How often should my mechanical watch be serviced and how do I recognize problems?
Each watch brand recommends a different maintenance interval for its watches. This is usually three to six years. The following points may indicate that your watch is due for service:
- A shorter power reserve, this means that your watch will stop more quickly after not wearing or winding it.
- Your watch is no longer keeping time correctly. Your mechanical watch is adjusted to -6 to +4 seconds per day after service. Due to wear and tear of parts or external influences, your watch can have a greater deviation. Then it is time for service.
- Your chronograph no longer resets to the 0 position. If you press the reset button after using your chronograph and the hands no longer jump back to the 0 position properly, this is a sign that the movement needs maintenance.
What does a service for my mechanical watch entail?
When servicing your watch, the various components of the movement are disassembled and checked for wear. Each of these components is thoroughly cleaned and parts subject to wear are replaced. The movement is then reassembled with the correct oils. After completing this service, the watch undergoes a selection of tests to determine whether it is functioning properly again.
Does my quartz watch also need servicing?
No, watches with a quartz movement generally do not have a fixed maintenance interval. This is partly because there are far fewer moving parts than with a mechanical movement. If your quartz watch stops, or does not tick per second, this is a sign that the battery is empty.
Can I have the battery of my quartz watch replaced by House of Pertijs?
At House of Pertijs we can change the battery of your quartz watch. If your watch originally had a water resistance of 3 ATM or higher and you want your watch to be water resistant again after the battery change, you should leave the watch with us so that we can order the correct gaskets for your watch. If the water resistance is not important, in many cases you can wait for the battery change.
Will my watch be serviced by House of Pertijs itself?
Our watchmakers have undergone training for many of the brands that House of Pertijs is a dealer of, in order to be allowed to service them. In many cases, your watch will be serviced in-house. However, there may be a number of reasons to send your watch to the manufacturer. Parts are not supplied. Our watchmakers are not certified for repairs. Your watch is still under warranty. There is a long waiting time at our own watchmakers.
How much does it cost to service my watch?
The prices of servicing your watch vary widely. The factor that has the most influence on this is how complicated the movement is. Prices for servicing start at around €300 and can go up to several thousand euros for the most complicated watches. Another factor that influences this is the damage to your watch. If your watch has fallen hard, for example, the dial may be broken or other parts may have suffered severe damage. Before we carry out your repair, you will always receive a quote in which we explain what maintenance is necessary and which options are recommended.
How long does it take to service my watch?
Servicing your watch is a time-consuming process, also because we always test your watch for a few days before it is declared ready. On average, a service takes between 5 and 7 weeks, but in special cases a service can take several months. When your watch is ready, our aftersales service will contact you immediately.