While watches may seem like simple machines, they are intricate works of art composed of hundreds of tiny components working harmoniously to keep time accurately. Over time, these components can wear down, affecting the watch’s performance and reliability. Routine servicing ensures that the timepiece remains in optimal condition, prolonging its lifespan and maintaining its accuracy.
At Banks Lyon, we offer exceptional watch servicing and repairs at our stores or through the official manufacturer, but we’re often asked if these services are necessary. So, today we’re looking into why they are a crucial element of keeping your timepiece alive and ticking.
What Is Involved in A Watch Service?
When it comes to watch servicing, a meticulous and comprehensive process is undertaken to ensure the timepiece functions as it should.
First, the watch is carefully disassembled and inspected for any signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. The movement, the heart of the watch, undergoes thorough examination and precise adjustments.
After identifying any necessary repairs, the watchmaker cleans the watch, effectively removing dirt and grime from even the tiniest corners. A standard watch movement has over 200 intricate moving parts, so attention to detail and thoroughly cleaning each piece is crucial.
Next, the watch is reassembled using precision techniques, and any worn or damaged parts are replaced with high-quality replacements. To ensure accuracy, the watch then undergoes rigorous testing and calibration in different positions and conditions to guarantee its performance.
Finally, the case and bracelet receive careful polishing and refinishing, restoring their original beauty and ensuring that the timepiece leaves the servicing process looking as good as new.
Maintaining Accuracy
Accuracy is crucial because it ensures they fulfil their primary function of measuring and displaying time precisely. Whether for personal convenience or professional use, relying on an accurate watch allows individuals to manage their schedules confidently, meet deadlines, and maintain punctuality.
Regular servicing and repairing of watches are essential for maintaining this much-needed accuracy. Over time, various factors can affect the precise functioning of a timepiece. For example, the intricate mechanisms inside a watch, such as gears, springs, and escapements, are subject to wear and tear, leading to a loss of accuracy. Also, any exposure to dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations can further disrupt the delicate balance of a watch’s movement.
As mentioned, we conduct rigorous testing during services in our showrooms to ensure the movement hasn’t been damaged or disturbed.
Preventing Damage
Routine maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems. For instance, dust, moisture, and other environmental factors can infiltrate the watch, leading to corrosion, rust, or damage to sensitive parts.
We can clean and remove any harmful elements through regular servicing, preventing them from compromising the watch’s functionality. Additionally, worn or damaged components can be replaced, reducing the risk of further damage or complete failure.
Regular servicing protects the watch against potential harm by addressing these issues, prolonging its lifespan and preserving its value.
Extending Your Watch’s Lifespan
Watches often hold sentimental or historical value, serving as heirlooms or cherished possessions passed down through generations. Servicing can preserve these timepieces’ sentimental and emotional connections, allowing future generations to appreciate their beauty and significance.
In addition, timepieces are sometimes purchased as a valuable investment, particularly luxury watch brands and high-end names. If you buy a pre-owned Rolex, for example, you should ensure its lifespan is extended by getting regular servicing to keep up its value, whether you hope to pass it down to your family or sell it in the future.
It’s important to note that all timepieces benefit from regular servicing, but pre-owned luxury watches, such as Rolex watches, as mentioned, may require attention a little more often due to their age.
Maintaining Your Watch’s Appearance
As mentioned, watches can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime over time, dulling their shine and diminishing visual allure. Through professional servicing, watchmakers can thoroughly clean and polish the watch, removing surface imperfections and restoring its original lustre.
During a service, there are inspections and repairs of any cosmetic damage, such as scratches or dents, ensuring that the watch maintains its pristine appearance. Even if Sapphire Crystal protects your watch, servicing helps preserve the beauty and elegance of the timepiece, allowing it to continue making a stylish statement for years to come.
Watch Servicing at Banks Lyon
As mentioned, as an official stockist of some of the biggest names in watch craftsmanship, we offer exceptional watch servicing here at Banks Lyon, both in-store and through the official manufacturer.
We advise scheduling a full service for your watch approximately every four to six years to ensure optimal performance. This regular servicing will help maintain its peak functionality and longevity, as discussed.
Any necessary work will be sent directly to the manufacturer for watches still under guarantee. In other cases, we have established strong connections with reputable watchhouses and manufacturers to expedite repairs promptly and efficiently, ensuring your timepiece is returned as swiftly as possible.
If this is something you’re interested in, please get in touch with our Services and Repairs department at 01524 381020 or by email at [email protected].