Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Question for Dogzapper

I know from reading your posts that you are gemologist and watchmaker.

I have a question...

How often does an automatic watch need to be serviced and what needs to be done? I wear daily a Hamilton Viewmatic with an ETA movement. I've had it for about four years and it keeps perfect time but I want to make sure I give it the care it deserves as I really like it and want to wear it for many years to come.

Thanks!

btt

Boil it in oil once a week.

I have my auto wind Omegas E Benz, Bell&Ross and others serviced every 5 years.

I didn't realize you could tell time.

Col,

Personally, I run my Rolex until it stops or begins running erratically. Obviously, we would never do that with an automobile, but there are reasons why I would recommend this.

First, we've been using synthetic oil in timepieces since the early-1960s. I've been told that synthetic oil will run for an unlimited term, if not contaminated.

Previous to that, we ran natural oil of some type (sperm whale or mineral) and they eventually deposited a form of shellac on the jewels. My father became an apprentice watchmaker in 1929 and at that time it was recommended to "clean" a watch every year. The organically-based oil broke down in one to two years use and the watch needed to be both washed in a cleaning solution and the oil replaced. Some of the cleaning agents caused leukemia ... guess what my Dad died from???

The synthetic oil does not break down unless it is either contaminated with water or "junk" (skin dander, fuzz ... you would not believe the stuff I have seen in watches ). If the watch is well sealed; tight crystal, good back gasket and a well-fitting crown gasket, you can get lots and lots of years out of a service.

The most powerful of watch mainsprings create less than one-millionth of a horsepower, so when the oil is dicked (a technical term ), the watch will stop. Or if the oil increases viscosity, from certain types of contamination, it will get into the mainspring. This effectively shortens the mainspring and the watch will run many hours fast every day.

In sum, if the watch has been well serviced, simply run it until it is no longer running well. Then, have it serviced by a good shop.

Note, if you get a crack in the crystal, or the crystal fogs up (indicating a leak somewhere), RUN DON'T WALK to a good watch repairman and have the source of the leak fixed. As I said, it can be any of the three; crystal, crown gasket or back gasket.

A tightly-sealed watch in good order should run ten to fifteen years between servicings. My Rolex has not been touched for well over twenty years and it is still running very well.

Hope this helps.

God Bless,

Steve

Steve,

Thank you so much for your reply. That was very informative. This is my first mechanical watch since a Timex when I was a kid so I am sort of new to them. I'm actually amazed at how accurate it is.

Thanks again, I shall do as you suggest and just let it run until it stops.

(Sigh)

I had a Rolex one time. Bought it brand new in a certified shop in Switzer-by God-land. It ran great. Well within 60-seconds a month. More like 30.

And then, like a FOOL, I followed the manufacturer's advice and had it cleaned and inspected at the Rolex repair center in Los Angeles after the first full year of ownership.

It never ran right again, even though I took it back a couple of times.

Damn Rolex to hell, I say. YMMV.

Yup. What really sucks is when the manufacturer's service recommendations are fully fifty-years behind the times.

A superb gunsmith can make a factory rifle better. That is really not true in the case of a fine watch.

I was never happy with Rolex LA. Seattle was not much better. Rolex NYC was OK, especially if proprietary parts were needed.

In the end, I prefered my own repair, mostly because I took my time and made every effort to do the job right. Nothing magic there, just caring & careful repair.

I'm happily retired now and glad I'll never have to twist another watch screw, except for my own.

Blessings,

Steve

Steve
Where would you send an Omega Seamaster, if you have an opinion on it?
Thanks in advance, just in case.

My friend,

We sold Omega, too, and they were a quite decent timepiece. To be honest, we retired from the jewelry biz a little over twenty years ago. Because of this, I am not current with the factory service available today.

Locally, I would TOTALLY trust Wm. R. Johnson Jewelers, 6680 SE Milwaukie Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97202. (503) 232-1147.

Johnson's is a dinosauer, just like my store was ... Mom and Pop, or in this case Alice (who was MY Mother's best friend) and son, Craig. Good folks who will make a profit, but they will give you honest value for your money.

Bill Johnson and my Dad were friends and they shared one saying, "You can give a guy a lot of haircuts, but you can only SCALP HIM ONCE." All businesses should adhere to this policy.

Blessings,

Steve

Steve, I don't want a high dollar watch. That said, what would you recommend in the 200-300 dollar range? looking for something that is not ornate. Field type watch is more my style.

My 28 year old Seiko Sports 150 is beat to heck, but I still wear it every day. Had to JB weld a few links because I can't find a band that works well with it. Looking for something similar.

Thanks Brother.

Both my folks wear a Rolex and I'm calling them right now...

Good info Steve. Thanks.


Travis

Two Rolexes in Havre? Say it isn't so!

Thanks Steve. That's better info than I had before I asked.

The Fire really is amazing sometimes.

I don't even own a watch.

interesting about watches. i've already worn one, likely a Timex or a Bulova. it (theTimex) takes a licking but keeps on ticking.

but,more about not wearing a watch. worked with a lady that for her entire career never wore a watch. she'd never be late to a meeting, etc. always on time.

when asked about not wearing a watch, she'd always respond, "what for?"

They don't live here. I think they're avoiding me...


Travis

I went a good five years without one, but I got a Suunto recently and I'm lovin' it...

I can't be without clocks though. You can face almost any direction in my house and see a clock. I fuggin' hate rooms without clocks.


Travis

TRH only needs to climb the basement steps to see his parents.

Laughin'...

Cruel bastard.


Travis