Automatic device is operating inefficiently

 

The automatic device transfers an individuals motion or movement to the mainspring, which in turn distributes that power to the remainder of the timepiece. If the automatic device functions ineffectively, the power is not distributed efficiently to the mainspring and affects the overall performance of an automatic timepiece.

 

 

Barrel and arbor require replacement

 

The barrel which houses the mainspring and the arbor on which the mainspring attaches to the barrel, are highly utilized components in the daily function of a mechanical timepiece and thus experience significant general wear.

 

 

Battery Acid Leakage

 

Advanced corrosion (from the battery) can lead to extensive movement damage. Minor corrosion can lead to foreign flakes entering the working portions of the timepiece, causing potential performance issues. Corrosion can generally be avoided by replacing a battery every 24 months (at maximum). Leaving the battery in a timepiece for longer than 24 months significantly increases the probability that the battery will corrode.

 

 

Battery is testing above 1.25, timepiece should be fully functional

 

A brand new battery is 1.55V (3V for Lithium). 1.25V represents the level of voltage needed in a battery for the timepiece to operate without any flaws and is a general average provided by manufacturers’ tolerance documentation. If the battery is below 1.25, it is expected that a timepiece may not function or function with limitations. However, if a battery is above 1.25V, the timepiece should function without limitations. If a timepiece is not fully functional and the battery voltage exceeds 1.25V, an internal issue may exist which has caused the movement to behave inefficiently.

 

Replacing the battery will generally supply enough power for the timepiece to run, but we can not guarantee the performance and longevity of the movement, given that we have determined the movement to possess inefficiencies. Please note that there may be slight deviations from the above voltages based on the particular movement manufacturer.

​

 

Bezel friction and holding springs are worn

 

In most watch models, the area underneath the bezel is not protected from water/debris intrusion. As a result, the springs underneath the bezel may become worn. The springs may also wear due to general use of the bezel.

 

The friction spring (or click spring) provides the click or ratchet of the bezel, where the holding spring is generally used to attach the bezel to the case of the timepiece.

 

 

Bezel marker missing

 

 

Bezel paint has deteriorated

 

It is not uncommon for bezel paint or enamel to deteriorate over time. We can generally repaint or reapply enamel into engraved bezels, although the exact color (ink) may not be exact. Bezels which are not engraved, can not be repainted but may be able to be replaced.

 

 

Bezel screws are damaged

 

Damage can either to be to the head or to the threading.

 

 

Bracelet components are damaged

 

Refers to links, rivets, end-pieces, the clasp and buckle.

 

 

Bracelet components are missing

 

 

Case has damage or wear

 

Refers to over polishing, extreme wear to case holes (where spring bars or screws attach), denting, or structural damage.

 

 

Case back has physical damage

 

Generally refers to damage at points where tools are used to open the case back but can also refer to general aesthetic of structural damage.

 

 

Case back screws are damaged

 

 

Case tube requires replacement

 

The case tube is the portion of the case to which the crown connects (or sits on). The case tube is generally friction fit or threaded into the case. Over time or as a result of physical impact, the case tube may become loose (in the case). In many cases, the case tube requires replacement.

​

 

Case tube threading stripped, requires replacement

 

In many timepiece models, the crown screws into the case tube (both components are threaded). It is possible for the threading on the case tube to become significantly worn and require replacement. The causes for this are most likely general wear and tear, physical impact, or cross threading (improperly aligning the crown and tube when screwing down the crown). Please advise clients to never operate the crown and tube system while the timepiece is on their wrist.

 

 

Case tube is worn, does not require replacement

 

Minor structural or threading damage to the case tube which does not affect functionality or performance of the crown, tube and water resistance systems.

 

 

Chronograph mechanism damage

 

Refers to damage to chronograph components inside the movement, such as levers, chronograph wheels, cam system, column wheel, etc.

 

 

Clasp is worn or deformed

 

Refers to structural changes in the clasp or junction links, generally the loss of metal or notable deformation of clasp components.

 

 

Crown is missing, requires replacement

 

Refers to a missing crown or a crown which is present but not connected to the stem (broken off).

 

 

Crown is worn, does not require replacement

 

Refers to aesthetic damage to the crown or inconsequential wear of the threading.

 

 

Crown requires replacement

 

Refers to crowns with significant structural damage. Also refers to crowns which do not have replaceable gaskets.

 

 

Crown stone/emblem missing or damaged

 

Refers to aesthetic damage which is inconsequential to the performance of the crown system.

 

 

Crown threading is stripped, requires replacement.

 

The threading of the crown (where is attaches to the case tube) has worn and the crown can no longer screw down as designed.

​

 

Crystal has advanced damage

 

Refers to cracks, dents or severe scratches. Can also refer to acrylic crystals which are structurally unsound or over-polished.

 

 

Crystal requires replacement

 

Refers to crystals which are damaged on the perimeter of the bezel, acrylic crystals which are structurally unsound or crystals with deep inclusions, cracks or dents.

 

 

Customer has requested a maintenance service

 

A service which includes the battery (in quartz timepiece), diagnostic testing, all gaskets for water resistance restoration, case and bracelet disassembly for ultrasonic cleaning and vacuum and pressure testing for water resistance.

 

 

Customer has requested an overhaul service

 

A restoration, cleaning and adjustment of mechanism.

 

 

Customer has requested a refinishing service

 

A refinishing service may remove all scratches or imperfections. Additionally, the refinishing process removes metal from the timepiece and can affect the structural longevity and appearance of the timepiece.

 

Refinishing services may only be performed in combination with a maintenance service or overhaul service (as the timepiece must be disassembled).

 

Case backs can only receive very limited intervention, as to not remove any manufacturer markings.

 

 

Date mechanism damage

 

Refers to damage or wear to components specifically used for calendar functions, including discoloration or structural damage to calendar discs.

 

 

Dial discoloration/surface scratches

 

Refers to dial damage which does not impact the functionality of the timepiece. This type of damage is generally caused by moisture and debris entering the timepiece, oxidation, UV damage and damage from the hands coming into contact with the dial. A

Additionally, a dial marker may become unattached due to an impact or shock to the timepiece.

 

 

Dial feet are broken

 

This refers to the 2 feet which attach the dial to the movement. When this occurs the dial can spin freely (as it is not attached to the movement). Additionally, the feet (which were previously attached to the dial) are lodged in the movement. A dial replacement is generally offered in this situation, although a repair is sometimes a possible option.

​

 

Dial requires replacement

 

This is generally due to broken dial feet, but can also refer to dials with severe structural or moisture damage.

 

 

Electric module is not functional

 

The electric module powers and regulates the power in a quartz timepiece. In the event that an electric module is not functioning, the timepiece can not operate until the module is replaced. On very rare occasions, we are able to repair a module.

 

 

Electric module is not properly transferring power from battery

 

There are numerous tests which measure the operations of the electric module. If a module is out of tolerance, the timepiece may experience unpredictable performance. However, performance may be considered adequate within the customers’ expectations, hence why we generally offer an option to perform partial (maintenance) service.

 

 

Hands are detached

 

One or more of the hands are detached from their posts or a hand post has broken off from its wheel. It is possible to tighten a hand if it has simply loosened and fallen off from its post. If the post has broken off with a hand attached, both the hand and wheel will require replacement.

 

 

Hands discoloration or damage

 

Aesthetic damage to the hands which does not impact the functionality of the timepiece. This type of damage is generally caused by moisture, oxidation and UV damage.

 

 

Hands require replacement

 

The hands or luminescent material are damaged beyond repair and require replacement. This generally applies to a situation where the luminescent material has significantly corroded or has become detached from the body of the hand.

 

Additionally, replacement often occurs for hands which can not be tightened due to structural reasons or excessive wear. Please note that some manufacturers require that hands be replaced as part of an overhaul service.

 

 

Internal lubrication has depleted

 

The lubrications used in timepieces are very fine. Additionally, due to the overall miniature landscape of the movement, lubrication is applied very sparsely to specific areas of the mechanism.

 

As the timepiece ages, the lubrication naturally hardens or can shift into areas where it was not designed to reside. This process leads to diminished performance of the movement.

 

Please keep in mind that quartz movements operate whether or not they are being worn. Pulling out the crown in order to stop the timepiece from running is not an effective solution in slowing down the depletion process in many quartz mechanisms, as pulling out the crown mechanically blocks the wheel from advancing. Essentially, the timepiece is running but the hands cannot move.

 

Lubrication should be replaced in quartz timepieces every 5 years on average and every 4 years in mechanical timepieces, on average.

​

 

Internal mechanism blockage

 

Blockages can be caused by debris, dried lubrication or a damaged component.

 

 

Link pins and screws are worn

 

Refers to significant loss of metal from pins, screws or tubes. Generally, these components will require replacement in order for the timepiece to securely stay on the wrist.

 

 

Mainspring requires replacement

 

The mainspring is the power source for mechanical timepiece. Because the mainspring expands and contracts as part of the normal operation of the timepiece, it experiences significant wear which results in diminished performance. The mainspring is frequently replaced as part of an overhaul service.

 

It is also possible for a mainspring to snap or break. In this instance, the timepiece will not be able to function without replacing the mainspring.

 

 

Middle case requires replacement

 

The main portion of the case has significant structural damage, damage to a non-replaceable case tube (common with Breitling), damage to push buttons which can not be repaired, damage to threading or damage to chimney (the area which the bezel surrounds). A case replacement may also be necessary if the case holes (where case attaches to bracelet) are significantly worn.

 

 

Moisture, dust or debris present internally

 

Foreign debris can enter the timepiece through a worn gasket, crown, case tube and pushers. Debris can also enter through a damaged crystal. Many times debris enters timepiece due to user error, such as using push buttons while the timepiece is submerged in water or by not screwing down a crown or helium valve during water activities.

 

Damage can be generally avoided by replacing the gaskets every 24 months (we warranty gaskets for 12 months). Not replacing the gaskets as frequently and using the timepiece in water, dramatically increases the probability that moisture or debris will enter the timepiece through dried out and ineffective gaskets.

 

Please note that not all timepieces are water-resistant.

 

 

Oscillating weight axle requires replacement 

 

The axle on which the oscillating mass or weight operates. Wear of this component decreases the efficiency of the automatic winding system.

​

 

Push button(s) missing, requires replacement

 

 

Push button(s) requires replacement

 

Refers to push buttons which are too damaged to repair. There are also situations where gaskets are not available separately from the entire push button assembly, therefore the entire push button must be replaced in order for new gaskets to be installed.

 

 

Push button(s) worn, does not require replacement

 

Aesthetic push button damage or minor damage which can be repaired.

 

 

Rust present internally

 

Generally a sign of long term moisture intrusion or very heavy short term moisture intrusion.

 

 

Scratches to exterior

 

Normal wear and tear.

 

 

Setting mechanism damage

 

Refers to damage specifically to setting components and often involves damaged setting wheels, most often due to the depletion of lubrication or improper setting practices

 

 

Spring-bars require replacement

 

Refers to bent spring-bars or spring-bars which present a major loss of metal.

 

 

Stem requires replacement

 

The stem can become easily rusted if the crown, crown gasket, case tube or case tube gasket become worn. Additionally, a stem can break due to improper winding and setting practices, such as using the crown/tube system while the timepiece is on the wrist.

 

 

Winding mechanism damage

 

Refers to damage to winding-specific components. Most damage occurs due to the depletion of lubrication. Damage also often occurs due to improper winding practices.

​

​