WATCH in horology, is a portable machine that measures and indicates the successive portions of transient time.
This useful piece of mechanism, when planned on the best scientific principles, and executed in the most perfect manner, contains within itself a collection of inventions, that have exercised the skill of the most ingenious mechanics through a succession of three if not four centuries.
When we contemplate the curiously contrived and nicely adjusted means by which the never-varying period of our globes rotation on its axis is divided and subdivided into hours, minutes, seconds, we need not be surprised that Paley has selected this machine as a striking specimen of human ingenuity.

(Rees’s Clocks, Watches and Chronometers 1819-20).

TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR WATCH

Most people take their watch for repair when it has completely stopped working.
Usually by the time a watch stops, it has completely dried of oil and may have been running for months without any. This causes wear to the bearings requiring the replacement of wheels as well as other friction parts, increasing the repair cost.
Simple routine observation and timely repair can avoid these extra expenses.
There are often tell tale signs well before the watch stops, which indicate that it may need a service. For example:
If the watch starts to keep a different rate to normal.
If you find the watch needs winding more often.
If the watch becomes stiffer to wind.
If the watch needs a shake to start it.

OTHER THINGS TO OBSERVE

If condensation appears behind the glass have your watch looked at as soon as possible.
Rust is a quick destroyer of all the steel components and can seize screws in their holes.
Moisture also tarnishes the lacquer on the dial, requiring dial restoration. It can also ruin the original hands and their luminous paint. Original hands are sometimes the hardest things to replace.
Watches designed to be waterproof should have their rubber seals replaced at least yearly, or more frequently if the watch is relied upon for diving.
Chronograph waterproof watches are much more likely to allow water to enter them, since there are more potentially vulnerable rubber seals. Screw down crowns/buttons are the most reliable.

DO’S AND DON’TS.

Never store watches in a safe unless they are in hermetically sealed bags with silica gel sachets. Safes are cold and damp and mould loves that environment.
Never leave your watch near a magnet, ie speakers, tv’s, radios, X- ray equipment.
Avoid dropping your watch.
Don’t fit it to your wrist whilst standing on hard floors.
Remember to leave it outside the bathroom before your shower. Even waterproof watches will allow warm soapy water to enter.
Never wind your watch when its on your wrist.
Keep the box, receipt and guarantee in a safe place.
Take photos of your watch, back and front.

POSTING YOUR WATCH

When sending your watch for repair, always put it in a box with plenty of insulation against shock. Bubble wrap is best. Wrap the watch in a cushion of bubble wrap, like a protective ball, so that no damage is possible in transit.
Always send your watch by insured post and keep safely the tracking details.
Be sure that the value of the watches does not exceed the value of the insurance.

Groucho Marx
…Once put his watch in a basin of cold water in the Mens room. When asked why? He replied:
‘Better rusty than missing!’

The Glastonbury magic
Last month I had the pleasure of meeting a well respected clairvoyant from Glastonbury, Somerset.
She told me that she can never wear a wristwatch. They always stop on her wrist.
'Whether it is my body magnetism or other energies I do not know'.
I asked her if I could see the watch she would like to wear.
I asked her to fit it to her wrist.
It stopped after a few seconds.
The watch case was 18ct and quite thin.
I put it on my wrist. It didn't stop.
'Far out man' I thought. The Glastonbury magic lives on!
However, it turned out that the lady in question had the strap tightly adjusted around her wrist, slightly bending the watch case, which then touched against the balance, stopping the watch.

The watch case has now been re-shaped and a slightly looser strap fitted.
So far so good! The watch is going fine.
Do I think the lady has no magic?
Certainly not!!

I would enjoy to hear similar experiences from customers.
Brendan.

FINALLY

We hope that these few points above will help you to take good care of your watch.
We are here to assist you as much as possible in that endeavour.
We will add more hints and helps as they arise.
We love our watches as much as you and are aware how much they might mean to you.
We will keep them in the best possible condition for you, so that you can enjoy them for many many years to come.

Sincerely,
Brendan Hoey
Watchmaker Casemaker.