subject: Watch care for mechanised (manual and automatic) watches [print this page] Watch care for mechanised (manual and automatic) watches
Manufacturers suggest that a mechanised timepiece be serviced every three to five years regardless of whether it's running all right. The reason for it is that given time, the oil that keeps the assorted watch parts lubricated could depreciate hence escalating the friction between movement's components. This will result in the watch being less precise as well as cause abrasion. When the watch is serviced, the timepiece is taken apart and the movement components are chemically cleansed. Components are tested and worn out pieces are replaced. Then the movementis reassembled, lubricated and regulated. With regard to mechanised watches, especially automatic watches, being more and more reasonably priced now and taking into account the cost of getting a mechanised timepiece serviced, it could not be cost effective to service an affordable mechanised timepiece.
It is strongly recommended that mechanical timepieces should be wound everyday even if it is not used. A mechanical watch performs better when fully wound up than when it's wound down. Winding the watch everyday will also stop the movement's lubricants from congealing. When you wind a manual wind watch, you ought to sense the tension and evaluate if the main spring is fully wound. It might take some practice to figure this out if you have never owned a mechanical watch. While it is rare that the main spring could break from 1-winding, it is theoretically possible and will happen from time to time. Automatic watches do not have this limitation.
Watch care for quartz timepieces
A quartz timepiece usually doesn't need much repair as it consists of far fewer components than a mechanised timepiece. Almost certainly the only kind of upkeep you would ever need to do is charge the battery. A silver oxide battery will need to be replaced every two years or so. A lithium battery may last ten years or more.
Quartz watches are inherently more accurate than mechanical watches. Whether or not you have a mechanical watch or a quartz watch, if it is a water resistant watch, after the watch case it opened, the water resistance of the watch is compromised as the gaskets that keep water out are dislodged from their situation. Consequently it is vital to check the gaskets to make certain they are not dried or cracked. If you need to maintain the water resistance of the watch, you ought to take your timepiece to a repair shop equipped with water resistant testing equipments. Be aware that the water resistance of a watch will worsen over a period of time even if the timepiece is never opened due to the natural aging of the gaskets.
