Maintain your Timepiece for Generations to Come
Technology has taken over almost every aspect of modern-day life. From interactive speaker systems, smartphones, and wearable tech, many people have become accustomed to a digital world.
Some things remain timeless though. The wonder and workmanship of a luxury watch is an analog outlier in our digital times.
If cared for properly, a true piece of horological excellence can last a lifetime and beyond. Many coveted watch collections have been passed down through the generations, dating back to the early days of Swiss watchmaking.
Collectors often invest in watches because of their ability to transcend time. Global leader’s in watchmaking often fetch hefty prices at auction. Patek Philippe’s Grandmaster Chime for example sold for over $31million, making it the most expensive watch ever created.
Beyond the artistry is the true nature of watchmaking: timekeeping. To keep the time ticking over on your favorite timepiece, it is essential that you maintain it. We take a look at the different watch types, how to tell when your watch needs servicing, and how to get your watch serviced in the article below.
Quartz watches
Utilizing an electric battery as its primary source of power, a quartz watch movement is found in most no-frills, analog watches.
To create the energy and power needed to oscillate the movement in a quartz watch, the battery sends an electric current through a small quartz crystal embedded in the watch’s inner workings, creating vibrations that move the internal motors.
Mechanical watches
Mechanical watches are not powered by battery and require a greater deal of maintenance due to their intricate and stunning internal movements.
The mainspring of a mechanical watch must be periodically wound by hand using a tuning fork. Some mechanical watches feature self-winding movements that forces gears to generate the power via a balance wheel that is needed to tell the time.
Signs your watch needs servicing
The most obvious sign that your watch needs servicing is that it no longer tells the accurate time.
Other signs include scratches to the watch face, damage to the dial, a broken bezel or crown, and inefficiencies in general. You might also notice that your watch has taken on water.
How to get your watch serviced
For luxury Swiss watches that feature complicated mechanisms, movements, chronographs, date functions, and even moon phase details, it is best to get your watch serviced by the manufacturer. Swiss watchmaking is an art that should not be undertaken by your local watch repair shop.
Regular quartz watches are easily serviced by a watch repair specialist. For some small servicing needs you might be able to complete them at home, but it’s important to be careful when doing so.