SERVICE CENTER

Why should you service your watch?

The exquisite timepiece you have invested in will accompany you throughout life and will continue to function to its fullest, if it regularly receives the dedicated service and attention it requires. To ensure that your watch is always in optimal condition to be passed onto the next generation, the service team at Chatham Luxury advises customers to have water resistance checked every 1 to 2 years and to conduct a complete service every 4 to 5 years.

The service frequency depends on the usage of each watch and the environment in which it is worn.

Service Interventions

Each and every timepiece has a different story, therefore having different requirements. Chatham Luxury’s service team is equipped and trained to inspect watches of any age, regardless of brand or type, and will carry out a careful and efficient service to help restore it. Certain watches may require to be sent to the manufacturers to undergo specific repair or restoration, while others will be managed by Chatham Luxury’s own Swiss-qualified technicians.

Following are the services carried out at the Chatham Luxury Service Centre located at 41, Galle Road, Galle Face Court 1, Colombo 03.

Servicing of an Automatic / Mechanical Movement

Mechanical watches comprise hundreds of tiny parts, several of which are constantly in motion. These parts are subject to wear and tear, owing to the constant motion, therefore they require regular care and assistance in ensuring that the watch is well maintained in order to run smoothly.

A complete service is recommended every 4-5 years, even if your watch is in perfect working order. This is simply because the lubricants that prevent friction and possible damage to fragile inner components have a tendency to break down over time and therefore need replacing.

Chatham Luxury’s service team conducts a series of intensive checks on your mechanical watch to ensure that it is serviced and returned to you in mint condition.

These are the steps undertaken to service the mechanical watch:

• The bracelet/strap and the watch case are checked.
• The bracelet is detached, the case is opened and the stem, crown, seals and movement are removed.
• The stem and crown are reset, and the winding mechanism is checked.
• The functions of the hands, calendar and rotor (if fitted) are examined.
• The escapement is inspected and adjusted.
• The watch case is disassembled, and the movement and component parts are inspected.
• Any worn or damaged parts are replaced.
• Using an automated cleaning machine, all parts of the watch are carefully cleaned in a chemical bath.
• The movement is reassembled, and final checks and fine adjustments are made to the watch in line with the respective brand specifications.
• The movement is lubricated, and the escapement is double checked.
• The movement is demagnetised and regulated, and the timing is checked according to brand standards using specialist Swiss timing equipment.
• The dial and hands are refitted, and the case and bracelet are cleaned using ultrasound technology.
• The case seals are replaced if necessary, and the movement is restored to the watch case.
• The timekeeping is double checked and adjusted where required, using the timing equipment.

Once these steps are completed, the watch is tested on a wrist simulator for a few hours to ensure that the winding system is working smoothly. After this, the watch’s power reserve is statically tested for a few days, depending on the movement’s calibre.

This final inspection and test is vital, because it is only then that the watch’s functions will be guaranteed for 12 to 24 months, depending on the respective brand’s guidelines.

Servicing of a Quartz Watch

Quartz watches do not have as many parts as a mechanical watch, but they still require routine maintenance to ensure that they work smoothly.

These are the steps undertaken to service the quartz watch:

• The bracelet/strap and the watch case are checked.
• The case is opened, the stem and crown are removed, and the setting mechanism is checked.
• The functions of the hands and calendar are checked.
• The movement is disassembled, and the mechanical component and electronic module is inspected.
• Worn out or malfunctioning mechanical and/or electronic parts are replaced.
• Worn out and/or damaged parts are replaced.
• Using an automated cleaning machine, all mechanical parts of the watch are carefully cleaned in a chemical bath.
• The movement is reassembled, checked, and finer adjustments made to it, in line with the respective brand’s specifications and guidelines.
• The setting and calendar mechanisms are lubricated, using a fine oil.
• Using specialised Swiss electronic testing equipment, the timing of the movement is checked to ensure that it is in working order.
• The dial and hands are refitted, and the case and bracelet are cleaned using ultrasound technology.
• The case seals are replaced if necessary, and the movement is restored to the watch case.
• The watch’s water resistance is checked, in line with the respective brand’s specifications and guidelines.
• The functions of the watch hands and calendar are checked.

Once these steps are completed, the watch is statically tested for two days to ensure that it is in working order.

This final inspection and test is vital, because it is only then that the watch’s functions will be guaranteed for 12 to 24 months, depending on the respective brand’s guidelines.

A watch battery may run out at any time, so it is advisable to have your watch battery checked regularly and replaced every couple of years to ensure that it is running smoothly.

Chatham Luxury’s team of technicians will replace the battery and reseal the watch, following the steps listed:

• Replace the old battery, and ensure that it has not leaked and damaged the movement.
• Inspect the condition of the movement and check the consumption rate of the new battery.
• Renew the sealing gaskets on the glass, crown and watch back, in addition to the pusher seals if required.
• Using specialised equipment, test the watch’s water resistance, whilst keeping in line with specifications of the brand.
• Lastly, check the timekeeping and adjust it if required.

Please note that if the watch has not been maintained and serviced regularly according to the brand’s guidelines, and within the recommended time period, Chatham Luxury is unable to offer a guarantee on the reliability of the watch and its functions.

Give your watch a new look by updating the strap, whether as a replacement for an older model, or to match an outfit or occasion.

At Chatham Luxury, we stock a collection of Hirsch straps, and are also able to order any specific strap you may require from the respective brands at the boutique.