The owner’s question book
Questions worth asking at the bench
Clear questions are a form of care. These answers help you open a discussion; they cannot diagnose a particular watch.
Is a running watch necessarily healthy?
No. A movement can continue running with degraded lubricant, corrosion or worn components. Timekeeping alone does not establish mechanical health. The movement care guide explains what a fuller assessment considers.
Does servicing require case polishing?
Not automatically. Cosmetic refinishing should be discussed separately from mechanical work, with explicit permission for any material removal. Put “no polishing without further approval” into the agreed scope if that is your preference.
Should I wind a watch that has been stored for years?
If its condition or history is uncertain, seek an assessment first. Do not force a crown or continue operating a watch that feels resistant, damaged or affected by moisture. Tell the practitioner how long it was stored and what is known about its environment.
Can I ask for removed parts to be returned?
Yes, ask before approving the work. Exchange policies and hazardous-material requirements can limit return, so record the agreed arrangement. Returned parts should be labelled and stored separately; do not handle suspected hazardous luminous components yourself.
Is an archive extract proof that every part is original?
No. An extract's evidential scope depends on its issuer. Historical production information does not necessarily authenticate all components now fitted. Read the issuer's wording carefully and distinguish production history from present condition.
Will a service restore the original water resistance?
Not necessarily. Condition, construction and suitable testing matter. A historic case marking or replaced gasket does not establish present water resistance. Ask what was tested, when, and which activities are appropriate for the watch now.
Can old luminous material be cleaned at home?
Do not disturb suspected old luminous material. Some applications contain radioactive substances and require qualified assessment and appropriate handling. Avoid scraping, brushing, blowing on or dismantling it; appearance and brightness do not reliably identify its composition.
How often should a mechanical watch be serviced?
There is no universal interval. Follow guidance appropriate to the movement, condition and use, and seek attention when behaviour changes. A historic object kept non-running may need a different conservation plan from a daily-worn watch.
What should a completion record contain?
Request the agreed scope, significant interventions, component decisions, photographs where relevant, test conditions, remaining limitations and aftercare advice. Our records guide shows how to keep that information together.
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