Following receipt of your time piece, our specialist watchmakers will conduct a full and detailed examination of your watch. This will allow us to advise what work is needed to be carried out in order to resolve any faults and bring your precious time piece back to as close to new condition as is possible. 

The watch case and bracelet are disassembled and are placed into a hot ultrasonic tank for cleaning and the old seals and spring bars are discarded.  After the ultrasonic cleaning process, the case and bracelet parts are then washed in clean water and finally cleaned with steam from a pressure steam cleaner to ensure all parts are perfectly clean. These parts are then dried with specialist drying equipment before re-assembly.

Each watch movement is completely stripped down to its individual components using industry standard watch tools, movement holders and equipment. The condition of every individual watch component (pivots, wheels, pinions, jewels, plates and bridges etc.) is inspected by the watchmaker, many with the use of a stereo microscope. Any defective or worn movement parts are replaced with new, or repaired appropriately, and carefully placed into the relevant small parts cleaning baskets. All the individual watch movement parts are then cleaned in our state of the art Elma Solvex VA ultrasonic cleaning machine to remove dirt and grease, using watch part cleaning and rinsing solutions specifically designed for watch servicing and repair.

The movement is re-assembled using industry recommended and specified tooling, and oiling and lubrication are carried out where necessary. (A watch movement is a precision timing device and whether it is a branded Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Cartier, Tag Heuer or an old vintage Heuer or Memosail, each and every watch movement must be reassembled in accordance with the manufacturers technical sequence and specified tooling). During the re-assembly process, control parameters are assessed, adjusted and checked where relevant. When the movement is completed, timing adjustments are made (further timing adjustments are usually made when the movement is fitted into the watch case).     

Once the watch movement re-assembly is complete the dial and hands can be fitted. This is done using appropriate hand setting tooling and movement holding equipment. (It is important to use the correct tooling as it ensures that the watch movement, hands and dial are not damaged during the final stages of re-assembly).

After the watch case and bracelet have been thoroughly cleaned, all relevant seals and gaskets are fitted to the glass, tube, crown and pushers etc. New spring bars are fitted to the bracelet or strap. Clasps are checked over for wear, and tightened where possible. The watch movement is then refitted carefully into the case, and the case back is securely fitted using manufacturers recommended tooling, ensuring not to over tighten or damage the case back.

Following the reassembly of your watch, a final adjustment of the movement’s timekeeping is made. A final case assessment is completed and the case back is fitted. The completed watch is then set to time and date, and tested over a period of time. Automatic watches are placed on an automatic watch winder to test the self winding mechanism. Chronograph models are tested with and without the chronograph mechanism running.

On completion of any timing adjustments, the water resistance of the case is tested in accordance with the manufacturers specifications.  At Smart Time Solutions we use a Witschi Proofmaster water resistance tester, and a Lititz Diver 125  which means we are able to test even the most highly water resistant of watches.

Our master watchmaker carries out final checks in accordance with our strict quality control procedures. These checks are to ensure functionality, power reserve, timing accuracy and aesthetic appearance of your watch. On completion, you will then be informed and the watch will be returned to you with 12 months warranty and an accompanying warranty card.