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There's something undeniably special about a mechanical watch. The intricate dance of gears, springs, and levers working in perfect harmony is a testament to human ingenuity. But, what happens when that symphony starts to falter? What do you do when your beloved mechanical timepiece starts lagging behind, slowly losing precious seconds? Don't panic! This guide will walk you through the common causes and provide you with practical steps on how to fix a mechanical watch that's losing time.
Understanding Why Your Mechanical Watch is Losing Time
Before we dive into fixing the issue, it's crucial to understand why your mechanical watch might be lagging. Unlike quartz watches, which rely on battery power and a precise quartz crystal oscillator, mechanical watches are powered by a mainspring and regulated by a balance wheel. Several factors can influence their accuracy.
Common Causes of a Mechanical Watch Running Slow
Many things can cause a mechanical watch to lose time. Identifying the most probable causes can help you address the issue more effectively. Here are some common suspects:
Magnetization
One of the most common culprits ismagnetization. Mechanical watches contain many small steel parts. If these parts become magnetized, they can attract each other or interact with the balance spring, disrupting the delicate timing. Even brief exposure to magnets – think smartphones, laptops, or even some types of bags – can magnetize your watch.
How can you tell if your watch is magnetized? A telltale sign is erratic timekeeping. The watch may lose a significant amount of time in a short period. You can also use a compass. If the watch's movement causes the compass needle to deflect strongly, it's likely magnetized.
Low Power Reserve
Mechanical watches, especially automatics, need sufficient power to run accurately. Automatic watches wind themselves through the motion of your wrist. If you're not wearing your watch enough, or if you have a sedentary lifestyle, the mainspring might not be fully wound. This can lead to a gradual decrease in accuracy as the power reserve diminishes. Think of it like a car running on fumes – it might still move, but not with the same power and consistency.
Manual winding watches require regular winding to keep the mainspring fully charged. Forgetting to wind your manual watch daily will inevitably cause it to lag behind.
Dirty or Dried Lubrication
Inside a mechanical watch, numerous tiny components move against each other. These components are lubricated to reduce friction and wear. Over time, the lubrication can dry out, thicken, or become contaminated with dust and debris. This increased friction can slow down the movement and cause the watch to lose time. Think of it like a rusty bicycle chain – it becomes harder to pedal and less efficient.
This is why regular servicing by a qualified watchmaker is essential, usually every 3-5 years, to clean and re-lubricate the movement.
Impact and Damage
A hard knock or accidental drop can damage the delicate internal components of a mechanical watch. This could be anything from a bent balance staff to a dislodged jewel. Even if the damage isn't immediately apparent, it can affect the watch's accuracy. Impact damage is often the most serious of the issues that cause a mechanical watch to slow down.
Wear and Tear
Like any mechanical device, a watch is subject to wear and tear. Over time, components can wear down, leading to increased friction and decreased accuracy. The pivots (the tiny points on which gears rotate) are particularly susceptible to wear. Even the mainspring itself can weaken over time, reducing its ability to store and release energy.
Regulation Issues
Theregulation of a mechanical watch refers to the fine-tuning of its timekeeping. The balance wheel's rate of oscillation is adjusted using a regulator lever. If the regulator has been accidentally moved or requires adjustment due to environmental changes or internal shifts, the watch may start to run slow.
Steps On How To Fix A Mechanical Watch That Is Lagging Behind
Now that we know some of the reasons why your watch may be running slow, let's explore some steps you can take to try and fix the problem. Note that some of these steps are simple troubleshooting, while others may require professional assistance.
Step 1:Demagnetize the Watch
If you suspect magnetization, the first step is to demagnetize your watch. You can purchase a demagnetizer tool online for a relatively low cost. These tools create an alternating magnetic field that neutralizes any residual magnetism in the watch's components.
To use a demagnetizer:
- Place the demagnetizer on a flat surface.
- Turn it on.
- Slowly pass the watch over the demagnetizer, keeping it a few centimeters away.
- Move the watch in a figure-eight motion.
- Turn off the demagnetizerbeforeremoving the watch from the vicinity. This is crucial; turning off the demagnetizer while the watch is still close can re-magnetize it.
- Test the watch again with a compass to confirm demagnetization.
If demagnetizing resolves the issue, congratulations! You've saved yourself a trip to the watchmaker.
Step 2: Ensure Sufficient Power Reserve
If you have an automatic watch, try wearing it consistently for a few days to ensure it's fully wound. If you have a manual-winding watch, make sure you're winding it fully each day, ideally at the same time. Monitor the watch's accuracy over this period to see if the problem resolves itself.
Consider using a watch winder if you don't wear your automatic watch regularly. A watch winder simulates wrist movement, keeping the mainspring wound.
Step 3: Observe the Watch's Behavior
Carefully observe your watch's behavior. Does it lose time consistently, or does the rate of loss vary? Does it lose more time when it's lying flat versus when you're wearing it? These observations can provide valuable clues for a watchmaker.
For example, if the watch loses more time when lying flat, it could indicate a problem with the balance staff pivots or the balance wheel itself.
Step 4: Check for Obvious Obstructions
Sometimes, a small piece of lint or debris can get lodged in the movement, interfering with its operation. While you shouldn't attempt to disassemble the watch yourself, you can carefully inspect the dial through the crystal for any visible obstructions. If you spot something obvious, a professional watchmaker can remove it.
Step 5: Consider the Watch's Age and Service History
If your watch is several years old and hasn't been serviced recently, it's likely that the lubrication has dried out or become contaminated. This is a common cause of accuracy issues in older mechanical watches.
A full service involves disassembling the movement, cleaning all the components, re-lubricating them, and reassembling and regulating the watch. This is a job for a skilled watchmaker.
Step 6: Seek Professional Help
If you've tried the simple troubleshooting steps and your watch is still losing time, it's time to consult a qualified watchmaker. A professional has the tools, expertise, and experience to diagnose and repair more complex issues.
When choosing a watchmaker, look for someone with experience working on mechanical watches, particularly the brand of watch you own. Ask about their qualifications and experience, and read online reviews.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Mechanical Watch Lagging Behind?
The cost of fixing a mechanical watch that is lagging behind can vary greatly depending on the cause of the problem and the complexity of the watch movement. Simple fixes, such as demagnetizing or adjusting the regulator, may cost relatively little – perhaps $50 to $150.
However, a full service, which involves disassembling, cleaning, lubricating, and reassembling the movement, can cost significantly more – ranging from $200 to $800 or even higher for high-end or complicated watches. The cost will also increase if parts need to be replaced.
Before authorizing any repairs, always get a detailed estimate from the watchmaker. This estimate should include a breakdown of the costs for labor and parts.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Losing Time in the Future
Once you've resolved the issue of your watch lagging, it's essential to take preventative measures to avoid future problems.
- Avoid exposure to strong magnetic fields: Keep your watch away from smartphones, laptops, speakers, and other electronic devices with strong magnets.
- Wear your automatic watch regularly: If you don't wear it every day, use a watch winder to keep the mainspring wound.
- Wind your manual watch daily: Establish a routine of winding your manual watch at the same time each day.
- Protect your watch from impacts: Be careful not to drop or knock your watch against hard surfaces.
- Get your watch serviced regularly: Schedule a service with a qualified watchmaker every 3-5 years to clean, lubricate, and adjust the movement.
- Store your watch properly: When you're not wearing your watch, store it in a safe place, preferably in its original box or on a watch stand.
Conclusion
Fixing a mechanical watch that's running slow can be a frustrating experience, but with a little knowledge and patience, you can often resolve the issue yourself. Remember to start with the simple troubleshooting steps and seek professional help when needed. By taking good care of your mechanical watch, you can ensure that it continues to keep accurate time for many years to come. Understanding how to fix a mechanical watch lagging behind can be daunting but following this guide will give you the necessary tools.