The Watchmaker: 7 services you can expect from a seasoned professional
Time is vital in facing your daily life. It is the main reason why your watches need excellent care for it to last long. Like any other item, you can't always be sure that your watches will still be in good condition. If you ignore your watch's old and dirty state, it'll cause even more damage, which can lead to more expensive repairs. Wear and tear can also render your valuable watch virtually useless.
Horologists are people who make expensive designer watches. They are also called artisans as their crafts are often expensive. You might have to go to a horologist to service a vintage watch that might have come from their production.
For newer watches, however, you should opt for a professional watchmaker service to ensure that everything about your watch gets fixed and cleaned. To know more about repairing your watch, you should know what services a typical watchmaker offers:
Battery Replacement
Watchmakers have different techniques for replacing the battery on a watch. Depending on its brand, replacing batteries on a watch may be complicated. Usually, battery replacements are often due when the clock stops ticking.
A damaged or dead battery is the main reason for a watch to stop working. Although some parts and services have separate costs, your watchmaker can provide you with the exact batteries to help you with your watch.
Full Cleaning and Overhaul
Professional watchmakers should only be the people that are qualified to make repairs on your expensive watch. Watchmakers often do more than repairing your watch. As a bonus, they also clean your watch for it to retain its design and function.
Overhauling or full service, on the other hand, is more intricate and may require you to leave your watch with the watchmaker. Full servicing is often complicated. It usually requires the complete disassembly of the watch to run diagnostics and to find any other issues that might hinder a watch from functioning correctly.
Crystal and Gasket Replacement
Watch crystal gaskets are one of the reasons why you should keep your watch away from dust. When wear and tear hit the crystal and gaskets, it usually needs to be replaced together.
During this procedure, your watchmaker will need to put in a new watch crystal gasket on the watch. You might have to buy these parts on your own.
Case and Bracelet Polishing
Aside from the body of the watch, the case and the bracelet should also be taken care of. It's essential to make the case and bracelet clean as any dirt can easily reach the watch. Your watchmaker can also do case and bracelet polishing if the wear and tear on it are significant.
Quartz Conversion
Quartz conversion is needed, especially for old watches, because there could be parts that are rusted inside. When doing quartz conversions, watchmakers have to do a complete inspection beforehand to make sure the watch will perform well after it.
You should also consider which watch needs a quartz conversion. If you think your vintage watch can be worth a lot, always ask for a second, third, fourth, and fifth opinion from expert watch collectors. Any tinkering done on a vintage watch can significantly raise or lower its value. It’s entirely up to you if you want such repairs to be done on your watch.
Stem and Crown Replacement/Repair
If there is damage in the watch's stem and crown, the watchmakers must repair them and replace them if needed. The stem and crown are vital components so you can set the time on the watch properly.
Strap Adjustments and Servicing
Depending on the material used and the damage on the straps, watchmakers may opt to replace a strap. For leather straps, watchmakers may use a soft cleaning agent to clean a leather strap properly. If your leather strap has cracks or is chipping off, you likely need to replace it entirely. Always bring a leather strap if you think that yours needs replacing.
For metal bracelets, your watchmaker can clean them for you, as well. Aside from cleaning, watchmakers can also attach them together. You need to have an extra link with you so your watchmaker can use that link to connect the ends of the metal strap.
For simple cleaning such as those on your metal straps, you can easily go the DIY route. All you need is to separate the bracelet from the watch using specialized tools. After the strap is separated from the watch, set it aside, and prepare the liquids you'll need to clean the metal strap.
For an excellent cleaning solution, you can mix 1/4 cup of warm water with two tablespoons of baking soda. Make sure to use a plastic container for this procedure. Dip the metal bracelet in the solution and cover the container. Shake the container vigorously to remove any grime and dirt that's sticking to the bracelet. Wipe your watch with a clean cloth and watch it sparkle, as if it's brand new.
Takeaway
Should your watch need any repairs, always consider the services of a professional watchmaker. The services mentioned above are what you should expect a skilled watchmaker should offer.
If you want to take a look at watches or if you want to add to your collection, you can go to https://www.thewatchcompany.com/. Remember, a watch is valuable, so it only fits that you take care of it. If you’re not sure of how to fix your watch, go to a qualified watchmaker and avoid the risk of damaging your watch even more.
