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Owning a luxury watch is about more than just telling the time – it’s an investment in craftsmanship, precision and legacy. Whether you own a Rolex,Omega, Breitling, or Patek Philippe, these timepieces represent a blend of art and engineering. But like any finely crafted machine, they require regular care and maintenance to function at their best. Without proper servicing, even the most luxurious watches can lose accuracy and value over time.
In this article, we’ll discuss why regular luxury watch servicing is essential, what it entails, and how it ensures your timepiece remains in perfect working order for years to come.
Luxury watches are composed of hundreds of tiny, precisely calibrated parts that work together to ensure accurate timekeeping. Over time, natural wear and tear occur due to movement, environmental exposure and daily use. This can lead to lubrication drying out, dust accumulation, and the breakdown of seals. Without regular servicing, these issues can result in the watch losing its accuracy and potentially more serious damage to the movement.
One of the defining characteristics of a luxury watch is its accuracy. However, even the finest movements can lose precision over time as parts wear down or lubricants dry out. Regular servicing ensures that your watch is cleaned, lubricated, and recalibrated, so it maintains the same level of accuracy as when it was first purchased.
The mechanical movement inside a luxury watch is a delicate balance of many components. Over time, friction between moving parts can lead to wear. By servicing your watch regularly, you prevent excessive wear, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements in the future.
Many luxury watches are designed to be water-resistant, but the seals that protect the watch from water and moisture degrade over time. Regular servicing includes replacing these gaskets to maintain the watch’s water resistance and prevent moisture from entering the case, which can lead to serious damage.
Luxury watches are also admired for their aesthetic appeal, but over time, scratches and dirt can dull the appearance of your watch. A professional service includes cleaning, polishing, and sometimes refinishing the case and bracelet, restoring the watch to its original beauty.
A luxury watch is built to last, often becoming an heirloom that is passed down through generations. Regular servicing ensures the watch stays in optimal condition for decades, maintaining its performance, reliability, and appearance.
Servicing a luxury watch is a complex and meticulous process that should only be handled by professional watchmakers with specialised tools and expertise. When you take your watch to a trusted service centre like StevenHale Watch Repair (SHWR), you can expect the following steps in the service process:
The first step is a thorough examination of the watch to identify any visible damage or issues. The watchmaker will check for scratches, dents, wear on the bracelet or strap, and assess the movement’s accuracy. If the watch is supposed to be water-resistant, a pressure test will also be conducted.
Once the initial inspection is complete, the watch is carefully disassembled. This process involves removing the case back, dial, hands, and other external parts to access the internal movement. The movement, which consists of hundreds of tiny components, is then dismantled.
After disassembly, the watch parts are cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaner. This removes all the accumulated dirt, old lubricants, and dust that may have found its way into the movement. Ultrasonic cleaning ensures that every part is spotless before being reassembled.
During the cleaning process, the watch maker will inspect all parts for signs of wear. Any components that are worn out or damaged are replaced with genuine parts from the manufacturer, ensuring the watch functions as it should.
The movement is then carefully reassembled with new lubricants applied to minimise friction between the moving parts. This is a crucial step for maintaining the longevity and precision of the watch’s movement.
Once the movement is reassembled, it is tested for accuracy using specialised timing machines. The watchmaker will adjust the movement to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s specifications for accuracy. This may involve regulating the balance wheel or adjusting the escapement.
If your watch is designed to be water-resistant, the seals are replaced, and the watch is tested to ensure it meets its original water resistance rating. This involves subjecting the watch to pressure to confirm that it remains sealed against water ingress.
Before the watch is returned to you, it undergoes a final inspection. The case, bracelet, and crystal may be polished to restore the watch’s aesthetic appeal, ensuring it looks as good as new.
Most luxury watch manufacturers recommend servicing your watch every 3to 5 years, but the exact frequency can depend on how often you wear it, the conditions it’s exposed to, and the specific brand and model. If your watch is regularly exposed to extreme conditions, such as water, dirt, or impact, you may need to service it more frequently.
Regular servicing is not just about keeping your watch functional; it also plays a crucial role in preserving its value. Many luxury watches, especially those from iconic brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet, can appreciate in value over time. However, this value is closely tied to the condition of the watch and its service history.
A well-maintained luxury watch with a documented service history from a reputable service centre, like Steven Hale Watch Repair (SHWR) will hold or even increase its value. This is particularly important if you plan to sell or pass down the watch in the future.
When it comes to luxury watches, regular servicing should only be carried out by qualified professionals. A reputable service centre, such as StevenHale Watch Repair, has the expertise, tools, and genuine manufacturer parts to ensure that your timepiece is serviced to the highest standard. AttemptingDIY repairs or going to an unqualified technician can lead to further damage and potentially diminish the value of your watch.
At SHWR, you can be confident that your luxury watch will receive expert care. With years of experience in servicing some of the world’s most prestigious watch brands, SHWR is dedicated to preserving the precision, beauty, and performance of your timepiece.
Regular luxury watch servicing is essential for maintaining the performance, longevity, and value of your timepiece. Whether you wear your watch daily or keep it for special occasions, routine maintenance ensures that it continues to function accurately and looks its best. By entrusting your watch to a professional service centre like Steven Hale Watch Repair, you protect your investment and ensure that your watch remains a cherished item for years to come.
Don’t wait until your watch shows signs of damage – regular servicing is the key to keeping your luxury timepiece in pristine condition.