Watch servicing is disassembling and then reassembling a watch, often with parts replaced. There are two main types of service: spot service and complete service. Each process varies depending on the kind of watch and its movement (mechanical or quartz).
In the following details, the basics of what Watch Servicing entails will be broken down to help you determine if it's something you want to do yourself or leave in the hands of a professional. This article is a brief guide that should help outline what it takes to service a watch.
What Is Watch Servicing?
Watch servicing is the disassembly and reassembly of a watch or clock movement. The terms watchmakers and jewelers use when referring to their profession. A complete service typically requires cleaning, lubrication, adjustment, and parts replacement (including gaskets).
Below are the standard procedures associated with watch servicing?
Spot Service
A spot service is a simple cleaning or lubrication of the movement only. It includes removing screws, top covers, gaskets, and oils. This is also called a “quick change,” as it can be done quickly without disassembling the watch. Some repairs can be done without requiring the removal of individual parts, but regular service requires the movement to be completely disassembled to access and replace parts if needed. It is not as comprehensive a service as a complete service but does include lubrication, cleaning, and reassembly.
Complete Service
A complete service includes inspection, disassembly, repair, and reassembly of the watch. A qualified watchmaker or jeweler usually does it. First, the movement is removed from the watch case and inspected for damaged parts or signs of tampering (such as loose screws). If necessary, parts are replaced, and the movement is reassembled into the case.
The Watch
A watch movement is the part of a watch responsible for telling the time. It consists of a source of power, such as a mainspring or battery, and an escapement (timing device). It powers the hands of an automatic or quartz watch or keeps time with oscillation in a mechanical movement.
The Mainspring
A mainspring is a coil of wire wound around a backing plate. It is released, causing the hands to move by pulling a fine hairspring which, like a spring in a watch, stores energy. As it unwinds or contracts, it causes the arrows to move. The mainspring is wound by an oscillating weight attached to one end of the spring. A small rotor attached to this weight moves up and down and is connected to gears that drive the bags in the watch's movement.
Expensive watches usually need to be serviced more often than cheap ones because they are more complex, although this is not always the case. In addition, watches subjected to water, humidity, or other extremes may be Watch Servicing or replaced more frequently.
