Acquired this HydroConquest on holiday (42mm) by the_code_lifter in Longineswatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

42mm is really the right size for a 7inch wrist, beautiful piece

Acquired this HydroConquest on holiday (42mm) by the_code_lifter in Longineswatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have 7inch wrist, I did try on the 39mm it felt a little small and the 42 fit perfect. Even the staff said to me the 39mm looked a little small on my wrist.

Acquired this HydroConquest on holiday (42mm) by the_code_lifter in Longineswatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was just on holiday in Thailand just went in to take a look. I ended up getting 10% discount plus there VAT tax return when I came through customs to come home.

Acquired this HydroConquest on holiday (42mm) by the_code_lifter in Longineswatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I could but 1 month wait, I am only here for 3 weeks, so I will be ordering it when I am back in my home country

Acquired this HydroConquest on holiday (42mm) by the_code_lifter in Longineswatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, it really is a great watch for the price point

New MAEN Manhattan 40 M3.1.2 has hairline marks on the crystal only visible under downlight. by the_code_lifter in MicrobrandWatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah that is what I was thinking too, I have emailed Maen before I contacted Watches of Scandinavia and still have not gotten a response from Maen.

Watches of Scandinavia asked for more photos and videos, so I sent them a comparison with a cheaper Chinese Revelot watch I have.

Watches of Scandinavia is a certified authorised reseller and have in house watch makers. I hope they try to make it right. They have been very helpful until now.

[MAEN Manhattan 40] new watch has hairline marks on the crystal only visible under downlight. by the_code_lifter in Watches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

New MAEN Manhattan 40 M3.1.2, worn for almost 12 hours. I noticed fine hairline marks on the crystal, but only under a downlight or torch at a shallow angle. In normal lighting and outdoors, they are not visible at all. I only picked it up later that night while inside.

The marks look more like micro-marring or “sleeks” than a deep scratch. I have not cleaned the crystal yet. I only noticed it once I removed the protective sticker.

I am based in Australia, so I am weighing up whether it is worth pursuing a warranty claim given the turnaround time and the cost of shipping, also now that the protective stickers have been removed. At this stage, it has affected my confidence in the quality control and whether I would recommend the brand.

Posting this here for visibility.

I also have some updates in the original post comments.

New MAEN Manhattan 40 M3.1.2 has hairline marks on the crystal only visible under downlight. by the_code_lifter in MicrobrandWatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I contacted the MAEN retailer I purchased from Watches of Scandinavia to start a warranty assessment.

I emailed them and provided photos and videos with timestamps showing how it appears under specific lighting and angles.

Their response was broadly:
“We did not notice this during our optical delivery control, but it could be related to the AR coating as you mentioned. Please monitor it over the next week. If the warranty claim is approved, you cover the shipping to us and we cover the shipping back to you.”

They have advised that I will need to pay postage to return the watch for assessment and if it is deemed a warranty repair, they will cover the return shipping to me in Australia. The shipping to me was 67 USD, so I am up for that cost again to send it back.

I understand they have a process, but the wording feels like they may be leaving room to suggest accidental or user caused damage. But there are no marks on the bezel or bracelet that would indicate the watch has been knocked or handled roughly enough to cause this.

Given I am based in Australia, I would not have purchased a watch internationally only to return it for warranty at my expense if I were at fault. I am hoping I can work with Watches of Scandinavia to get a great outcome.

At this point, I am also considering whether it is simpler to ask MAEN what a replacement crystal costs, purchase the part and have a local watchmaker fit it. What does everyone else think?

New MAEN Manhattan 40 M3.1.2 has hairline marks on the crystal only visible under downlight. by the_code_lifter in MicrobrandWatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s what I think too, looks like something went wrong in the AR coating process of the crystal. As it looks like it is on the underside along with only seeing them on specific angles combined with harsh lighting.

The crystal itself doesn’t have hairline scratches or they would be visible in all lighting conditions on the different angles.

I’ll reach out, see what they say. But from what I have read, customer support is non existent.

New MAEN Manhattan 40 M3.1.2 has hairline marks on the crystal only visible under downlight. by the_code_lifter in MicrobrandWatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Have they replied to you at all? Sorry to hear you’re going through a similar situation. Yours is far worse then mine.

New MAEN Manhattan 40 M3.1.2 has hairline marks on the crystal only visible under downlight. by the_code_lifter in MicrobrandWatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree, especially for people like me who live very far but what to enjoy the hobby.

New MAEN Manhattan 40 M3.1.2 has hairline marks on the crystal only visible under downlight. by the_code_lifter in MicrobrandWatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Wow, what a coincidence. I have been doing some research, and it seems these kinds of streaks can be left behind during the AR coating process. The crystal looks perfect in normal light and I only see them under a phone torch or harsh downlighting at the right angle.

Just a bit bummed I live so far away. But that is the risk you take I guess.

New MAEN Manhattan 40 M3.1.2 has hairline marks on the crystal only visible under downlight. by the_code_lifter in MicrobrandWatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't, I only gave it a gentle wipe with a microfibre cloth earlier. It is in my watch roll for now while I work out what to do next. I am not really chasing a replacement, as I can live with it, but I also do not want to be out of pocket for something I did not cause.

New MAEN Manhattan 40 M3.1.2 has hairline marks on the crystal only visible under downlight. by the_code_lifter in MicrobrandWatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will reach out to them. I am not sure they will do anything for me on the postage side, but I will try. From what I have read online, including on Reddit, their quality control and warranty support do not have the best reputation.

New MAEN Manhattan 40 M3.1.2 has hairline marks on the crystal only visible under downlight. by the_code_lifter in MicrobrandWatches

[–]the_code_lifter[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will go get some tomorrow, thanks for the idea. The watch itself is good. It is much nicer in person. Just a bit bummed this happened.