Choosing a fine timepiece can be one of life’s most important emotional investments and is a hugely personal decision. From your wardrobe to your lifestyle, the watch you affix to your wrist every day says a good deal about who you are. We appreciate that your luxury Swiss watch means a lot to you and that you’ll want to take good care of it and maintain it properly. But daily life can take its toll – and that’s where we come in, helping you to keep it in stellar condition.
Watches of Switzerland is At Your Service
From replacing a worn-out strap to repairing a damaged movement, our in-house team of master watchmakers can carry out a comprehensive range of services to keep your timepiece ticking as smoothly as the day you first laid eyes on it. They take a great deal of pride in their work, which is why generations of clients have trusted us to care for their timepieces post purchase.
We have more accredited watchmakers than any other retailer, and we’re proud to be a brand-accredited agent of luxury Swiss horology houses, including Rolex, Breitling, TAG Heuer and OMEGA.
Caring for a mechanical watch with Watches of Switzerland
Mechanical watches are made up of hundreds of small moving component parts, which means they’re inevitably prone to wear and tear. The good news is that, with regular care, your luxury Swiss timepiece will give you pleasure for years to come. We recommend that you service your mechanical watch every three to five years, even if it seems to be in perfect working order. That’s because, over time, the lubricants that prevent friction and damage to those many fragile inner components break down and will need replacing. Our expert watchmakers perform an in-depth series of checks to make sure your timepiece returns to you in tip-top condition: they check the bracelet or strap, before detaching them and opening the case – which is also checked. The watchmakers then reset the stem and crown and check the winding mechanism. Following this, your timepiece’s hands, calendar functions and rotor are checked, before the escapement is examined. Once all parts and the movement have been inspected, with any worn or damaged parts replaced, all the parts are cleaned in specialist chemical baths, using automated cleaning machines.
When the movement is reassembled, it is fine-tuned in line with brand specifications. Next up, it is lubricated using fine oils and greases, and
the escapement is checked once more. The movement is de-magnetise, regulated and its timing is checked to brand standards using specialist Swiss timing equipment. The dial and hands are refitted, and the case and bracelet are cleaned using ultrasound technology. When the case seals have been replaced, the bracelet or strap is refitted, and the timekeeping is checked once again.
With regular care, your luxury Swiss timepiece will give you pleasure for years to come.
Once we’ve completed these steps, we test your timepiece on a wrist simulator for three to four-and-a-half hours to make sure the automatic winding system is running smoothly. The watch’s power reserve is then tested statically for 24 hours, dial down, and the rate checked, until the power has run down in the dial up position. This final inspection before we return your watch to you is critical, because, after that, it’s guaranteed for 12 or 24 months, depending on the brand. And there you have it – a mechanical watch which is as good as new.
Watches of Switzerland can engrave your watch and replace its straps
There are many ways to personalise your watch, but none are as timeless or as unique as engraving. Whether it’s to mark a significant birthday or anniversary, or a milestone occasion – for yourself or a loved one – we can engrave the case or case back of your chosen timepiece to make it extra-special. Our expert engravers can take on all manner of briefs, from initials to family crests. Ask us what’s possible – you may well be surprised!
Every watch has a different story to tell, so will have different requirements. Don’t forget that our specialist technicians are trained to look at timepieces of any age, regardless of brand or type, and will do everything they can to help restore yours to its former glory. Pure metals can be revived, straps updated and, in some cases, movements rebuilt, leaving you with a watch that looks and feels almost new. We’ll always provide you with a full estimate before proceeding. We can also update your timepiece by simply updating its strap, whether as a replacement for the worn-out original or as an alternative to add to your watch wardrobe. We offer a range of styles – please visit your nearest store for further information.
