Latest News Archives - W.E. Clark & Son Limited

CWC Vintage Chronograph Service and Repair

Posted on February 10, 2025 by Stephen Irvine

Restoring a Vintage CWC Chronograph

Our fully equipped on-site watch workshop offers a full range of repairs – from smaller jobs like battery changes and glass replacements to full servicing of the vast majority of brands including Omega, Tag Heuer, Longines, Breitling, and Rolex, as well as vintage watch repairs. In this instance, we are working on what at first appears to be a military-issued CWC watch. CWC has a very interesting history supplying watches to MOD specifications for military personnel. However, this model was never actually issued – we can tell by the presence of the date display at 3 o’clock, demonstrating the version and authenticity of the vintage watch. Otherwise, it is almost identical to the non-date watches issued to RAF personnel.

“A watch’s history tells a story, but expert restoration ensures it continues ticking for generations to come.”

It’s a good quality mechanical watch, with the aforementioned date display and a 30-minute chronograph. The movement powering this vintage watch is the Valjoux 7765. These movements were manufactured between 1983-1998 and are very similar to the ubiquitous 7750 chronograph.

Repairing Water Damage and Replacing Components

On arrival with us, it was in very poor condition. There was significant water ingress, a missing pusher, and the chronograph seconds hands were completely bent and distorted. It needed a significant amount of work to get it back to excellent working order. Most old watches can be restored by expert watchmakers; learn more about our vintage watch repair service.

The water ingress had mostly affected parts involved in setting the hands and winding the watch – these include the ratchet wheel, crown wheel, clutch wheel, and winding pinion. These all needed to be replaced, along with various other components. It only takes a small amount of water damage to render a watch component unfit for purpose, so it is very important to avoid using a watch around water if it is not water-resistant. If you have a water-resistant model, you must avoid pressing pushers/adjusting the time when in water and ensure it is checked regularly to confirm it is still appropriately sealed.

“Even a small amount of water damage can render a watch component unfit for purpose—regular servicing is essential.”

Cleaning, Reassembly, and Final Testing

Once we have the movement fully disassembled and checked, the movement is 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 followed our typical servicing procedure using the manufacturer’s technical guidelines in terms of oil and grease usage, as well as the use of other treatments such as epilame.

Alongside the work to the movement, we need to replace the missing pusher. We are able to source an original CWC pusher for this model, and this is fitted using a Horia 2015 tool – a very adaptable piece of kit, perfect for jobs like fitting pushers and tubes. The case is given a thorough ultrasonic clean before we can reunite all elements of the watch.

“Every serviced watch undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee accuracy, power reserve, and flawless chronograph functionality.”

With all works completed, we now test this excellent CWC chronograph to ensure good timekeeping within tolerance, appropriate power reserve, and the correct functioning of the chronograph. Once testing is complete, it is released ready for collection by our client. If you’re interested in the process of restoring vintage watches, or you have any questions about servicing your watch, contact us using our Ask the Watchmaker form.

Expert Vintage Watch Restoration at W.E. Clark & Son

At W.E. Clark & Son, our specialist watchmakers provide expert servicing, precision restoration and refurbishment for vintage watches and luxury timepieces. Recently, we fully restored a vintage CWC chronograph suffering from water damage, missing components, and mechanical wear. Using original parts and industry-leading techniques, we carefully repaired the movement, replaced worn elements, and conducted thorough testing to ensure accuracy and longevity.

If your timepiece needs servicing or restoration, contact us today or visit us in store to discuss how our expert team can bring your watch back to its best.

Need Your Vintage Watch Serviced or Repaired?

Take advantage of our Royal Mail Special Delivery FREEPOST service for a secure and hassle-free experience. Your watch is fully insured for up to £20,000 throughout its entire journey, from the moment it leaves your hands until it’s safely returned to you. Trust our expert watchmakers to restore your timepiece with precision and care.

Book your vintage watch service today!

Do Jewellers Buy Old Watches?

Posted on February 7, 2025 by Stephen Irvine

Many people are looking to part with old watches that no longer work as desired, hold personal value or perhaps they are looking for additional funds to spend on something else. Simply put, many jewellers do indeed buy old watches. The specific watches purchased may vary from jeweller to jeweller but are impacted by the condition of the watch, brand, age and desirability.

What Types of Watches Do Jewellers Buy?

We offer a variety of refurbished watches for sale in our pre-owned range. When we buy watches we are like many other retailers, in that we are looking for desirable watch brands. These may include Rolex, Omega, Tag Heuer, Cartier, Breitling and Patek Philippe amongst many others. We look for brands like these as their watches are good quality and repairable (even if the watches are sold in need of repair). Lesser quality brands may still be purchased by some retailers, though these may be less likely to sell as the demand may not be there.

“Luxury watches hold their value remarkably well, making them a smart investment for buyers and sellers alike.”

Pre-owned and vintage watches offer an excellent way for customers to enter the luxury watch market more affordably. Vintage watches offer many advantages over their new counterparts, especially if buying from a retailer who has fully serviced and restored the watch in question. They often are of excellent quality (in excess of new watches from the same brands in some instances!) and come with interesting history and designs.

What to Expect When Selling Your Watch

If you are selling a watch to us, it is a very straightforward process. You can bring the watch into one of our showrooms and we will check and value the watch, providing you with a fair price for the watch. If you have the original box, paperwork and receipts it is useful to bring these as we may be able to offer you a higher price. Unlike selling with online marketplaces, selling to us is secure and complete hassle-free. We also offer immediate payment.

“A reputable jeweller ensures a smooth, transparent transaction—offering you peace of mind and the best possible value for your watch.”

If you see a pre-owned watch you like in our window, we are flexible to offer trade-ins. This way you can use your existing watch as a stepping stone, trading it in towards the purchase of a different timepiece.

Before selling your watch to a retailer we advise you to do some research – make sure this is indeed a reputable retailer to sell to. Check Google reviews and make sure they have knowledge about watches. These trustworthy retailers will offer you a fair price on your timepiece.

Summary

Selling your old watch to a trusted jeweller is a secure and straightforward way to part with it. Retailers often seek luxury brands, especially vintage and pre-owned models because these watches, even in need of repair, are valued for their quality and desirability. When selling a watch, you’ll receive a fair price and immediate payment, with the possibility of a higher offer if you have the original box and paperwork. Some retailers also accept trade-ins toward new purchases. Always ensure you’re dealing with a reputable retailer for a hassle-free transaction. Contact us with confidence to begin your seamless watch selling or jewellery selling process.

Not Ready to Part with Your Vintage Watch? Get it Repaired Instead!

Try our Royal Mail Special Delivery FREEPOST service for expert servicing and repairs. Your watch is fully insured up to £20,000 throughout its journey. Book now!

Omega Speedmaster Chronograph Servicing

Posted on February 5, 2025 by Stephen Irvine

From our fully equipped watch workshop In Lewes we offer a full range of repairs – from smaller jobs like battery changes and glass replacements through to full watch servicing of a wide range of brands including Omega, Tag Heuer, Longines, Breitling and Rolex.

Disassembly and Servicing of the Omega Speedmaster Movement

For this job, we are working on an Omega Speedmaster, similar to the Omega Speedmaster Triple Calendar Chronograph that we serviced a while back. We often see Speedmasters in the workshop – a testament to the enduring popularity of these watches. This model is an automatic chronograph with date. The three sub-dials indicate seconds, plus chronograph minutes and hours. The centre second hand is for the chronograph seconds.

“The Omega Speedmaster is a testament to enduring craftsmanship and reliability, with many owners trusting its chronograph functionality year after year. Despite wear over time, the movement remains a classic in the world of automatic chronographs.”

It arrived in well-worn condition and had not been to a watchmaker in many years, so this means worn-out parts are highly likely, especially those involved in the automatic winding mechanism. Despite the lack of previous maintenance, our British Horological Institute-qualified watchmaker brings extensive experience in repairing vintage watches.

First, we disassemble the movement. This Omega Speedmaster uses an Omega calibre 1164, which is an Omega customised version of the ETA calibre 7750. These are good, solid chronograph movements and the 7750, in different variations, has been used in quality automatic chronograph watches for many decades.

As anticipated, wear is found in the automatic mechanism – both the rotor bearing and the reversing wheel need replacing. Most oils and greases are dried up, though everything else appears in good order besides the mainspring which we replace as standard.

Once fully disassembled the movement is cleaned – first going through a manual cleaning process before a cycle in our Elma Solvex RM automatic cleaning machine. When parts are completely clean and dried, we can commence reassembly. We follow the manufacturer’s technical guidelines for the correct usage and placement of oil and grease, as well as the use of other treatments such as epilame.

As part of the service we fit the replacement parts – a new mainspring, reversing wheel and rotor bearing. We always endeavour to fit a new mainspring as part of a service, though it’s especially important when dealing with a watch like this. The mainspring is housed inside a barrel which is buried in the very depths of the movement underneath all of the chronograph mechanism, so replacing it is not straightforward without the watch being fully stripped down.

“Replacing the mainspring is not a simple task—its position deep within the movement, under all the chronograph mechanisms, requires careful disassembly. This meticulous attention to detail is essential to ensuring the Speedmaster continues to perform at its best.”

Alongside the movement servicing we give the case and bracelet a light polish, clean and fit replacement seals as appropriate before conducting a pressure test to confirm water resistance. We can now reunite all elements of the watch. With the movement refitted and everything checked on the timing machine, we can close the case back before a final pressure test.

Final Testing and Reassembly: Restoring the Omega Speedmaster to Perfection

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 change of the date. After the testing period is complete this superb Omega Speedmaster Chronograph can be reunited with our client. If you’re interested in the turnaround time for watch servicing, have a look at our article “How Long Does A Full Watch Service Take” to learn more about the factors that can affect the timeline and how we ensure a thorough, efficient process for every watch we service.

Summary

At W.E. Watch Repairs in Lewes, we provide comprehensive watch servicing, from basic repairs to full movement overhauls. In this case, we serviced an Omega Speedmaster, addressing wear in the automatic winding mechanism and replacing critical components like the rotor bearing and mainspring. The movement was carefully cleaned, reassembled, and tested to ensure optimal performance. Our team follows precise technical guidelines to restore watches to their original functionality.

Looking to Have Your Omega Speedmaster Serviced?

At W.E. Watch Repairs, we specialise in servicing both modern and vintage timepieces. Whether your Omega Speedmaster needs a full service, precision tuning, or expert repairs, our skilled watchmakers are here to help.

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 vintage watch for a service today and trust us to restore it to peak performance!

How Long Does A Full Watch Service Take?

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Stephen Irvine

Wondering how long it might take to have your vintage watch serviced? The amount of time it takes to fully service a watch depends on numerous factors, including the type of watch, the complexity of the movement, the experience of the watchmaker and the specific servicing practices used at the watchmaker’s workshop. Generally speaking, to fully service a mechanical watch it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks through to a number of months, including time for testing and the sourcing of parts. If you’re unsure if you should have your watch serviced, our ‘What Happens If You Don’t Service A Watch?” article may be of interest to you.

Understanding the Types of Watch Services

There are various types of watch servicing available – many brands now classify any intervention as having to fall within one of these brackets, as they won’t offer the option to complete a “part job” (i.e. just replace the glass only). For example, if we take a simple quartz watch: a “battery service” may be defined as the replacement of the battery. A “maintenance service” would include a new battery, ultrasonic cleaning of the case and bracelet, new seals and pressure testing for water resistance, such as for this Omega Speedmaster Chronograph. A “complete or full service” would include everything previously mentioned, alongside complete disassembly, cleaning, reassembly and oiling of the movement, with all worn components replaced and the option to restore the aesthetic condition of the case and bracelet. These definitions do vary from workshop to workshop, so it’s important to make sure you understand what’s included when you take your watch for servicing. When we quote for repairs we itemise everything for our clients so there will be no surprises when you collect your watch.

The duration of a watch service is affected by the complexity of the movement. A simple quartz watch will undoubtedly be serviced and ready much quicker than an automatic chronograph. With more complicated movements there are significantly more components (and often more faults to find and correct) and the level of skill needed to work on these watches is higher. Add into this equation the age of a movement, how well it has been looked after (or not!) and how common the movement is, all of these will affect the speed of service.

Factors Influencing the Duration of a Watch Service

The experience of a watchmaker is another factor. If you have been trained in the servicing of a particular movement with significant experience working on them day in and day out, you begin to know specific pitfalls to look out for. While a tray full of 100+ parts may look bewildering to someone inexperienced with a movement, with experience this changes. Invariably this leads to more speed when it comes to the completion of a service. Specific workshop practices will hugely affect the duration of a service. While there are industry standards, different workshops like to test their watches in different ways and the workflow through the workshop can vary. In our experience, you should be very sceptical of a watchmaker who “services” and returns your watch in a matter of days, as at the very least the testing has been sub-standard. Watch polishing, for example, may sound simple but it requires specialist training and expert precision to achieve the best results. Entrusting your timepiece to a reputable workshop ensures it is restored to its finest condition, preserving both its beauty and value. Look out for positive Google reviews, authorised workshops and experienced watchmakers – this will be a good sign that your watch is being looked after by a reputable business that does not cut corners.

“A high-quality watch service is not a rushed process. From model-specific delicate disassembly to thorough testing, a proper service can take weeks or even months to ensure precision, longevity, and reliability.”

Summary

The time required for a full watch service depends on multiple factors, including the type of service, the complexity of the movement, the experience of the watchmaker, and the workshop’s specific practices. A simple quartz watch may be completed relatively quickly, whereas intricate mechanical movements can take weeks or even months, especially if rare parts need sourcing. Reputable watchmakers follow detailed processes, including thorough testing, ensuring longevity and precision. At W.E. Clark Watch Repairs, we pride ourselves on expert craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and a commitment to quality—ensuring every timepiece is serviced to the highest standard, without cutting corners.

Looking to Have Your Watch Serviced?

At W.E. Clark Watch Repairs, we specialise in servicing and restoring luxury timepieces with the utmost precision. Whether your watch requires a routine maintenance service, a full overhaul, or expert repairs, our master watchmakers ensure every detail is handled with care. As a jeweller and watch repair company, we also buy watches — if you are looking to part ways with a vintage or branded watch, get in touch.

Take advantage of our Royal Mail Special Delivery FREEPOST service—your watch is fully insured for up to £20,000 throughout its entire journey, giving you complete peace of mind.

Book your watch service today and trust W.E. Clark for expert craftsmanship and exceptional service!

Omega Bicolour Constellation Servicing and Repair

Posted on January 26, 2025 by Stephen Irvine

The Omega Constellation is an iconic luxury timepiece. It’s a very popular watch, so, unsurprisingly, we see many of these in our workshop, as well as many Omega Speedmaster watches. Launched in 1952, it became one of Omega’s flagship collections, recognised for its distinctive pie-pan style dials, which later evolved into a range of other dial designs. The Constellation is best known for the “claws”, found at 3 and 9 o’clock, a feature introduced in the 1980s and found in both stainless steel and gold depending on the exact model.

Evaluating the Omega Constellation’s Wear and Performance

On arrival, our client’s watch was working, though the timekeeping was poor. There was plenty of general wear including scuffs and scratches all over the case and bracelet.

Inspection of the movement revealed the usual dried oils and greases, as is common when a watch requires a service. This Omega Constellation is powered by the Omega calibre 1120 movement – an automatic mechanical watch movement of excellent quality. This is a modified version of the ETA 2892A2 – a movement produced by ETA, one of the top watch movement manufacturers. The modifications are designed to improve performance, with 23 jewels and a three-arm Glucydur balance amongst the modifications made to the base movement.

“Precision is at the heart of every Omega timepiece. Our expert repairs restore both function and beauty, returning your watch to its original brilliance.”

Signs of Previous Repairs and Component Wear

This particular movement has clearly needed watch repair in its history, as we can see signs of previous disassembly, notably where the incorrect screwdriver size has been used, so the edge of the screwdriver ends up touching and marking the plate. This does not cause a functional issue, but nevertheless, it is undesirable and should obviously be avoided. We also note the train wheel bridge has been replaced at some point, and the reversing wheel is almost completely worn through.

Servicing and Restoring the Movement and Case

To repair the watch it is fully disassembled and each part inspected, with defective components replaced. The disassembled movement is run through our specialist watch movement cleaning machine, while the case and bracelet are cleaned in a separate ultrasonic cleaner. After cleaning, the movement is carefully reassembled and oiled with the replacement parts fitted.

Once cased up we fine-tune the timekeeping to make sure the watch is as accurate as it can be. As this model is chronometer rated it is very accurate – when new it went through a series of strict tests to ensure excellent timekeeping accuracy. We always endeavour to get timekeeping as accurate as we can and various factors can affect this, including the calibre of the movement, age and condition of the watch.

All that’s left is to thoroughly test this excellent Omega Constellation watch before it is ready to return to our client.

Summary

At W.E. Clark Watch Repairs, we specialise in restoring luxury timepieces like the iconic Omega Constellation. This particular model, powered by the high-quality Omega calibre 1120 movement, arrived in our workshop with poor timekeeping, visible wear, and signs of previous repairs. Our meticulous process involved a full disassembly, deep cleaning using specialist equipment, and the replacement of worn components. Once reassembled, we fine-tuned the movement to ensure exceptional accuracy. As trusted experts in horology, we take pride in delivering precision restoration, maintaining the integrity and performance of every watch we service.

Looking to Have Your Omega Constellation Serviced?

At W.E. Clark Watch Repairs, we specialise in restoring modern and vintage timepieces. Whether your Omega watch needs servicing, precision tuning, or expert repairs, our master watchmakers are here to help.

Take advantage of our Royal Mail Special Delivery FREEPOST service—your watch is fully insured for up to £20,000 throughout its entire journey, from the moment it leaves your hands to when it is safely returned.

Book your Omega watch in today and experience expert care you can trust!

Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch Chronograph Servicing

Posted on January 20, 2025 by Stephen Irvine

Our fully equipped on-site watch workshop offers a full range of repairs – from smaller jobs like battery changes and glass replacements to full watch servicing of the vast majority of brands, including Omega, Tag Heuer, Longines, Breitling, and Rolex.

The Iconic Omega Speedmaster – The Moon Watch

For this job, we are working on an Omega Speedmaster, an Omega model we are experience in watch servicing. This is an iconic vintage watch model of Speedmaster, often referred to as the Moon Watch. It gained global recognition when it became the first watch worn on the moon during NASA’s Apollo 11 mission in 1969. The watch passed rigorous NASA testing, including resistance to extreme temperatures, shock, and vacuum conditions, proving its reliability in space. The original Moon Watch featured a manual-winding movement, the Calibre 321, which was later replaced by the Calibre 861, before, as found in this watch, the Calibre 1861 was used.

“The Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch is more than a timepiece—it’s a symbol of endurance, precision, and history. Rigorously tested by NASA and worn on the moon, its legacy continues through expert servicing and restoration, ensuring its reliability for generations to come.”

Diagnosing the Issue – A Broken Mainspring

The Calibre 1861 movement is a rhodium-plated version of the Calibre 861. It’s an 18-jewel mechanical chronograph movement of excellent quality. On arrival, our client’s watch can be wound indefinitely, giving a strong indication that the mainspring is broken.

To confirm our suspicions, we need to fully disassemble the movement, as the mainspring barrel is in the very depths of the mechanism. During disassembly, no major faults are found, just the usual signs of deterioration of old oils and greases. We first disassemble the chronograph mechanism, which then allows us access to the “base” movement. Once we reach the barrel and open the lid, we find the mainspring is indeed broken. This is no problem – we can fit a replacement mainspring after cleaning.

Cleaning and Reassembling the Movement

Once fully disassembled, the movement is cleaned – first going through a manual cleaning process before a cycle in our Elma Solvex RM automatic cleaning machine. When parts are completely clean and dried, we can commence reassembly. We follow the manufacturer’s technical guidelines for the correct usage and placement of oil and grease, as well as the use of other treatments such as epilame.

Case, Bracelet, and Final Testing

Alongside the movement servicing, we give the case and bracelet a thorough clean, give the bracelet a light refinish, and polish up the original Omega dome. We can now reunite all elements of the watch. With the movement refitted and everything checked on the timing machine, we close the case back before a final pressure test to confirm water resistance.

Returning the Restored Omega Speedmaster

With the works completed, we now test the watch to ensure it functions as expected before it is released for return to our client. After the testing period is complete, this fantastic Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch can be returned to our client.

We take great pride in restoring both vintage and modern timepieces from the world’s most esteemed brands, ensuring they receive the expert care and precision they deserve. Every watch holds a unique story, and we understand the significance of entrusting it to skilled hands. Our commitment to excellence means your cherished timepiece is maintained to the highest standards, preserving its legacy for years to come. If you own a vintage watch in need of repair or simply seek expert advice, we invite you to get in touch. Use our Ask the Watchmaker feature to connect with our knowledgeable team, who have extensive experience in restoring and servicing vintage timepieces. We would be delighted to assist you.

Summary:

At W.E. Clark Watch Repairs, our expert horologists deliver precision servicing for luxury timepieces. For this Omega Speedmaster Moon Watch, we diagnosed a broken mainspring, expertly disassembled and cleaned the movement, and performed a delicate reassembly following manufacturer guidelines. With advanced equipment and skilled techniques, we restored full functionality, refinished the case and bracelet, and conducted rigorous accuracy and water resistance tests before returning the watch to the client.

Looking to have your Omega Watch Serviced and Repaired?

Try our Royal Mail Special Delivery FREEPOST service, all watches are fully insured for up to £20,000 throughout their postal journey from the moment the package leaves your hand to when it is received by you. Book yours in now!

Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph Servicing

Posted on March 29, 2024 by David Clark

As a Tag Heuer Authorised Workshop we are approved to repair Tag Heuer watches. We are able to order parts direct from Tag Heuer to repair almost any fault – from a broken glass or crown through to parts needed to repair the movement.

This job involved working on a Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph which arrived to us in well used condition. From the condition of the case it appeared to be our client’s daily wear watch. These watches are absolutely meant to be worn, so some aesthetic wear is to be expected.

On arrival the automatic winding was not working and putting the watch on our timegrapher showed it was not in good working order.

The movement – a Tag Heuer calibre 16, based on an ETA 7750) – was in desperate need of a service. The reversing wheel, part of the automatic winding mechanism, was thoroughly worn out. This needed replacing during the service alongside a few other components.

Servicing the movement involved completely stripping down the Calibre 16 automatic chronograph movement. These are excellent movements and the base calibre is used in many high quality chronograph watches. Everything is checked and cleaned by hand, before being put through our watch movement cleaning machine. Reassembly and oiling can then take place. We use a variety of different lubricants and oils based on the part and function. We adhere to the manufacturers specification for this, as given on the movement data sheet.

Once the movement is serviced, we can begin complete reassembly. We reunite the movement, dial and hands with the thoroughly cleaned case. We can then pressure test the complete watch for water resistance before it goes on test prior to collection by our client. A job well done – this Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph is back to excellent working order after this intervention.

Yours sincerely

David Clark FGA DGA MJVA PJDip. PJGemDip.

Managing Director, JVA Registered Valuer®

W.E. Clark & Son Limited

Tag Heuer 2000 Watch Repair and Service

Posted on March 22, 2024 by David Clark

We are able to offer a comprehensive range of repairs for Tag Heuer watches. Our workshop is a Tag Heuer Authorised Workshop – this means we have been assessed to meet the standards required for on-site Tag Heuer repairs, covering the full range of interventions up to full servicing and repair.

This Tag Heuer is one of the 2000 range and dates from the mid-1990s. On our initial inspection, the watch appeared to be in decent aesthetic condition. The date change was a little sluggish so this needed looking into. We also found it to be very “clicky” when winding by hand – a sure sign that something is amiss. Otherwise, the hands set as they should, and the watch appeared to be running albeit with poor performance according to our timing machine.

On opening the case back the movement is revealed – a calibre 2824-2 automatic movement produced by ETA. These are excellent movements and we regularly work on them.

During disassembly, we found a number of faults. The winding pinion was worn – this was the cause of the clicking sound when manually winding the watch. The ratchet wheel teeth were also worn, so this needed replacing, as did the barrel where two teeth were almost completely missing.

The date jumper spring had weakened, so we needed to replace this. This would correct the fault with the sluggish date change.

As a Tag Heuer Authorised Workshop, we are able to order the required parts to complete this repair direct from the manufacturer. While they were not required in this instance, we are able to obtain case parts too, such as bezels, crowns, glasses, pushers and seals. Only authorised workshops can order these parts for Tag Heuer watches.

After a full cycle in our specialist watch movement cleaning machine, we can begin reassembly. We follow the manufacturer’s technical guidelines for correct assembly and use the specified oils and greases. This ensures the watch is running at optimal performance after servicing.

After a full service, this Tag Heuer 2000 watch is back to excellent working order. After closing the case back for the final time we pressure test the watch to its original rating of 200m before testing timekeeping performance using our Elma Cyclomotion automatic watch winder over a number of days. It is then ready to return to our client.

Yours sincerely

David Clark FGA DGA MJVA PJDip. PJGemDip.

Managing Director, JVA Registered Valuer®

W.E. Clark & Son Limited

BHI Awards Day

Posted on February 23, 2024 by David Clark

On the 28^th October 2023, Dan, one of our watchmakers, attended the prestigious British Horological Institute Awards Day at their headquarters, Upton Hall in Nottinghamshire. The BHI Awards Day sees watchmakers and clockmakers recognised for excellent performance in BHI exams. There are also awards presented to exceptional horologists for their achievements in the field. In his own words:

“I was very happy to attend the BHI Awards Day in October. I received the invitation following my performance in two servicing exams I sat earlier in the year. Watch servicing and repair is the core of what we do, so it’s very pleasing to have won two awards for the quality of my work.

The two exams I sat were approximately 8 hours long. As in real life, I had in front of me a watch to repair and service. However, in this instance examiners have introduced faults to the watch. It was my job to carefully examine everything about the watch, identify the faults and take the necessary corrective action, alongside cleaning and servicing everything to a high standard.

It’s always a little nerve-wracking during exams. I was confident both watches I left at the end of each day were working correctly and well within the required parameters, so while I waited for the results I reminded myself of that!

I was thrilled when the results arrived to find I had not only passed both exams with merit, but I also won both “best serviced watch” prizes. It’s brilliant to have my work – conducted under rather stressful exam conditions – found to be of a high standard.

I attended the awards day with my wife and received the two awards in person. It’s a brilliant event and a chance to meet and talk to many notable horologists from around the world. After the ceremony there was a chance to look round the Museum of Timekeeping, where the wonderful volunteers opened all the exhibits for us. We even had the chance to experience a guided tour led by the outgoing BHI President”.

WE Clark Watch Repairs are Business Partners of the BHI because we fully support their role assessing and educating horologists, as well as promoting the industry as a whole. We’re sure you’ll join us all in congratulating Dan for his success.

Yours sincerely

David Clark FGA DGA MJVA PJDip. PJGemDip.

Managing Director, JVA Registered Valuer®

W.E. Clark & Son Limited

Vintage watch repairs price list

Posted on October 6, 2023 by David Clark

Our on-site workshop in Lewes, East Sussex offer a full range of watch repairs to mechanical and quartz watches, both modern and vintage. We are equipped with some of the latest watchmaking tools and equipment, including an Elma Solvex movement cleaning machine, Witschi Watch Expert IV and a Sigma pressure testing machine capable of testing watches rated at up to 300m water resistant.

To be involved in horology it really is a passion – this means we are always on the lookout for anything related to our profession. Alongside our workshop we have a collection of antique clocks from our local area, as well as various pieces of vintage watchmaking memorabilia. One of our recent acquisitions came from when we cleared an old jewellers in Eastbourne – it’s a watch repairs price list from pre-decimalisation.

The price list is made of enamel and it does have a large amount of damage, though we feel this rather adds to the charm. Prices are listed in shillings and pence, with cleaning of a “Geneva” watch costing 2 shillings and a Lever watch 2 shillings and 6 pence. We particularly like the “best materials only used” text at the bottom of the price list.

When found this item was not framed and it needed some cleaning up in order to make it presentable. So after it was given a clean, we used the services of a fantastic local framing company – Kings Framers – here in Lewes. This needed to be specially framed as it’s quite a thick sign. Kings Framers really did a fantastic job and we feel the black and gold frame really sets it off nicely. After framing we just needed to find a home on our wall – it’s now in a prominent position near the workshop door.

Yours sincerely

David Clark FGA DGA MJVA PJDip. PJGemDip.

Managing Director, JVA Registered Valuer®

W.E. Clark & Son Limited