For a watch enthusiast, a vintage timepiece is nothing short of a valued possession. Wearing it for years, an unwritten sentimental attachment form with it. You might even contemplate passing it down to the next generation. But now the watch is currently showing some signs of wear and tear. What should you do?
Based on the make and model of a watch, repairing a vintage watch could sometimes be difficult due to unavailability of the parts or necessary expertise required to repair it. You should count your blessings if you have a repairing service in your area that can fully cater to your needs. But there are many service providers, which one should you choose?
Before heading over to watch repair in Aurora, CO, to get your vintage timepiece checked, read the following guidelines that will help in making a decision:
1. Cleaning the Case
The antique watches are vulnerable to wear and tear. Over time, the movements may not be as fluid as they were before and certain elements can accumulate which dulls the exterior of a vintage watch. This is where cleaning enters the picture.
Before you head over to a professional of watch repair in Aurora, CO, you need to take in consideration some factors in advance. A professional watch repairing service may carry out these procedures diligently, but you also should keep in mind that vintage watch collectors prefer purchasing a watch in its original state.
2. Lack of Lubrication
For a vintage watch, the lubricants dry out with the passage of time. This usually results in a watch generating needless friction which could lead to damaged interior components. In the case of synthetic lubricants, this is a lesser of a concern. But for traditional lubricants, you need to be more watchful.
This is why you should get your watch checked out by an expert of watch repair in Aurora, CO, to avoid any costly repairs or parts replacement. A routine examination will be more than enough to determine the extent of damage.
3. Partial Service
In case your watch is currently in daily use, it can experience some damage; this can include battery service, a damaged crown, crystal and bracelet which does not require a complete service at all. There is always an option of partial repair. Not only does this save precious time, but it also saves you money.
Before heading off to a watch repair in Aurora, CO, you should first inquire whether the repairing service provides a partial repair or full repair. Opt for the former since they may insist on a complete service which is rather unneeded at this point.
4. Time Required for Vintage Watch Repairing
Depending on the watch repairing service that you choose, the repair time can differ based on the vintage watch brand, nature of repair and number of pending repairs they are currently entertaining.
Keeping this in mind, when you select a company for watch repair in Aurora, CO, you should demand a timeline along with the estimate. Demanding a timeline and an estimate from multiple repairing services will enable you to choose the best from the rest.
5. Watch Crystals
When you wear your vintage watch on a daily basis, the watch crystal can often take the hardest of hits, notwithstanding the amount of wear and tear it undergoes at the same time. To ensure longevity of a watch crystal, they are often made from multiple materials to increase their strength.
While you may consider going to a watch repair in Aurora, CO, you should first gauge your options. In case you hope to pass your vintage timepiece to the next generation, you may want to replace the watch’s crystal. But if you are planning to sell it off to a vintage watch collector, a replacement part quickly devalues the price of a vintage watch.
6. Movements of a Watch
The watch movements are the heart and soul of a watch. They are incredibly minutiae and extremely delicate. Replacing the watch movements takes immense experience and careful handling. The commonly replaced parts can range from watch dial spots, movement holders and stem extenders, among others.
To ensure the longevity of your vintage watch, you should get the movements checked routinely from a watch repair in Aurora, CO. Also, demand a full damage report from the repairing service. This keeps you on your toe about any incoming repair that you can avoid.
7. Replacing the Crown
Crown is an important part of the watch. Its function is to set the time, change the date, wind and stop the watch. They are built to last, but they are not exactly unbreakable. They can wear out with the passage of time or break completely from a hard hit.
Do keep in mind that replacing the crown of a vintage watch devalues its price and it is a huge turnoff for a vintage watch collector. This is why you need to fully think your decision through before heading off to a watch repair in Aurora, CO.
Final Word
In conclusion, your vintage watch may not require a full-on maintenance as others might suggest. For vintage watches that are worn once in a blue moon, it is certainly not necessary. When the gaskets and lubricants have aged considerably, it still does minimal damage. But on the other hand, it is important to have vintage watch updated, if the necessary mechanical parts are available.
This is why it is important to look for an expert of vintage watch repair in Aurora, CO, who has complete command over repairing of vintage watches and specifically, of your brand. This ensures complete peace of mind and sense of trust on your part.
Last but not the least, you should always steer clear of inexperienced and nondescript watch repairing services. These repairing services may charge a lower fee for repairing, but there is no guarantee about how they can swindle you. They can replace original parts with knockoff ones, can delay the repairing process by outsourcing it or even sell off the original parts without your knowledge. Remember, pay cheap, pay twice.
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 Aurora, CO but also the entire state.
Whether you need watch repair in Aurora, 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 Aurora, 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 Aurora, 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.
