Luxury watches are designed to provide accurate time and reliable service for many years. But just like any other equipment, they’re subject to normal wear and tear and will need periodic servicing to ensure that they function perfectly.
Owning a luxury watch is a great investment, which is why you need to care for it and ensure it will last you a lifetime. Like a car tune-up, watch servicing is important to extend the life of the movement, and to see if all the parts inside need fixing, cleaning, or replacing. It ensures that everything is working the way it should be, and prevents small issues from becoming a bigger problem.
A good rule of thumb is to have your watch regularly serviced every three to five years to keep it in top shape. You can also check for the recommended frequency of service straight from the brand of your watch. Additionally, there may also be times when you’ll need to have your watch serviced sooner than later — here are some signs that it’s time to head to the jewelry store.
Moisture under the glass
If you notice moisture or condensation beneath the crystal, be sure to have the watch checked right away. A single drop of water inside the watch can cause major damage, and can lead to rust and corrosion in the movement. This means that the seals in your watch are not working correctly, and will need to be tightened up or replaced.
Inaccurate time
According to the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), the institute that certifies the accuracy of Swiss timepieces, the margin of error for a watch is up to four seconds slow or six seconds fast. There are many reasons why your watch could be ticking faster than usual, or falling behind. It could be because the movement has been magnetized, or the lubrication is drying up and needs to be oiled. Whatever may be the case, you’ll need to bring it to a watchmaker to have it demagnetized or lubricated.
Rattling noise
A typical luxury watch is a small but intricate piece of machinery, made from over 100 moving parts. Watches with further complications definitely have more than that. The delicate springs and miniature screws inside are all sensitive, so if you’ve accidentally dropped your watch or bumped it into something solid, you should check for rattling sounds. If it feels that some parts have loosened up, it’s time to have it checked.
Additional complications
Your watch could still be telling the time properly, but other features may not be working. If complications like date function, moonphase, perpetual calendar, chronograph, minute repeater, GMT, or tourbillon are not working properly, have the watch serviced right away.
What happens during a watch service?
A full watch service is a complex process that should only be done by a dedicated professional. This process starts by opening the watch and disassembling the movement. All the parts are thoroughly cleaned to remove all the dirt and grime that has accumulated over the years, while damaged components are fixed or replaced. The gaskets are also replaced to ensure a tight seal. After cleaning, all the parts are lubricated and reassembled. Lastly, the watch is polished to make it look brand new, then adjusted and calibrated for accuracy.
Care and maintenance
To prevent unnecessary repairs and servicing beyond what is recommended by the manufacturer, you’ll need to take good care of your luxury watch. Use a soft, clean cloth and wipe down the case and band to remove any dirt or dust.
Don’t place your watch near things with magnets such as laptops, speakers, refrigerators, or magnetic clasps on bags. Know your watch’s limit when it comes to water resistance. Another tip is to wear it regularly to keep all the mechanical parts and gears oiled. If the watch is not worn frequently, try to wind and run it at least once a month.
If you notice the above signs of damage on your watch, leave it to a trained professional. With seven full time in-house watchmakers, you can feel confident bringing it to the trusted professionals at Zadok Jewelers. We service almost every watch brand and will ensure that your precious timepiece is restored to its best possible form and accuracy.
