Luxury watches are more than just tools for telling the time – they’re masterpieces of engineering, markers of personal milestones, and in many cases, heirlooms passed through generations. Ensuring your timepiece continues to perform at its best means making informed decisions about its maintenance. At Steven Hale Watch Restoration (SHWR), a leading horological service centre in the UK, clients are offered two main routes for care: full watch servicing and quick repairs.

Understanding the difference between these two services is key to preserving the performance, aesthetics, and value of your watch. While full servicing is comprehensive and preventative, quick repairs offer fast and focused solutions to specific issues. Knowing which is right for your watch depends on a number of factors including age, usage, symptoms, and maintenance history.

Full Watch Servicing at SHWR

A full watch service is the most comprehensive level of care your watch can receive. SHWR recommends full servicing every 3 to 5 years for most luxury timepieces. This is to prevent wear-related damage, ensure water resistance, and maintain the accuracy and reliability of the movement.

What’s Involved in a Full Service?

At SHWR, a full watch service is a detailed process performed by experienced, accredited watchmakers using genuine manufacturer-approved parts. The steps include:

1. Initial Assessment: The watch is inspected to determine its overall condition. Any faults or areas of concern are noted.

2. Complete Disassembly: The case, bracelet, and movement are carefully dismantled. Every component is separated to allow for thorough inspection.

3. Ultrasonic Cleaning: Each part is ultrasonically cleaned to remove old lubricants, dirt, and microscopic debris that can interfere with performance.

4. Component Replacement: Any worn or damaged parts are replaced with authentic components. SHWR has access to original parts through direct partnerships with brands or authorised suppliers.

5. Lubrication and Reassembly: The cleaned parts are lubricated using manufacturer-recommended oils and reassembled with precision.

6. Timing and Regulation: The movement is tested and regulated to ensure accurate timekeeping across different positions and temperatures.

7. Polishing and Cosmetic Refinement: If requested, the case and bracelet can be polished to restore shine while preserving the original lines and contours.

8. Final Quality Control: The serviced watch undergoes extensive testing, including water resistance (where applicable), before being returned to the customer.

Why Choose a Full Service?

There are multiple benefits to full servicing:

• Performance: Your watch will run more accurately and reliably.

• Longevity: Regular servicing helps prevent damage caused by dry oils or worn components.

• Value Retention: Especially for luxury and vintage pieces, full servicing with genuine parts helps retain – or even increase – resale value.

• Warranty: SHWR offers a warranty on full servicing, giving you peace of mind that the work is backed by experts.

• Water Resistance: Replacing gaskets and pressure testing ensures the case remains sealed.

Even if your watch appears to be functioning well, full servicing is crucial for preventing internal wear and extending the life of your timepiece.

Quick Repairs at SHWR

While full servicing is the most comprehensive option, it isn’t always necessary. For isolated issues or minor damage, SHWR offers quick repairs – fast, targeted fixes that address specific problems without the need for a full overhaul.

Common Quick Repairs

SHWR provides quick repairs for a wide range of everyday issues, such as:

• Battery Replacements: For quartz watches, including resealing and water resistance testing.

• Glass Replacement: Replacing scratched, cracked or shattered glass using the correct style and materials for the model.

• Bracelet and Strap Repairs: Fixing, resizing, or replacing metal bracelets or leather straps.

• Crown and Stem Repairs: Addressing issues with winding, time-setting, or water resistance due to faulty stems or crowns.

• Pressure Testing: Ensuring water-resistant watches remain sealed following minor repairs or battery changes.

When Are Quick Repairs Appropriate?

Quick repairs are ideal when:

• The watch is otherwise in good condition and has been recently serviced.

• The issue is clearly isolated (e.g. cracked glass or broken clasp).

• You need a faster turnaround – quick repairs are often completed within a few working days.

• You're addressing a cosmetic issue that doesn’t require mechanical intervention.

These repairs are a cost-effective and time-saving option, though SHWR’s technicians will always let you know if a seemingly simple issue could indicate deeper mechanical problems.

Full Servicing vs Quick Repairs: Comparison

Full Watch Servicing

Scope: Complete overhaul of movement and case

Duration: 4–6 weeks (modern watches), longer for vintage

Cost: From £350+VAT and up, depending on brand and complexity

Purpose: Preventative maintenance, long-term performance

Ideal For: Watches running slow/fast, not serviced in years, vintage

Warranty: Yes, often included

Water resistance: Re-tested and restored as part of the service

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Quick Repairs

Scope: Specific fault or cosmetic damage

Duration: Often completed within a few days

Cost: Lower cost, varies based on the specific repair

Purpose: Immediate solution for a specific problem

Ideal For: Recently serviced watches with isolated issues

Warranty: Depends on the nature of the repair

Water Resistance: Tested only if affected by the specific repair

Why Choose SHWR?

SHWR is one of the UK’s premier destinations for luxury watch repair and servicing. Their workshop is authorised by multiple leading Swiss and German brands, and their technicians are trained to service everything from vintage chronographs to modern automatic divers.

Key advantages include:

• Accredited Watchmakers: Technicians trained by Rolex, Omega, Cartier, and other major brands.

• Access to Genuine Parts: Ensures authenticity and maintains value.

• Advanced Tools and Testing Equipment: Including timing machines, pressure testers, and ultrasonic cleaning.

• Customer-Centric Service: Transparent quotes, clear timelines, and optional polishing services to suit your preferences.

• Free Postage Pack: For clients across the UK who prefer to send their watch in by mail.

SHWR is committed to offering transparent, expert, and tailored care for every watch that enters their workshop, regardless of value or brand.

How to Choose the Right Service for Your Watch

To determine which service your watch needs, consider the following:

Choose Full Servicing if:

• Your watch is running irregularly or stopping.

• It’s been more than 3–5 years since the last service.

• You’ve purchased a second-hand or vintage model and want to establish a clean slate.

• You're concerned about preserving long-term performance and value.

Opt for Quick Repairs if:

• The watch has been recently serviced.

• You're experiencing an obvious, isolated issue (like cracked glass or dead battery).

• You’re short on time or need a fast fix for daily wear.

Still unsure? SHWR’s expert team is always happy to advise. Every watch is assessed individually, and you’ll receive a clear breakdown of your options before any work begins.

Final Thoughts

Luxury watches are built to last – but only if they’re properly maintained. Whether your watch is a treasured heirloom or a daily companion, ensuring it’s serviced correctly is vital to its performance and value.

At SHWR, the choice between full servicing and quick repairs isn’t just about cost or convenience – it’s about giving your watch the care it truly deserves. With state-of-the-art facilities, certified technicians, and a customer-first approach, SHWR ensures your timepiece is in safe and expert hands.

Whether you’re after a complete overhaul or a simple fix, one thing is certain: your watch will leave SHWR in the best possible condition, ready for whatever time brings next.