Watch Servicing

A watch needs servicing regularly to maintain its function, appearance and value, especially if it has an automatic movement. How and when this should be done depends on the watch you own, but this is usually between three and five years based on the watch manufacturer's recommendations and how often you wear it. A full overhaul service essentially involves dismantling the watch into its constituent parts and then reassembling it.

Our Watch Service

To service mechanical and automatic watches, we follow a very careful stepped process to ensure nothing is left to chance. We always look after every timepiece and keep you up to date on each stage of its repair or service journey.

Step 1. Check the case, the bracelet or the strap
Step 2. Detach the bracelet from the watch case, open the watch case and remove the stem and crown, seals and mechanism
Step 3. Reset the stem and crown and check the winding mechanism
Step 4. Check the working of the hands, calendar and automatic work if fitted
Step 5. Inspect the escapement and adjust as required
Step 6. Complete disassembly and inspection of the mechanism and component parts
Step 7. Replace any worn parts
Step 8. Clean all parts in specialist chemical baths using automated cleaning machines
Step 9. Reassemble movement, checking and making fine adjustments according to the brand specifications
Step 10. Lubricate the mechanism using 4/5 fine oils and greases, and re-check escapement
Step 11. De-magnetise, regulate and check the timing of the movement to the brand standards using special Swiss timing equipment
Step 12. Refit the dial and hands
Step 13. Ultrasonically clean the case and bracelet
Step 14. Replace case seals where appropriate and refit the movement to the case
Step 15. Check timekeeping again and adjust if required using timing equipment

We then test the watch on a wrist simulator to check the automatic winding system for between 3 and 4½ hours. The watch is then tested statically for 24 hours, dial down, and the rate checked, until the power has run down in the dial up position to check the power reserve.

Our final inspection by the watchmaker is critical before we return the watch to you. Our service is guaranteed for 12 or 24 months depending on the brand.

Our WatchMakers

Servicing is an intricate and highly skilled practice. If you arrange your watch service through Watches of Switzerland it will either be personally looked after by one of our accredited watchmakers or returned to the brand’s workshops.

We currently have watchmakers in our boutiques below:

For further information or to make an appointment, use our showroom locator to contact your nearest showroom.

Contact Us

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our client support team who will be happy to assist you with any questions you have.

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Showroom Locator

You can visit us if you’d prefer to discuss your required service in-person. Use our Showroom Locator tool to locate your nearest store.

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Watches of Switzerland Protect

If you're buying something beautiful, we want to help you take care of it, ensuring that it is safeguarded for generations to come.

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Watches of Switzerland is a trading name of Watches of Switzerland Company Limited. Registered Office: Aurum House, 2 Elland Road, Braunstone, Leicester, LE3 1TT, Registered in England and Wales, Company number 00146087. Registered VAT Number 834 8634 04. Watches of Switzerland Company Limited acts as a broker and not a lender and offers finance from Secure Trust Bank PLC trading as V12 Retail Finance and PayPal UK Ltd, Whittaker House, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, TW9 1EH trading as PayPal Credit. Watches of Switzerland Company Limited is authorised and regulated by the Finance Conduct Authority. Our registration number is 308710. Credit provided is subject to age and status, minimum spend applies. Terms and Conditions apply. UK residents only. We may receive a commission if your application is successful, and the amount may vary depending on the product chosen and the amount of credit taken out. Not all products are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and FOS protection will not be extended to unregulated agreements. Please note the Consumer Credit Act states that should your purchase / loan amount cost more than £30,000 you will not be covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

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