Repairing Guides

how to repair old watches

by Imogene Kling Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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
  • If broken – the crown, stem, and/or mainspring may need to be replaced
  • Dials are sent to International Dial Co for professional refinishing

How can I get my antique watch serviced or repaired?

Send us your antique watch for a cleaning and service, repair, or for complete restoration. All watch work is done on our premises in our shop, by the store owner and watchmaker.

How do you fix a magnetized watch?

Part Job Or Repair This can include replacing scratched glass, a worn or damaged bracelet, polishing of the case and bracelet and de-magnetising a watch. “A watch can become magnetised when it is exposed to everyday items and can cause the watch to act erratically,” says Pollock.

What to do when your mechanical watch breaks?

Most of the time when you buy a broken mechanical watch all it needs is to be cleaned and oiled. But this is not as easy as it seems, you must completely tear down your watch movement, clean each little part, reassemble and oil it.

How can I restore my watch to its original condition?

This watch could possibly be restored to its former condition. Clean and oil the movement and adjust for accuracy Send the dial out for Professional Dial Refinishing Attach a new leather band or clean and polish the existing band If broken – the crown, stem, and/or mainspring may need to be replaced

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Can you fix old watches?

Vintage watch restoration typically includes basic maintenance of the movement, any damaged parts are repaired or replaced, crystal restoration or replacement, dial refinishing, case and bracelet refinishing, water resistance testing, and the final step is monitoring the watch for 48 to 72 hours for accuracy.

Are old watches worth repairing?

Some experts say that repairs, even simple cleanings, can diminish the resale value of vintage watches.) Also, repairs can be expensive, even if the watch itself was not. “If you are spending £1,000 on a midrange watch to be repaired, it may not be worth it,” Mr.

How do you revive an old watch?

Watch RestorationClean 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...

Can you restore a watch yourself?

A hobby where you must do it yourself You must be able to clean and repair your own watch if you want to go vintage. Watchmakers are a dying breed, if you can find one expect to pay $200-$400 to get your watch repaired. Besides, most of the fun is being able to wear something you repaired yourself.

How much does it cost to repair an old watch?

The cost of an overhaul depends on the manufacturer, but for a fine Swiss timepiece, the price can start at $200 and can go up to $1000 or more.

Can any watch be fixed?

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.

Why do old watches stop working?

Loosened screws A loosened screw can force your watch to stop working. This is one of the most common reasons why mechanical watches stop working. A loosened screw can block the watch's movement. Regular motion of the hands can also loosen the screws of your mechanical watch.

How do I clean an old vintage watch?

0:092:42How to Clean Antique Watches - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep 1 disassemble the watch movement. And place all of the parts except the mainspring balance andMoreStep 1 disassemble the watch movement. And place all of the parts except the mainspring balance and pellets in a commercial cleaning. Solution check with a professional antique.

Is it worth to repair a watch?

If you decide that it's worth a lot to you, then paying out the costs for repairing it would be worth it. If the watch could not be sold on for much and it is not particularly worth a lot to you personally, then it all comes down to whether a new one would be cheaper.

Is it worth servicing a watch?

To answer the question “do you need watch servicing?”, yes. When investing in a stunning timepiece, it's highly recommended that you also invest in getting it serviced. In general, most would recommend getting your watch serviced every 5 years.

How to know if a watch is adjusted?

The only way to know that number (if it is adjusted to positions at all) would be to identify the grade and find the manufacturer’s description of the position adjustment for that grade.

What does 8 adjustments mean on a watch?

Some watches are marked “8 Adjustments.”. Depending upon the manufacturers specification at the moment that the watch was made, this can mean adjustment to temperature, isochronism (see below) and 6 positions. Or, it may mean adjustment to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions.

What is an isochronism watch?

A watch adjusted to isochronism oscillates the balance (wheel) at the same rate throughout the specified length of run between windings of the mainspring, regardless of how far in each direction the balance (wheel) rotates.

What is the purpose of an adjusted watch?

The purpose of all of the features for an adjusted watch is to keep the balance (wheel), as nearly as possible, oscillating at a consistent rate. The consistency of the rate of oscillation of the balance (wheel) determines the timekeeping quality of the watch.

Why does the mainspring of a watch rotate?

This causes the balance (wheel) to rotate through a greater rotational angle when the mainspring is just wound and a lesser angle when the mainspring needs winding.

How many positions are there in a watch?

There are a total of six positions. Unfortunately, the number or the positions to which the watch is adjusted isn’t specified for most watches built prior to 1905-1908. Typically, unspecified adjustment to position means adjustment to three positions, but there are a number of instances in which it means five, or sometimes 6, positions.

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Adjustment

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Movements that are marked to be “adjusted” may have a variety or combination of features. One has to read the catalog description for any given movement grade to discover just what level of adjustment is being claimed. High grade watches built after 1905-1908 may be marked with specific adjustments. This is especially true …
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Temperature Compensated Balance

  • A balance (wheel) that is temperature-compensated has the rim made of two dissimilar metals. There are usually two arms (spokes) from the hub supporting the rim and there is a slot cut in the rim just past each arm. This forms two rim segments having one end supported by the arm and the far end free to move. These slots, and the two colors of metal in the rim, are identifying char…
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Adjustment to Temperature

  • This is sometimes referred to as adjustment to heat and cold. It requires a temperature compensated balance. The balance has pairs of screws (180 degrees apart) set into the rim. These give the balance mass, which sets the basic rate at which it oscillates. One pair may be the meantime screws (which can be identified – if present – by being longer ...
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Adjustment to Position

  • The next level is adjustment to position. This is adjustment to maintain the same rate of balance (wheel) oscillation, regardless of which of the specified positions the watch is in. There are a total of six positions. Unfortunately, the number or the positions to which the watch is adjusted isn’t specified for most watches built prior to 1905-1908. Typically, unspecified adjustment to positio…
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Adjustment to Isochronism

  • Adjustment to isochronism is accomplished by the design and adjustment of the hairspring – the spring coiled inside of the balance (wheel). The power output of the mainspring (the spring that is wound when winding a watch) tends to decrease as it unwinds over the course of the day. This causes the balance (wheel) to rotate through a greater rotational angle when the mainspring is j…
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