Watches are more than just a practical, they are a statement piece, an accessory, and more.
So when your watch quits keeping time or stops working completely, it’s more than just an inconvenience. Especially if it’s an heirloom, a treasured gift, a bucket list item or something you just need to work.
Service or Repair?
If it’s a battery issue, know that a quartz watch will need a fresh one every two to 10 years, depending on how it’s worn, the conditions it’s worn in, the quality of watch, and even the quality of the battery that is being used.
If it’s not the battery, or an issue like dirt or other buildup in the buttons, pushers, winders, etc, then many times service can solve the problem as well. This goes for the more precise and complex mechanisms inside of mechanical watches as well. They require finite amounts of oil in order to operate properly, and running dry or on contaminated oil can render them inoperable or severely impact their performance.
Dirt and grime can also take a toll on mechanical watches, so a good servicing can often “spring” them back to life.
If there is a broken or malfunctioning part or component in your watch, then repair will be the only option. Watch repair is a very specialized skill set that requires years of training and experience, and isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires an understanding not only of the many different types of watches that are currently available, but vintage designs as well.
Parts and individual components may be hard to come by for some models and brands, and in some cases they may need to be refurbished, modified, or even made! Broken faces, dials, broken bands, magnetization, failed gaskets, broken crowns, springs, water damage, condensation and more is just a short list of things can be damaged or fail in your watch, giving you a good idea of just how intricate watches (especially mechanical ones) truly are!
Who you have repair your watch, regardless of its age, scarcity, and value is very important, so make sure you do your research prior to trusting a jeweler with your time, and timepiece.
Repair or Replace?
Sometimes, servicing a watch won’t resolve the issues that it may be having, and your watch may need to be repaired. This is where the juice may or may not be worth the squeeze. Depending on the age, condition, make, model, and sentimentality value of your watch, the availability of parts or a skilled jeweler to repair the watch, replacing it may be your only option.
It’s important to weigh these things out when facing a timepiece that has run out of time, and make the choice that makes the most sense to you financially, and personally. VIntage or antique watches are of course irreplaceable in their own right, but will still require a deal of thought when it comes to the cost or availability of their repair.
Keep Your Watch Running Smoothly
The best medicine is prevention, and so whether you have had your watch repaired or the battery replaced and it’s running like, well, clockwork again, keeping it running smoothly is your next line of business to take on.
That means that your watch (depending on the environment in which it is worn) will need to come in for regular maintenance (just like a car). That means bringing them in for a good cleaning and an inspection, to make sure that small problems or potential problems don’t get worse, and eventually lead to failure again.
Looking for watch repair or service? Grogan Jewelers has the experience and passion to not only honor your time, but your timepiece as well, and get things running like (you guessed it) clockwork again!