We Answer Your Watch Questions!

Do you have questions about your luxury watch?  Our certified watchmaker, Josh Pugh is here to answer your questions.  Josh Pugh is our WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training Education Program) Certified Watchmaker. This certification means that Josh has successfully passed the 18½ hour test and has the skills to maintain and repair Swiss watches. Josh is also a graduate from the famed Lititz Watch Technicum, and earned his CW21 certification from the A.W.C.I. (American Watch and Clock Institute). Josh is certified to repair most Swiss watch brands, including Rolex, Cartier, Tag Heuer, Baume & Mercier, Breitling, IWC, Omega and more.  Come meet Josh and see our state-of-the-art watch repair facility.  In the meantime, read on for our most asked watch questions.

Q. Is there a particular time of day when the date should be changed on a watch?

A. Change the time at any point, however, don’t change the date between 9 pm and 3 am.  During that time, the date is going through its own cycle and your could damage the date ring.

Q. Why is my second hand stopping then jumping 4-5 seconds at a time?

A. That is the E.O.L. or End-of-Life indicator.  It is letting you know that the battery is weak and near the end of its life and should be changed.

Q. Do you have any tips for winding a mechanical watch?

A. Wind your mechanical watch around the same time every day.  It is possible to over wind a manual wind watch so be careful not to wind the watch past its stopping point.  The crown should be turned gently as you are winding the watch to prevent damaging the movement.  If the watch has stopped, set the time before you wind the watch.

Q. I have a water-resistant watch that needs a new seal.  Can you replace the seal in-house?

A. We will replace the rubber seals in the case, crown and case tube.  Such work can usually be performed quickly and will not normally require the watch to be left with us for more than 24 hours.  Once the work has been performed, your watch will be fully tested to ensure that it is water-resistant before it leaves our care.  If your watch requires a stem and crown or other parts to make it water-resistant, we will notify you immediately and will do everything we can to expedite repairs.

Q. How often should I change the battery in my quartz watch?

A. The quartz movement must have its “cell” or battery changed an average of every 18 months.  Make sure a certified watchmaker changes the battery to insure it is resealed properly for water-resistance.

Q. Should I be concerned if I see moisture under my crystal?

A. Yes! Water damage is one of the most destructive things that can happen to a watch.  If it is not caught early enough, it can be very expensive to repair.

For more information on our watch repair and services, explore our website.  We’re very social, so be sure to join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

~Photo at top of page courtesy of Breitling.