Maintenance of High Grade Mechanical (Automatic) Watches

You are now the proud owner of a fine mechanical watch. It is the clock go down to your grandson. High quality watches are known for quality and durability, but like all machines, they must be maintained to perform at full potential. With proper maintenance you will have a fine timepiece to wear with satisfaction, knowing it to run with precision.

When my clients ask, "Why an overhaul cost so much?" I usually show them the way I take it looks, and the number of parts and how meticulous I have to treat them. So they understand. Hopefully this article will also give the same understanding of you, the reader.

Manufacturers recommend a review be carried out on average every 3-5 years depending on usage. In use, I think how careful you are with your watch. If you're using it to do heavy construction work, for example, will require more frequent cleaning than a worn during office work. Just because you can wear a watch when you shower does not mean you should. Soap foam, at a minimum, look bad.

A transformation requires that look to be completely taken apart and each part is cleaned in an ultrasonic special solution to remove all traces of the old oil, dirt and dust. There are about 250 parts in a calendar automatic mechanical movement. It is then rinsed twice in a second solution and heat dried.

All worn moving parts and case packs must be replaced to ensure the watch is water resistant. The parts must always be replaced with original parts from the manufacturer. This will insure the parts fit perfectly.

Case and bracelet is polished to remove all the scratches.

So the movement is reassembled. Watchmaker's tools are specialized to perform the delicate assembly. They are made by different manufacturers, because different clocks require their own very precision assembly tools. I am always surprised at the people who would no more imagine their computer, but that will take its clock from another. Putting it back together is always very trying for them. Seems they have some extra parts left and no where to put them! I have received watches in plastic bags, broken and missing parts, and I will be asked to "fix it." Proper tool for knowledge can not be underestimated.

Four special oils used to lubricate the moving parts and jewels. Different parts of the Movement require different types of oil. For example, pivot each wheel and balance staff is lubricated with the exact amount of the proper quality of lubricant to maintain the minimum of friction and wear.

The heart of your clock is very sensitive balance wheel complete. The parts that constitute the heart are: 1) Balance wheels, 2) Balance staff, 3) Hair Spring, 4) Roller table with jewels.

A timing apparatus used to regulate the time. You provide the clock for the machine, and it pulses to indicate if it is running fast or slow. In both cases, adjustments were made until the time machine indicates a straight line.

When the clock is returned to the customer, it looks like new and performs to factory standards. From my many years of experience, which is a totally refurbished clock to its owner is always a nice feeling of accomplishment.