Servicing is one of the most important yet least visible aspects of purchasing a pre-owned watch. A beautiful dial and polished case do not indicate whether the movement is running stably or if the watch is ready for regular wear.
Accuracy is just the beginning
Timegrapher readings show daily deviation, amplitude, and beat error. These values help assess the condition of the movement, but they should not be interpreted in isolation from the caliber type, testing position, and state of wind. A single result does not replace a full diagnosis.
Power reserve and automatic winding
A watch may run correctly for a few hours and still have an issue with storing energy. We verify whether it achieves a reasonable power reserve and whether the rotor effectively winds the movement during wear.
Water resistance requires testing
The declaration on the dial describes the design's capabilities at the time of manufacture, not the current state of the gaskets. It is worth performing a pressure test before exposing the watch to water. This is particularly important for diving watches, which are often purchased specifically for active use.
Servicing and originality
A good service restores functionality, but it should respect the character of the watch. In vintage models, replacing the dial, hands, or bezel can significantly impact collector value. It is worth determining the scope of work consciously rather than automatically replacing every component that shows signs of age.
Before a sale, we check the fundamental parameters and clearly communicate the condition. If a watch requires future servicing or has limitations due to its age, this should be part of the purchasing decision, not a surprise after the transaction.
