Everything you need to know to keep your watch running like new for years to come
At our jewelry store in Esslingen, we have our own watchmaker's workshop where we are happy to take care of your timepiece. As an official concessionaire for our watch brands, we are certified to help you with any problems with your watch. In contrast to repairs carried out by so-called gray market providers, you will not lose any warranty claims with us! Thanks to our good network with the brands, we have quick access to all original spare parts for your watch. As a special thank you to our customers, the first watch service is included. If you have any questions or repair requests, our professional watchmaker's workshop is at your disposal. Click here for our contact details.
The watchmaker begins the inspection of the watch by inspecting the exterior: Is the watch damaged? Is the glass scratched? Are all the functions working correctly? In this first step, all the details of the watch are examined - the case, crown, dial, hands and bracelet are scrutinized.
During a watch overhaul, the case is opened and the movement is removed. This is a complicated process that requires a great deal of sensitivity. Particular care must be taken when removing the hands, as these and the dial are easily scratched.
They are therefore stored in a separate box, where they are kept safe until the watch is reassembled. Finally, the movement is dismantled and each individual part is inspected. If your timepiece has complications, such as a chronograph function or date display, there may be considerably more parts involved. Damaged parts are sorted out and then either repaired or replaced. If the part in question cannot be repaired, it is replaced with a spare part. In the case of very old watch models, spare parts may sometimes no longer be available. In such cases, however, a good watchmaker can make his own pieces.
All individual components are thoroughly cleaned during the watch overhaul. First, they are freed from lubricant residues. This is followed by intensive cleaning in a special device. The parts are placed in a sieve and run through a series of cleaning agents before being dried.
After thorough cleaning, the movement is reassembled. The sequence must be followed exactly: First the mainspring barrel, then the gear train, the escapement, the regulating organ and finally the winding and hand-setting mechanism. Now the friction points are thoroughly oiled - a thoroughly complex process, as at least four different greases and oils are used in every watch.
After successful assembly, the movement is wound up and its accuracy checked. For this purpose, a special instrument called a "Witschi" is used. If the results meet the requirements, the dial and hands can be attached.
Before the movement is reinstalled in the watch, the case is brushed. The procedure depends on whether satin-finished or polished surfaces are present. Depending on this, different brushes and polishing agents are used. The case and bracelet are then cleaned - an ultrasonic device with a soap solution that counteracts corrosion is used for this. After this has dried, the movement is reinstalled and the caseback is closed. In the case of waterproof watches, all seals are also checked and - if necessary - replaced.
The watch is not returned directly to its owner, but is retained for a watch revision inspection lasting at least five days. All functions of the watch are tested and its accuracy is checked. For this purpose, the watch is synchronized with a reference watch and stored in three to five different positions and compared again with the reference watch after 24 hours. In this way, deviations can be detected and, in the case of particularly high differences, the movement is opened again and readjusted in the "retouche". Now the watch revision is completed and the timepiece is returned to its owner, who can now once again wear a fully functional companion on his wrist.
