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Understanding Watch Overhauls: What Goes into This Essential Service?

Updated: Nov 5


watch overhauls

A watch overhaul is a critical service that ensures your timepiece continues to function accurately and reliably over the years. But what does a watch overhaul mean, and why is it so important? Whether you own a luxury watch or a reliable everyday piece, understanding what goes into a watch overhaul can help you keep your watch in peak condition. This guide explores the intricacies of the overhaul process and the factors that influence the cost and quality of the service.


The Importance of Overhauls


Watch overhauls are essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of any timepiece. Over time, the internal mechanisms of a watch can wear down, leading to inaccuracies or mechanical failures if left unaddressed.


Longevity and Performance of Watches


Watches, especially mechanical and automatic models, contain hundreds of tiny moving parts, all working together in harmony to keep accurate time. As these parts experience wear and tear over the years, the watch may begin to lose accuracy or even stop working. An overhaul prevents this by addressing issues before they lead to significant damage.


By periodically having your watch overhauled, you can extend its lifespan and ensure it keeps running smoothly. Overhauls also help to prevent breakdowns, ensuring that your watch continues to function as designed for many years.


Value Preservation Over Time


For high-end watches, particularly luxury brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega, a professional overhaul is not only about performance—it’s about preserving value. Watches in good working condition that have a consistent service history tend to maintain or even increase in value over time.


Collectors often look for watches that have been carefully maintained, with records showing regular overhauls and the use of original parts. A well-documented overhaul history is a mark of authenticity and care, which is crucial in retaining the watch’s resale value.


Breakdown of an Overhaul Process


A watch overhaul is a comprehensive and meticulous process that involves several key stages. Each stage requires a high level of precision to ensure that the watch is restored to optimal working condition.


Disassembly and Cleaning


The overhaul process begins with the complete disassembly of the watch. Every component, from the case to the intricate internal parts like gears and springs, is carefully removed. Watches can contain hundreds of tiny parts, each of which must be handled with care to avoid damage.


Once disassembled, the parts are cleaned in specialised ultrasonic machines. This cleaning removes dirt, dust, and old lubricants that can build up over time and affect the movement of the watch. Proper cleaning is crucial to restoring the watch’s functionality and preventing wear.


Inspection and Replacement of Components


After cleaning, each part is carefully inspected for wear or damage. Certain components, such as mainsprings or balance wheels, may wear out over time and need to be replaced. Watchmakers examine every part to ensure it meets the necessary standards for continued use.

If any part is found to be worn or broken, it is replaced with a new component. Using genuine parts is essential for luxury watches to maintain their integrity and value. A professional watchmaker will always source parts that are specific to the brand and model of the watch.


Technical Aspects of Overhauling


In addition to disassembly and cleaning, overhauling involves several technical procedures that are essential to restoring the watch to its original precision.


Calibration and Lubrication


Once the components are cleaned and inspected, the watchmaker reassembles the movement and performs calibration. Calibration ensures that the timepiece keeps accurate time, which is critical for the performance of mechanical and automatic watches. Watches are finely tuned to ensure they meet the manufacturer’s timekeeping standards.


Lubrication is another important step. Without the proper application of specialised oils, the friction between moving parts can cause significant wear, reducing the longevity of the watch. Lubricants ensure the movement operates smoothly and efficiently.


Reassembly and Quality Control


After calibration and lubrication, the watch is reassembled and put through rigorous testing to ensure all functions are working properly. This phase often includes testing for timekeeping accuracy, water resistance, and other performance factors specific to the watch model.


The final step in an overhaul is quality control, where the watch undergoes detailed checks to ensure it is functioning perfectly. High-quality control is critical, especially for luxury watches, as even a small issue can affect both the performance and value of the watch.


Cost Factors in Overhauls


The cost of a watch overhaul varies significantly depending on several factors. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions about when and where to have your watch serviced.


Labour and Parts


The complexity of the watch and the skill required to overhaul it are two of the biggest contributors to the overall cost. Watches with more complicated movements, such as chronographs or perpetual calendars, require more time and expertise, which can increase labour costs.


Variations by Brand and Watch Model


Different brands and models require different approaches during an overhaul. Luxury brands such as Rolex, Omega, or Tag Heuer often have unique designs that require specialised tools and expertise. This specialised knowledge, along with the cost of genuine brand parts, can significantly raise the price of an overhaul.


On average, a basic overhaul for a Swiss mechanical watch can range from $400 to $600, whereas more complex watches, such as those from luxury brands, can cost $1,000 or more, depending on the extent of repairs needed.


Choosing a Service Provider for Overhauls


Selecting the right service provider for a watch overhaul is just as important as the overhaul itself. Whether you opt for an authorised brand service centre or an independent watchmaker, ensuring your watch is in capable hands is crucial.


Expertise in Specific Brands


When choosing a service provider, look for one with experience servicing your specific brand of watch. Different brands have unique requirements, and only a certified or highly experienced watchmaker will have the necessary tools and parts to perform the overhaul correctly.


Reputation and Reviews


Reputation is everything when it comes to watch servicing. Look for customer reviews and testimonials that reflect the quality of the service provider’s work. It’s also worth checking whether the service provider has received any industry certifications or awards, as these are indicators of high-quality work.


Where to Get Your Watch Overhauled: Global Watch Service Centre


At Global Watch Service Centre, we specialise in servicing a wide range of watch brands, from luxury timepieces like Rolex and Omega to classic vintage models. Our skilled technicians are trained in the art of watchmaking, ensuring that each watch is treated with care and precision during every step of the overhaul process.


  • Expertise in luxury brands: Our team is experienced in handling high-end brands, ensuring that your watch is overhauled to manufacturer standards.

  • Customer satisfaction: We take pride in our reputation for delivering excellent service and maintaining transparent communication with our clients.


Tick-Tock, It’s Time for a Top-Notch Overhaul!


A watch overhaul is an essential service for maintaining both the performance and value of your timepiece. By disassembling, cleaning, inspecting, and recalibrating the movement, a skilled watchmaker ensures that your watch remains accurate and functional for years to come. Whether you own a luxury timepiece or an everyday watch, regular overhauls will keep it running smoothly and looking its best.


If you're considering a watch overhaul, make sure to choose a reputable service provider with the expertise and experience to handle your specific watch model. Proper maintenance will not only ensure your watch’s longevity but also preserve its value.

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