Repairing Guides

how to repair a watch at home

by Prof. Anthony Paucek III Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How you can check and fix the watch at home is given below:

  • If you have a free wristband, then check the band. It may have broken parts, and you can fix them with ease. ...
  • Try to replace the wristband with a new one.
  • When your watch is not giving the correct time, then you have to know that your battery needs to get replaced. You can get the battery from anywhere. ...

Full Answer

How often should you service your watch?

Watch companies will often suggest you get a service every 4-5 years, but that’s not always necessary. The only times you absolutely need to get a mechanical watch serviced are if you either damage the watch or when it starts losing accuracy. There are other obvious signs of a watch needing a service, such as a watch part physically breaking.

How to properly care for your watch?

  • Keep the box. You’ve got your new watch home and naturally, the first thing you want to do is wear it, but don’t throw away that box.
  • Know its water limits. ...
  • Have your watch serviced. ...
  • Clean your watch regularly. ...
  • Steer clear of magnets. ...
  • Wear your watch. ...

How to turn the sound off on your watch?

Turn the volume up or down

  • On your Apple Watch, open the Settings app.
  • Scroll down, then tap Sounds & Haptics.
  • Tap the volume down button to decrease the volume or tap the volume up button to increase it. You can also tap the slider, then turn the Digital Crown.

How to protect your watch?

  • You can use a solution of 4-parts rubbing alcohol and 1-part water if you prefer.
  • Do not use soap. This may damage the crystal depending on what your watch is made out of.
  • Clean your watch whenever it’s noticeably dirty. If you don’t wear the watch regularly, clean it once every year or so.

Is watchmaking a good hobby?

Can you add videos to your watch history?

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How do I get my watch to work again?

0:422:04How to Wind a Watch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPerformance because automatic watches are driven by the motion of the wear. Still an automatic watchMorePerformance because automatic watches are driven by the motion of the wear. Still an automatic watch does need to be wound occasionally.

What to do if your watch stops working?

Battery Needs Replacement The most common reason a watch will stop working or need service is due to the battery. A good rule of thumb when it comes to watch batteries is to replace them every two years. A quartz watch, however, can last three years or longer because they do not have second hands.

How do you repair watch?

0:013:32How to Remove & Replace Watch Movements - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 2 remove the back of the watch be careful not to let any dirt or dust particulates. Fall intoMoreStep 2 remove the back of the watch be careful not to let any dirt or dust particulates. Fall into the open watch this can cause damage to the movement. Set the watch back aside in your parts tray.

Can a broken watch be fixed?

“While it may seem quicker and more cost effective to simply replace a damaged part, the damage can often be more complex than simply one worn or damaged part,” says Pollock. “To find and fix the damage, the watch may need to be dismantled, cleaned and re-assembled.

Do watches stop working when not worn?

If you don't wear your automatic watch, the watch will stop running after its power reserve is depleted. Automatic watch depend on either self-winding or manual winding to recharge its power reserve, and without it, it will unwind and stop.

Why do watches stop when someone dies?

Someone has died, and stopping the clocks in the house of the deceased, silencing them, is an old tradition, similar to closing the blinds or curtains and covering the mirrors. The clock would be set going again after the funeral. Some people believe stopping the clock was to mark the exact time the loved one had died.

How do you restore an old watch?

Watch Restoration Includes:Clean and oil the movement and adjust for accuracy.Send the dial out for Professional Dial Refinishing.Polish and shine the case.Clean & straighten the hands.Install a new crystal if needed.Attach a new leather band or clean and polish the existing band.More items...

Is it hard to repair watches?

The thing with watchmaking, you see, is that so much can go wrong even for experienced professionals, and fixing it isn't always easy. If you're working on a watch with obsolete parts, and something springs out, and you can't find it, then you have to make a new one. That can be a real challenge.

Can all watches be repaired?

One of the most common questions asked by vintage collectors or new watch wearers is, “Can any watch be repaired?” The answer is almost always yes, any watch can be repaired, no matter if it is glass or crystal, vintage or modern, automatic, or manual.

Can you fix a cracked watch face?

A cracked watch glass is not ideal, especially when it's one of your favourite watches, but it can be repaired. What many watch owners often wonder though is just how expensive this kind of repair will be, particularly if the watch glass is difficult to come by.

How much does it cost to replace a watch stem?

A stem and crown replacement can range from as low as $50 to upwards of $300. More expensive brands with special designs, such as Longines or Vacheron Constantin, will require more work and even brand-specific components to repair.

How much does it cost to replace watch glass?

Crystal Replacement Sometimes the crystal can be cracked or scratched after impact, but it can be easily replaced. The cost of the replacement can range from $50 for an acrylic up to $200 or more for a replacement sapphire crystal from a fine Swiss manufacturer.

Why is my watch not working with a new battery?

Placing the watch in a warm place (like an airing cupboard) can sometimes "loosen" things up sufficiently to get the mechanism working again. We have fitted several new batteries to watches which have started for a while then stopped. Leaving them in a warm airing cupboard over night has actually got them going again.

How long does a watch battery last?

between two and five yearsGenerally the lifetime of a watch battery is between two and five years. Its longevity depends on the type of watch, its dimensions and the amount of energy required by the different functions.

How much does a watch battery cost?

We can tell you from experience that the cost of a basic battery replacement starts at just $10. Most watch battery replacements can be done while you wait (although some replacements will take a few days or, in very few cases, even a few weeks).

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Is watchmaking a good hobby?

Watchmaking / repairing is a wonderful hobby and very therapeutic and rewarding. To take a watch that is broken and make it run again by your own hands is a great feeling. I want to demystify some of the general perception around watchmaking and that anyone who has the desire and patience can try this hobby successfully.

Can you add videos to your watch history?

Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer. An error occurred while retrieving sharing information. Please try again later.

List of Items to Keep On Hand

It is important to have all your tools ready before you start repairing your fob watch. Do not substitute any of them with not recommended things, since it can tamper with the repairing process.

Opening the Watch Face

Once you open the fob watch face, you’ll notice what is called the pallet lever. This controls the balance wheel which swings to-and-fro while keeping a track of time in the same fashion as a pendulum. Once you remove the balance wheel, blow air gently at it using the watch blower and not direct breath.

Winding Wheel Irregularities

If time pieces are too old it can cause a slight rusting around the winding wheel, which can over time cause it to stop moving as smoothly as it once did. This may need to be replaced or cleaned thoroughly. Likewise, the crown wheel needs to be looked over as well.

Minute Detail Check-Up

The magnifying glass should be used to zoom in at the balance staff which is the axle epicenter of the balance wheel. If the surfaces of the balance staff where the tapering shafts come in aren’t uniform and scratch free, then the parts may need changing to have it smoothly functioning again.

Balance Wheel Function

Tighten the balance wheel if it doesn’t move smoothly, seeing that it could be doing so because of friction against the underside wheel known as the center wheel. If the balance and case screws are loosened along the inside of the fob watch, screw these back into their placements firmly so that the balance wheel moves without hindrance.

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Why do I need to use white screws on my watch?

I suggest white because tiny screws (etc.) are easy to locate. This practice will also save your table from scratches, and protect your watch from the tables hard surface. To keep it from shifting, you might want to consider taping it down with masking tape as well. Screw-driver set.

How many sections are in a watch?

Get one with 8 to 12 sections. They are available in most department stores. An empty egg carton will also do just fine, but will flip easily sending parts flying, so be careful. Simply place the parts in order from left to right as you remove them from the watch.

How to hold a screwdriver?

The proper way to hold it (Right Below) is to grip the screwdriver shaft between the thumb and middle finger, with the index finger on the cupped end (which rotates). Press down on the top of the screwdriver and swivel it between your thumb and middle finger; turning the screw. Parts Tray.

Is watch cleaning solution safe?

WATCH CLEANING SOLUTIONS AND NAPTHA CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. THEY CONTAIN SOLVENTS THAT CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS. THEY ARE DESIGNED FOR PROFESSIONAL OR COMMERCIAL USE ONLY. THEY WERE NOT DESIGNED FOR IN-HOME USE. YOU MUST FOLLOW IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION PROVIDED WITH THE PRODUCT BEING USED. YOU MUST USE THESE SOLVENTS WITH PROPER VENTALATION. KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN. AVOID CONTACT WITH YOUR EYES. AVOID BREATHING THE VAPORS. AVOID ANY CONTACT WITH SKIN. KEEP AWAY FROM OPEN FLAME OR SPARK AS THEY COULD RESULT IN FIRE CAUSING INJURY TO PERSON AND PROPERTY.

Can you start turning screws?

The lessons and tips that follow are written to be easy to read and understand by a beginner. GETTING STARTED. OBVIOUSLY you can't just start turning screws...there are a number of things you will need to do (and get) in preparation. You will have much better results, and a much more enjoyable experience if you take the time, effort, ...

Do you need a screwdriver for watchmakers?

Screw-driver set. You WILL need a good set of watchmakers screwdrivers. This is a MUST. The sets found at the department store for working on eyeglasses etc. will cause more trouble than they are worth. They are not precision made and you will easily damage or strip the highly polished screws found in most watches.

How to loosen the back of a watch?

Twist the tack counter clockwise and twist off the back. Once the tack is attached to the back, twisting it counterclockwise should loosen the back of the watch until it's not attached.

How to get a watch off the back?

1. Find the small indentation on the back of the watch. Turn the watch over and find the small hole or indentation that's on the side of the watch, between the watch back and the watch itself. This indentation is created specifically to help you pry off the back of the watch.

What to do if your watch battery is not working?

Check that the watch works before reattaching the back. If the watch is not working, you may have put the battery in backward, or it could be damaged. Double check that the battery is incorrectly installed. If it still doesn't work, consider taking it to a professional for repair.

How to remove battery from a watch?

Remove the back plate. Once you remove all of the screws from the back of the watch, the back should easily lift up. This will expose the watch battery and other internal parts in the watch.

How to get battery out of watch?

Often, there will be a something blocking the battery from slipping out. This could be a clip, retaining bar, and plastic cover. Look at the bottom of the clip to find the small hole near the bottom of the clip. Insert a small screwdriver into the hole and press up with your screwdriver to disengage the clip. This should make your battery accessible.

How to rotate a screw off watch?

1. Get a ball of thumb tack or glue tack. You'll need to get a ball of a sticky thumb tack or glue that will adhere to the back of the watch and help you rotate it. You can purchase this at most arts and crafts stores or online. There are also grip-balls that are made specifically to open the back of a screw off watch.

What are the different types of watch backs?

Four types of watch backs include snap offs, screw-off backs, swatches, and backs with screws holding them together. Examine the back of your watch to determine what kind of watch you have. Screw off backs will have notches around the edges on the back of the watch.

What to do if your watch is too small?

If your watch is too small, you will have to buy extra links from the manufacturer to make the band larger.

What happens if a watch is too loose?

If the watch is very loose, you will have to remove lots of links. If the watch is just slightly loose and you aren't in danger of it falling off, you might consider leaving it as is unless it is bothersome. If your watch is too small, you will have to buy extra links from the manufacturer to make the band larger.

How to get a wristband link out of a pin?

2. Get your pushpins. Use one of the pushpins to push out the pin holding the wristband link in place. Push the sharp end of the pushpin against the head of the link pin. If it doesn't give, use your jewelry hammer to force the head of the pushpin into the hole for the link pin.

What to do if a link pin doesn't give?

If it doesn't give, use your jewelry hammer to force the head of the pushpin into the hole for the link pin .

How to remove a clasp from a link?

There should be a pin holding the clasp onto the links. Remove it using the hammer, pushpins, and pliers.

How to get a link pin out of a wrist band?

Remove the pin with the pliers. You will have to pull forcefully to get the pin out. Once you have enough of the link pin out of the hole on the other side of the wrist band to grasp it with the pliers, you can use the pliers to get it out. Grasp the end of the pin tightly with the needle nose pliers. Pull it out.

How to adjust watch band?

There are several things you will need to adjust your watch band. You will need one or two push pins. You will use these to push the pins that hold the links together out of their holes. Get a pair of needle nosed pliers to help you remove the pins. You will need a small jewelry hammer.

What to do after demagnetizing a watch?

After demagnetizing a watch, you would want to minimize any further risks of magnetism. Otherwise, all your efforts in demagnetizing the watch would go to waste. A general rule of thumb for protecting a watch from magnetism is twofold: avoid strong magnetism, and avoid prolonged exposure to magnetism.

How does a mechanical watch affect its accuracy?

One part in particular, the hairspring, when magnetized, would affect the accuracy of a watch directly, as a part of the hairspring is stuck together by magnetism and thus reducing the effective length of the hairspring.

Why does my watch run wild?

Sometimes after a trip, your watch runs a bit wild, gaining more than a minute per day. Most probably, your watch has been magnetized , and needs to be demagnetized before it can function properly again. With the omnipresence of electronic devices nowadays, mechanical watches have never been more exposed to the risk of magnetism.

How many seconds does a magnetized watch gain?

A magnetized watch usually gains more than a hundred seconds per day, and usually has an abnormally low amplitude, due to the restricted movement of the hairspring. This is a typical reading of a magnetized watch on a timegrapher: low amplitude and unusually high rate. To test for magnetism, there are two simple methods that you can do at home: ...

How to turn on stream demagnetizer?

This stream type of demagnetizer can be turned on by pressing down on the button. Keeping the button pressed down, slowly put the watch from outside the loop to inside the loop, and then slowly take it out.

How to test if a watch is magnetized?

To test for magnetism, there are two simple methods that you can do at home: Put a compass near the watch, and observe if the needle on the compass is attracted by the watch at all. If so, the watch is magnetized. There are apps that utilize the magnetic sensor on a smart phone to detect magnetism.

Can you wear a mechanical watch with a phone?

And this isn’t exclusive to worn watch either — sometimes even a new watch would come to your home magnetized as well, due to delivery process, storage location etc.

Is watchmaking a good hobby?

Watchmaking / repairing is a wonderful hobby and very therapeutic and rewarding. To take a watch that is broken and make it run again by your own hands is a great feeling. I want to demystify some of the general perception around watchmaking and that anyone who has the desire and patience can try this hobby successfully.

Can you add videos to your watch history?

Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer. An error occurred while retrieving sharing information. Please try again later.

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