Quote:
Originally Posted by DoubleF
So... what are some "limits" when it comes to watch repair and maintenance on a nice watch?
On my watches
- I've tweaked bracelets and bands
- I've changed batteries before
- I've done basic cleaning
- I've done questionable scratch removal
Question about cleaning... some people I've spoken with freak out at the idea that anything other than a cloth (ie: Soft toothbrush) is used on a watch or bracelet. I know Torquedog doesn't have qualms about using a soft brush, but are the scratch concerns serious or overblown? I use a cheap soft bristle electric toothbrush to clean some of my electronics on occasion. Never have I made scratches using it.
Cape cod wipes. I've seen some people get all upset about how it chemically removes a layer or something and say they're all "no no" to use on an opulent watch, all buffing done by the watch maker etc. Personally, steel is steel, whatever, but I can perhaps see an argument for much more precious metals. I have on occasion used a nail buffer to clean up some extremely scratched bracelets. Obviously I would not to nail buffer an opulent watch, but is there still a serious voice of concern for attempting to remove scratches yourself and the methodologies you should employ when working on a watch?
I probably wouldn't completely baby a watch or be brazenly careless with it. But I don't want to tell people what "work" I've had done on a watch and have people stare at me like I've announced I've accidentally run over their cat or anything.
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I had a MASSIVE reply typed up to this, and the server was nice enough to crap the bed at some point, so it was lost and never submitted.
Anyway, the answer is this: it depends. I am happy to do my own work on the Speedy Pro because someone FAR more incompetent than I has clearly had their hands on it given how many of the brushed features of the watch were semi-polished when it arrived. It has no warranty, and if I want Omega to fix it perfectly, it's $540 CAD and I'm not doing anything that could irreparably muck anything up. The Rolex, on the other hand, has ten years of warranty so I'm not touching it at all. I wouldn't try and work on a Patek no matter what age it was.
The watch, as well as your own skill and confidence should dictate whether or not you decide to do what maintenance on your watch. I've regulated an off-warranty Rolex SeaDweller before. It was easy, and I had that thing to within 2 seconds a day.
Using an extra soft toothbrush (I use one for toddlers aged 2 - 4 mo.) with some mild soap and water is not going to damage a watch finish. And anyone making a fuss about Cape Cod cloths, their concern is probably misplaced. The problem with Cape Cods are usually the ham-fisted git moving the cloth around who didn't tape any of the brushed case facets or bracelet pieces off before using them. If you take your time, and prep your pieces before working on them, you'll be fine.
But at the end of the day, it is always a case-by-case basis as to whether or not you should work on your own watches.
Quote:
Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler
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Well, it's solid 18K white gold, it has an in-house movement with a minute repeater complication, and was limited to a 250 piece production run.
That said, you can get it cheaper second-hand:
https://www.chrono24.com/ca/search/i...accessoryTypes=
And the duty you pay on shipping it will hurt a LOT. You might want to fly over to the seller and wear it on the flight back.