We see a whole range of watches come through our workshop – from modern quartz through to 19th Century pocket watches, we’re able to repair almost any make and model of watch. In this case we have a vintage automatic Mappin watch, dating from the 1960s. This watch has been exposed to water and it is in rather a sorry state.
On initial assessment this watch was not functional. It was impossible to set the hands or manually wind the movement. On opening the case it revealed the reason why – significant water damage throughout large areas of the ETA 2375 automatic movement. With damage so extensive our options for repair are limited. We want to preserve as much of the original watch as possible, but a watch is a functional item, so it needs to work. We secured a vintage donor movement of the same calibre to use for parts – we did everything possible to preserve originality but many parts still needed to be replaced.
The parts we were able to save from the original movement were de-rusted as necessary and cleaned by hand, before being put through a cleaning cycle in our movement cleaning machine. After cleaning, these parts are checked before combining with the donor components for another round in the cleaning machine. After cleaning the movement is carefully reassembled and oiled, plus we fit a new mainspring. A mainspring in excellent condition is crucial to ensure a properly functioning watch and the original was “set” and made of an older, less reliable material. Once everything is back together we adjust and test the movement.
On top of the damage to the movement, the dial was also water damaged. This went to our specialist dial restorer to be fully restored. The dial is completely stripped back and through a variety of techniques, the dial is gradually refinished back to as near a match to the original dial as possible. In instances of dial restoration work we always consult and advise our clients on the best way forwards prior to any work taking place. This ensures a fully satisfactory outcome at the end of the process.
The gold case was given a light polish and a new plexi-glass fitted, before watch is ready to be cased up. We re-unite the dial and hands with the movement, then refit these into the case. We can then double check the watch is working to a good standard on our timegrapher before it goes on test.
For watches like this we recommend servicing every 3-5 years. This is to ensure optimal performance of the movement (as the oils and greases needed to keep the movement running properly need to be kept fresh) and to allow the movement to be checked for signs of wear and tear.
Yours sincerely
David Clark FGA DGA MJVA PJDip. PJGemDip.
Managing Director, JVA Registered Valuer®
W.E. Clark & Son Limited