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Ken Kotoski - Certified Master Horologist

FAQ

• If my local jeweler takes watches in for repair why should I send it to Yellowstone Watch, Inc.?

   

  Only a handful of jewelers actually repair watches in their store. Many won't touch a watch.

   

  Of those that do take in watches, many only repair watches they sell. Most of the others send them out to watchmakers like me or to 'quick' repair centers.

   

  The quick repair centers do not spend the time to adequately inspect your watch for hidden problems. Therefore they miss many problems. Their main objective is to clean as many watches as they can as fast as they can. Slowing down to do the job right doesn't pay them enough.

   

  I know of one company that advertises $5 - $10 for 'cleaning' or 'overhuals'. When asked what they do they just swish the movement in some 'cleaning' solution and rinse and dry it. Then ask about their warranty. There is none. If it doesn't work they say send it back and we'll do it again for another $5 or $10!

   

  The only watch I can think of that is worth treating that way is one that is junk and cannot be repaired. Your watch deserves better treatment.

   

  This is not the way your watch should be treated. There are many reasons for this.

   

  First when the watch is not completely taken apart many hidden problems such as wear on pivots and such aren't found. Then the wear continues and eventually the watch can not be 'fixed' quickly and an expensive repair is in order.

   

  By taking a little extra time the parts can be inspected and if any parts need replacing or repairing it can be done before it gets expensive.

   

  I take adequate time to disassemble your watch carefully and inspect every part for wear and any other problems. If there are any problems I can correct them before it causes extensive damage.

   

  I don't try to clean as many watches as possible in a day. If I only work on one watch in a day that's fine. Your watch is important, you and your watch deserve the extra attention and care I give.

   

  This does take a little time but by doing this I can assure you, your watch is in good condition when it is returned to you. I'm not the fastest but I'm the best!

 

• My watch was just looked at by someone and they said 'they can't get parts' or 'it can't be repaired' do you think you can fix it?

   

  99% of the time the answer is YES!

   

  What these people are really saying is "I don't want to bother with your watch". This happens all the time.

   

  When the cheap quartz watches first came out almost all watchmakers closed up business. There used to be over 40,000 watchmakers in the U.S., now there are about 500 full time watchmakers in the U.S.

   

  Now cheap watches are still sold but there are more mid to high end watches sold every year and the demand for watchmakers services is very high. So most watchmakers only want to work on certain watches or do certain kinds of repair.

   

  So rather than tell you they don't want to work on your watch they say they can't get the parts or they can't fix it. Of course there are those that don't know how to fix it either.

   

  I fix what others don't want to or can't fix.

 

• How often should my watch be serviced?

   

  The general rule is 1-5 years.

   

  There are many factors which determine how soon your watch needs to be serviced. I'll outline some of the different time frames. Servicing is not the same as having the water resistance checked. See water resistance below.

   

  • YEARLY

     

  • Older pocket watches and any wrist watch that are NOT dustproof or water resistant that are used daily.

     

    Since these watches are not sealed they very easily get moisture and dirt/dust inside them. The moisture in the air will find places inside the watch to settle and start corroding the metal parts.

     

    Dust/dirt collect in the oils used to lubricate the movement. If the watch is not cleaned regularly this dust/dirt act like sandpaper on the moving parts and cause excessive wear in a short period of time.

   

  • 2 - 3 YEARS

     

  • Watches that are dustproof and have general water resistance should be serviced every 2-3 years. These watches are better able to keep moisture and dust/dirt out but eventually they too will get some in no matter how careful you are. Again because they are not sealed very well the oils will dry out in this time and they need to then be cleaned and relubricated.

   

  • ABOUT 5 YEARS

     

  • Any watch that is water resistant with a number after it. These watches are sealed very well and as long as the water resistance is kept up the moisture and dust/dirt will not be able to accumulate in the movement. The oils will still dry out but it will take longer for this to happen. Actually the oils start to break down at this time more than they dry out. The outcome is the same, no lubrication.

 

• How often should I have the water resistance checked?

   

  Depending on use between every 6 months and no longer than every 18 months!

   

  ***Water resistance is NOT a permanent condition!***

   

  • EVERY 6 MONTHS

     

  • Any water resistant watch that is subjected to water and chemicals daily. Such as chlorinated pools, salt water or soaps.

     

    The water and chemicals along with temperature changes will dry out the gaskets or in some cases turn the gaskets into a semi-liquid mess. When this happens the gaskets NO LONGER seal the watch and water will enter your watch. It doesn't take very long for water to destroy a watch, and it doesn't take very much water.

     

    Please note that if the gaskets turn to a semi-liquid mess this will get into the movement and stop the watch. This stuff is worse than glue!

     

    It is VERY difficult to remove this gooey mess from each tiny part and tiny hole in the movement. If you let this happen expect an expensive repair on your watch.

     

  • EVERY YEAR

     

  • Any water resistant watch that is subjected to water and chemicals frequently. Such as chlorinated pools, salt water or soaps.

     

    As mentioned above these enviroments will cause the gaskets to dry out or turn to a semi-liquid mess. It just takes a little longer.

   

  • EVERY 18 MONTHS

     

  • Any water resistant watch that does not fall into the above categories. As the watch ages, the gaskets which seal the watch become dry and brittle diminishing its water resitant quality. The longer this is let go the less water resistant your watch becomes.

   

  Water resistance is measured at a static or motionless state. As the watch is moved in water, such as from the motion of swimming, pressure is added from velocity. While you may be swimming in a pool at surface level, the watch may be experiencing forces equal to that of 3 bar (100 feet). Diving into a pool can cause forces on the watch in excess of 3 bar. 1 bar is equivalent to 33 feet of water pressure.

   

  Always allow a margin of safety when exposing your watch to moisture. You should never "push the limit" of the degree of water resistance of your timepiece. For example, if the case back of your watch states "Water Resistant 10 Bar", you should only expose the watch to 7 or 8 Bar of pressure. This is especially important as the watch ages and the gaskets dry out.

   

  Be sure the crown is completely pushed in prior to any contact with moisture. If your model is equipped with a screw down crown, be sure it is properly closed. Do not operate the crown or any push button when the watch is wet as this may allow the entrance of moisture.

   

  If at any time, you notice moisture in your timepiece that does not clear in a short period of time, you should send your timepiece in as soon as possible for inspection. From time to time you may notice condensation that appears then goes away after a short period of time. This is a normal occurrence and happens primarily from sudden temperature changes. When there are sudden temperature changes such as entering a cool building from the hot outdoors, or jumping into a pool on a hot day the watch may fog. Also, if you go to the cold outdoors from a warm building, fogging may occur. As long as the fogging clears in a short period of time, there is no need for concern.

   

  Special Note About Jacuzzis and Hot Tubs

   

  The various components used in the manufacture and assembly of your watch expand at various rates. This results in a loss of the sealing capabilities of gaskets, which may allow moisture to enter. In addition, heat from these sources can cause deformation of certain materials leading to mechanical failures. For these reasons, you should remove your watch before entering a hot tub or jacuzzi.

   

  You can determine the level of water resistance of your watch from the markings on the case back. Watches are normally marked as follows:

   

  Marking on Dial	Marking on Caseback	Accidental Splashing, Perspiration	Splashing from hand washing, rain, etc.	Swimming, Snorkleing, Washing car, Fishing, etc.	Jacuzzi, Hot Tub *See Special Note Above*	Recreational SCUBA Diving	Professional Deep Water Diving
  NONE	NONE	NO!	NO!	NO!	NO!	NO!	NO!
  NONE	WATER RESIST	NO!	NO!	NO!	NO!	NO!	NO!
  WATER RESISTANT 100M (10Bar or 330Feet)	WATER RESISTANT 100M (10Bar or 330Feet)	YES!	YES!	YES!	NO!	NO!	NO!
  WATER RESISTANT 200M	WATER RESISTANT 200M	YES!	YES!	YES!	NO!	YES!	NO!
  WATER RESISTANT 300M	WATER RESISTANT 300M	YES!	YES!	YES!	NO!	YES!	YES!

   

  When I test your watch for water resistance I will let you know if it passed. You will then have the option to have me fix the problem or not.

   

  • My first battery last 4 years, why didn't the replacement battery last that long?

     

    As your watch ages, battery changes may become more frequent due to the oils in the movement drying out or dirt entering the watch through aged gaskets which causes more friction, increasing the demands of the motor which drains the battery faster.

     

    To solve this problem the movement needs to be cleaned (my 'Tune-Up' service) or in severe circumstances the movement will need replacement.

   

  • How long will my battery last?

     

    Battery life depends on a variety of things including features of your watch such as alarms, lights, the age of your watch and how the watch is used. The average life of a battery is 2 years.

   

  • Where do I send my watch for service?

     

    YWI

    7551 N. Wheatfield Dr.

    Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815

   

  • I need a new band for my Seiko Kinetic, is it available?

     

    If your watch is less than a few years old the original band is probably available depending on the model. If your watch is older there is usually a substitute band available. The substitute band will fit your watch but may look slightly different.

     

    In any event I can replace your band with the right band from Seiko.

   

  • Which watch should I buy?

     

    That's not an easy question to answer. Mainly it depends on what you like and want. Here is some helpful information to help you decide.

     

    Many of the watches produced today, especially quartz watches use ETA movements. The brand doesn't really matter. Most of the swiss brands are owned by the Swatch group. Swatch also owns ETA so that's why the watches have ETA movements in them regardless of the name on the watch.

     

    The watches you see at the 'Mart' stores whether they have Elgin, Hamilton, Gruen, Waltham, etc. on them are made in Asia. When you buy one of these you are buying the name and the style. Many of these watches have ETA movements in them.

     

    The Elgin Watch company closed it's doors about 1966.

    Gruen went out of business about 1974.

    Hamilton moved to Asia in 1970, their last american made watch was in 1969.

    Waltham closed in 1957. Any watch with these names on them that were made since these dates were made in another country.

     

    Mechanical watches for the most part have ETA movments as well. Rolex and Seiko are a couple of the few companies that still make their own movements.

     

    Currently there are no watches made in America. There are watches assembled in the U.S. using parts from other countries. There is a company in Montana that is gearing up to produce the only watch where the entire watch, movement and all are made here in the U.S.

     

    Until this happens any new watch you buy has part or all of it's components made in other countries.

     

What you should know about a new watch purchase.

Recently many watch companies (mostly Swatch companies) have stopped selling parts to material houses. They claim this is to stop hobbyists from buying parts. These companies now will only sell to 'qualified' watchmakers or authorized watch retailers.

 

What this means is now authorized watch retailers are having to get in the watch parts business. Or watchmakers have to go through an enormous amount of red tape to buy parts directly. For instance, to buy parts directly from several Swatch companies I have to apply for seperate accounts, one account for each brand of watch!

 

To make matters more difficult Swatch companies are notorious for being slow in doing anything. So, applications take forever!!! It also seems that many brands are moving their operations. Some, like Tag Heuer (in 8/04) have been sold. This makes keeping up with everything a time consuming job.

 

The good news is that through a network of retailers and watchmakers I can purchase almost any part from any brand of watch! This also means that it can take even more time!

 

Some people have already found out about what I am explaining. There are those that have contacted me saying their watchmaker can't get parts anymore. I can! I will jump through the extra hoops to get your watch fixed.

 

One of the goals of this change is to try to force consumers to send the watch back to the manufacturer for any repair.

 

The problem with this!?

 

• The manufacturers charge 2 - 3 times what I or any other reputable watchmaker charges.

 

• Then on top of that they repair what they want which is not necessarily what you want. It's a take it or leave it attitude.

   

  An example: If you want a new battery and seals installed on your watch, the manufacturer will say 'Sure, but for us to do that we have to do an overhaul!' If the watch doesn't need an overhaul why should you be forced to have it done? Worse yet, why should you be forced to pay for a service you don't want?

   

  BTW, they will want to replace almost every part except the case and caseback! Whether it needs it or not! In other words you are buying a new watch in a used case for a little less than the price of a new watch!

 

• Manufacturers are very slow. It will take months to get your watch back.

 

How do I service your watch?

 

NO corners will be cut. I will NOT do rush jobs.

 

My reputation is on the work I do. I will do the job right or I won't do it at all.

 

NO estimates of any kind will be given unless I have the opportunity to examine the watch.

 

NO exceptions.

 

 

Member of	Member of		Member of
Graduate of the National Horological Institute		Graduate of ETA Mechanical Chronograph A1 and A2

 

 

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