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When it comes to luxury and vintage watches, accuracy is one of the most critical aspects of performance. A watch that doesn’t keep accurate time not only fails in its fundamental purpose but may also signal underlying issues that need attention. Understanding the key factors that affect watch accuracy is essential for any watch enthusiast. At Steven Hale Watch Restoration (SHWR), we specialise in diagnosing and addressing issues affecting watch performance, ensuring your timepiece remains reliable for years to come.
This article explores the various factors influencing watch accuracy and how SHWR's expert services can help restore and maintain precision in your cherished timepiece.
The type of movement in a watch is the primary determinant of its accuracy. Quartz movements, powered by a battery, are highly accurate, often deviating by only a few seconds per month. Mechanical watches, including automatic and manual-wind models, are less precise due to their reliance on intricate mechanical components.
At SHWR, we specialise in servicing both quartz and mechanical watches. For mechanical watches, we use advanced diagnostic tools to identify and correct variations in timekeeping. Our expertise ensures your watch operates as accurately as possible, regardless of its movement type.
Magnetic fields are one of the most common culprits of watch inaccuracy. Everyday items such as smartphones, speakers, and magnetic clasps can expose your watch to magnetism. For mechanical watches, this can disrupt the balance wheel and hairspring, leading to significant timing deviations.
At SHWR, we use state-of-the-art equipment to demagnetise watches and restore their accuracy. If your watch is affected by magnetism, our experts can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue, ensuring it keeps time correctly.
Mechanical watches contain hundreds of tiny, delicate parts that can be affected by physical shocks. Sudden impacts can damage the balance wheel, escapement, or other components, causing the watch to lose or gain time.
At SHWR, we provide comprehensive repair services to address damage caused by impact. We can replace or adjust damaged parts and ensure your watch is protected with shock-resistant mechanisms if applicable. Additionally, we advise customers on best practices to avoid accidental damage.
Over time, the components in a watch movement experience wear and tear, especially if the watch is not serviced regularly. Dried lubricants, worn gears, and stretched hairsprings can all contribute to poor accuracy.
Regular servicing is essential for maintaining a watch's performance. At SHWR, we recommend servicing your watch every 3-5 years. Our full servicing process includes cleaning, lubrication, and part replacements to ensure your watch operates at its peak.
Temperature fluctuations can affect the materials in a watch movement, particularly the balance wheel and hairspring. For instance, extreme heat can expand the metal components, while cold temperatures can cause contraction. This can disrupt the watch’s timing.
Modern watches often incorporate temperature-compensated materials, but vintage models are more susceptible. SHWR's watchmakers are skilled in adjusting movements to mitigate the effects of temperature changes. We can also advise on proper storage and care to protect your watch from environmental extremes.
Water ingress can cause significant damage to a watch, particularly to the movement. Moisture can lead to corrosion, affecting the accuracy and reliability of the timepiece. Even watches labelled as water-resistant require regular testing and maintenance to ensure their seals remain effective.
At SHWR, we offer professional water-resistance testing and resealing services. Using advanced pressure testing equipment, we ensure your watch is protected from moisture and maintains its performance.
Mechanical watches are affected by gravity, which can influence the balance wheel’s oscillation. Depending on the position in which the watch is worn or stored, it may gain or lose time. This phenomenon, known as positional error, is particularly noticeable in older or vintage watches.
SHWR’s watchmakers are trained to identify and adjust positional errors. By fine-tuning the balance wheel and other components, we ensure your watch maintains consistent accuracy, regardless of its position.
For mechanical watches, the amount of power reserve and the consistency of winding can impact accuracy. If the mainspring is fully wound, the watch typically operates at optimal performance. As the power reserve diminishes, timekeeping accuracy may decrease.
At SHWR, we assess the performance of your watch’s mainspring and power reserve. If necessary, we replace or adjust the mainspring to ensure consistent energy delivery to the movement.
Misaligned dials or hands can affect the perception of timekeeping accuracy. In some cases, the movement may be functioning correctly, but misaligned components make the watch appear to run inaccurately.
SHWR’s restoration experts can correct misalignments with precision. Our attention to detail ensures that every element of your watch, from the dial to the hands, is perfectly positioned.
The quality of components used in a watch has a significant impact on its accuracy. Vintage watches, in particular, may have aged or worn components that need replacement. Non-original or low-quality replacement parts can compromise accuracy.
At SHWR, we prioritise the use of genuine, high-quality components in all repairs and restorations. Our commitment to authenticity ensures your watch retains its original performance and value.
At Steven Hale Watch Restoration, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to provide comprehensive services that enhance watch accuracy. Here’s how we can help:
Our watchmakers use advanced tools to diagnose timekeeping issues with precision. From timing machines to pressure testing equipment, we leave no stone unturned in identifying factors affecting your watch’s accuracy.
Our full servicing process addresses all aspects of a watch’s performance. We disassemble, clean, and lubricate the movement, replacing any worn parts with genuine components. This ensures your watch operates as accurately as possible.
Whether your watch is affected by magnetism, shock damage, or wear and tear, our expert repair services restore it to optimal performance. We specialise in working with luxury and vintage watches, ensuring every repair is handled with care and precision.
Accurate calibration and regulation are essential for mechanical watches. Our watchmakers fine-tune the balance wheel, escapement, and other components to ensure your watch keeps time within its designated tolerances.
For vintage watches, restoration goes beyond functionality. We restore your watch to its original beauty and performance while preserving its authenticity. This includes replacing or refinishing components as needed.
We advise customers on best practices for watch care, from proper storage to avoiding magnetic fields. Our goal is to help you prevent issues that can affect accuracy, ensuring your watch remains reliable for years to come.
Watch accuracy is influenced by a variety of factors, from environmental conditions to the quality of components. Understanding these factors is the first step in maintaining your timepiece’s performance. At Steven Hale Watch Restoration (SHWR), we provide expert services to diagnose, repair, and maintain watches with precision and care.
Whether you own a vintage heirloom or a modern luxury timepiece, our team is dedicated to ensuring it keeps accurate time and remains a treasured possession. Contact SHWR today to learn more about how we can help with your watch restoration and maintenance needs.