FAQ
Q. WHAT IS A WATCH SERVICE?
A “service” can go by a couple of different names. Depending on the watchmaker, It is also known as a “overhaul”, a “revision” or a “clean”.
Servicing a watch is needed due to the intricate mechanical working of the watch. Over time oils and grease age causing friction and wear, leading to performance issues of the watch.
If you are unsure about what sort of service the watchmaker means, please ask to clarify.
Q. WHAT DOES A COMPLETE SERVICE INVOLVE?
A complete watch service with OBR Horology Watch and Clock Repair comprises of the following:
Preliminary checks of the case and band for any kind of damage and a water resistance check;
Full disassembly of case and band components, including glass, crown, bezel and seals;
Removal of dial and hands;
Complete disassembly of watch movement, with each part individually inspected for any signs of damage, excessive wear or rust;
Cleaning of watch parts in numerous solutions;
Cleaning of the case and band components in ultrasonics;
Re-inspection of watch parts after cleaning;
Damage parts, seals and casing components replaced;
Re-assembly and lubrication of the watch;
Timing and regulation;
Final assembly of dial, hands and casing components;
Final checks and testing phase.
Q. HOW MUCH DOES A WATCH SERVICE COST?
Depending on the watch, the price of a service can vary substantially. I will ask you a few questions and inspect the watch before giving you a quote as to how much the service will cost.
Q. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MY WATCH SERVICED?
Each brand will have different recommendations on how often you should service your watch, and the service interval also differs depending on the type, such as mechanical watches or Quartz watches.
Broadly speaking a mechanical watch should be serviced every 5 years. Of course this depends on how much and how you use it. As mentioned above, every brand has a different recommendation but as long as it is done every 5 to 10 years this should suffice.
A battery operated watch is a little different. Generally these watches don’t create enough wear to warrant concern. With battery operated watches servicing is only needed when they present issues other than just a simple battery change.
Q. HOW LONG DOES A REPAIR TAKE?
A repair can take anything from 20 minutes, to a few days or even weeks. Simple jobs such as a battery change or a link removal can be done the same day depending on a watchmakers workload. For mechanical watch servicing I usually allow two weeks to complete the repair and necessary testing. If parts are required, repairs can take up to four weeks depending on availability and ordering. I will give you an estimate of how long the work will take with the initial quote and consultation.
If you would like a watch repaired please reach out to me via email: repairs@obrhorology.com.au or via my social media pages.
Facebook: @obrhorology
Instagram: @obr_horology
Q. HOW LONG WARRANTY DO I GET WITH REPAIRS
I offer a two year warranty on all full service and seal kit. This means the watch is completely dismantled, repaired, cleaned then reassembled. All seals including: glass gasket, back gasket, pusher seals and crown is replaced.
WHAT WATCHMAKING QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?
In addition to complete a 4 year apprenticeship in watch and clock repair here in Australia. I have completed both the British Horological Institute course and exams, achieving an MBHI and the American watch and clock makers institute, CW21 exam.
Along with these Qualifications I have attended numerous watchmaking conventions for continuing education and done in house brand training for watchmaking Ateliars in Europe.