Mechanical watches are designed to wind itself through the natural motion of the wearer's wrist, which means there are quite a bit of internal moving parts in there! These watches need regular care and maintenance to keep them in prime condition. Regular servicing not only ensures that the timepiece operates smoothly, but also extends its lifespan and value (both monetary and sentimental!).
Servicing an mechanical watch primarily entails cleaning and lubricating intricate internal mechanisms to prevent premature wear and tear. Specialists would also check for signs like a noticeable change in accuracy, unusual noises, or difficulty in winding. Reputed watch specialists may also look at external factors which may affect the watch, ensuring protection from moisture, shocks, and strong magnetic fields.
So, how do you know when it's time to send my mechanical watch for servicing?
This post will take you through the hows and whys of mechanical watch care.
What exactly is "mechanical watch servicing"? What is the difference compared to servicing a regular watch.
Just like how cars are serviced based on mileage or time intervals, watches also require maintenance every 5 years or sooner if worn daily. The lubricants in watches can deteriorate over time, causing them to dry out or become sticky. This is why a complete overhaul is necessary, involving a thorough disassembly of the movement, cleaning, re-oiling, reassembly, replacement of gaskets, calibration for accuracy, and waterproof testing.
There are 3 main things you'd want when servicing your mechanical watch. These are:
Ensuring accuracy: servicing ensures that the watch keeps accurate time, preventing it from losing or gaining time excessively.
For longevity and durability: servicing extends the lifespan of the mechanical parts within the watch, reducing the risk of component failure.
Checking and ensuring water resistance: servicing helps maintain the watch’s water-resistant properties, ensuring that it remains waterproof and sealed as intended.
How can you tell if and when your mechanical timepiece needs to be repaired? (and how long can I wait before I send my watch for servicing)
If your mechanical watch is losing time or if winding feels stiff, it may be time for servicing. Additionally, irregular winding or a sudden stop in movement are key indicators that maintenance is needed. Let's take a look at some other factors.
Inconsistent timekeeping: if your watch starts losing or gaining significant time, it indicates that there may be mechanical issues that requires attention.
Stiff rotor: if you notice that the rotor is no longer moving smoothly or feels unusually stiff, it indicates that the mechanical winding mechanism may be compromised.
Power reserve issues: if your watch stops quickly after being fully wound or stops when not worn for a day, this suggests that there are internal problems affecting the power reserve.
Strange noises: any unusual ticking or grinding sounds coming from the watch suggest that parts may be worn or misaligned, requiring immediate or emergency servicing.
Physical damage or accidents: visible issues such as cracked glass or loose hands are clear signs that your watch needs immediate repair to prevent further damage. If you happen to drop your watch from a height, it's best to send it in to a reputable specialist for checks quickly.
Signs of moisture or water seepage: fogging under the glass or visible water droplets inside the watch indicate that the seals are compromised, necessitating urgent service to remove moisture and ensure seal. Water or moisture can severely damage an mechanical watch’s intricate movement, leading to corrosion and compromised functionality.
Regular servicing is typically recommended every 3 to 5 years according to most manufacturer guidelines. When done by a reputable professional, these regular servicing ensures that your mechanical watch performs optimally.
What if you don't have any of the above-mentioned issues? Do you still need to send your mechanical watch for servicing?
Just like humans who need regular health screens for preventative diagnostics and to have ease of mind about having a clean bill of health, your mechanical watches too need preventative care.
Preventative care is crucial for maintaining the longevity and accuracy of your mechanical watch. While some issues, like a cracked glass or inconsistent timekeeping, are visible to the naked eye, many internal problems can go unnoticed by the untrained observer.
Over time, lubricants can dry out, seals can wear down, and tiny components may begin to misalign, all of which can compromise your watch's performance. This is why most manufacturers recommend servicing your watch every 3-5 years, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed before they escalate into costly repairs or irreparable damage.
Regular mechanical watch maintenance or "preventative care" helps keep your watch running smoothly and protects your investment in the long run.
Preserve your investment, protect your time.
Taking care of your mechanical watch is about more than just keeping it ticking—it's about preserving its value and ensuring it keeps reliable for years to come.
Don't wait for a problem to arise; schedule your preventative service and diagnostic today with us at The Watch Specialist's Clinic, and give your timepiece the expert attention and TLC it deserves.
❤️ Psst. if you liked this, then don't miss our post on storage and care tips for mechanical watch maintenance.
 | Why Choose The Watch Specialist's Clinic?
 |
Comments