OUR SERVICES
Batteries Replacement
Watch batteries come in many different forms in terms of size, power, type, brand and quality. Most quartz watches use 1.5V Silver Oxide batteries of which there are in excess of 40 different sizes in common use. LCD (liquid crystal display) or digital watches tend to use 3 volt lithium batteries. Some watches including one from Omega use an unusual 2 volt lithium battery.
Regarding quality, the watch repair marketplace is unregulated and thus many many inferior batteries are sold and fitted by both jewellers and ‘repairers’. In recent times there has been a flood of alkaline watch batteries entering this market. Alkaline batteries are completely useless for watches as their power reserve and performance dips from day 1. For example if a torch is left on for a number of hours, it will of course be considerably dimmer and if left the beam will just fade away. These batteries are unfortunately commonly fitted in watches too. After these cells have spent their energy, they are then are prone to leakage and will destroy a movement in a watch.
Many battery brands are used in the marketplace. Common ones are Maxell, Rayovac, Sony and Varta. We uses Renata wherever possible. These tend to be the most expensive but are in our view the very best. Renata is a Swiss made battery manufacturing company owned by Swatch Group (Omega, Longines, Hamilton, Breguet etc). In our experience, Renata batteries are the most reliable and last the longest too. They are also the battery of choice fitted by premier Swiss watch houses including Tag HEUER, Breitling, Chopard and even Rolex for their quartz collections.
Dial Restoration
A watch’s dial or face is the most visible part of the watch and therefore if it is damaged or discoloured – whether due to age, water damage, or a knock or drop – then it has a large impact on the watch’s appearance. If a dial is very badly damaged, then for most modern watches the best solution is to replace the dial with a new one. However, for anything that is vintage or no longer in production, we are instead able to repair a damaged dial, or in some cases, restore a dial back to its original condition.
Quite commonly the markers, logo or numbers on a dial can become loose and fall out of their position. During a dial repair, we will reaffix these into place without leaving any evidence of the dial having been repaired. A dial restoration is a more specialised job that requires the dial to be dismantled and then slowly built back together, providing the original colour, finish and decoration to the dial.
First the dial markers or numbers are removed, and then then dial is rubbed down to its base metal colour. The dial is then given the correct finish and is coloured. The details such as any writing, or numbers are then printed onto the dial, if required parts can be hand painted. A lacquer is then applied in thin layers to preserve the colour and detailing. Once this has dried the dial markers are then refitted, along with any logo or window for the date.
Movement Repairs
Quartz watch movements in many fashion brands are often exchanged for brand new. The decision to repair or renew is made upon the most cost effective way for the watch and the customer. This is called module exchange or known as ‘Mod X’ in the industry.
Swiss high quality quartz watch movements are strip serviced and repaired. Worn or defective internal components such as circuits or coils are renewed as necessary.
Mechanical watches are strip serviced. Tired internal components are renewed or repaired. Parts such as train wheels are replaced when found to be worn or damaged. Mainsprings are almost always replaced at the time of service and overhaul. The balance wheel (or balance complete) which allows the workings to advance at a set amount of time, sometimes needs to be replaced also. This is a particularly high cost item especially with older and near obsolete models.
Watch Straps & Bracelet
Is your watch strap or bracelet worn or damaged? Does it no longer fit your wrist? Does the clasp no longer close properly? Or does the bracelet have scratches on it that you would like removed? Whether you want a replacement, repair or adjustment to your watch bracelet or strap your local The Watch Lab will be able to help. Each of our nationwide Labs have a range of high-quality leather straps in stock, and are able to help you choose a replacement from a catalogue of 100s of different styles, colours and sizes.
If your watch does not fit as well as it once did, then we will be able to either remove or add links into your bracelet, or add additional holes into your watch strap. Clasps can become strained and damaged over time, leaving them loosely fitting or unable to close correctly. We are able to carefully adjust your clasp to tighten it, or if not possible then we can offer a replacement new clasp. Through general wear and tear bracelets can become scratched and lose their original finish and shine.
However, most metals such as steel, gold or titanium can be refinished by expertly trained watchmakers to look like new. Across our network of 20 nationwide Labs, our friendly watch technicians are able to make adjustments and repairs to your watch bracelet or strap within 1-hour. For complex repairs then your watch can be sent to our main service centre where our qualified watchmakers are able to repair, adjust and refurbish your bracelet.
Service and Overhaul
Why should I get my watch serviced?
A watch is a machine and like all machines they need to be serviced on a regular basis. Whether it is a car, home central heating system or lawnmower a watch is no different. Parts wear and sometimes fail, lubricating oils dry and work less effectively and damage can occur.
What is involved when servicing a wrist watch?
The watch movement is firstly completely stripped down. All components are disassembled and ultrasonically cleaned of their old lubricating oils. Each part is then checked, scrutinised and any worn parts are repaired or replaced. (If a quartz movement, then the electrical circuit is also checked, tested and replaced if necessary and a new battery fitted). The movement is then built back up, re-lubricated with the correct oils and regulated to be as accurate as possible. Finally the watch is resealed and valeted by both machine and hand polishing. This means that at completion, each timepiece is not just mechanically sound on the inside but looks fantastic on the outside.