Automatic movement service and overhaul

Complete Movement
Service

Methodical care for your automatic watch. Disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and timing regulation to restore proper function and longevity.

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What This Service Delivers

An automatic movement is a small mechanical system that functions continuously whenever worn. Over time, the lubricants degrade, debris accumulates, and the precision that characterized the watch when new gradually diminishes. This isn't failure—it's the natural progression of mechanical things. But it does mean the movement needs periodic service to continue functioning well.

Our complete movement service addresses this accumulated wear. You'll receive your watch back with the movement restored to proper function: cleaned components, fresh lubrication applied to appropriate tolerances, timing regulated across multiple positions. The work is done methodically, following established horological procedures rather than rushed approximations.

The reassurance that your automatic watch has been properly maintained. It runs as it should, keeps time within reasonable parameters, and is prepared to continue serving you for years ahead.

When Your Watch Needs Service

You've noticed your automatic watch isn't keeping time as accurately as it once did. Perhaps it gains or loses several minutes per day, or stops running overnight even though you wore it all day. The power reserve seems shorter than you remember. These are signs that the movement needs attention—not dramatic failure, but gradual degradation of performance.

You might have questions about what service entails. Stories circulate about movements returned damaged, work performed incorrectly, or watches that function worse after service than before. These concerns have merit—improper service can indeed harm a movement. Finding someone who approaches the work with proper care and technical understanding isn't always straightforward.

Meanwhile, the watch continues to underperform. You find yourself checking it against other timepieces, adjusting it frequently, or simply losing confidence in its reliability. The mechanical pleasure that drew you to an automatic watch in the first place becomes overshadowed by doubt about whether it's functioning properly.

A Methodical Approach to Movement Service

Complete movement service follows a defined sequence. The movement is removed from the case and completely disassembled. Each component is examined for wear, damage, or irregularities. Parts are cleaned ultrasonically to remove old lubricant and accumulated debris. Worn components are noted—if replacement is necessary, we discuss this with you before proceeding.

Reassembly is performed with fresh lubricants applied to specific points according to the movement's requirements. Different lubricants serve different purposes—what's appropriate for the mainspring barrel differs from what's used on the escapement or jewel bearings. Using the correct grade for each application affects how the movement functions and how long it continues to function well.

After reassembly, the movement undergoes timing regulation. We observe it in multiple positions—dial up, dial down, crown positions—over several days. Adjustments are made to bring the rate within acceptable parameters. The rotor is inspected for smooth operation. Only when the movement demonstrates consistent performance is it returned to the case and prepared for your collection.

This process takes time because it cannot be rushed without compromising quality. Each step serves a purpose in restoring the movement to proper function. The alternative—quick service that skips essential procedures—might seem convenient but rarely produces lasting results.

What to Expect

Initial Examination

Bring your watch to the studio. We discuss its current performance—how much it's gaining or losing, whether the power reserve seems adequate, any unusual behavior you've noticed. We examine the watch externally and provide an estimate of timeframe and cost. If issues are discovered during disassembly that require additional work, we contact you before proceeding.

Service Period

The watch enters our service queue. When we begin work, it's disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled as described above. This takes several days—typically five to seven, though complex movements or parts replacement can extend this. We're careful rather than fast. You're welcome to check on progress if you're curious about timing.

Timing Observation

After reassembly, the movement is observed for timing consistency. We check it daily in various positions, making adjustments as needed to achieve stable performance. This observation period is essential—it reveals how the movement behaves under typical conditions rather than just immediately after service.

Collection and Documentation

You collect your watch along with a written summary of the work performed and the timing results observed. We discuss what was found during disassembly, what work was done, and what you can expect regarding accuracy and power reserve. This documentation provides a record of the service and helps you understand your watch's condition.

Service Investment

€75
Complete Automatic Movement Service

This price covers the standard service procedure: complete disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, examination of components, reassembly with proper lubrication, timing regulation, and multi-day observation. It reflects the time and attention required to perform the work correctly.

If parts replacement is needed—broken staff, worn mainspring, damaged jewel—this is discussed separately. Common wear items are typically available and can be sourced relatively quickly. More specialized parts may require additional time to obtain.

The value of this service extends beyond immediate function. Proper maintenance preserves the movement's longevity and helps prevent more serious issues that arise from neglect. It's an investment in the watch continuing to serve you well over the long term.

What's Included

  • Complete movement disassembly
  • Ultrasonic cleaning of all components
  • Examination of parts for wear or damage
  • Reassembly with fresh, appropriate lubricants
  • Rotor inspection and maintenance
  • Multi-position timing regulation
  • Several days of timing observation
  • Written documentation of work performed
  • Timing results summary across positions

Service Timeline and Expectations

Complete movement service is the most involved work we perform. The typical timeline runs from five to seven days, though this can extend if complications arise or parts need ordering. We provide a timeframe estimate when you leave the watch and update you if circumstances change during service.

Regarding accuracy after service: automatic movements don't achieve quartz precision. A well-regulated automatic might gain or lose a few seconds per day—this is normal mechanical performance, not inadequate service. The goal is consistent, predictable timekeeping within reasonable tolerances, not perfection that mechanical watches cannot achieve.

The benefits of proper service accumulate over time. A serviced movement runs more efficiently, experiences less wear on components, and maintains better amplitude. This means it's more likely to continue functioning well between service intervals. Regular maintenance every three to five years helps ensure your watch remains reliable throughout its working life.

5-7 Days
Standard service completion time
±3-5 sec
Typical daily rate after regulation
3-5 Years
Recommended service interval

Our Commitment to You

If your watch doesn't perform as expected after service—if the timekeeping is significantly worse than what we documented, or if the movement exhibits unusual behavior—bring it back. We'll examine it to understand what's happening and address the issue. This follow-up carries no additional charge if it relates to the service work performed.

Before committing to movement service, you can visit the studio with your watch. We can discuss its current behavior, what service would address, and what you should realistically expect afterward. Some movements have inherent limitations that service won't overcome. Having this conversation beforehand helps ensure you're making an informed decision.

Our approach to movement service prioritizes doing the work properly over doing it quickly. This means taking the time needed for thorough cleaning, careful reassembly, and adequate timing observation. It means being honest about what can be achieved and what cannot. These principles guide how we work, and they're part of what we hope you're choosing when you trust us with your watch.

How to Proceed

1

Initial Contact

Reach out by phone at +357 25 374 826 or email at info@domain.com. Describe your watch's current performance—how much it's gaining or losing, whether it stops running, any unusual behavior. This helps us understand what might be needed.

2

Bring Your Watch

Visit us at Agiou Andreou Street 34 in Limassol. We examine the watch, discuss what service entails, and provide a timeframe and cost estimate. You decide whether to proceed based on this information. If you choose to go ahead, we add the watch to our service queue.

3

Collect Your Watch

Return when the service is complete—typically within a week. We review the work performed, discuss the timing results, and answer any questions about the watch's restored condition. You leave with documentation of the service and a watch that's ready to continue serving you properly.

Ready to Service Your Movement?

If your automatic watch needs proper service, reach out to discuss what we can do. We're here to restore your movement to reliable function with the care it deserves.

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