A watch is a small precision machine – and like any machine, it needs periodic care. Many major repairs start as small signs that are ignored for months. These are the five signals we, as watchmakers, always take seriously.
1. The watch runs fast or slow
A few seconds a day are normal for a mechanical watch. But if yours gains or loses minutes within a day, something is wrong: the movement may be magnetised, the lubricants may have dried out or the mainspring may have lost its strength. A professional diagnosis finds the cause quickly.
2. The crown turns stiffly or grinds
Winding should feel smooth and even. If you feel resistance or grinding, or the crown comes loose, don't force it – the winding mechanism needs attention. Forcing it turns a small adjustment into an expensive repair.
3. Condensation or droplets under the crystal
This is the most urgent warning of all. Moisture inside the case can corrode the movement within days. If you see fogging under the crystal after a shower or rain, bring the watch in for service immediately – every day of delay increases the damage.
4. Unusual noises
An irregular tick, grinding or metallic sounds when you move your wrist suggest that something has come loose inside. A watch should not rattle. Stop wearing it and have it checked.
5. Several years without a service
Even when everything seems fine, lubricants dry out over time and parts begin to wear silently. Many manufacturers recommend a full service every few years – check the recommendation for your watch. A preventive check is always cheaper than replacing damaged parts.
What we do
Every watch that comes to our workshop is first inspected: we open it, assess it and tell you exactly what is needed and what it will cost – before any work begins. Every repair comes with a service warranty. And if an old watch is no longer worth repairing, take a look at our watch collection.
