What You Need to Know About Watch Maintenance Services

Investing in an expensive watch is just that — an investment — and as with other pricey purchases, it’s an investment we want to ensure is well taken care of. A good quality mechanical watch has the capability to last for generations, and it’s easier than you think to make sure your watch keeps on ticking for many years to come. A good care routine and regular watch maintenance services are all you need. You may question the need to have your watch serviced if nothing is outwardly broken; however keeping on top of maintenance is the best way to avoid needing repairs. Here is your basic guide on watch maintenance services.

Types of Watch Maintenance Services

Most regular watch maintenance services will revolve around the tightness of the coil spring — essentially the heart of your watch — and ensuring that the coil has not become weakened. Unlike a quartz watch, which runs off battery power, a mechanical watch is powered by a mainspring which delivers the force necessary to turn the gears and power the continuously oscillating balance wheel. Mechanical watches need to either be wound manually, or in the case of automatic watches, self-wind with wear.

One common misconception with mechanical watch owners is that over-winding can cause your watch to stop working. While there is some truth to this, you would have to try very, very hard to break a mechanical watch by over-winding it, and most automatic watches simply cannot be over wound. If your watch isn’t winding, there is another issue at play that will require a professional to investigate.

Like the coil, the gears and springs within your mechanical watch need to occasionally be opened, cleaned, and oiled. This helps to ensure that your watch continues to run as smoothly as it did the day it was assembled. This is a very delicate task and should never be attempted by anyone other than a professional watchmaker.

The crown, with is the piece that is used to wind your watch, is another area the often requires maintenance to ensure its continued function. Despite warnings not to, many people are in the habit of winding their mechanical watches while wearing them. This can cause the crown stem to bend, and eventually this stress may cause the stem to break.

Moisture inside your mechanical watches, often visible under the acrylic or crystal face, is one of your watch’s worst enemies. During your watch maintenance services visit, a professional watchmaker can open up the watch and check for any signs of moisture. This is especially important for watches that may have been improperly stored or for individuals who are in frequent contact with water.

Your Watch Should Be Maintained at Least Once Every 3–5 Years

Depending on how often you wear your watch and how carefully you clean and store it when you are not wearing it, your watch should be professionally maintained every 3–5 years. This may seem like a lot, but when you consider your initial investment, regular watch maintenance services are like an insurance policy protecting your watch against wear, and ensuring that it will continue to run smoothly for years, or even generations, to come.