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 may indicate that your watch needs servicing:
- A shorter power reserve, meaning your watch will stop more quickly if you don't wear it or wind it.
- Your watch is no longer keeping time correctly. Your mechanical watch is adjusted to -6 to +4 seconds per day after service. Wear and tear on parts or external influences can cause your watch to exhibit greater deviation. In that case, it's time for service.
- Your chronograph no longer resets to the 0 position. If, after using your chronograph, you press the reset button and the hands no longer return to the 0 position properly, this is a sign that the movement needs maintenance.
What does a service for my mechanical watch entail?
During a service for your watch, the various components of the movement are disassembled and checked for wear. Each component is thoroughly cleaned, and any parts subject to wear are replaced. The movement is then reassembled with the correct oils. After this service, the watch undergoes a series of tests to determine whether it is fully functional again.
Does my quartz watch also need servicing?
No, watches with a quartz movement generally don't have a fixed maintenance interval. This is partly because they have far fewer moving parts than a mechanical movement. If your quartz watch stops or doesn't tick every second, it's a sign that the battery is dead.
Can I have the battery of my quartz watch replaced by House of Pertijs?
At House of Pertijs, we can change the battery in your quartz watch. If your watch originally had a water resistance of 3 ATM or higher and you want it to be waterproof again after the battery change, you should leave your watch with us so we can order the correct gaskets for it. If water resistance isn't important, in many cases you can wait for the battery change.
Will my watch be serviced by House of Pertijs itself?
Our watchmakers have been trained to service many of the brands House of Pertijs is a dealer of. In many cases, your watch will be serviced in-house. However, there are several reasons why you might want to send your watch to the manufacturer. Parts may not be provided. Our watchmakers are not certified to perform repairs. Your watch is still under warranty. There is a long waiting list at our own watchmakers.
How much does it cost to service my watch?
Watch service prices vary widely. The most important factor is the complexity of the movement. Service prices start around €300 and can reach several thousand euros for the most complicated watches. Another factor is the damage to your watch. If your watch has been dropped, for example, the dial may be cracked or other components may have sustained significant damage. Before we carry out your repair, you will always receive a quote explaining 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, partly because we always test your watch for a few days before declaring it ready. On average, a service takes between 5 and 7 weeks, but in exceptional cases, it can take several months. Once your watch is ready, our after-sales service will contact you immediately.