons are available as separate purchases. Each strap add-on includes the strap and its matching frame. Straps are not sold without a frame.
Will new strap options be available after launch?
We plan to expand the strap range over time. Sign up at christopherbutendorff.com to be notified when new options are available.
Ordering and Payment
How do I order through Kickstarter?
Visit the campaign page for the watch shape you want — Round (Timeless) or Square (Modern) — and select your pledge tier. Kickstarter pricing is the lowest available; after the campaign closes, watches are available only at full retail price through our store.
Can I order directly from the website?
Yes. The Christopher Butendorff store is live at christopherbutendorff.com. Direct orders are fulfilled at standard retail pricing. Reduced pricing is only available through the Kickstarter campaign while it is open.
What pledge tiers are available on Kickstarter?
Pledge tiers range from one watch with three straps to five watches with fifteen straps. Full tier details are listed on each campaign page.
Warranty and Returns
What warranty do I receive?
Every Christopher Butendorff watch is covered by a 24-month international warranty against manufacturing defects, from the date of delivery.
What is your returns policy?
Unused products in original condition and packaging may be returned within 30 days of delivery. For Kickstarter orders: once the campaign closes and production begins, the standard website terms govern refunds. Partial refunds are not available once production has started.
How do I make a warranty claim or return?
Contact us at info@christopherbutendorff.com with your order details and a description of the issue. We will respond within one business day.
Authentication
How do I verify my watch is authentic?
Every Christopher Butendorff watch ships with a certificate of authenticity documenting the individual edition number, production provenance, and warranty details. If you have a question about the authenticity of a piece, contact us at info@christopherbutendorff.com with the edition number and we will verify it directly.
Still have a question? Write to us at info@christopherbutendorff.com. We respond Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:00 CET.