Service and Overhaul

Specialist Watch Service

Just like a car, watches also need to be serviced frequently. Watches have many small components which are constantly moving and will wear away eventually with time. This applies to both Quartz and Automatic/Mechanical watches.

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Signs to Look Out for When Your Watch Needs A Service:

silver blue watch

Automatic/Mechanical Watches:

  • Losing/gaining time out of the tolerance which is usually +/- 15 seconds per day depending on the mechanism.
  • Moisture getting into the watch.
  • Power reserve depleting - No longer holding power after being fully wound.
  • Functions such as chronograph (stopwatch), date wheel no longer functioning
  • Not ticking at all.
silver blue watch

Quartz Watches:

  • Starting and stopping which makes it appear to lose time.
  • Functions such as chronograph (stopwatch), date wheel no longer functioning.
  • New batteries being drained quickly (providing they was good quality).
  • Not responding with a new battery.
  • Moisture getting into the watch.

These are the times that we will recommend getting your watch serviced. Even though many watch repairers and manufacturers state that you should have your watch serviced every 3-5 years. Our policy is “if it's not broken don’t try to fix it”.

As the cost of servicing is relatively the same price whether there is an issue like the main spring needed to be replaced or whether you just want a service “just because”. So frequently servicing your watch for no reason doesn’t save you any money or reduce any cost in the long run.

So, if you have money to throw away, have more money than sense or you want to thank us for saving you hundreds of pounds feel free to send us some via PayPal: enquiries@rosswatchrepairs.co.uk

The Difference Between Servicing Quartz and Automatic/Mechanical Watches

  • The watch is opened, and the movement is inspected.
  • A new mechanism is ordered in (as with quartz watches replacing the movement whole is more cost effective and faster than replacing individual components). We also replace the internal mechanism like for like. Unless the internal mechanism has been discontinued due to age, we will contact you to let you know if there is a new equivalent mechanism before continuing the service. As this is quite common with old Swiss watches.
  • The watch crown is carefully removed using the correct tools, along with the watch hands and watch dial. This is all the components which is attached to the old movement.
  • The watch case and bracelet get thoroughly cleaned in our ultrasonic cleaning tank. This removes all the dirt trapped between the links and kills 99.9% of bacteria (including COVID-19)
  • We then attach the dial to the new watch movement.
  • If the watch has a date indicator, we then attach the crown and stem so we can assure that the date changes at 12 o clock.
  • Once 12am has been established, the watch hands are carefully attached to the mechanism.
  • The watch movement is then resecured back into the watch case.
  • The gasket is thoroughly inspected for any imperfections. If there are any imperfections with the gasket the watch won't be sealed correctly. So, we will replace it if necessary. If the gasket is still in pristine condition, we coat it in special watch makers silicone grease and fit it back into its position. The silicone grease creates a protective barrier which prevents any contaminants from entering the watch.
  • A brand-new standard Swiss made battery is fitted.
  • The watch is then pressure tested. This is to ensure the watch is resealed correctly and is back to manufacturers standard.
  • The watch is then set to the correct time and date and all its features (stopwatch, alarms etc) are tested to ensure the watch is functioning properly.
  • One more quality control test is done before it gets an RWR approval and deemed fit to be returned to the customer.
  • Standard quartz servicing comes with a 12-month guarantee for the battery and movement.

High Value Watches

High value watch services for watches such as TAG Heuer and Omega, qualify for a free Premium battery, free full polishing which will remove most scratches bringing the watch back to a like new condition and a 24-month guarantee.

If your watch doesn’t qualify, we will be able to offer you the premium batteries and full polishing at an additional charge.

  • Cleaning of the case back before opening the watch to remove any dirt trapped between the grooves.
  • The watch crown is carefully removed using the correct tools, along with the watch hands and watch dial.
  • The mechanism is then stripped down completely into individual components. Ultrasonically cleaned and thoroughly inspected.
  • Any parts that are worn or damaged then gets replaced with original parts.
  • The watch mechanism then gets rebuilt and re-oiled.
  • The watch dial hands, and crown then gets re-attached to the mechanism.
  • The watch case and bracelet get thoroughly cleaned in our ultrasonic cleaning tank. This removes all the dirt trapped between the links and kills 99.9% of bacteria (including COVID-19).
  • The watch is then inspected and regulated to ensure that it is keeping good time.
  • The gasket is thoroughly inspected for any imperfections. If there are any imperfections with the gasket the watch won't be sealed correctly. So, we will replace it if necessary. If the gasket is still in pristine condition, we coat it in special watch makers silicone grease and fit it back into its position. The silicone grease creates a protective barrier which prevents any contaminants from entering the watch.
  • The watch is then closed, sealed and pressure tested. This is to ensure the watch is resealed correctly and is back to manufacturers standard.
  • A series of quality control test is done before it gets an RWR approval and deemed fit to be returned to the customer. This is to monitor time keeping and power reserve.
  • The full service and overhaul comes with a 12-month guarantee.

High Value Watches

High value watch services for watches such as TAG Heuer and Omega, qualify for a free full polishing which will remove most scratches bringing the watch back to a like new condition.

If your watch doesn’t qualify, we will be able to offer a full polishing at an additional charge.

A One Hour Service

Standard battery reseal pressure tests can be done within one hour at our branch. No appointment is needed. We have all the correct tools and equipment to carry out the watch repair to the highest of standards. Click here to find out our opening times.

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Postal Service

Where the estimated turn around is only 2-3 days. This is a lot faster than jewellers and manufacturers who can quote up to around 4 weeks for a battery replacement.

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Collection Service

For our customers that live within London and surrounding counties and are unable to travel or leave their abode to go to the post office. We now offer a collection service. We will collect the watch from your home, repair it and deliver it back to you.

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Need A Specialist Watch Service?

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