The watch with us for repair today is a Tag Heuer Carrera. The first Carrera watches came onto the market in the mid-1960s. The model is named after the Carrera Panamerica race – so Carrera watches are rooted in motor racing and sports.
This particular model is relatively modern – from within the past 20 years – and uses a Tag calibre 5 movement. This is a Tag Heuer customised version of the ETA 2824-2, a 25 jewel automatic movement which is used extensively in good quality Swiss watches.
Initial inspection revealed the watch to be working but with low amplitude and poor timekeeping. The movement clearly hadn’t been serviced in many years, though nothing appeared to be broken. A full service and new mainspring was needed to restore this watch back to excellent working order.
To service a watch it is completely stripped down before the movement parts are thoroughly cleaned. We clean parts both by hand and then using our Elma specialist watch movement cleaning machine – this way we can be certain everything is in good order and as clean as we can possibly make it.
After cleaning, rebuilding and oiling of the mechanism begins. We use a range of oils and greases to lubricate the different parts of the watch movement as per the manufacturers technical guidance. Once the movement is complete, the dial and hands are refitted, we are then ready for the final casing up.
With the watch cased up we conduct a final test on the timegrapher before closing the case back and pressure testing for water resistance. Our Sigma pressure testing machine is capable of testing watches up to a rating of 300m – more than sufficient for this model.
Do you have a Tag Heuer Carrera watch in need of repair? Get in touch and see how we can help. We are watch repair specialists and experts in the repair of both modern and vintage watches. We hold a parts account with Tag Heuer, so we have access to the full range of Tag Heuer case and bracelet parts, including genuine Tag Heuer replacement glasses, bezels and crowns.
Yours sincerely
David Clark FGA DGA MJVA PJDip. PJGemDip.
Managing Director, JVA Registered Valuer®
W.E. Clark & Son Limited