A luxury watch is much more than a tool for telling time. It’s a statement piece, a personal treasure, and often, a family heirloom. To ensure your timepiece remains in pristine condition and continues to function flawlessly, regular maintenance and proper care are essential.
In this guide to watch repair, we break down crucial tips and practices that will keep your watch ticking for generations.
Essential Watch Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance of your luxury watch ensures it remains in top condition and continues to function accurately. Here are some crucial tips to help you take care of your timepiece.
- Consider Your Watch Type & Manufacturer: Different types of watches have specific maintenance needs. For instance, mechanical watches have highly intricate movements and generally need more frequent servicing than quartz watches. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for servicing intervals and care instructions.
- Clean Your Watch Regularly: Dust, dirt, and moisture can accumulate over time, affecting both the appearance and functionality of your watch. Clean the case and bracelet regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth. Depending on the watch’s water resistance, you may be able to wipe it with mild, soapy water or submerge it entirely for a deeper clean.
- Avoid Magnets: Magnetic fields can severely disrupt the accuracy of your watch. Keep your timepiece away from electronic devices, magnetic closures, and smaller magnetic sources like refrigerator doors. If your watch becomes magnetized, the inner components may warp and require repairs or replacement.
- Store Your Piece Properly: When not wearing your watch, store it in a watch box or soft pouch to protect it from scratches and dust. If your watch is automatic and not worn often, you’ll likely need to wind it to keep the movement in motion and prevent the lubricants from drying out.
- Check Water Resistance: Exposure to water weakens watch components over time, compromising the watch’s water resistance. Having the seals and gaskets checked annually by a professional can prolong the watch’s functionality.
- Avoid Extreme Conditions: Keep your watch away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and harsh chemicals. Extreme heat can shorten the battery life and damage the lubricants, while extreme cold can cause the watch to run slowly.
What Happens During a Watch Service?
When it’s time to bring your watch in for a service, understanding the process can help you feel more confident and informed about the care your timepiece will receive. A professional watch service involves several meticulous steps to ensure your watch continues to function flawlessly.
- Disassembly and inspection: A comprehensive watch service starts with a complete disassembly of the watch. Each component is carefully inspected for wear and damage.
- Cleaning: The disassembled parts are cleaned to remove all traces of old lubricants, dirt, and dust.
- Replacement of parts: Any worn or damaged parts are replaced with genuine manufacturer parts to ensure the highest quality repair.
- Lubrication: High-quality lubricants are applied to reduce friction and wear and ensure the smooth functioning of the watch.
- Reassembly and calibration: The watch is meticulously reassembled, and the movement is calibrated to ensure precise timekeeping.
- Water resistance testing: After reassembly, the watch is tested to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s water resistance specifications.
- Final quality control: The repaired watch undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure the highest standards of performance and reliability.
Jewelry Repair at Coffin & Trout
At Coffin & Trout, we have the tools and expertise to tackle any repair job. Whether it’s routine maintenance for your luxury watch or a complex repair for a treasured piece of jewelry, our skilled jewelers ensure the highest level of care and precision. Stop by our showroom today, and let’s talk about how we can keep your items in pristine condition for years to come.
