Christmas Countdown at the Workshop: A Busy Week in Lewes

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With the Christmas countdown officially underway, the atmosphere here at W.E. Clark & Son is one of focused energy. Our workshops are buzzing as we work to ensure every timepiece is back on its owner’s wrist in time for the festivities. It has been a particularly productive week in Lewes, with a fascinating variety of horological challenges crossing our benches.

Precision Performance: Breitling and Longines

Our BHI-accredited watchmaker has been immersed in several complex movements this week. Two notable Breitling models required extensive attention:

  • Breitling Super Avenger II: This automatic chronograph, powered by the robust ETA 7750 base, arrived wBreitling Superocean repaired at W.E. Clark Watch Repairsith a common but delicate issue—a snapped crown and stem. Before the movement could be de-cased for its full service, we had to perform partial disassembly within the case itself to safely extract the remaining stem fragment. Once cleared, the movement underwent a comprehensive service to restore it to excellent working order.

  • Breitling Superocean: This piece came to us with a distinct clicking sound during winding. Upon inspection, we identified significant wear on the winding pinion, clutch wheel, and the barrel bridge. As part of the full service, these components were replaced with genuine parts to ensure smooth, reliable power delivery.

We also addressed a technical fault in a Longines Day-Date. The watch featured an ETA 255.122 quartz movement with a hand-setting failure; the hands would barely move and emitted a clicking sound when the crown was pulled. This is a known vulnerability in this calibre when servicing intervals are missed—the tiny teeth on the clutch wheel are prone to shearing. A new clutch wheel was installed as part of a full service, restoring perfect functionality.

ETA 255.122 movement being worked on a W.E. Clark Watch Repairs

Essential Maintenance and Repairs

Beyond the major overhauls, our team has been busy with smaller “part job” tasks to keep our clients’ collections in top tier condition for the party season:

  • Battery Replacements: We’ve handled a diverse range of quartz movements this week, including a Tissot T-Race, a Breitling Aerospace, a Cartier travel clock, and an elegant Chaumet quartz watch.

  • Glass Replacements: Several watches required new crystals to restore their clarity and protection, including an Armani chronograph, a classic Rolex Datejust, and a Junghans Automatic.

From the Vintage Bench: Railroad Grade Excellence

In our dedicated vintage and antique workshop, our Master Watchmaker has been focusing on pieces of significant historical importance. Of particular note this week are two Railroad Grade pocket watches.

These were the “super-computers” of their day. Designed to meet incredibly stringent standards of accuracy, these watches were essential for the safety of the rail networks, ensuring that trains could run precisely on time to avoid collisions. Seeing these mechanical marvels restored to their former glory is always a highlight for the team.

Christmas Opening Hours

As we prepare to take a short break to recharge our own mainsprings, please note our schedule for the festive period:

  • Closing: After 3pm on Wednesday, 24th December (Christmas Eve).
  • Re-opening: Tuesday, 6th January.

Finally, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our customers for your continued support throughout 2025. It is a privilege to look after your timepieces.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!