We have a fantastic Tag Heuer Carrera with us today for a full watch repair and service. The first models to bear the Carrera name went to market in the mid-1960s and this range is named after the Carrera Panamerica race – so Carrera watches are rooted in the history of motor racing and sports.
This particular model is relatively modern – from within the past 20 years – though it arrived with us in poor condition. Initial inspection identifies some obvious faults with the watch. Notably it is not working and missing the crown and stem. On examination of the movement it clearly hasn’t been serviced in many years, as oils and greases have dried up and wear is identified in various components including the reversing wheels and rotor bearing.
To get this watch back to excellent order it needs significant intervention. It needs a full service with all worn parts changed. New seals are needed, as well as a new crown. The case and bracelet are very scratched and scuffed, so these will be refinished too.
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. During disassembly and our initial “pre-clean” we check each component is in good order. Anything worn needs to be replaced.
The movement powering this watch is a Tag Heuer calibre 5, which is based on the ETA 2824-2 – a very reliable, quality Swiss movement. As a Tag Heuer Authorised Workshop we can obtain any parts needed to repairs these watches.
After cleaning, we can commence the movement rebuild and oiling. We use a range of oils and greases to lubricate the different parts of the watch movement as per the Tag Heuer technical guidance. Once the movement is complete, the dial and hands are refitted.
To refinish the case and bracelet we use our variable speed polishing machine alongside a variety of polishing mops and compounds. The case and bracelet are fully disassembled prior to polishing – that means we separate the bezel, case middle and back, remove the case tube and glass, and remove the bracelet end links. We then work through each part, carefully refinishing each in progressive stages. Everything is ultrasonically cleaned before we can begin a final rebuild.
The case is put together with brand new seals before we can refit the freshly serviced movement. We need to adjust the length of the stem for the case, so this is cut down to length and fitted. 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, which passed to its original water resistance rating of 50m.
All that’s left to do is thorough testing of the watch over a number of days before we contact our client to arrange return. Another job well done!
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