Have you noticed your watch running a few seconds slow? Or maybe the crown feels stiff, and you’ve brushed it off, thinking it’s nothing to worry about? Small signs like these are often the first clue that your luxury timepiece needs professional care. Ignoring them could lead to costly repairs or worse, permanent damage to a watch you cherish.
Luxury watches are precision instruments, designed to last a lifetime, but only if they’re properly maintained. Over time, even the finest watches experience wear, whether it’s from everyday use, exposure to moisture, or simply aging components. Regular servicing keeps your watch functioning perfectly and protects its value and legacy.
Let’s explore the signs that indicate your watch needs professional servicing and what you can do to keep it running perfectly.
Common Signs Your Watch Needs Servicing
Luxury watches are built to last, but even the best timepieces require professional care to maintain their precision and durability. Here are the most common signs that it’s time to take your watch in for servicing:
1. Losing or Gaining Time
When your luxury watch starts running fast or slow, it’s not just a minor inconvenience, it’s a clear sign that the intricate movement within may need professional care. For watch enthusiasts, this issue often stems from factors like dried lubrication, worn-out components, or even magnetic exposure, all of which can affect the balance wheel and escapement, the heartbeat of your watch.
A well-maintained mechanical watch is designed to maintain accuracy within a few seconds per day, depending on its caliber. For instance, a COSC-certified chronometer ensures exceptional precision within 4/+6 seconds per day. However, when performance strays beyond these tolerances, it’s time for expert intervention.
Expert watchmakers can diagnose and resolve these problems with precision. Services may include:
Complete Movement Servicing:
Cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment to ensure the movement functions accurately.
Replacement of Worn Parts:
Authentic parts are used to maintain the watch’s integrity and value.
Regulation and Testing:
Fine-tuning the movement to restore precision and ensure reliable timekeeping.
2. Difficulty in Adjusting the Crown or Buttons
If turning the crown feels stiff or pressing the buttons requires extra effort, your watch might be trying to tell you something. Over time, dirt, dust, or even moisture can infiltrate the mechanism, causing resistance.
This issue can be expertly addressed with the following services:
Crown and Button Repair or Replacement:
Damaged or worn crowns and buttons are repaired or replaced using authentic parts to restore full functionality.
Internal Cleaning:
Removing debris or buildup inside the movement to ensure smooth operation of all components.
Lubrication and Adjustment:
Applying precise lubrication to ensure effortless movement and prevent further wear.
Need a watch service? Contact La Maison Monaco, Canada’s trusted luxury watch repair experts.
3. Moisture Inside the Watch
A foggy or cloudy dial is every watch lover’s worst nightmare, a telltale sign of moisture intrusion. Even watches with impressive water resistance, like the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M with its 300-meter water resistance and helium escape valve, can suffer from compromised seals over time. The constant exposure to humidity, sudden temperature changes, or improper crown closure can weaken gaskets, allowing moisture to seep in.
When moisture enters a watch, it can lead to oxidation, corrosion, and damage to delicate components like the balance wheel, pallet fork, and gear train. In automatic movements, even a small amount of water can affect the lubrication that keeps the movement running smoothly. Lume degradation on hands and markers is also common, diminishing both the watch’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.
What to Do:
Immediate Action:
If condensation forms, keep the watch upright and avoid winding it. Seek professional care promptly to prevent further damage.
Movement Inspection:
Expert watchmakers will open the case, inspect for corrosion, and perform a complete disassembly and cleaning using specialized ultrasonic machines.
Seal Replacement:
Worn gaskets and seals will be replaced, restoring the watch’s water resistance.
Preventive Care:
Regular water resistance tests every 12 to 18 months, and proper crown and pusher management will help prevent future moisture issues.
4. Scratches or Cracks on the Glass
Scratches or cracks on your watch glass may seem like minor issues, but they can have a significant impact on your timepiece. Beyond affecting the aesthetics, damaged glass compromises the watch’s ability to resist water, dust, and other external elements, potentially leading to internal damage over time.
In this case, you may need these services:
Glass Replacement:
Replacing scratched or cracked glass with high-quality, durable materials like sapphire crystal or mineral glass to restore clarity and protection.
Sealing and Waterproof Testing:
Ensuring the new glass is properly sealed and the watch’s water resistance is intact.
Polishing (if applicable):
For minor scratches, professional polishing may restore the surface without the need for a full replacement.
5. Loose or Worn Straps/Bracelets
A loose or worn strap is a potential risk to your valuable timepiece. Over time, straps and bracelets can weaken or become damaged, increasing the chance of your watch slipping off your wrist.
Strap and bracelet issues are resolved with expert care. You may need services like:
Strap Replacement: Whether it’s leather, metal, or fabric, replacing a worn strap can refresh the entire look of your watch while ensuring durability.
Bracelet Adjustment and Repair: If a bracelet feels too loose or tight, adjustments or repairs can make it fit perfectly, adding comfort and security.
Polishing and Refurbishing: Dull or scratched bracelets can regain their shine and look brand new with professional polishing.
Clasp Repair or Replacement: A faulty clasp can be repaired or replaced to keep your watch securely fastened and ready for daily use.
Why Professional Servicing Matters
Luxury watches are precision instruments that require expert care to maintain their performance and value. Certified professionals have the training and tools to handle intricate mechanisms, ensuring your timepiece is serviced without compromising its integrity.
Equally important is the use of authentic parts. Genuine components preserve your watch’s functionality and long-term value, while non-genuine parts can lead to reduced performance and reliability.
Is your watch due for a service? Book an appointment at La Maison Monaco, one of the best in Canada.
