When I’ve bought luxury watches, I was never told how to take care of them. Now with luxury watches commanding big dollars, it’s important to know how to protect your investment. So I went to the “Watch Doctor”, Jeff, at Kirk Jewelers, 142 E. Flagler Street in downtown Miami and asked the questions. Here’s the advice (and a special offer for readers at the end):
How often should one get maintenance on a watch?
The manufacturer often recommends what the scheduled maintenance is, but baring any guidelines, you can be safe with every 5 to 7 years.
What is done as a part of maintenance?
The case and movement are disassembled followed by a thorough cleaning of all internal movement parts and a complete refinishing of the case and bracelet. Worn parts are exchanged, the movement reassembled with proper lubrication and regulation of the timing function. This is where the expertise of a certified CW-21 watchmaker comes in: It’s crucial that the correct type and quantity of synthetic oil is used. Also, only a certified watchmaker will have access to factory specified parts, tools and training. After reassembly, the watch is extensively tested for accuracy and water resistance according to the demanding quality standards set by the manufacturer.
How much can dings, dents and scratches be made to look like new?
To polish slight hairlines scratches is fairly easy, but dings, dents and scratches are more difficult to address. If the scars are too deep, it requires taking metal off the surface, which might change the original contour of the watch. It’s important the watchmaker knows how far to go with the tough scratches. Usually though, your watch can be brought back to like-new condition.
How does one take care of a valuable watch — e.g. between maintenance visits every whatever number of years, does one buff the watch with a cloth?
I recommend cleaning your timepiece with a soft cloth as often as you’d like.
Can any jeweler who sells watches, change the battery for any make watch? Does one need to go to TAG Heuer for example to change the battery on a TAG Heuer watch?
It’s always a good rule of thumb to take your watch to an Authorized Service location for that particular brand. With that said, battery changes are quite simple, so most retail watch stores can do this. Just make sure they properly water-test the watch after it has been opened.
How does one become a certified watch repair specialist?
The “CW21” is a certification awarded by the AWCI (American Watch and Clock Institute). A watch repair specialist has proven to a board of professionals that he or she has the skills required to perform quality repairs – the exam involves a stringent 3-day examination of four major areas on the technical aspects of watchmaking. Certified watchmakers are encouraged to maintain their standing by taking a schedule of continuing education courses.
At what point does a watch become vintage?
I don’t think there’s an exact age defining “vintage”, but I would say a watch needs to be out of production for at least 20 years and at that point, I would consider it vintage. Watches that have historic significance usually get this vintage distinction as they are rare and very sought after. The collector market is hotter than ever and specific “vintage” watches are becoming more and more valuable.
Now here’s the special offer for readers: mention this blog and Kirk will give you a 25% discount off any watch repair from now through September 30, 2014.
About Kirk Jewelers:
Kirk Jewelers in Miami – family-owned and operated since 1947.As an Official Jeweler for Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tudor, and TAG Heuer, all timepieces come with the original factory-backed worldwide warranty. And when the time comes, their factory-trained and CW21-certified watchmaker services only with official parts.The store also offers a selection selection of bridal jewelry – Danhov, Scott Kay, and Siera as well as fashion jewelry, from sterling silver to 18K gold diamond jewelry from brands like Chimento, Hot Diamonds, MeiraT and Rebecca.
One Response
As the finest jewelry and watch place in the Miami area, they are very knowledgeable, professional and friendly.
The family-owned business offers a true luxury buying experience, and with their service oriented mindset they don’t pressure customers.
Kirk’s completely redone boutique is a gem (!), and they feature Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tudor, Tag Heuer and INTEGRITY.