From our on-site workshop in Lewes, Sussex, we offer a full range of repairs including part jobs like battery changes and glass replacements through to full servicing of the vast majority of brands including Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines, Breitling and Rolex. Servicing your watch regularly is an important part of extending your watches life.
Disassembly and Diagnosis of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Automatic Chronograph
In this instance, we are working on a TAG Heuer Aquaracer Automatic Chronograph with a blue dial. This watch is working but not keeping time and the date is not changing on arrival with us.
To find the source of the problem we need to disassemble the movement. This watch uses a TAG Heuer version of the ETA 7750 chronograph – a good quality, reliable chronograph movement used in many different versions by numerous quality watch brands. To find the source of the faults we need to disassemble the movement. During the course of this disassembly, it becomes apparent this watch hasn’t seen a watchmaker for some time as we note most oils and greases are completely dried up.
“A key to a successful repair is attention to detail. We carefully inspect each movement, ensuring that all components are properly cleaned, lubricated, and replaced as needed to restore full functionality.”
Repair Process and Parts Replacement
Inspection of the dial side of the movement reveals two faults – firstly, the finger of the date change wheel has completely broken off. This is a common fault when watch owners attempt to change the date on these chronographs when the date change wheel is already in position to click the date over. By attempting to manually correct the date when this wheel has moved into place, it can force the finger piece out of shape or, as in this instance, break it off completely. The simple advice to avoid this is to only correct the date on a 7750 family chronograph when the hands are in the bottom half of the dial.
We also find the driver cannon pinion is faulty. This is an important component, and it needs to fit with just the right amount of friction in order to allow the hands to be set and to still drive the hands during normal timekeeping.
Both the driver cannon pinion and date change wheel are replaced as part of the service. We also replaced a worn reversing wheel and changed the mainspring.
Testing and Final Inspection
As an authorised service centre for TAG Heuer, we are able to order the required parts to complete this repair direct from the manufacturer. We ordered the required movement parts, as well as a set of replacement seals. Only authorised workshops can order these parts from TAG Heuer.
To service and repair the movement, it is fully disassembled, checked and cleaned – going through a manual cleaning process before a cycle in our Elma Solvex RM automatic cleaning machine. Once parts are completely clean and dried, we can commence reassembly of the movement. During reassembly, we follow the manufacturer’s technical guidelines in terms of oil and grease usage, as well as the use of other treatments such as epilame.
“As an authorised TAG Heuer service centre, we are able to provide genuine parts and expert craftsmanship to ensure your watch is restored to its best condition.”
On top of the movement repairs, we give the case and bracelet a clean, alongside fitting replacement seals before we test the complete case – minus the movement – in both a wet pressure tester and a dry tester to confirm water resistance. We can now reunite all elements of the watch. With the movement refitted and everything checked on the time-grapher, we can close the case back before a final dry pressure test.
With the works completed we now test the watch using an Elma Cyclomotion watch winding machine, as well as testing in static positions and for the correct functioning of all features including the chronograph and quick date change. After the testing period is complete, this excellent TAG Heuer Aquaracer Chronograph can be reunited with its owner. Servicing a watch can take anywhere between a couple of weeks through to a number of months, learn more about how long it takes to service a watch here.
Summary
In this article, we walk through the repair process of a TAG Heuer Aquaracer Automatic Chronograph, showcasing the expertise and attention to detail required for servicing high-end timepieces. From diagnosing issues such as a broken date change wheel and faulty driver cannon pinion to the comprehensive servicing process, including part replacements and thorough testing, we highlight the precision and care involved. As an authorised TAG Heuer service centre, we ensure the use of genuine parts and follow manufacturer guidelines to restore the watch to its optimal condition, ultimately returning it to its owner fully functional and as good as new. If you have any questions about this process, use our ‘Ask A Watchmaker‘ function and we would be more than happy to help!
Looking to Have Your Tag Heuer Aquaracer Serviced and Repaired?
At W.E. Watch Repairs, we specialise in servicing both modern and vintage timepieces, including TAG Heuer watches. As an official TAG Heuer Service Centre, we offer expert repairs, precision tuning, and full servicing, ensuring your watch receives the highest level of care. Our skilled watchmakers are here to help restore your timepiece to peak performance.
Take advantage of our Royal Mail Special Delivery FREEPOST service—your watch is fully insured for up to £20,000 throughout its journey, ensuring peace of mind from the moment it leaves your hands until it is safely returned.
Book your contemporary or vintage TAG Heuer watch for a service today and trust us to restore it to optimal condition!