A top brand we regularly see in our workshop is Cartier. Cartier watches are excellent quality and the brand is synonymous with stunning design, style and sophistication.
This watch is one of Cartier’s most popular models – the Tank Francaise. This watch arrived working but not keeping time. The case and bracelet were scratched all over, so a full service of the movement as well as a case and bracelet refinish was in order.
The movement powering this watch is based on the ETA 2000-1. This is a small automatic movement with bidirectional winding, hacking and a 40 hour power reserve.
The watch is completely stripped down before the movement parts are thoroughly cleaned. We clean parts both by hand and then using a 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 can begin. We use a number of different oils and greases in different parts of the mechanism. We follow the manufacturers guidance for this, including the use of epilame treatment on a number of parts to prevent the spread of oils.
To refinish the case and bracelet, these are disassembled and given a thorough ultrasonic clean before we commence the refinishing process. To do this we use our variable speed polishing machine in combination with a variety of different polishing mops and compounds. To achieve the brushed finish we mask off the polished sections and use a special graining wheel on the relevant sections of the case and bracelet. After a final ultrasonic clean we can reassemble the watch.
After reassemble and testing, we check for water resistance using our Sigma pressure testing machine.
Yours sincerely
David Clark FGA DGA MJVA PJDip. PJGemDip.
Managing Director, JVA Registered Valuer®
W.E. Clark & Son Limited