| You now are the proud owner of a fine | | | | the scratches. |
| mechanical watch. It is the watch you will pass | | | | Then the movement is reassembled. |
| down to your grandchild. High grade timepieces | | | | Watchmaker's tools are specialized to perform |
| are known for quality and durability but like all | | | | the delicate assembly. They are made by |
| machines, they need to be maintained to perform | | | | different manufacturers because different |
| at fullest potential. With proper maintenance you | | | | watches require their own highly precision fitting |
| will have a fine timepiece to wear with satisfaction | | | | tools. I am always amazed by the people who |
| knowing it is running with precision. | | | | would no more dissemble their computer but who |
| When my customers ask, "Why does an overhaul | | | | will take their watch apart. Putting it back |
| cost so much?" I usually show them my method | | | | together is always very trying for them. Seems |
| of taking the watch apart and the number of | | | | they have some extra parts left and no where to |
| parts and how meticulous I have to be in handling | | | | put them! I have received watches in plastic bags, |
| them. Then they understand. Hopefully, this article | | | | broken and missing parts and I am asked to "fix |
| will also impart the same understanding to you, | | | | it." Proper tools with knowledge cannot be |
| the reader. | | | | underestimated. |
| Manufacturers recommend an overhaul be | | | | Four special oils are used to lubricate the moving |
| performed, on average, every 3-5 years | | | | parts and the jewels. Different parts of the |
| depending on usage. By usage, I mean how | | | | movement require different type oil. For instance, |
| careful you are with your watch. If you wear it | | | | each pivot wheel and balance staff is lubricated |
| to do heavy construction work, for example, it | | | | with the precise amount of the proper grade of |
| will need more frequent cleaning than one worn | | | | lubricant to maintain the minimum level of friction |
| during office work. Just because you can wear a | | | | and wear. |
| watch when you shower doesn't mean you | | | | The heart of your watch is the highly sensitive |
| should. Soap scum, at a minimum, looks bad. | | | | balance wheel complete. The parts which make up |
| An overhaul requires the watch to be totally | | | | this heart are: 1) Balance wheel, 2) Balance staff, |
| taken apart and each part cleaned ultrasonically in | | | | 3) Hairspring, 4) Roller table with the jewel. |
| a special solution to remove all traces of the old | | | | A timing machine is used to regulate the time. |
| oil, dirt and dust. There are approximately 250 | | | | You attach the watch to the machine and it |
| parts in a calendar automatic mechanical | | | | pulses to indicate if it is running fast or slow. In |
| movement. It is then rinsed twice in another | | | | either case, adjustments are made until the timing |
| solution and heat dried. | | | | machine indicates a straight line. |
| All worn movement parts and case gaskets have | | | | When the watch is returned to the customer, it |
| to be replaced to insure the watch is water | | | | looks like new and performs to factory standards. |
| resistant. The parts always should be replaced | | | | From my years of experience, presenting a |
| with genuine parts from the manufacturer. This | | | | totally refurbished watch to its owner is always a |
| will insure the parts fit perfectly. | | | | wonderful feeling of accomplishment. |
| The case and bracelet are polished to remove all | | | | |