Watch Servicing & Repairs
Much like looking after a motor vehicle, watches are made up of moving parts and both mechanical and quartz timepieces require regular servicing to keep them in good working order. We would recommend servicing your watch approximately every 4 years.
Lubrication:
There are several different oils and lubricants used within a wristwatch. When the lubrication dries up, it can result in additional friction, causing increased wear and reduced timekeeping capabilities.
Regulation:
In addition to the oils and lubrication, the timekeeping capability of a watch can change over time. This is due to the wear, minute changes in the position, and strength of the parts within the escapement, including the hairspring. As part of a service, the regulation of the timepiece is fine-tuned and tested.
Water Resistance:
Over time, the case seals that ensure water resistance can wear and deteriorate; these are checked as part of the service. Water, however small in quantity, can cause severe damage over time to the movement and dial of watch. It is therefore strongly recommended that you watch is checked regularly for water resistance and if there are any signs of a leak (the first and most obvious of these is condensation underneath the glass), your watch should be brought for repair as soon as possible.
Quartz Watches:
A common misconception is that quartz watches do not require servicing because they are battery powered. This is not true. A quartz watch still contains mostly mechanical parts (between 85 & 90%), it is simply powered by a battery and not other mechanical parts. The rest of the movement, hands, date wheels etc still require maintenance and lubrication. As the power behind the watch is not mechanical it is often common to have longer intervals between services, however, we would still recommend that a quartz watch has a regular maintenance service. If a new battery has been fitted and your watch is running poorly (usually slow) this can be a simple sign that a maintenance service is required. Sometimes fitting a new battery does not power your watch, this is another indication that it is in need of a service.