1. Introduction
The KHS Platoon Steel Solar Watch, model KHS.PLASS.NB, is a robust timepiece designed to meet military specifications, drawing inspiration from the MIL-W-46374F standard. It features a reliable solar quartz movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping with minimal maintenance. This manual provides essential information on setting up, operating, and maintaining your watch to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
Figure 1: Front view of the KHS Platoon Steel Solar Watch, showcasing the dial and hands.
2. Setup
2.1 Initial Charging
Your KHS Platoon Steel Solar Watch is powered by light. Before initial use, or if the watch has stopped, expose the dial to a strong light source (natural sunlight is ideal) for several hours. The watch will begin operating once sufficient charge is accumulated. A full charge can provide approximately 4 months of operation in darkness.
2.2 Setting Time and Date
- Pull the Crown: Gently pull the crown (located on the right side of the watch case) out to position 2 for setting the date, or position 3 for setting the time.
- Set the Date (Position 2): Rotate the crown clockwise or counter-clockwise to adjust the date. Avoid setting the date between 9 PM and 3 AM, as this may interfere with the automatic date change mechanism.
- Set the Time (Position 3): Rotate the crown to move the hour and minute hands. Ensure the AM/PM is correctly set, especially when setting the date. The date will change at midnight.
- Push the Crown Back: Once the time and date are set, push the crown firmly back into position 1 (normal operating position) to engage the movement and ensure water resistance.
Figure 2: Side view of the watch, illustrating the crown for time and date adjustments.
2.3 Strap Adjustment
The watch comes with a Nato strap. To adjust the strap, thread it through the spring bars and buckles to achieve a comfortable and secure fit on your wrist. Ensure the watch head is centered on the strap.
3. Operating the Watch
3.1 Solar Quartz Movement
The KHS Platoon Steel Solar Watch utilizes a high-precision solar quartz movement. It converts light into electrical energy, which is stored in a rechargeable cell. This eliminates the need for regular battery replacements.
3.2 Luminous Display
The watch features a powerful inactive luminous mass on the dial and hands, ensuring excellent readability in low-light conditions or complete darkness. The KHS Eagle logo on the dial is also illuminated.
Figure 3: The watch dial illuminated in darkness, showing the luminous hands and markers.
3.3 Power Saving Function
When the crown is pulled out to position 3 (time setting position) and left there, the watch enters a power-saving mode, reducing energy consumption by approximately 70%. This extends the standby time of the watch.
3.4 Quick Start Function
If the watch stops due to low battery charge, expose it to light for about 10 seconds. The hands will resume movement. Initially, the second hand may move in two-second increments until the battery has accumulated sufficient charge for normal operation.
4. Maintenance
4.1 Cleaning
To clean your watch, wipe the case and crystal with a soft, damp cloth. For the Nato strap, it can be removed and hand-washed with mild soap and water, then air-dried. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
4.2 Water Resistance (10 BAR)
Your KHS Platoon Steel Solar Watch is water-resistant up to 10 BAR (100 meters / 330 feet). This makes it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and showering. However, it is not recommended for scuba diving. Always ensure the crown is fully pushed in before exposing the watch to water. Do not operate the crown while the watch is wet or submerged.
4.3 Battery Life
With a full charge, the watch can operate for approximately 4 months in complete darkness. Regular exposure to light will maintain the charge and ensure continuous operation.
5. Troubleshooting
- Watch has stopped: Expose the watch to a strong light source for several hours to recharge the solar cell.
- Hands are moving in two-second increments: This indicates a low battery charge. Expose the watch to light to fully recharge it.
- Date does not change at midnight: Check if the AM/PM setting was correct when setting the time. Adjust the time by 12 hours if necessary.
- Water inside the watch: Immediately take the watch to an authorized service center. Ensure the crown was fully pushed in before water exposure.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model Number | KHS.PLASS.NB |
| Movement | Solar Quartz, 3 hands (hour, minute, central second) |
| Functions | Time, Minute, Central Second, Stop-seconds (when crown pulled), Date with quick change |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel case, screw-down stainless steel back, stainless steel crown |
| Crystal | Extra hardened mineral glass |
| Water Resistance | 10 BAR (100 meters / 330 feet) |
| Dial | Matte black with Arabic numerals, luminous markers and hands |
| Illumination | Inactive luminous color on dial and hands, luminous KHS Eagle logo |
| Power Saving Function | Reduces energy consumption by approx. 70% when crown is pulled |
| Quick Start Function | Hands resume movement after 10 seconds of light exposure when battery is low |
| Battery Life (Full Charge) | 4 months in darkness |
| Magnetic Field Shielding | 18.8 Oe |
| Shock Resistance | NIHS 91-10 |
| Operating Temperature | 0-50 °C |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 45.6 x 51.5 x 10.4 mm |
| Case Diameter | 42 mm |
Figure 4: Diagram illustrating the key dimensions of the KHS Platoon Steel Solar Watch.
Figure 5: Diagram showing the thickness of the KHS Platoon Steel Solar Watch.
Figure 6: Exploded view diagram detailing the internal components of the watch, including the watch glass, acrylic ring, dial, solar cell, and movement.
7. Warranty and Support
Warranty information for your KHS Platoon Steel Solar Watch is typically provided with your purchase documentation. Please refer to these documents for details regarding warranty coverage and terms. For technical support, service, or inquiries not covered in this manual, please contact KHS customer service or an authorized KHS dealer.