We are experienced in the repair of almost every type and brand of watch here at WE Clark Watch Repairs. In order to repair watches to a high standard, we continually invest in the best quality tools and equipment for our workshop. While you may find budget versions of some testing machines, the calibration and quality of the equipment is – speaking from experience – not the same. In order to appropriately test a high end watch, it requires high end, specialist equipment.
One piece of equipment we use multiple times a day is a Timegrapher. This is a machine which listens to the sound of a mechanical watch escapement (the ticking sound you can hear) and is able to display this sound as a graph. From this graph we are able to ascertain a number of factors, all of which contribute to diagnosing faults and adjusting the watch. It is possible to use budget Timegraphers, such as those made in the far east. While these machines are reasonable for the price, they are not calibrated to the same level and built to the same quality of their Swiss counterparts. Our machine is made by Witschi – a Swiss watchmaking equipment manufacturer – and it’s their Watch Expert IV model. It’s a pleasure to use and comes with a certificate of calibration so we can be confident in the accuracy of machine. With this machine we can accurately test and diagnose faults on a huge range of different mechanical watches.
If we are dealing with a quartz watch we need to use a different piece of equipment. In order to test a quartz watch, we need to conduct a variety of electrical tests. These tests include assessing the power consumption of the watch, the coil resistance, the lower working voltage, the battery voltage under load and the accuracy of the movement. To do this we use an industry favourite – the Elma Watch-Master. This machine is actually produced by Witschi too, under the name Tech-Handy. Testing is done using probes with are positioned on the movement in different locations based on the test being conducted. As with the Timegrapher, it is possible to get more budget quartz testing equipment, but these are often unable to conduct the full range of tests required after servicing.
After a service is completed on a mechanical or quartz watch, it may be appropriate to pressure test a watch for water resistance. To do this we use our state-of-the-art Sigma pressure testing machine. This machine is able to test the water resistance of watches up to a rating of 300m (30BAR). The test is conducted using air pressure, and the machine tests the deformation of the case. As this is a “dry” test, watches are able to be tested complete – i.e. with the movement inside the case. Having the capability to test up to 300m means we can test watches suitable for extensive use in water. Models rated to 300m include some iterations of Omega Seamaster – so we can test these to their original rating.
We do also have the option to conduct a “wet” test. We most commonly use this machine to pinpoint where a seal is failing on a watch. A watch case without the movement is attached inside the machine and we then increase the air pressure. If there’s a failing seal, this means the inside of the case will be pressurised. The case is then immersed in water and the pressure is slowly released. A steady stream of bubbles will be visible at the location of the damaged seal.
Suffice to say, we offer a comprehensive repairs service utilising top quality watch diagnostic and testing equipment. To take advantage of our expert watchmakers and state-of-the-art equipment, do get in touch. We are able to repair almost any watch and we offer a comprehensive watch repair service. We cater to clients all around the UK thanks to our fully insured freepost watch repairs service. As Business Partners of the British Horological Institute and a Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award accredited business, you can be confident when dealing with us.
Yours sincerely
David Clark DGA PJDip PJGemDip CertGA
Managing Director
W.E. Clark & Son Limited