Wrist watches are some of the best accessories we wear and over time they can demand servicing and repairs. Depending on what type of watch it is, the frequency of servicing and repairing them can vary. It can also vary on the basis of the usage. Nevertheless, there are a few things you need to know about watch repairs and how you can address those issues.
Types of Watch Repairs
Generally, people realize they need to visit a watch service center when their watch either stops functioning or it breaks. But with a watch, there are only certain things that can go wrong. Here’s a list of what kind of watch repairs people often ask about.
Battery Replacement
One of the most common watch repairs is replacing the battery. Quartz watches, in particular, rely on batteries to run the movement that in turn keeps track of time. When a watch stops ticking, it’s often a sign that the battery needs to be replaced. Replacing a battery is also a quick repair and a watchmaker should be able to help you with this within a matter of few mins.
Even if your watch has not stopped, ChronoStreet, an independent watch service center suggests that you should prefer changing the watch battery every 2 years. This is to avoid any battery leaks that can further damage the whole movement of the watch.
Crystal Replacement
The crystal, or the glass covering the watch face, can get scratches overtime. At times, people even crack these glasses during everyday wear. If you are facing with such an issue, you can always get the crystal replaced through a service center. It restores the watch’s appearance and protects the dial from further damage.
There are both original and aftermarket crystal options available in the market. When you invest in expensive watches like Rolex, you would want to spend that extra bit to get an original crystal for it. Depending on your needs, you can pick the right one and get it replaced through an experienced watchmaker.
Water Damage Repair
Today, most of the watches sold are water-resistant. However, there can be incidents where water still finds its way inside your watch. In these cases, the watch needs to be taken to a watchmaker immediately to avoid further damage.
Often after being water damaged, your watch might have to be fully serviced to avoid any corrosion in any of the parts of the watch.
Hands Alignment
There are times when the hands of a watch can get misaligned reading the wrong time for the most part. You can verify if the hands on yor watch have been misaligned by bringing both the minute hand and hour hand to the 12’o clock marker. If they both dont align together, you ended to get the alignment right through a watchmaker.
Watch Restoration
For vintage watches, a complete restoration might be necessary to bring the timepiece back to life. This comprehensive process includes cleaning, repairing, and replacing worn or damaged parts. All of this is done while also preserving the watch’s original character and value.
Understanding the most common watch repairs gives the watch owners a better idea of what could go wrong with their timepieces. While some repairs can be done at home with the right tools and knowledge, others require the expertise of a professional watchmaker. By investing in regular maintenance and timely repairs, you can extend the lifespan of your watch and enjoy it for years to come.