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Best Source for Mechanical Watch Repair!
IMPORTANT INFO FOR YOUR BENEFIT:
Care of your Mechanical Watches:
How often should you have your mechanical watch serviced? What is safe to do with your watch?
For pocket watches I recommend 2-5 years after the watch has been brought back into proper working order. If you don't use the watch much then the 5 year figure may be appropriate, if the watch is carried daily then the 2 year figure is appropriate.
Keep in mind that when pocket watches were used on the railroads servicing was mandatory every year. Pocket watches are more susceptible to dust, dirt, moisture and rust because their cases are not sealed air and water tight.
Wrist watches I recommend 2-10 years depending on the watch and how often it is worn. If you have a vintage watch that is not sealed and it is not dust and water resistant and you wear it daily then the 2 year figure is appropriate. If you have a more modern wrist watch that is sealed and is marked as being water resistant then every 5-10 years is appropriate even if the watch is worn daily.
It depends on the type of watch and how it is used as to how long the watch can go between servicing. Even the best oils will dry out in time. Once that happens the movement starts to wear from friction, a lot of wear can happen quickly. The balance wheel on most mechanical watches rotate 18,000 times or more each minute (some can be 28,800 - 36,000) you can see how quickly the parts will start to wear once the lubrication is gone.
If you put a watch in a lock box or safe deposit box for years you will run into the problem with the lubrication in the watch congealing. When this happens it will not longer be able to lubricate the parts and if wound and run the moving parts will wear very quickly.
No manufacturer or watchmaker will guarantee your watch to be waterproof. Here is why. At one time they did, but then someone died in a diving accident or something like that around 1970. There was a major law suit. That meant 'open season' on any watch that said 'waterproof' and leaked.
In the U.S. the Fedral Trade Commision mandated that no watch ever be labeld 'waterproof' again. So 'water resistant' became the phrase. That does not mean your watch will stand up to water. It just keeps everyone in the trade from being sued because the responsibility now rests with the consumer.
As a general guide, if your watch says 'water resistant' you may be able to wash your hands or be out in the rain. But don't go swimming, bathing, snorkeling, hot-tubbing or wash the car while wearing it.
If your watch says 'water resistant 50 meters' (5 bar) you may be able to go swimming, snorkeling, wash your hands and being out in the rain. But don't go hot-tubbing or recreational scuba diving with it.
If your watch says 'water resistant 100 meters' (10 bar) you may be able to wash your hands, go swimming, snorkeling, hot-tubbing, and recreational scuba diving with it. But don't go professional deep water diving with it.
If your watch says 'water resistant 300 meters' (30 bar) you should be able to go professional deep water diving with it and any other activity involving water.
No matter what, if you plan to do any 'water sports' with your watch, have the water resistance checked regularly. Spending a few dollars to have it checked is a LOT less expensive than having to buy a new watch!
Two More Important Things To Know:
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DO NOT shower with your watch on. The soap and shampoo will eat the gaskets and turn them into a soft sticky mess that will get into the movement! You don't want to pay the repair bill to get that stuff off every little part. It takes a lot of time and some strong chemicals.
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DO NOT pull the crown out or use any push buttons on the watch while under water or while it is wet. If you do, water will instantly enter your watch!
Read what Citizen Watch Company has to say on the subject:
A primary factor about water resistance to keep in mind is that it is not a permanent condition. When a piece is new, it meets the specifications for water resistance as indicated on the case back. However, as the watch ages, the gasket which seals the watch become dry and brittle diminishing its water resitant quality. Exposure to enviroments such as chlorinated pools, salt water or soaps from showering can accelerate drying of the gaskets. We recommend that the gaskets be changed at least every 18 months to maintain the water resistant quality of your timepiece. If the watch is exposed to chlorinated pools, soaps, salt water, etc. on an occasional basis, we recommend that the gaskets be changed on a yearly basis. If the watch is exposed to the previously mentioned enviroments on a daily basis, we recommend the gaskets be changed every 6 months to insure the water resistant quality.
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.
Yellowstone Watch, Inc. does not guarantee water resistance if your watch is worn in a shower, hot tub, jacuzzi or while bathing.
When agreeing to the estimate: you agree to pay the estimated price. If more problems or worn parts are found once the work is started we will let you know the extra costs and you can decide if you want to continue. If you decide not to continue you owe Yellowstone Watch, Inc. for the work already completed including any parts already installed or aquired for your watch.
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Graduate of the
National Horological Institute
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Graduate of
ETA Mechanical
Chronograph A1 and A2
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Yellowstone Watch, Inc.
Physical: 1001 N. Spokane St. | Post Falls, ID | 83854 | USA
Mailing address: P.O. Box 535 | Post Falls, ID | 83877 | USA
208-262-9425
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