What's Included in a Watch Service?
Last updated on the 1st of June 2023 by Huxley Mann.
Watches are more than just a timekeeping device; they're an extension of our personality and style. Whether you wear a luxury timepiece or a simple everyday watch, keeping it in tip-top working condition is essential. Regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent damage to your watch, extend its lifespan and protect your investment. In this blog post, we'll explore the telltale signs of when it's time to have your watch serviced, the processes involved and why entrusting your timepiece to a qualified professional is essential. So without further ado, let's dive into the world of watch servicing!
How to tell if your watch needs servicing?
A watch is a delicate instrument that requires regular maintenance to ensure it keeps accurate time and remains in prime condition. There are several telltale signs that your watch may need a service, including:
Your watch is running too fast or too slow
The second-hand skips several seconds
Condensation under the watch glass
You can hear a rattling noise in the case
The hands or dial seem loose
Odour coming from your watch
If you're facing any of these issues, you must take your timepiece to a professional watch repair shop as soon as possible. Ignoring any of these issues could result in further damage.
We still recommend having your watch serviced every 2-3 years, even if you are not experiencing any issues, to maintain its optimal working condition.
The processes behind a watch service
A full watch service varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and from one service centre to another. However, the fundamentals are generally the same.
At AMJ Watch Repair, we've teamed up with our amazing watch technicians to explore the different processes involved in servicing a watch.
Dismantling of the case and movement
A watch service is initiated by taking apart the case and movement to diagnose any necessary work that needs to be carried out.
Once dismantled, the watchmaker will visually inspect the watch's exterior, looking for any scratches or damage to the case or crystal. The crown and pushers are also checked to ensure they are functioning correctly. Each component within the timepiece is also checked for any signs of wear or damage to identify any parts that might need replacing.
Replacing any worn or damaged parts
During a watch service, it's common for replacement parts to be needed. Over time, various watch components can wear out or become damaged, such as the mainspring, balance wheel, or crown.
When having your watch serviced, it's important to clarify if genuine replacement parts are being used as they are designed specifically for each watch model by the manufacturer, meaning they are made to fit perfectly and function as intended.
Even though imitation parts may appear similar to genuine ones, they are often made of inferior quality materials or have defects in the manufacturing process that make them difficult to fit correctly and can lead to further problems.
Ultrasonic cleaning
Once a diagnosis has been carried out and it has been ascertained what replacement parts are required. The remaining watch parts are placed into a specialised ultrasonic cleaner with a gentle cleaning solution.
The ultrasonic cleaner generates high-frequency sound waves that cause the cleaning solution to vibrate rapidly. This creates millions of tiny bubbles that implode upon contact with the watch components, gently lifting dirt and grime away from the surface.
Oiling of components
After the different components are ultrasonically cleaned, all excess water is removed, and the watchmaker will carefully apply specialised oils to each component using precise tools and techniques. The type and amount of oil used will depend on the specific requirements of each element and the manufacturer's recommendations.
For example, high-friction areas like the escapement and pallet fork require heavier oil than low-friction areas like the balance wheel. Over-lubrication can cause problems like under-lubrication, so it's essential to get it right.
Once all components have been lubricated, they are reassembled.
Reassembly of the watch
After the watch has been disassembled and each component has been cleaned and re-lubricated, it's time to put everything back together. The watchmaker carefully aligns the gears, springs, and other tiny parts properly to ensure that the watch functions correctly. Any misalignment or mistake can lead to issues such as inaccurate timekeeping or complete failure of the watch. In addition to assembling the movement, the watchmaker must also reattach any external components, such as the dial, hands, and crown.
Water resistance and pressure tests
As part of your watch service, if required, your timepiece will undergo a pressure test. Pressure testing a watch is crucial in determining its water resistance capabilities. During the process, the watch is placed inside a specialised pressure chamber and subjected to simulated underwater conditions. The chamber is then pressurised to a level exceeding the watch's depth rating. If no issues are detected, the timepiece will pass the test and be certified as water-resistant up to its rated depth rating. However, further repairs or maintenance may be required if the watch has any problems during testing.
Watch polishing
Any chips or scratches will be professionally polished out. If that is not possible, using a laser welder, a dent can be infilled with the appropriate metal type before being buffed and re-polished.
Replacing components damaged beyond repair may also be necessary, such as a link on a bracelet or the crown.
Watch polishing can be a delicate process that requires skill and experience to achieve optimal results. In addition, the materials needed for polishing a watch may vary depending on the type of metal and finish.
Finally, once your watch has been polished, it will be tested again for accuracy.
(Not all watch repair centres will include polishing as part of a complete watch service. So it's always worth asking)
Quality control
Once the timepiece has been reassembled, the watch will undergo a variety of quality control tests to ensure that the watch functions accurately and can withstand normal wear and tear. Some of the most common tests include:
Timekeeping accuracy test: This involves measuring the watch's accuracy over a specific period, usually 24 hours, to ensure that it keeps time within industry standards.
Power reserve test: This test ensures that the watch can maintain power adequately after being fully wound.
Shock resistance test: This test ensures that the watch can withstand standard shocks and impacts, such as those encountered during everyday use.
Magnetism resistance test: This involves exposing the watch to a strong magnetic field to ensure that it does not become magnetised and affect its accuracy.
By conducting these rigorous tests, watch service providers can ensure that their customers receive high-quality workmanship and reliable timepieces that will perform accurately and reliably for years to come.
Once everything is as it should be, your watch servicing is complete, and your watch can be returned to you as good as new.
Why is it important to entrust your timepiece to a qualified professional?
Your watch is a valuable investment of both sentimental and monetary value. Therefore, it's crucial to entrust its maintenance and repair to a qualified professional.
A professional watchmaker has the knowledge, skills, and tools to accurately diagnose issues with your watch.
If you attempt to fix the issue yourself or take your watch to an unqualified technician, you risk causing irreversible damage that could decrease the value of your timepiece or even render it unusable.
Additionally, a qualified professional can advise you on how best to care for your watch and prevent future damage. So don't take any chances with your prized possession; always seek out a reputable and experienced watchmaker for servicing and repairs.
When was the last time you had your watch serviced?
We hope we have given you better insight into the different skills and processes involved in having a watch serviced.
By having your timepiece serviced, you can catch any potential issues early on and prevent them from becoming more significant problems later on. Additionally, regular servicing can help keep your watch running smoothly and accurately for many years.
When was the last time you had your watch serviced? At AMJ Watch Repair, we recommend having your watch serviced every 2-3 years to keep your timepiece in optimum working conditions. Get a complimentary no-obligation quote today and bring your watch back to showroom standard!
