We Can Provide and Fit Original Watch Glasses
But in some cases, due to cost, discontinued parts due to the age of the watch, or maybe to upgrade the glass from a basic mineral to a sapphire crystal scratch resistant glass, we can fit a high-quality generic watch glass instead of the original.
Watch Crown and Stem Replacement
Primary function for the watch crown is to change the time on the watch. The secondary function is to protect the internal mechanism from dust, dirt or moisture. This applies for dress watches and sports diving watches. One of the main causes of water damaged watches is a faulty crown. If the watch crown is cocked, has damaged seals, no longer screwing down or just missing it will allow moisture into the watch including perspiration.
So, water resistance isn't just important if you're going swimming, as you encounter moisture daily.
We also aim to replace the watch crown with the original manufacturer parts. Especially with sports models such as Omega Seamaster, as the watch has water resistance rating of at least 150m. These models have a screw down interlocking crown which secures the crown to the case of the watch. This protects the watch from human errors whilst submerged in water, and to achieve a greater water resistance.
To maintain a high level of water resistance can only be achieved by replacing the watch crown with original parts.
In some cases, it is the case tube which the crown screws into which needs to be replaced. When the threading goes the watch crown can no longer screw in and the case tube will need to be replaced.
On old dress watch models, we can replace the crown with a high-quality generic one. This will only be done if all parts have been discontinued. By submerging the watch in water will not be advised at all.
We always pressure test watches after replacing parts just to ensure that the watch has maintained its water resistance.
Pressure testing can be an effective way of finding out how and where moisture is penetrating the watch. As in some cases It can be from the case back, glass, crown and chronograph pushers (stopwatch buttons). Chronograph pushers is where moisture is getting into the watch, it will be advised to have them replaced. Models such as TAG Heuer have sports diving watches which have chronograph features. If the watch is used in water frequently regular pressure testing is advised. We always aim to replace chronograph pushers with original manufacturers pushers for water resistance.
Bezel Replacement
The rotating watch bezel, which is found mainly on sports model watches like Omega Seamaster, TAG Heuer Aquaracer etc, can wear over time. The numbers and marking can fade away making the watch look dull and old. We can completely refurbish watch bezels. This can be done by polishing the metal on the bezel completely, this will remove majority of scratches and then hand painting back on markings. Or depending on the style of bezel, we can polish the bezel, and replace the coloured bezel insert. This is common on such brands like Omega Seamaster.
Bezels can end up getting worn and dismantle from the watch. Some cases ended up in the loss of the watch bezel. This is usually an error with the bezel spring or ratchet. Key sign that you would need a bezel repair, is when the bezel now turns in both directions, the bezel no longer clicks when it is turned, or the bezel doesn’t move at all. This is when we can find out the exact issue with the bezel and replace any components. If the bezel does fall off and is lost, we can replace the watch bezel with a brand new one from manufacturers.
Dial Restoration
The watch dial is the most visible part of a watch. This can get damaged either through water ingress, or just with age. Once it starts to look faded and discoloured it can ruin the overall look of the watch. Our clients with vintage watches do always ask if anything can be done. With vintage watches the dial cannot be replaced with a new one, as all parts are very likely to be discontinued. The only option is a full dial restoration which will bring the watch dial back to its original condition.
This is a highly specialist job which takes years of knowledge and skill to perfect. The watch dial is stripped down to its base metal. It is then built back up using correct colours. Detailed writing such as logo are hand painted back on along with the minutes and number markings. The result is the watch dial looking like brand new. This type of work does take several weeks for completion as it requires immense attention to detail to recreate a perfect piece of art.
Hand Replacement
Watch hands can lose their luminous essence over time. Leaving the watch hands looking old and dull. In order to make the watch look more vibrant again there is two different options. First option is that we can order in new watch hands and replace the old ones. The other option, if the watch hands are no longer available or are high cost is that we can refurbish the old watch hands. This is done by removing the old luminous essence from the watch hands. We then hand mix a new luminous compound. Once the compound is at the right consistency, we paint it onto the old hands with precision. Once dried, the hands are refitted back on to the dial. The result is the watch hands looking like brand new again.
We are also able to replace all types of watch hands. We have a wide range of generic watch hands with all shapes, styles and sizes.