Common Watch Problems and How to Fix Watch

Since ancient times, watches have been a common piece of jewelry for both men and women. From the classic and elegant to the sporty and modern, watches come in all shapes and sizes to suit every taste and occasion.

While watches are designed to keep accurate time for many years, they are still delicate mechanisms that can experience issues over time. Fortunately, maintenance and troubleshooting can solve many common watch problems before expensive repair is needed.

It’s essential to keep your watch clean and dry, avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, and handle it carefully. If you’re unsure how to fix a watch problem, it’s best to take it to a professional for repair. Here are some of the most common issues that you can solve.

Is the watch running Fast or Slow?

Another common issue that people may face with their watches is that they may be running too fast or too slow. If you notice that your watch is gaining or losing significant amounts of time each day, then there’s likely an issue with the oscillator or battery.

The oscillator is a critical component of a watch, responsible for maintaining the watch’s accuracy by regulating the watch’s timing. The oscillator consists of a balance wheel and a hairspring. The balance wheel rotates back and forth, and the hairspring helps regulate the speed at which it moves. This movement sends a signal to the watch’s gear train, which then moves the watch’s hands.

A faulty oscillator can cause a watch to run too fast or too slow. This can happen for various reasons, including damage to the hairspring, worn-out parts, or contamination by dust or debris.

If you suspect that your watch’s oscillator is the cause of your timing issues, it’s crucial to take it to a professional watchmaker to fix the watch. A watchmaker will first examine the oscillator and diagnose the problem. Depending on the issue, the watchmaker may need to replace the oscillator’s hairspring, balance wheel, or other parts.

It’s worth noting that fixing an oscillator issue can be a delicate and intricate process, requiring specialized tools and expertise. Attempting to resolve the problem on your own could lead to further damage to your watch, which could be costly to repair.

The oscillator is a critical component of a watch, responsible for regulating the timing of the watch. When the oscillator is faulty, the watch may run too fast or slow or stop altogether.

A watchmaker will first examine the oscillator to diagnose the issue. Depending on the problem, the watchmaker may need to replace the oscillator’s hairspring, balance wheel, or other parts. Some watchmakers may also clean the oscillator and other parts of the watch’s movement to remove any debris or dust affecting its performance.

It’s worth noting that fixing an oscillator issue can be complicated and requires specialized tools and expertise.

It’s important to note that attempting to fix this issue alone could damage your watch even further. Therefore, taking your watch to a professional for repairs is always best. Doing so can restore your watch’s accuracy and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

Hands Jerking or Ticking Unevenly

If you notice that your watch’s hands are jerking or ticking unevenly, there may be a problem with the gear train or motion works controlling the hands. The gear train is a series of gears that transmit power from the watch’s mainspring to the escapement, which controls the watch’s timing. The motion works, on the other hand, and controls the movement of the watch’s hands.

Wear and tear on the gears is one of the most common causes of problems with the gear train or motion works. Over time, the gears can become worn or damaged due to regular use, leading to a loss of power or uneven movement. This can be especially problematic in vintage or antique watches, where the gears may be more delicate and susceptible to wear.

Contamination by dust or debris is another common cause of problems with the gear train or motion works. Dust, dirt, and other debris can accumulate inside the watch and cause the gears to become clogged or stuck. This can lead to erratic movement or even complete stoppage of the watch.

Damage to the parts of the gear train or motion works can also cause problems with the watch’s hands. This can happen due to mishandling of the watch or impact from external sources. For example, dropping the watch or accidentally hitting it against a hard surface can cause damage to the delicate parts of the watch’s movement.

It’s worth noting that some problems with the gear train or motion work can be prevented with regular maintenance. Having your watch serviced regularly by a professional watchmaker can help to prevent issues before they become more serious. A watchmaker can clean and lubricate the movement, replace worn-out parts, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your watch runs accurately.

Unfortunately, fixing the gear train or motion works is not a task that can be quickly done at home. It requires servicing by a professional watch repair expert to diagnose and fix the issue. A professional watchmaker will first examine the watch’s movement and determine what’s causing the problem.

Depending on the issue, they may need to replace worn-out gears, clean the parts to remove debris or make other repairs.

It’s important to note that fixing the gear train or motion work can be time-consuming and intricate. The watchmaker must disassemble the movement, identify the problem, and reassemble the watch. They may also need to perform additional tests to ensure the watch runs accurately.

Watch Has Stopped Working

One of the most frustrating issues that can happen with a watch is when it suddenly stops working. There are a few potential reasons why this may happen, but the most common is that the battery is dead. However, it’s also possible that there is internal water or physical damage to the watch.

If your watch has stopped working, the first thing to try is to replace the battery. Using a high-quality replacement battery is always a good idea to ensure the watch continues to operate reliably. If you’re unsure how to replace the battery or have difficulty getting the back of your watch, it’s best to take it to a professional watchmaker who can assist you.

If the watch still does not work after replacing the battery, there may be internal damage. This may be due to water or physical damage, such as dropping the watch. In this case, it’s essential to have the watch inspected by a professional watchmaker.

When inspecting a watch for physical damage, the watchmaker will look for signs such as a cracked crystal, a scratched or dented case, or a bent crown or pusher. They will also check the watch’s movement for any signs of damage, such as a broken balance staff or a damaged hairspring.

If the watchmaker finds physical damage to the watch, they will advise you on the best course of action.

In some cases, it may be possible to repair the damage, such as replacing a cracked crystal or straightening a bent crown. In other cases, the damage may be too severe, and the watchmaker may recommend replacing the damaged parts or even the entire movement.

It’s important to note that physical damage to a watch can also affect its water resistance. If the watch has been exposed to water and stopped working, it may have entered the watch and caused damage to its internal components. In this case, the watchmaker must check the seals and perform necessary repairs or replacements.

A watchmaker can test the watch’s internal components to determine if any issues need to be repaired or replaced. They will also check the watch’s seals to see if they have been compromised, which can allow water or dust to enter the watch and cause damage. If any components or seals need to be replaced, the watchmaker can source the necessary parts and perform the repair.

Foggy/Moist Crystal

If you’ve noticed that your watch’s crystal has become foggy or has moisture trapped inside, this could be a sign that moisture has become trapped under the crystal. This can happen if the watch’s seals or gaskets have worn out or the watch has been exposed to water or moisture.

If left unaddressed, moisture can cause corrosion, rust, and damage to the watch’s internal components. These issues can significantly damage the movement and make repairs more expensive or even render the watch irreparable.

For example, if the moisture reaches the watch’s gears or springs, it can cause them to rust and become corroded, leading to issues with timekeeping or even causing the watch to stop working altogether.
Moisture can also damage the watch’s electronic components, causing them to short circuit, which can be a costly repair.

Furthermore, moisture can also cause the watch’s crystal to crack or shatter, further damaging the movement. When the crystal is compromised, it can no longer provide a proper seal, allowing even more moisture to enter the watch and cause additional damage.

Therefore, if you notice any signs of moisture inside your watch, it must be addressed as soon as possible. This will prevent further damage to your watch and save you money on repairs in the long run.

The first step to fixing a foggy or moist crystal is to have a professional watchmaker remove the crystal. They will then clean and dry the watch’s interior, removing any moisture or debris that may have accumulated inside.

After cleaning, the watchmaker will reseal the crystal securely to prevent moisture from entering the watch in the future. Depending on the watch’s make and model, the watchmaker may need to replace the seals or gaskets to ensure a proper seal.

It’s worth noting that if the moisture has been present for an extended period, the watchmaker may need to examine the movement for damage or corrosion caused by moisture. This may require additional repairs and should be addressed to ensure the longevity of your watch.

In conclusion, a foggy or moist crystal is a sign that moisture has become trapped under the crystal, which can significantly damage the watch’s movement.

To address this issue, have a watchmaker remove the crystal to clean and dry the interior, then reseal the crystal securely. Doing so can prevent further damage and ensure that your watch continues to function correctly.

Day/Date Not Properly Changing

Another common issue that watches owners may encounter is when the day or date on their watch is not properly changing. This can be frustrating, primarily if you rely on your watch to keep track of necessary appointments or deadlines.

One possible reason for this issue is that the day/date wheel or other calendar mechanism has become stuck or worn out. This can happen due to normal wear and tear, damage, or exposure to moisture or dust.

To address this issue, the first step is to check the watch’s manual to see if it has a manual day/date advancement feature. Some watches require manual adjustment of the day and date, especially if they have not been worn for a while or have been subjected to shocks or other impacts.

If your watch does not have a manual adjustment feature, or if the manual adjustment does not resolve the issue, the watch’s day/date wheel or other calendar mechanism is likely damaged or worn out. In this case, you must take your watch to a professional repair service to replace or repair the damaged parts.

These types of watches require specialized knowledge and tools to repair, and attempting to fix them on your own can lead to further damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while watches are designed to keep accurate time for many years, they are still delicate mechanisms that can experience issues over time. However, with regular battery replacement and care, most of these issues can be easily solved or avoided.

By taking good care of your watch and having it serviced by a certified watchmaker when necessary, you can ensure it continues functioning properly for many years.

For persistent or complex issues, it’s vital to seek the help of a certified watchmaker. These professionals have the proper tools, parts, and knowledge to get your watch working well again and ensure long-term accuracy and function.

If you want to start your own watch business, consider partnering with Leedon Watch. We offer various services, and different watches. Contact us today to learn more and get started on your watch journey.

Citations:
1.https://leedonwatch.com/automatic-watches-vs-quartz-watches/
2.https://leedonwatch.com/diver-watches/
3.https://leedonwatch.com/keypoints-of-diving-watch/