Inside even a simple-looking watch is a tiny universe of parts:
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Wheels, gears, and pinions
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Springs and levers
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Synthetic jewels to reduce friction
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Lubricants that keep everything moving
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Seals and gaskets protecting against dust and moisture
If those parts are neglected, the watch may keep running for a while, but it’s quietly damaging itself. Dried oil increases friction, worn pivots bite into metal, and seals slowly fail. A problem that could have been solved with a routine service can turn into a costly overhaul – or permanent damage.
Think of watch repair like going to the dentist: you can ignore small issues for a while, but you’re never really saving time or money by doing so.
Common signs your watch needs repair
Your watch doesn’t suddenly decide to give up (unless there’s a major shock or break). Usually, it sends early warning signs. If you know what to look for, you can catch problems before they get serious.
1. It’s running too fast or too slow
A few seconds of variation per day can be normal, especially for mechanical watches. But if you’re seeing:
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30 seconds or more fast/slow every day
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Sudden, unexplained changes in accuracy
…then your watch is telling you it needs help. Possible causes:
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Old, dried, or contaminated lubricants
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Wear in the escapement or gear train
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Magnetisation from phones, speakers, or bags with magnetic clasps
A professional watchmaker can measure the rate on a timing machine and pinpoint where the issue lies.
2. It stops randomly
If your watch stops even though the battery is recent (for quartz) or you’re sure it’s fully wound (for mechanical), something’s wrong:
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Excess friction from dirt and old oil
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A weak or broken mainspring
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Loose or bent hands touching each other or the crystal
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Electronics issues in quartz movements
This is where a real watch repair – not just another battery swap – becomes essential.
3. Moisture, fogging, or water inside
This one is serious. If you ever see fog, mist, or droplets inside the crystal:
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Gaskets and seals may have failed
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The crown or pushers may no longer be watertight
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The watch may have been used beyond its water-resistance rating
Moisture can rust metal, stain the dial, ruin hands and lume, and attack the movement from the inside. If you spot this, turn your watch face down, avoid heating it, and get it to a watchmaker quickly.
4. The bracelet, clasp, or strap feels unsafe
The job of your bracelet or strap is simple: keep your watch on your wrist. When that starts to fail, it’s not just annoying – it’s dangerous.
Look out for:
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Stretched metal bracelets
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Loose pins or screws
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Clasps that pop open easily
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Cracked, stiff, or flaking leather straps
A proper repair shop can replace worn components, adjust the bracelet, or fit a new strap that suits the watch and your wrist.
5. The crown feels rough or strange
The crown is the “steering wheel” of your watch. If winding or setting suddenly feels:
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Gritty
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Too tight
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Too loose or wobbly
…there may be issues with the stem, crown tube, keyless works, or even damage from a knock. Ignoring this can eventually lead to broken parts or water ingress.
What proper watch repair actually involves
Real watch repair is a lot more than a quick battery change at a mall kiosk. For a full service, your watch will go through a series of carefully controlled steps.
1. Diagnosis and inspection
A professional watchmaker will:
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Inspect the case, crystal, crown, and bracelet or strap
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Check the condition of the dial and hands
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Measure accuracy on a timing machine
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Assess seals and, if appropriate, water resistance
This helps them understand the overall condition, not just the one problem you noticed.
2. Complete disassembly
For mechanical watches – and serious quartz services – the movement is completely taken apart:
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Every wheel, spring, and lever is removed
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Tiny parts are examined under magnification
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Old lubricants and dirt are removed in a specialist cleaning machine
This step is like a full internal detox for your watch.
3. Parts replacement where needed
Any worn or damaged parts are replaced with appropriate components, such as:
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Mainsprings
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Worn wheels or pinions
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Damaged jewels
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Rotor bearings in automatic watches
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Gaskets, crowns, crystals, or pushers
Using the right parts is crucial for long-term performance and safety.
4. Reassembly, lubrication, and regulation
Once everything is clean and ready:
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Correct lubricants are applied in precise amounts at specific points
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The movement is reassembled carefully, step by step
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The watch is regulated and tested in multiple positions for accuracy
This is where the watch goes from “it works” to “it runs beautifully.”
5. Case and bracelet work
Depending on your preference, the watchmaker may:
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Replace or refinish the crystal
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Clean or lightly refinish the case and bracelet
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Replace worn pins, screws, or the strap
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Restore the overall look without destroying original lines and character
A good workshop knows the difference between refreshing a watch and over-polishing it.
6. Final testing
Before your watch is returned, it should go through:
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Timing checks over several days
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Power reserve testing
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Water-resistance testing (for suitable models)
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Functional checks of date, chronograph, GMT, or other complications
Only when it passes these tests is the repair truly complete.
Why choose a specialist like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong?
You can find “watch repair” signs in many places. But when your watch has real value – financial, sentimental, or both – you need more than a quick fix.
That’s where a dedicated workshop like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong comes in. By focusing on proper watch servicing and repairs, they offer:
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Experienced watchmakers who understand both mechanical and quartz movements
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Professional tools and equipment, from timing machines to pressure testers and ultrasonic cleaners
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Respect for originality, so your watch is repaired thoughtfully rather than aggressively polished or modified
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Clear communication, so you know what’s wrong, what’s being done, and what it will cost before work begins
For watch owners in Hong Kong and beyond, having a trusted partner like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong (just search for agwatchrepair.com.hk) means you’re never guessing where to go when your watch needs care.
Simple habits that reduce repair frequency
You can’t avoid all wear and tear, but you can make life easier for your watch:
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Keep it away from strong magnets and speakers
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Make sure crowns and pushers are properly secured before water exposure
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Rinse dive watches with fresh water after swimming in the sea or pool
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Store watches in a dry, stable environment when not in use
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Avoid DIY opening, polishing, or “home repairs”
These small habits can stretch the time between major services and protect your watch from serious damage.
Final thought: watch repair as part of the story
Needing watch repair doesn’t mean your watch has failed you. It means it’s been there, doing its job, through enough of your life that it now needs a little attention in return.
Done right, repair and servicing are just chapters in your watch’s story – moments when you invest in keeping that tiny companion on your wrist healthy for the years ahead. And when you choose a serious professional like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong, you’re not just fixing a mechanism; you’re preserving memories, protecting an investment, and making sure that every time you check the time, your watch is ready to keep going with you.
