Full diagnostic and service estimation The process starts with a full diagnostic of the watch. We check not only the aesthetics of the watch but the functions and the condition of the movement itself. An estimate for the watch service is then sent to the customer for approval.

Dismantling the case, bracelet and bezel Once approved, our watchmakers will separate the case, bracelet and bezel from the watch movement. So that the different components can go to the correct department.

The case, bracelet and bezel are then sent to our polishing room where they are either cleaned or refinished back to their original condition. Depending on the condition of the watch this can take just as long as servicing the movement and usually includes at least 8 stages per watch.

Dismantling the movement The watch movement will now be completely stripped down by the watchmaker.

Our watchmakers will meticulously inspect all 1- 160 individual components of the watch for any wear or damage. These components will be replaced if necessary.

The watch movement is then placed in our ultrasonic watch cleaning machine for up to an hour. Here it will go through various washing and rinse cycles removing the microscopic particles of dirt dust and of course old lubricate.

Reassembly of the case, bracelet and bezel Once refinished the watchmaker will reassemble the watch case exchanging as many as 10 different seals. A technician inspecting a gold watch case 

Three separate water resistance tests will be carried out to make sure that the watch is water resistant. These include a vacuum test, a water submersion test and lastly a condensation test which will detect the slightest amount of water vapour trapped inside the watch case.

Once clean, the watchmaker will then reassemble and re-oil the watch movement. There are often as many as 50 oiling points, which must be oiled exactly to ensure the watch works to the manufacturer’s specification. 

The watch will then be brought to time ensuring it is in beat and any positional errors are averaged out. A modern mechanical beats 672,000 times a day, or 28,800 times an hour or nearly 8 times a second. For the watch to be accurate to within 4 seconds a day, the watch cannot deviate from these 672,000 beats by more than 31 in a 24-hour period.

The watch movement is then put back into the watch case.

Over the next 72 hours the watch is then rigorously quality controlled to ensure the watch is accurate, the functions work aesthetically correct and will be reliable for years to come. You can expect a 2 year warranty on a complete, luxury watch service from Charles Martin.