Canadian Made Mechanical Watches

Where are Barrington Griffiths watches made? 

We pride ourselves on being one of very few watch manufacturers in Canada. Our watches are assembled here using a combination of domestic and imported parts. Over 51% of the cost of manufacture occurs in Canada. 

What movements do you use?
Our watches use the Miyota 9015 automatic movement, a highly regarded Japanese movement known for its reliability and precision. 

Are your watches automatic or quartz?
We produce only automatic or manual wind watches. The Modern Classic is currently our only hand-wound model, featuring a restored vintage pocket watch movement.

Do your watches come with a warranty?
Yes. All our watches include a 1-year guarantee and a 14-day trial period. If you’re not completely satisfied, you may return your watch within 14 days for a full refund—no questions asked.

Are your watches water-resistant?
Yes. The Sandon, Viamastra, and Radian models are water-resistant to 50 metres.

Are your watch faces and hands glow-in-the-dark?
Yes. We use Japanese SuperLume, a high-performing, non-radioactive, luminous pigment on the hands, numbers, and indices of all our watches. 

Where does the Sandon name come from?
The Sandon name comes from the once-thriving mining city of Sandon, British Columbia—a place rich in Canadian mining and railroad history, and well worth a visit. At its peak in the late 1800s, Sandon was one of the fastest-growing and busiest towns in the region, following the discovery of a major silver deposit. It was so active that two competing railways were built to bring in supplies and ship out silver ore. Tucked deep in the forests of the Kootenays, Sandon thrived with the energy of progress and connection. Today it is a ghost town, but its legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and the pioneering spirit that helped shape Canada.

Just as Sandon was once tied to the railways, the Sandon watch draws inspiration from the rugged simplicity of early railroad pocket watches. The name celebrates both Canadian ingenuity and the timeless connection between railways, watchmaking, and exploration.

Do you offer free shipping? 

Yes, we offer free shipping in Canada on all orders over $100. Please note that during the current postal strike we are using alternate shipping carriers. 

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship to most countries. The cost of international shipping is provided at checkout. For special instructions or questions about shipping to your country, please contact us.

How long will my order take to arrive?
We ship most orders via Canada Post Expedited Service. Within Canada, delivery takes 2–5 business days.

Can I track my order?
Yes. All orders over $100 include tracking.

What is your return and exchange policy?
Watches purchased directly from the Barrington Griffiths website may be exchanged or refunded within 14 days of delivery, provided they are in new condition and returned in the original box. For details on refunds, exchanges, and warranty shipping, please see our Return Policy page.

Will I have to pay customs or duties?
Customs fees and duties depend on the trade agreements between Canada and your country. Please check with your local customs office for details.

How do I wind my watch?
To start your watch, turn the crown clockwise about 10 times. Winding beyond this point isn’t necessary—the automatic mechanism will keep it wound as you wear it.

What is the power reserve?
The Miyota 9015 has a 42-hour power reserve when fully wound.

How often should I service my watch?
We recommend servicing the Miyota 9015 every 3–5 years. Servicing involves lubrication and regulation, which help maintain accuracy and prevent wear. However, you may wait until you notice timekeeping issues or unusual resistance when winding.

Are your watches scratch-resistant?
Yes. Both the front and back sapphire crystals are highly scratch-resistant. Stainless steel cases and bracelets will naturally develop scratches over time, adding character to the watch.

Can I swim or shower with my watch?
Yes. With a 50-metre water-resistance rating, our watches are suitable for showering, bathing, and swimming (but not diving). Avoid submerging natural leather straps, and always ensure the crown is fully pushed in. Periodic cleaning in warm soapy water is encouraged—just dry thoroughly afterward.

My watch strap has sweat stains from gardening. Can these be removed?
The hand-made tan leather straps will naturally darken over time. It’s fine to use your watch for gardening and sports, but this will accelerate the darkening to a rich brown.

To keep your strap in good condition, rinse it occasionally in warm water with a small amount of dish soap to remove dirt and sweat. Lather it gently with your hands, rinse quickly, and avoid soaking it. Pat it dry with a towel and let it air-dry completely before wearing it again. With regular wear, the leather will gradually darken to a uniform tone rather than showing individual stains.

We recommend using dubbin or mink oil to maintain the suppleness of the leather. Work a small amount into the strap and wipe away the excess. It may feel greasy at first, but the oil will soak in and condition the leather. Keep in mind this will also darken the strap.

If you expect to use your watch in wetter or rougher conditions, you may want to consider a sailcloth strap, which we now offer on the Straps & Accessories page.

Can I change the strap on my watch?
Yes. Our watches use standard straps, though they are secured with screw bars (not spring bars), so quick-release straps will not fit. Each watch comes with two screwdrivers and a spare set of screw bars for easy strap changes.

What size straps do your watches use?

• 39 mm models use 20 mm straps (tapering to 18 mm at the clasp)
• 34 mm models use 18 mm straps (tapering to 16 mm at the clasp)

Do you sell extra straps?
Yes. We offer a variety of straps and clasps on our Straps & Accessories page. If you are concerned about the care and cleaning of your leather strap, see the Care & Maintenance section above.

How do I adjust the strap to fit my wrist?
If your strap includes a deployment clasp, its length is adjusted by moving the pin to a different hole in the strap. The clasp end with the BG logo hinges open to allow this. For details, see the booklet provided with your watch or get a digital copy from the Downloads page.

What should I do if my watch stops working?
Please contact us if your watch stops or loses time. All watches are covered by a 1-year warranty, and we will regulate your watch within 2 years if needed. Email us at info@bgwatch.com or use the Contact Us page.

How do I claim warranty service?
Warranty service follows the same process as returns. Please see our Return Policy page.

Can I send my watch in for repair or servicing?
Yes. Please refer to our Return Policy page for instructions.

How do I contact customer support?
You can reach us anytime via the Contact Us page on our website or by email at info@bgwatch.com.