From our on-site workshop in Lewes, Sussex, we offer a full range of repairs including part jobs like battery changes and glass replacements through to full servicing of the vast majority of brands including Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines, Breitling and Rolex. Servicing your watch regularly is an important part of extending your watches life.
Disassembly and Diagnosis of a TAG Heuer Carrera Automatic Watch
In this instance we are working on a TAG Heuer Carrera Automatic watch. This is a ladies model with a stainless steel case and bracelet, mother of pearl dial, 3 hands and a date indicator. On arrival with us various letters and parts of the dial have fallen off, and we note the dial itself is cracked. Our client indicated the watch was dropped, so we need to give the movement careful examination to see if the shock has caused internal damage.
This watch is powered by a TAG Heuer calibre 9 movement, a TAG customised version of the Sellita SW-1000-1 – a good quality, Swiss automatic movement. On inspection of the movement we find an unusual fault – the shock must have displaced a screw which we found loose near the balance. Nothing particularly unusual about that, though it had also broken the hairspring!
To repair this watch we needed to fully service the movement, replace the mainspring and barrel, balance complete with hairspring, dial and seals.
Replacing the Balance and Servicing the Movement
We fit the replacement balance as the first job after the movement is fully stripped down. This allows us to inspect it from all sides. To replace the balance we need to remove the old balance, which is relatively straightforward given the broken hairspring. We open up the regulator pins, unclip the stud and remove the balance bridge. The balance is already loose so can simply be taken out.
To fit the replacement balance we need to get the hairspring through the small gap on the underside of the regulator pins and press to clip the stud back into place. After cleaning we go about the usual process of setting up the balance correctly – ensuring it is central between the index pins with the correct space to allow it to “breathe” and so on.
Besides the intervention to the balance, servicing involves following the manufacturers technical documentation for this calibre. We use appropriate oils and greases as specified. We replace the barrel as we noted some wear – a new barrel with a new mainspring ensures a reliable source of power for many years to come. Once the movement is back together and working nicely we can fit the new dial and hands.
As a TAG Heuer Authorised Service Centre we can obtain parts like replacement dials and seals for these watches. To replace the seals we disassemble the case, removing the front and back glass, ultrasonic clean everything, then reassemble with the new seals. Once back together we can pressure test to confirm water resistance has been reinstated.
“As an authorised TAG Heuer service centre, we are able to provide genuine parts and expert craftsmanship to ensure your watch is restored to its best condition.”
With the works completed we now test the watch using an Elma Cyclomotion watch winding machine, as well as testing in static positions and for the correct functioning of features including the quick date change. After the testing period is complete, this excellent TAG Heuer Carrera can be reunited with its owner. Servicing a watch can take anywhere between a couple of weeks through to a number of months, learn more about how long it takes to service a watch here.
Summary
In this article, we walk through the repair process of a TAG Heuer Carrera Automatic watch, showcasing the expertise and attention to detail required for servicing high-end timepieces. From diagnosing issues such as a broken hairspring and dial to the comprehensive servicing process, including part replacements and thorough testing, we highlight the precision and care involved. As an authorised TAG Heuer service centre, we ensure the use of genuine parts and follow manufacturer guidelines to restore the watch to its optimal condition, ultimately returning it to its owner fully functional and as good as new. If you have any questions about this process, use our ‘Ask A Watchmaker‘ function and we would be more than happy to help!
Looking to Have Your Tag Heuer Carrera Serviced and Repaired?
At W.E. Watch Repairs, we specialise in servicing both modern and vintage timepieces, including TAG Heuer watches. As an official TAG Heuer Service Centre, we offer expert repairs, precision tuning, and full servicing, ensuring your watch receives the highest level of care. Our skilled watchmakers are here to help restore your timepiece to peak performance.
Take advantage of our Royal Mail Special Delivery FREEPOST service—your watch is fully insured for up to £20,000 throughout its journey, ensuring peace of mind from the moment it leaves your hands until it is safely returned.
Book your contemporary or vintage TAG Heuer watch for a service today and trust us to restore it to optimal condition!