The Top 5 Common Watch Repairs

There are a lot of different types of watches on the market and they all require different care in order to keep them running properly. It’s important to know what watch repair Albuquerque nm can come up over time in order to get the watch running as best as possible, sometimes they just need some minor adjustments while other times you may need to get it completely replaced or fixed. Here are the top 5 common watch repairs.

Broken Crown

The crown is a vital part of any automatic watch: it’s what windes and sets (advances) your movement. If it breaks off, there’s not much you can do about it; you’ll need to replace the entire mechanism. It may be possible to find one online or at local Albuquerque jewelers that fits your case, but if not, you’ll have to search for an entire new watch case.

Scratched Crystal

The crystal of a wristwatch is usually made from glass, which can be easily scratched by everyday actions. While minor scratches to a watch crystal are harmless, they’re not aesthetically pleasing and require professional attention. A jeweler or watch repair Albuquerque nm person can fix most minor scuffs and scratches with relative ease. It should cost around $40-50 to have your crystal polished professionally.

Malfunctioning Watch

If your automatic or mechanical watch isn’t running correctly, check its movement. Is it bent out of shape? Do you hear weird sounds when you shake it? There could be a problem with any one of a number of parts, including: mainspring, hairspring and pallet fork. The easiest way to fix these is simply to replace them. If your timepiece is high-end, taking it to an expert may be your best bet.

Bracelet Issues

The bracelet is an essential component of any wristwatch, but sometimes even it can have problems. Watch bracelets are meant to be adjusted for a perfect fit on any wearer, but when too much wear and tear occurs over time, your bracelet may need to be replaced. This is especially true if you’re using metal bracelets.

The more they’re worn, they more likely they are to break or develop other issues that make them difficult or impossible to repair. You should also consider replacing your bracelet if you notice signs of rust or corrosion as they could indicate that water has gotten into your watch and damaged its inner workings.

Drowned Watch

If your watch is submerged in water, it’s vital to get it cleaned and dried as soon as possible. First off, rinse any dirt or sand off of it. Get a soft cloth or paper towel and soak up as much water out of its case as you can. Then let it sit on a soft towel to air dry. If possible, place it somewhere warm but not in direct sunlight and use a fan to help it along.

If you encounter any of these problems with your watch, please take it to your local jeweler. Please don’t try to fix it on your own as you risk damaging your watch.

Common Watch Repairs and How to Fix Them

Every watch owner has experienced it at one point or another: their watch has stopped working. Maybe the battery died, maybe you accidentally bumped it and something got bent out of place, or maybe you dropped it in water and now it’s ruined – whatever the problem is, knowing how to fix it can save you both time and money! Here are the common watch problems and how to fix them.

The Band is Loose

Take it to a watch shop or local Albuquerque jewelers specialized in watch repair Albuquerque nm. They should be able to get it fixed for minimal cost. If not, it might be time for a new watch! (Don’t worry; there are plenty of affordable options out there.) 

The Chain Keeps Unscrewing

Many people complain that their watch chain keeps unscrewing, requiring them to spend extra time on both ends of their day to fix it. It’s hard not only because you have to stop what you’re doing but also because if your chain gets too loose, you risk losing your watch entirely! Here are a few quick fixes: Remove links from chain, or tighten with a small screwdriver.

Stopped Working

This is probably one of the most common problems with watches. A watch that stops working is a watch that doesn’t do what it’s meant to, so in a way, it’s not doing its job—which makes sense why you wouldn’t want to wear a broken watch. If your watch isn’t keeping good time or showing signs of a breakdown (like slipping hands), take it in for repair or replacement as soon as possible.

Dead Battery 

The most common reason for a watch battery dying is that it’s not being worn. If you don’t wear your watch often, expect the battery to die within a year. However, if you do wear your watch regularly, it should last at least two years before needing a new battery. If your watch dies quickly despite regular use, check out our guide on replacing batteries for more information.

Dented case

Whether you’ve dropped your watch or just left it in your pocket with your keys, it can get scratched up. Luckily, a scratch isn’t usually noticeable unless you are specifically looking for it. More often than not, a scratch is superficial damage that only affects appearance. If you’re good with tools, then you may be able to fix it yourself. However, if not you will need professional help. Take it to a jeweler who offers jewelry repair Albuquerque, including watch repair.