How to Take Care of an Automatic Watch

Automatic Watch Repair

The invention of the automatic watch brings out the best and worst in watch companies. The best companies like Rolex and Patek Philippe manufacture their own automatic movements and stand by them to be the best. Other high end luxury watch companies like Breitling, for the most part, do not manufacture their own movements, they buy them from someone else. But no matter how they find their way into watches, automatic movements need watch repair.

There are three popular types of watch movements: automatic, manual wind, and quartz. Even though quartz is presumed as the most accurate, an automatic movement is more desirable by collectors because of the craftsmanship that must be used. Automatic movements incorporate all the same functions as a manual wind with the addition of a rotor that turns the mainspring with movements of the watch itself.

Since an automatic watch is constantly moving, then not moving, then moving again it suffers from wear and tare. Just like a car automatic watches require watch repair from time to time. A common misconception is automatic watches should run forever with no repairs. This simply is not true. Even the best watches need fixing. There are many moving parts in an automatic watch and in order to keep them moving smoothly proper lubrication is needed. After 2 or 3 years the lubrication from a brand new watch starts to wear down and the gears are grinding against each other causing the watch to lose time. If this happens for too long the gears could break and the watch could stop all together. Other small parts in the watch may shift place or break due to physical abuse to the case. Everyone bangs into something from time to time and parts in the watch move.

Watch repair for an automatic watch movement is not a simple task. It has to be done by a certified watch maker. Sending your watch back to the manufacturer for service is always a possibility. They will gladly repair your watch for a price. However, a better option is bringing it to a local jeweler who employs their own watch maker. The job can usually be done for half the price in half the time. Just make sure beforehand that he is truly certified and has documentation to prove it. A watch’s value always comes from its movement and any damage to the movement could damage its value.

by, Seth at Raymond Lee Jewelers

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