We deal with a huge variety of watches in our workshop, ranging from modern Tag Heuer, Breitling and Omega through to vintage wrist and pocket watches. Vintage watches come in all shapes and sizes. They often need extra special care and attention, especially if the watch in question has not been regularly serviced over the years.
This watch is a vintage C5 Galaxy mechanical watch. It’s a watch which has obvious aviation inspiration – It’s named after the large military transport aeroplane and features a clear disc with the silhouette of the C5 Galaxy acting as the second hand.
On opening the watch we are able to inspect the movement. This watch uses mechanical movement branded from the Hafner Watch Co. It’s actually a Baumgartner calibre 866, which in its standard form is a workhorse pin pallet movement. This iteration is upgraded to having 17 jewels, so this is a positive – the jewels act to reduce friction and so reduce wear.
We can see quite a lot of dirt and debris throughout the movement, so a full service and a fresh mainspring is in order. The movement is completely disassembled and pre-cleaned, with each part carefully inspected for wear. The disassembled movement is then run through our specialist watch movement cleaning machine, while the case was cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.
After cleaning the movement is carefully reassembled and oiled. The dial and hands, plus the unusual second hand disc are then refitted, before the complete movement is fitted into the case.
No additional works were carried out to the case, dial and hands – these were all left in original condition for our client. Now before returning the watch we put it on test to confirm the timekeeping accuracy and make sure everything is just as it should be. Another job well done!
Do you have a watch in need of repair? No job is too big or too small – Get in contact with us to see how we can help. 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. You can also bring watches in to our showrooms based in Lewes and Uckfield, Sussex. 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 PJDip PJGemDip CertGA
Managing Director