What Owners Say About the Work

The Challenge

1982 Citizen Automatic, Stopped Movement

An owner brought in a Citizen 8200 series that had not run for an unknown period. The mainspring state was unclear and the movement felt stiff when wound. The piece had sentimental value — the owner's father had worn it daily for years.

The Process

Full disassembly revealed a worn mainspring and dried lubrication throughout the gear train. The mainspring was sourced — a correct replacement was available — and all pivot holes cleaned and re-oiled. The balance staff was within tolerance and required no replacement. The owner was informed at each stage, including when the mainspring cost was confirmed before ordering.

The Outcome

Movement running at +6 seconds per day across three positions. Written record documenting the mainspring replacement, lubrication schedule, and timing data provided at collection. The owner returned three months later to have the bracelet clasp adjusted.

Timeline: 18 working days · Service: Heritage Overhaul

The Challenge

Swiss Dress Watch, Scratched Acrylic Crystal

A dress watch with an acrylic crystal badly marked by regular wear — visible scratches affecting the reading of the dial underneath. The owner wanted the crystal addressed but was not sure whether further case polishing was appropriate.

The Process

At assessment, the case surfaces were reviewed with the owner. The original brushed flanks were judged worth keeping as-is — light polishing on the top surfaces only was agreed. The acrylic crystal was replaced with a correct-profile replacement. Dial and hands were wiped clean under magnification without disturbing the printing.

The Outcome

The watch returned with a clear crystal, refreshed case top surfaces, and the dial character intact. The owner specifically noted the retained brushed flanks were exactly what they had hoped for. Case & dial work completed within the agreed scope and price.

Timeline: 8 working days · Service: Case & Dial Refinishing

The Challenge

Japanese Quartz, Crown Resistance

A well-used Seiko quartz with a crown that had become increasingly stiff over several years. The watch was still keeping time but the crown resistance was making date adjustment difficult. The owner was uncertain whether this required a major repair or something simpler.

The Process

Inspection showed a worn crown tube seal and accumulated dust and debris around the crown mechanism. A full routine service was carried out: movement clean, fresh lubrication, new gasket, battery replacement. The crown resistance resolved entirely once the tube was cleaned and the new gasket seated.

The Outcome

Crown operating smoothly across all positions. Timekeeping accurate to manufacturer specification. The owner had expected a much larger bill — the routine service price covered everything required, with no additional parts costs. Watch collected within 12 working days.

Timeline: 12 working days · Service: Routine Servicing