Vintage Watch Repair

vintage watch repair

Watchmakers all have their own preferences of what they like to work on. At OBR Horology, I like to repair vintage mechanical watches. I undertake vintage watch repairs in Adelaide on brands like: Omega, Tag Heuer, Longines, Rolex, Heuer, Breitling, Oris and IWC just to name a few.

With vintage watches gaining popularity every month, it is important get the condition of the watch assessed as a lot of the time they will need to be serviced. Remember mechanical watches need servicing every 5 to 7 years. While a large portion of the vintage watches have just been sitting around for years it is still a good idea to get them serviced at a regular interval as suggested above, as the oils and greases will deteriorate slowly over time.

VINTAGE CHRONOGRAPH WATCH REPAIR

As a trained watchmaker I repair all types of vintage chronograph watches. Due to their complexity, vintage chronograph repairs can take some time to complete. They often require extensive repairs to get them back into good working order. Due to their rarity and allure they are highly sought after, subsequently they can often fetch a lot of money on the second hand market. Because of this it is important that originality and minor patina is preserved.


WHAT DOES A VINTAGE WATCH REPAIR INVOLVE?

There are plenty of brands that have come and gone over the years, fading into obscurity. But the watches themselves have often stood the test of time and are still up and running.

Vintage watch repair requires a slightly different skill set. I have spent the last 8 years learning some of the skills required. Vintage watch repairs can include:

  • Refinishing/ polishing screws

  • Adjusting jewel end shake

  • Poising balance wheels both static and dynamically

  • Flattening/ straightening wheels

  • Adjusting pallet end stone depths

  • Fitting new jewels/ bushings

  • Refinishing pivots

  • Fitting balance staff

  • Manipulating hairsprings

  • Complex chronograph adjustments.

  • Refinishing and adjusting levers

  • Making bushes


VINTAGE WATCH REPAIRS

Because of the complexities of vintage watch repair, before work is started I’ll provide you with a quotation and an overview of what is required. If you would like to get a vintage watch repaired feel free to send me an email at repairs@obrhorology.com.au or you can give me a phone call on 0423 451 991.

If you would like to see some of the watches I work on check out my Instagram.

Oliver Broos RevittOBR Horology