1. What are Mechanical and Automatic Movements?
Before diving into the details of servicing, it's important to understand the two types of movements:
Mechanical Movements: These watches rely entirely on mechanical components (such as gears, springs, and levers) to keep time. They must be manually wound to store energy, which powers the movement.
Automatic Movements: These are a type of mechanical movement that winds itself automatically as the wearer moves their wrist. The movement of the wrist causes a rotor inside the watch to wind the mainspring, storing energy to power the watch.
Both types of movements are more intricate than quartz watches, which are powered by a battery, and require regular servicing to ensure optimal performance.
2. Why Servicing is Necessary for Mechanical and Automatic Movements
Mechanical and automatic watches are intricate timepieces that consist of hundreds of tiny moving parts. Over time, these components can wear out, become dirty, or lose lubrication, which can cause the watch to lose accuracy, run inefficiently, or stop working altogether. Regular servicing helps to:
Ensure Accurate Timekeeping: Over time, wear and tear can affect the accuracy of the watch. Servicing can keep the movement running within the manufacturer’s specifications.
Prevent Damage: Mechanical watches are sensitive to dust, dirt, moisture, and friction. Regular servicing can prevent internal damage from occurring and extend the watch’s lifespan.
Maintain Smooth Functioning: The gears, springs, and other components in the movement require proper lubrication and cleaning to function smoothly. Lack of servicing can cause friction, wear, and eventual breakdown.
Preserve Value: For luxury watches, regular servicing can help preserve the value of the timepiece, especially if you ever plan to sell or pass it down.
3. How Often Should You Service a Mechanical or Automatic Watch?
The frequency of servicing will depend on the specific movement, but a general guideline is:
Every 3-5 Years: Most experts recommend servicing mechanical and automatic movements every 3-5 years, depending on the watch’s use. If you wear the watch every day, it may require servicing closer to the 3-year mark. If you wear it less often, it could be serviced every 5 years.
If You Notice Issues: If your watch is running fast or slow, losing time, or stopping altogether, it may need servicing sooner than expected.
Regular Wear and Tear: If your watch is exposed to harsh conditions (like swimming, sweating, or temperature fluctuations), more frequent servicing may be necessary.
4. The Servicing Process for Mechanical and Automatic Movements
The servicing process for these watches is complex and requires a professional watchmaker or technician who understands the delicate intricacies of the movement. Here’s what the process typically involves:
1. Cleaning and Disassembling the Watch Movement:
The watch will be carefully opened to access the movement. The caseback is removed, and the movement is carefully taken out of the case.
Each component of the movement is disassembled to allow for cleaning. This includes removing the rotor (in automatic watches), hands, dial, and other essential parts.
2. Cleaning the Components:
The watchmaker will clean each part of the movement using ultrasonic cleaning machines or specialized cleaning solutions to remove dirt, dust, and old lubricants.
Cleaning is a crucial part of the process, as even the smallest dirt particles can affect the watch’s performance.
3. Lubricating the Movement:
Once cleaned, each component will be lubricated with a high-quality watch oil. Proper lubrication ensures that the parts move smoothly without excessive friction, which could cause wear or stop the watch from functioning properly.
The oiling process is precise—too much or too little lubricant can affect the performance of the movement.
4. Reassembling the Movement:
After cleaning and lubrication, the movement is carefully reassembled. The watchmaker will carefully check each part to make sure that everything is properly aligned and functioning.
For automatic movements, the rotor will be tested to ensure it is winding the mainspring properly.
5. Regulating the Movement:
The watch will be tested on a timegrapher (a device that measures the accuracy of the watch) to ensure it is keeping accurate time. The movement will be adjusted if necessary to bring it within the manufacturer’s specifications.
6. Testing the Watch:
After reassembling the movement, the watch is tested for functionality. This includes testing the timekeeping accuracy, winding mechanism (manual or automatic), and checking the power reserve (how long the watch continues running after being wound).
For automatic watches, the rotor is checked to make sure it’s winding the mainspring effectively with wrist movement.
7. Reassembling the Watch Case:
Once the movement is functioning correctly, the watch is placed back into its case, and the caseback is securely reattached.
The watch is checked for water resistance (if applicable) to ensure that the seals are still intact.
5. Signs That Your Watch Needs Servicing:
You might want to consider servicing your mechanical or automatic watch if you notice any of the following signs:
Inaccurate Timekeeping: If your watch is running fast or slow, or if it’s gaining or losing several minutes per day, it’s a sign the movement may need adjusting or cleaning.
Stoppage: If your automatic watch stops working even though it has been worn or wound, it could indicate issues with the rotor or other components.
Difficulty Winding: If your watch is hard to wind (for manual wind watches), or if the crown feels loose or is unresponsive, the movement may need attention.
No Power Reserve: If your automatic watch doesn’t hold a charge for the full power reserve (often 40-48 hours for many automatic movements), it may need servicing.
Visible Damage: If the watch exhibits visible signs of damage (e.g., cracked dial, loose hands, or a broken crown), it will need to be serviced to repair the damage and restore functionality.
6. Benefits of Professional Servicing:
Expert Care: Watchmakers have the training and tools to service your watch properly, ensuring it’s handled with the care and attention it deserves.
Preserved Functionality: Regular servicing ensures the movement remains accurate and performs as designed, prolonging the life of the watch.
Increased Longevity: By keeping the movement clean, lubricated, and free from friction, you’ll increase the lifespan of the watch and its components.
Enhanced Value: If you own a luxury or high-end watch, keeping it serviced can help maintain its value over time, especially if you plan to resell or inherit it.
7. Mechanical and Automatic Movements: DIY vs. Professional Servicing
While some enthusiasts may try to service their watches themselves, professional servicing is highly recommended due to the complexity of mechanical and automatic movements. Here’s why:
Precision Tools: Watchmakers use specialized tools (like ultrasonic cleaners, timegraphers, and oiling stations) that aren’t available to the general public.
Expertise: Professional watchmakers have the skills to handle delicate parts, avoid causing further damage, and make accurate adjustments to regulate timekeeping.
Warranty Considerations: If you own a luxury watch, servicing it at an authorized center ensures that the warranty remains valid.
Conclusion:
Mechanical and automatic movement servicing is an essential part of watch maintenance. These intricate timepieces rely on delicate mechanical parts, and without regular servicing, they can lose accuracy, develop mechanical issues, or even stop working altogether. Proper servicing helps maintain the timepiece’s accuracy, prolong its lifespan, and preserve its value.
If you own a mechanical or automatic watch, it’s essential to have it professionally serviced every 3-5 years or whenever you notice performance issues. This will ensure that your watch continues to perform optimally for years to come.
Do you have a watch with a mechanical or automatic movement that may need servicing? Regular servicing is key to keeping it running like new!