Owning a luxury watch is more than just a style choice. It is an investment in quality craftsmanship. To preserve its quality and functionality as well, proper care is essential. This will also help in the early detection of problems that soon become major ones. By early identification of the issues, you will save a lot of money on expensive watch repairs.
Avoiding a few common repair issues can make a big difference in keeping your timepiece in pristine condition.
This guide gives practical advice on the mistakes that we must avoid. These simple steps will help you maintain the performance of your watch.
Mistakes That You Must Avoid
1. Missing Out on Regular Maintenance: Your watch needs regular maintenance. Many people forget about this. But it is essential to keep the watch working well.
Why It’s Important?
Regular servicing keeps the watch accurate. It also keeps it water-resistant.
When to Service?
For mechanical watches, try to get servicing done every 1-3 years. Quartz watches can go a little longer without service. But check with your watch’s brand for the recommended timeline.
How to Do It Right?
Take your watch to an authorized service center. They have trained experts who know the exact requirements of each brand. They can handle the job properly.
2. Skipping Basic Research: Jumping straight into a repair without understanding your watch’s mechanism is a common error. Every watch is different, with unique designs and components.
Why It’s a Mistake:
- You might accidentally disassemble parts you don’t know how to reassemble.
- Some watches require specialized tools or techniques.
How to Avoid It:
Take time to learn about your watch model. Watch tutorials or read manuals. This will help to understand its specific mechanism.
3. Over-tightening Screws: When replacing parts or making adjustments, many people tighten screws too much.
Why It’s a Mistake:
- Strips the screw threads. This makes it difficult to remove later.
- Damages the delicate metal of the watch.
How to Avoid It:
Tighten screws gently until they’re snug. Avoid applying excessive force.
4. Not Replacing Gaskets Properly: Gaskets ensure your watch stays water-resistant. But many people overlook them during repairs.
Why It’s a Mistake:
- Water or moisture can seep in. This can cause damage.
- Reduces the overall lifespan of the watch.
How to Avoid It:
Always check the condition of the gaskets. Replace them if they show signs of wear or damage.
5. Not Understanding Your Watch’s Water Resistance: Not all watches can be exposed to water. Assuming your watch is waterproof without checking its rating can lead to water damage.
Check the Rating:
The water-resistance score tells you how much water your watch can handle. Some are safe only for light splashes. Others are safe for swimming or diving.
Routine Testing:
Water resistance can decrease over time. A quick check every year or so can ensure it’s still safe to use in water.
6. Not Paying Attention to Handling and Storing: Handling and storing your watch carefully can keep it working like new.
Gentle Handling:
Avoid wearing your watch during activities that involve a lot of movement, and contact with hard surfaces.
Safe Storage:
When you are not wearing the watch, store it in a box. This is to keep it safe from dust. This will also help to protect the watch from scratches.
7. Paying Less Attention to Watch Straps: The strap isn’t just for looks. It is a crucial part of the watch.
Clean Regularly:
Clean leather straps with a damp cloth. But don’t use too much water. For metal straps, you can use mild soap and a soft brush. This will help to remove dirt from the watch.
Rotate Straps:
If you have multiple straps, rotate them. This will reduce wear and make each strap last longer.
8. Not Using the Right Tools: One of the biggest mistakes is attempting repairs with improper tools. Watches are delicate. Using household items like kitchen knives or paperclips can damage the tiny components inside.
Why It’s a Mistake?
Scratches the surface or internal parts.
Causes unnecessary wear and tear on screws and gears.
How to Avoid It:
Invest in a proper watch repair kit that includes
- Screwdrivers
- Tweezers
- Case opener
All these tools must be designed for watch repair
9. Only Fixing the Visible Issue: Watches are complex machines. So, when you find even a small problem, it’s best to have a full check-up. During watch repair don’t just fix the obvious issue. You need to see if there are any other underlying problems.
With a full checkup, any unseen problems can be found and fixed too.
10. Over-Winding a Hand-Wound Watch: Hand-wound watches are strong. But turning the winding knob too much can still cause damage. Be careful not to over-wind them.
11. Changing the Date at the Wrong Time: Between 8 PM and 4 AM, the watch’s date-changing mechanism is active. Changing the time during these hours can harm the watch’s gears.
12. Ignoring Dust and Dirt: Watches are sensitive to dirt, dust, and moisture. Yet many people repair them in unclean environments.
Why It’s a Mistake:
- Dirt can get inside the watch. This can affect its accuracy and functionality.
- Dust particles can block tiny gears and mechanisms.
How to Avoid It:
Work in a clean, dust-free area. Use a soft cloth to wipe surfaces. Handle components carefully with clean hands or gloves.
13. Not Cleaning the Watch Properly: Cleaning your watch may seem simple. But using the wrong products can damage it.
- Always use a soft cloth for cleaning purposes.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners. Also, do not use anything that could scratch the surface.
- The watch crystal is delicate. Hence, to clean it try to use a microfiber cloth or a soft brush.
14. Using the Wrong Battery: When replacing a battery, it’s tempting to use any available one that fits.
Why It’s a Mistake:
- A battery that doesn’t match the specifications can damage the internal circuitry.
- It might not last as long as the correct battery.
How to Avoid It:
Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Purchase a high-quality battery that matches your watch’s requirements.
15. Avoid DIY Repairs: It might be tempting to fix a minor issue yourself. But it is best to let a professional handle watch repair. Opening a watch without the right tools can cause damage.
Professionals have the right skills. They have the equipment to handle repairs safely. If something seems off with your watch, take it to a trusted service center. They will check properly and will provide the right advice to you.
Conclusion
These are some of the common things to avoid in the case of your watch. This way you can keep your luxury watch in excellent condition for years. Regular care and small adjustments make a big difference. If you have any concerns about caring for your watch, don’t hesitate to consult an expert.
Remember, proper care today can help your watch stay in good condition in the future. Are you looking for an Edox Factory Authorized Service Center for your luxury timepiece? Contact our experts.
We, at J&J Watch Repair Inc. are known to provide reliable repair services that help in improving the functionality of your watch. So, contact us now for all kinds of watch repair services.
