Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My watch stopped and I got a new battery fitted - but the watch still does not keep time. Is my watch faulty?

A: No. Watches, unlike most other mechanical equipment, run constantly day-in day-out, 365 days of the year. They are also subjected to knocks, falls, entry of moisture and dust. The lubricating oils may also dry up. Any one (or a combination) of these factors may cause the watch to stop. Hence, the watch will require servicing throughout its life. Bring it in and we will provide an estimate.

Q: I was told my watch needs to be ‘overhauled’. Is this a major repair?

A: ‘Overhauling’ is another word for ‘Servicing’ - and both terms refer to the disassembly, examination of parts, cleaning, lubricating and re-assembly of the movement. In quartz watches the battery is replaced. The watch is then placed through a series of time-tests.

Q: Will my watch look like new after an overhaul?

A: An overhaul is a service of the movement only and does not necessarily affect the appearance of the watch. Parts such as the glass, dial and hands are not replaced without being specifically mentioned. In some cases it may also be possible to ‘valet’ a watch case and bracelet.

Q: My watch is waterproof. Does this mean I can use it in water?

A: No watch is 100% ‘waterproof’. Your watch may be rated as ‘water-resistant’, and this will be indicated either in ‘meters’ or ‘bars’. In general, we would recommend:

Water-resistant = occasional accidental splashes only.
30M - 3ATM / Bar = occasional accidental splashes only.
50M - 5ATM / Bar = occasional accidental splashes only.
100M - 10ATM / Bar = light swimming, showering.
200M - 20ATM / Bar = diving.

All of the above applies only if the watch is resealed annually and all crowns securely locked. It is also important to have the watch resealed every time the watch is opened.

Q: I have an expensive chronometer watch, however I find my ordinary battery-powered watch is far more

accurate. Surely this should not be the case?

A: A chronometer is a highly accurate ‘traditional’ mechanical timepiece. However, even the most precise mechanical watch cannot be as exact as modern quartz regulated ones.

Q: I received an expensive bracelet for my birthday last year. Recently I brought it in to be

professionally cleaned, but the assistant noted that some of the links were worn. How can this be so?

A: Jewellery is a luxury item - often created out of precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum. Like any finely crafted object it should be treated with loving care. It is important to have a realistic expectation as to its durability, and if worn frequently it will naturally shorten its lifespan.

Q: My engagement ring is tight on my finger. Is it possible to enlarge it?

A: In some instances, but not all, it is possible to have a ring enlarged. However, several factors have first to be considered. The style of the setting, wear to the mount, the amount of sizes required and the general condition of the ring all have to be taken into account. This is in order to ensure the security of the stone(s) in the ring. Where it is not possible to size a ring, a full remount in the larger (or smaller) size may be an option.

Q: I recently inherited a strand of cultured-pearls. How should I best care for them?

A: Cultured-pearls are made of many layers of delicate nacre surrounding a central core. This nacre must be cared for with great care. Should they require cleaning, a soft cloth gently wiped over the surface is all that is required. Abrasives, cosmetics, cleaning solutions and perfume can all damage the fine coating. In conjunction with this, we would recommend that they be restrung approximately every six-months.