Are you a watch collector? Do you love digging up vintage timepieces from all over the world? You might want to start doing the restoration process yourself. But it’s harder than you might think.
Luckily, we have the information you need for success.
Read on to learn all about refurbishing watches.
Do Your Research
Before diving into the refurbishing process, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the watch’s components and mechanisms. Familiarize yourself with the movement, dial, hands, case, and crystal.
Take note of any specific challenges posed by the watch’s design, as each timepiece may present unique characteristics that require tailored approaches.
Learn About Disassembly
You’ll need to start by dissembling the watch. Gentle handling is crucial when disassembling watches. Avoid applying excessive force or pressure, especially when dealing with delicate components.
Use tweezers and tools with finesse, and be cautious not to scratch or damage the watch’s surfaces. Deliberate, controlled movements are essential for a successful disassembly without unintended consequences.
Movement Inspection and Watch Repair
You’ll need to understand watch movements to complete this part of the process successfully.
Look for any signs of wear, corrosion issues, or damage. Inspect the gears, springs, jewels, and escapement carefully. A magnifier can be invaluable during this phase, allowing you to spot minute details that may escape the naked eye.
Examine the watch’s jewels, which are small synthetic rubies or sapphires used to reduce movement friction.
If you see any problems, consider replacing them. Properly functioning jewels are essential for maintaining the longevity and accuracy of the watch movement.
Calibration and Timing
Use a specialized tool such as a timegrapher to measure the watch’s accuracy. This device detects the rate at which the watch is running, providing valuable insights into its timekeeping performance.
Calibrating the watch involves adjusting its rate, which is the number of seconds gained or lost per day. Small changes to the balance wheel’s effective length or the hairspring’s tension can influence the rate.
Incremental adjustments are made until the watch achieves the desired accuracy.
Isochronism refers to the uniformity of the watch’s rate throughout its power reserve. Achieving isochronism is crucial for maintaining accurate timekeeping as the mainspring unwinds.
Fine adjustments to the balance wheel and hairspring can contribute to better isochronism, enhancing the overall performance of the watch.
Lubrication
Proper lubrication ensures that the various moving parts within the watch function smoothly and efficiently, reducing friction and wear.
Different parts of the watch, such as the escapement, gears, and jewels, require specific types of lubricants.
High-quality synthetic oils and greases designed for horological applications are preferred. It’s crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations and industry standards to guarantee optimal performance.
While it may be tempting to ensure every moving part is generously lubricated, moderation is key. Over-lubricating can lead to excess oil spreading to unintended areas and attracting contaminants.
This can compromise the delicate balance within the movement and result in decreased performance over time.
Start Refurbishing Watches Today
Refurbishing watches is a delicate art. You can use this guide to set yourself up, but make sure you’re careful when you actually start trying!
Do you want to learn more about watch maintenance and related topics? Make sure you take a look through a few of our other posts.