OUR process
From beginning to end… the care your timepiece deserves…
Preparation
After receiving your watch either in-store or by post, our workshop will assess your timepiece and recommend what it needs. When your watch enters our workshop, we will begin by preparing it for service. This involves de-casing the watch, inspecting it and providing you with an estimate to begin the process. More importantly, an estimate with us is completely free of charge and valid for 1 month.
The movement will then go to one of our watchmakers who will completely disassemble it. The watchmaker will then check with their eyeglass or a microscope if there is any wear or defects that need addressing. An average movement contains around 150 parts, with more complicated movements including anything between 250 to 1000 parts. Exceptional care is taken at this point with it being vital to the performance of the watch once the repair or service is complete.
CLeaning
During our cleaning process, all of the parts are put through a cleaning machine with several baths and multiple stages to the cleaning. The machine we use is called a Solvex, specifically designed and made for cleaning the tiniest of watch parts. This machine will ensure no remaining oils, greases or debris remains on any of the parts.
After the cleaning process the watchmaker will adjust, oil and regulate the movement as per its specifications and recommendation of the brands.
POLISHING
Polishing, also known as refurbishment, removes all light scratches to ensure the right finish is given, per the brand’s standards. We use several techniques and machines to ensure the shape and edges are as sharp and crisp as possible. Within a complete service we also include a refurbishment for your timepiece, if required.
If this is not necessary, we will conduct an ultrasonic clean to refresh the case parts. Additionally, as an extra service, we are able to laser-fill the deeper dents and restore complete cases back to their original shape and density. The cost for this would depend on the condition of the watch.
Re-ASSEMBLY
At this stage, the case or bracelet parts are ready and the movement has been serviced. The watch will now be cased up, resealed and tested for its water resistance.
The movement will then be fitted and checked once more, before sealing it completely. Following on from a strict visual and function check, the watch will then go to its final stage of the repair.
QC & Final testing
Our final stage is testing the watch across several days for timing, power reserve and a function check. This is a vital stage and essential to ensure the watch is working to its optimum performance whilst being worn. This is achieved by simulating the movement of everyday wear by using a watch-winder. This displays how we can expect it to perform whilst being worn on your wrist.
Sometimes the freshly oiled movement can differ slightly in timing from when initially serviced after the oils settle, therefore a regulation might be needed a few days after testing in order to achieve the best results, showing the importance of this testing process.
BACK TO YOU
Your service is now complete and your watch will be returned to you as good as new, complete with a 24-month guarantee. Your watch is an exquisite piece of precision engineering. It's built to last, but even the finest timepiece can’t look after itself!
Your watch needs regular servicing to protect the movement, ensuring it keeps perfect time and ultimately maintain its value. Service intervals vary but are generally between five to 10 years or as required, depending on its use.