Why watch repair matters more than most people think

A mechanical or quartz watch is not just an accessory. Inside the case are dozens – sometimes hundreds – of tiny components working in perfect coordination: gears, springs, jewels, oils, seals, and electronic parts. Over time, these parts:

• Wear down

• Lose lubrication

• Get affected by moisture, dust, and shocks

• Drift in accuracy

Without regular servicing and prompt repairs, even the best watch can start to run poorly, stop altogether, or suffer damage that becomes much more expensive to fix later. Good watch repair is preventative medicine for your timepiece.

Common watch problems (and what they’re really telling you)

Here are some of the most common issues watch owners face – and what they usually mean behind the scenes.

1. Watch running fast or slow

If your watch suddenly starts gaining or losing minutes a day, it’s a clear sign something’s wrong. For mechanical watches, it can mean:

• Old or dried-out lubricants

• Worn parts in the movement

• Magnetisation

• A shock that disturbed the delicate regulating mechanism

For quartz watches, it can point to a failing battery or electronic issue. In both cases, a proper watchmaker can diagnose and correct the problem before it becomes serious.

2. Watch stops randomly

Does your watch stop overnight, or cut out even though you’ve wound it or the battery is relatively new?

Possible causes include:

• A mainspring problem in mechanical models

• Dirt or old oil causing excess friction

• Loose hands interfering with each other

• A failing quartz module

This is not something a quick “shake and hope” will fix. A proper inspection and repair will restore reliable performance.

3. Moisture or fog inside the crystal

Even a tiny bit of fogging is a red flag. It usually means:

• The gaskets and seals are old or damaged

• The crown or pushers are not sealing properly

• The watch may have been exposed to water beyond its rating

Moisture inside a watch can rust the movement, stain the dial, and damage hands or lume. This is where a professional pressure test, resealing, and sometimes a full service is essential.

4. Scratched, cracked, or cloudy crystal

The crystal (glass) is your first line of defence. Over time it can get scratched or even cracked:

• Mineral and acrylic crystals scratch more easily

• Sapphire crystals are tougher, but can still chip or crack on hard impact

Replacing the crystal is a common, straightforward repair that can instantly refresh the look of your watch and protect the dial underneath.

5. Bracelet, clasp, and case wear

Loose links, stretched bracelets, failing clasps, or damaged lugs all affect not just comfort but security. The last thing you want is a valuable watch slipping off your wrist. A good repair workshop can:

• Tighten or replace pins and screws

• Refurbish or replace the clasp

• Refinish the case and bracelet with careful polishing or brushing

Done properly, this keeps the watch safe to wear while preserving its character.

What a proper watch repair service should include

Not all “repairs” are created equal. A true professional repair – especially for luxury watches – involves far more than changing a battery or giving the case a quick polish.

A serious watch repair centre will typically:

1. Inspect and diagnose

   • Open the case in a dust-controlled environment

   • Evaluate the condition of the movement, dial, hands, seals, and crystal

   • Perform timing tests and water-resistance checks (when relevant)

2. Disassemble the movement

   • Carefully strip the movement down into individual components

   • Check each part for wear or damage

3. Clean all parts

   • Use professional cleaning machines and solutions

   • Remove old oils, dirt, and microscopic debris

4. Replace worn components

   • Fit new parts where necessary – ideally original or high-quality equivalents

   • For luxury brands, this is critical to maintain value and performance

5. Reassemble and lubricate

   • Apply the correct lubricants, in the correct places, in the correct amounts

   • Rebuild the movement with precision

6. Regulate and test

   • Adjust for accuracy in different positions

   • Test power reserve, date change, and complications (chronograph, GMT, etc.)

7. Refinish and reseal

   • Clean or refinish case and bracelet if requested

   • Replace gaskets, test water resistance, and ensure everything is properly sealed

This level of service is what keeps a good watch running beautifully for years.

Why choosing the right watch repair partner matters

Handing over your watch to just anyone can be risky, especially if you own luxury or sentimental pieces. A general mall kiosk or non-specialist may:

• Use generic parts

• Skip critical steps in servicing

• Over-polish the case and ruin sharp edges or original finishes

• Lack the tools to test accuracy or water resistance properly

For collectors and anyone who truly values their watches, a dedicated, specialist workshop is the safer choice.

AG Watch Repair Hong Kong – a specialist for serious watch owners

If you’re in Hong Kong – or you’re comfortable shipping your watch to a trusted expert – AG Watch Repair Hong Kong (agwatchrepair.com.hk) offers exactly the kind of specialised service that serious watch enthusiasts look for.

Instead of treating your watch like just another job, they approach each timepiece as a unique mechanical artwork. Whether you have a modern Swiss diver, a classic dress watch, or a complicated chronograph, the focus is on:

• Expert diagnostics – identifying the real root cause, not just treating surface symptoms

• High-quality parts – using correct or compatible components to protect long-term performance

• Careful finishing – restoring beauty without erasing original lines and character

• Transparent communication – explaining what’s needed, why, and what it will cost before work begins

For owners of multiple watches or higher-end pieces, having a go-to specialist like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong can make ownership far more enjoyable and stress-free.

How often should you service your watch?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are general guidelines:

• Quartz watches

  • Battery replacement every 1–3 years

  • Full service roughly every 5–7 years, especially if water-resistant

• Mechanical watches (automatic or manual)

  • Full service every 3–7 years depending on brand, usage, and environment

  • Immediate check if you notice accuracy issues, moisture, or unusual behaviour

If your watch is regularly exposed to water, sports, heat, or shocks, more frequent checks are wise.

Simple habits to reduce repair costs

You can’t avoid all wear and tear, but you can definitely slow it down:

• Avoid extreme temperatures and magnetic fields

• Don’t operate crowns or pushers underwater unless the watch is designed for it

• Rinse your diver’s watch with fresh water after swimming in the sea or pool

• Store watches in a safe, dry place when not in use

• Use a proper watch roll or box when traveling

These small habits can prevent expensive problems from developing.

Final thoughts: treat your watch like the precision instrument it is

In a world of disposable gadgets, a well-made watch stands out. It’s repairable, serviceable, and built to last – but only if you look after it and choose the right professionals when something goes wrong.

Whether your watch needs a simple battery change, a full movement overhaul, or cosmetic restoration, partnering with a dedicated specialist such as AG Watch Repair Hong Kong (agwatchrepair.com.hk) ensures your timepiece gets the respect and care it deserves.

After all, your watch does more than tell time. It tells your story. Keeping it running beautifully is worth doing right.