There are basically two schools of thought in respect to
servicing a vintage watch - if we eliminate the ‘Don’t Know’ or ‘Don’t Care’ contingents.
The first is the ‘Wear It Until It Drops’ school, members of which can be seen
arguing vociferously against regular servicing on various watch fora. The
second group could be described as the ‘Preventative School’, which advocates
regular service regimes in both new and vintage watches so as to prevent
premature wear of watch components and thus ensure the long-term serviceability
of their watches.
In some ways these two schools of thought represent extremes
of personality and reflect how individuals value and appreciate objects - those
who value their possessions, or at least recognise the effort it took to earn
the money to acquire them (and hence a belief in “looking after” them), versus
those who perhaps do not have such a deep interest or appreciation of the
technical or mechanical aspects of their possessions and think “If it breaks, I’ll
get it fixed or get another”
To me, the statement “I haven’t had the back of my Omega opened
for fifteen years, and it’s still going strong” is one of the most gormless and
naive statements that could reach my ears, but maybe that’s because I lean
closer to the Preventative School than the other. In reality, it is not so cut and dried, and
there are a number of variables to consider when deciding when to service your
watch. One of the most balanced and
informative essays on this topic I have seen in a long time was posted here on
Watchuseek by a contributor known as ‘Archer’.
Also, Nicholas Hacko, a well-respected Australian watchmaker, argues here that a proper understanding of watch servicing is of great importance to owners of mechanical watches.
Also, Nicholas Hacko, a well-respected Australian watchmaker, argues here that a proper understanding of watch servicing is of great importance to owners of mechanical watches.
I recommend you take a peek.
Archer often contributes fascinating stuff, there was one a while back about resuscitating a flooded speedmaster that was like watching a car crash in reverse. I agree on the article you reference, it makes a lot of compelling sense. If nothing else, I send new acquisitions to a watchmaker who checks to see if the critical parts of the movement are lubricated and he only charges a token amount for the spot check.
ReplyDeleteGreat to have such a resource close by.
DeleteNothing like a good tradesman to check out one's acquisitions, something that I believe should be done at purchase, no matter what a seller claims.
Cheers
Desmond
My newly purchased Constellation lost 30 seconds over 12 hours - is this normal timing? The watch was serviced two years ago, according to the seller.
DeleteMy newly purchased Constellation lost 30 seconds over 12 hours - is this a normal timing? The watch was serviced two years ago, according to the seller.
ReplyDelete30 seconds is excessive on a well preserved vintage movement. You should be able to get it under ten, which leads me to suggest not to take seller claims of servicing seriously.
DeleteIrrespective of seller claims, I always have my watchmaker service a new acquisition as soon as it arrives.
I think you should source a good independent watchmaker who knows his way around Omega vintage and have the watch serviced.
Cheers
Desmond
I just had the watch serviced - it is now keeping time within four seconds in all positions. Thanks for the advice.
DeleteExcellent! This is a great result for a vintage movement: decades old and keeping up with modern movemements is a testament to how the older movements wree built.
DeleteRegards
Desmond