What Owners Have Found, Arriving Here With a Watch

Challenge

The movement had not run in over twenty years. Several pivots were dry, one wheel had visible wear marks, and the mainspring required replacement. The dial and hands were original and needed to be left untouched.

Approach

A written plan was prepared and agreed before work began. The movement was fully disassembled, cleaned, and rebuilt. A correct-era mainspring was sourced. The worn wheel was replaced with a period-appropriate component. Dial and hands were cleaned only with the most conservative method.

Result

The watch now runs at a consistent rate verified on the timing machine. The original dial and hands were returned untouched. The owner described it as looking and running "better than he could have hoped."

Challenge

The owner had noticed the watch losing four to six minutes per day — well outside its original specification. The watch had not been serviced since purchase, roughly seven years prior, and was worn daily in a warm, coastal environment.

Approach

After disassembly, the rotor bearing showed wear and the oils throughout had degraded. The movement was cleaned fully, the rotor bearing replaced, and fresh lubricants applied in correct quantities and positions. The climate and wear pattern were noted in the condition record.

Result

The watch was returned running within the manufacturer's specified accuracy range. The owner was advised to consider a service within four years given the daily wear in Phuket conditions. A shorter interval than the manufacturer's standard recommendation.

Challenge

The owner had struck the crystal against a boat rail. There was a clean crack across the face and a chip at the edge. The water resistance had been compromised and the bezel click was noticeably uneven. The movement appeared undamaged.

Approach

A compatible sapphire replacement was located and presented to the owner with the cost before proceeding. The crystal was replaced, the bezel click mechanism cleaned and its spring checked, and the case tube and crown gasket refreshed. The movement itself was left untouched.

Result

The watch was returned with a correctly seated crystal, an even bezel click, and refreshed sealing. The owner described the result as looking "better than before the accident." The movement had not been disturbed unnecessarily.