Even if you have a high-quality watch, it will need some regular care over the years. Even the best-made watch won’t work as accurately unless you maintain it properly. The internal mechanisms of your watch are affected by things like dust, moisture, friction, and wear-and-tear.
To keep your watch functioning at peak efficiency, you’ll need to take it in for regular maintenance.
If you’re a watchmaker-in-training, knowing how to maintain watches is just as important as knowing how they’re put together in the first place.
Why Is It Important To Maintain Your Watch?
All of the moving parts within a watch go through wear-and-tear. Eventually, the oil used to lubricate the movement will dry up, dirt may accumulate, and parts will start to wear. If you don’t take your watch in for regular maintenance, your timepiece will become less accurate, and parts could end up breaking.
Taking your watch in for maintenance is key to keeping your watch working properly.
During regular maintenance, watchmakers carefully examine every piece of the watch to ensure everything is still functioning correctly.
The Pre-Maintenance Inspection
Before your watch goes into maintenance, a watchmaker will do an initial inspection. They’ll look at the outside of the watch and the movement inside to get an idea of what needs to be done to bring your watch back to life.
When a watch is inspected, the following are typically checked:
- The overall condition of the movement
- The condition of the case and crystal
- The condition of the gears and moving parts
- Any evidence of moisture or contamination
The inspection gives you and the watchmaker a chance to plan the maintenance procedure.
How to Clean a Watch’s Movement
Another vital step of watch maintenance is cleaning the movement. Dust and oil residues can affect the functioning of the watch.
Once your watch has been taken apart, individual parts are cleaned, then checked for wear-and-tear. Then, the pieces are placed back into the watch with fresh oil where needed. Cleaning the movement will help the watch run smoothly and without friction.
How to Reassemble and Adjust a Watch
After the movement is cleaned and the parts are checked for wear-and-tear, the watch is reassembled. Each piece is placed back in its exact position so it will function properly.
Once the watch is reassembled, it’s then adjusted for optimal accuracy. A watchmaker will make adjustments until the movement is performing properly. Finally, the watch is tested to make sure everything works as it should.
Avoiding Common Issues
There are several ways to prevent problems with your watch between regular maintenance visits. You should keep your watch away from water, shocks, magnets, and heat when possible.
It’s also important to keep the outside of the watch clean and to store it properly to avoid damage. All of these practices will help preserve the condition and functionality of your watch.
How to Learn Watch Maintenance Skills
Maintenance is one of the most technical and meticulous parts of watchmaking. With every watch that you service, you will gain more experience in maintenance and watch repair.
Students at TimeCraft Studio learn how to perform professional-quality watch maintenance. When you learn to inspect, clean, adjust, and test watches, you will be able to maintain timepieces in excellent shape for many years.