This is part two for how to take care of your luxury timepiece. Previously we went over five tips on how to maintain and take care of your timepiece. In this article we continue with these tips.
Should You Have a Professional Polish Your Watch?
If you are wanting to maintain the value of your timepiece, then you will want to pick a professional watchmaker that can service your watch. You will also need to make sure to tell them specifically what you want done to it. When it comes to watches, originality is key, but not all professionals are the same and with that, some will restore watches to their original appearance.
When a watch is restored to how it used to look; this can actually decrease the value of the timepiece. This is especially true when the exterior case is polished. Luminous material on a dial that is repainted, or even when original parts are replaced can also decrease the value. It is critical that the watch maintains its original finish. When a watch is professionally polished it can actually alter the metal’s original finish, remove metal, and even alter the original bevels on the edges of the case. This is just one of a few reasons why professional polishing can decrease the value and interest of a watch. So, to answer the question, no, you should not have an expensive timepiece professionally polished.
Dials and Bezels
Usually, the most of the value of a watch is within the dial. This is why it is critical that the dial remains as original as possible. Watches that were made between the 1930s and 50s often came with dials that were painted with radium for luminosity. If watches from this era were shipped back to Switzerland for service persay, the company may not legally be able to re-export the watches back to the owners.
When it comes to certain brands of watches, the only method that you will get your watch back with the original radium on the dial is to physically travel to Switzerland yourself to pick up the watch. If the radium material is removed, it would significantly decrease the value of the watch. The same applies to replacing bezels and crowns also.
Replacement of Crystals
When it comes to the aesthetic value of a watch, generally, crystals rank amongst the least important parts. Of course, it is always a plus to have the original crystals in place. However, depending on the brand of the watch, collectors can be forgiving about replacements when the original crystals are scratched or cracked.
The key exception to this rule however are when timepieces with crystals are signed, or those which have unobtainable replacements. Some watches from the 1960s, such as Omegas and Universals, feature crystals with logos at their center, which of course, collectors would prefer to retain. Similarly, some vintage timepieces, such as the Panerais, feature large, domed crystals which are no longer made in the same way, and would be impossible to replace.
At the very least, if a crystal Is replaced on a watch, ask the watchmaker or company to return the timepiece along with the original crystal, so that it can be included with the piece if you ever decide to sell or trade it in the future.
Retain the Original Bracelets, if Possible
Like the timepiece, the bracelets for the timepiece are of increasing value to collectors too. Sometimes these bracelets will provide important aesthetic features that helps the timepiece stand out. Such as the case with some timepieces made by Patek Philippe and Rolex. More and more collectors want to have their timepieces with the authentic bracelets. Not only for how they appear but how they wear also.
Take Care of the Movements
Movements are the heart of a watch so to speak and, as such, they will need to be kept in great shape. Movements are where professional watchmakers earn their living. Whenever, if ever, a watch comes into contact with dust and/or moisture, or it loses its lubrication, then they will unfortunately become damaged.
The number of individual components that make up a movement can actually run into the hundreds, believe it or not! Skilled technicians are able to fully disassemble complex movements like this, cleaning and relubricating the parts as needed. Watchmakers can then reassemble the timepiece and adjust its timing. Collectors will want to keep their timepieces running as cleanly and as accurately as possible and it is critical that these watches are serviced by reputable and trusted watchmakers that have the necessary tools and workmanship in order to achieve this.
About Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry
Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry has been providing quality products and professional services to the metropolitan Denver, CO area since 1951. The very first watch repair and service facility ever opened in Colorado. Dan Matheu, watchmaker, pioneered watch repair and services in Colorado. Today, Scott Matheu is at the helm steering Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry. With his vision, Scott opened a watch store in Highlands Ranch and has made Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry not only one of the largest watch stores to provide watch repair in Highlands Ranch, CO but also the entire state.
Whether you need watch repair in Highlands Ranch, CO, watch engraving, or even if you have an antique watch that you would like appraised, you can count on Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry to provide you with superior service each and every single time. All of our watchmakers are factory trained and we have CW21 Certified by the American Watchmakers and Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) on site. This certification has the most stringent standards for watchmakers performing repair, restoration, and service work on watches. With one of the largest service centers in the metropolitan Denver, CO we are not only able to provide watch repair in Highlands Ranch, CO but to the entire 50 states as well.
Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry is also a factory authorized service center for Cartier, Tag Heuer, Philip Stein, Swiss Army and many more brands. When you use Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry for your watch repair in Highlands Ranch, CO, you can rest assured knowing that you will receive our (3) three-year warranty on major watch repairs that we provide. If you are looking for the best watch repair service center throughout the United States, you cannot go wrong when you choose Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry. With certifications from not only AWCI but SAWTA too, we not only stand out from the pact; we lead it.
