Just as your car or computer needs regular servicing or a complete overhaul when things break or don't work properly, the same applies to your watch. Using both classic techniques and state of the art equipment, local watch repairers and technicians are experts at repairing and maintaining any type of timepiece.

Watch service, repair and maintenance

Offering their clients a holistic service that includes both internal and external parts of the watch, repairers can repair anything that goes awry, while they can provide general maintenance that will help your watch work in perfect order while prolonging its life.

Battery replacement - one of the most common jobs carried out, battery replacement is usually offered for a minimal charge, but you'll have to pay for the new battery. Some watch repairers may also offer a water resistance test before the battery is replaced to make sure that no leaks are detected and that the battery can indeed be replaced. If your timepiece requires water resistance maintenance, the repairer will replace and lubricate the gaskets and seals, which will ensure that your watch remains resistant to water.

Wondering how often does the battery need replacing? Usually, it should last anywhere between 1 to 3 years depending on the battery, however, you'll know that it's time for a new one if your watch starts to run slow or stops entirely. Once it has stopped entirely, it's important to remove the old battery since it might leak acids, potentially damaging the overall movement of your timepiece.

Mechanical watch de-magnetism - on occasions, a mechanical watch's performance may be hampered by the magnetic fields that may penetrate the timing element. When this occurs, the technicians can carry out a test whereby an inverse magnetic field is applied to restore the watch's normal function.

5 point check-up - a holistic check-up that inspects a series of things, in essence, a 5 point check-up involves a water resistance check whereby the watch repairer ensures that the watch continues being resistant to water, while a magnetisation check is also performed to ensure that any magnetisation caused by electronics have not affected the watch's timing. The bracelet is also inspected and if the need arises, this will be either tightened or replaced altogether. Finally, the battery is checked to see if it needs replacing and lastly, the watch is cleaned and polished with a soft cloth to transform it back to its former glory.

You might have never thought of servicing your watch, however, you should do so because any oil inside it may become dry over time affecting its movement and making it either slow or fast.

Complete overhaul - Does your watch look and feel rundown? Restore it to its former glory with a complete service that includes disassembly and cleaning, reassembly of the movement and improving the watch's timing. Watch repairers also provide a full valeting service whereby your watch will be cleaned and polished.

Ideally, you should take your timepiece to the nearest watch repairer for a complete overhaul every five years or so depending on the brand and how long you've had your watch for. Doing so will also help it prolong its life.

Urgent damage repair

Did your timepiece slip through your fingers, landed flat on the floor and now its crystal has broken? Do you have a part such as a pin or a crown that's missing or broken? Watch repairers are ready to the rescue thanks to their urgent damage repair service. Typically, you'll be welcomed to simply walk-in and drop your watch off, however, in all likelihood, it will not be repaired there and then. Some of the most common urgent damage repair services include water and moisture damage, broken crystal, missing or broken crowns, pins and pushers, dial restoration, as well as any impact incidents such as when the watch is dropped onto a hard surface.

What other services are offered by watch repairers?

Is your timepiece feeling too snug or too loose? Sizing and adjustments to its bracelet can be done, very often, whilst you're waiting. Alternatively, many also sell an assortment of bracelets and straps that can replace your old ones. If you're in need of a particular strap, but it is unavailable in-store, then the repairers can order it on your behalf.

Missing or broken part? If what you're looking for is not available, then the watch repairer will order it for you. However, bear in mind that depending on the part and whether this must be ordered locally or from abroad, it may take several days for it to get here. Then you must wait for the timepiece to be repaired.

Many of the watch technicians do not only service watches but also sell them. Doubling as watch dealers, you may find a variety of well-known brands, as well as accessories. For instance, if you own quite the collection but you have no space to store your watches, you may want to purchase one of the many watch boxes available.

Estimates of any type of repairs are offered free of charge with these typically based on the total cost of the repair needed, while at times, the cost may also depend on whether you need this job completed quickly.

What to do to maintain your luxury timepiece

There are a number of steps you can take to make sure that your watch is well taken care of. For instance, you should clean it as often as possible. You can do so by soaking it in soap and water (if you're certain that it is water resistant) to loosen any grime and then wipe it down with a soft cloth. Do not skip servicing since having your watch regularly checked means that you can catch issues before they become a problem, while ensure you are fully aware of its resistance to water. So if, for example, your watch is resistant to up to 50 meters, don't wear it if you're off diving. Having said that, your watch will nonetheless be able to take a few splashes of water so don't worry too much about it.

What's more, avoid overexposure to direct sunlight and chemicals since the former might fade the colour of your watch, whereas the latter can erode the material. So keep perfumes, creams and other cosmetics, oils and cleaning supplies away from your timepiece. Also, it goes without saying that it's best not to attempt to open your watch yourself. Irrespective of what the issue is, it is always best to take your item to a professional watch repairer.