Inside even a simple-looking watch is a world of microscopic parts working together: gears, springs, jewels, levers, oils, seals, and sometimes electronic modules. Over time, they:

• Wear down

• Lose lubrication

• Get contaminated with dust and moisture

• Drift out of tolerance

If you ignore these changes, your watch may still “just about” run for a while. But beneath the surface, damage builds up. A problem that could have been solved with a straightforward service can eventually turn into a much more expensive repair – or, in the worst cases, permanent damage to irreplaceable parts.

Repair isn’t just fixing something broken. It’s preventative care that keeps your watch accurate, reliable, and ready to wear.

Common watch problems (and what they’re really telling you)

Most watches don’t suddenly “die” out of nowhere. They usually send you signals first. Here are some of the most common ones.

1. The watch is running fast or slow

If your watch is gaining or losing minutes a day, that’s a big red flag.

• In mechanical watches, it could be dried-up oils, worn components, or magnetisation.

• In quartz watches, it may be a failing battery, electronic issue, or moisture damage.

A professional watchmaker can check the movement on a timing machine, identify the true cause, and correct it before things get worse.

2. It stops randomly

You wind it, wear it, or change the battery… and still, it stops. That’s usually a sign of:

• Excess friction from dirt and old oils

• A weak mainspring

• Loose or misaligned hands

• A failing quartz module

This is rarely “just a battery.” A proper diagnostic is needed to find out what’s really going on.

3. Moisture under the crystal

Fogging or droplets under the glass is one of the most serious signs of trouble.

It points to:

• Aged or damaged gaskets

• A compromised crown, tube, or pushers

• Exposure to water beyond the watch’s rating

Moisture can cause rust, dial stains, and long-term damage to the movement. If you see it, you need a watchmaker sooner, not later.

4. Damage to crystal, case, or bracelet

Cosmetic issues are more than just “looks” – they can affect durability and comfort.

• A cracked or heavily scratched crystal can let in dust or moisture.

• A loose clasp or stretched bracelet can put your watch at risk of falling off.

• Dented cases or lugs can affect how straps and bracelets fit.

Good watch repair isn’t just internal. It’s about making the watch both safe to wear and good to look at.

What proper watch repair actually looks like

Not every place that advertises “watch repair” offers the same level of service. For serious timepieces, proper repair is a structured, careful process:

1. Inspection and diagnosis

A good workshop will:

• Open the watch in a clean environment

• Inspect the movement, dial, hands, seals, and case

• Test timing and (for relevant watches) water resistance

The goal is not only to fix what you noticed, but to find any hidden issues that could cause problems later.

2. Full disassembly of the movement

For a real service or serious repair, the watch isn’t just “cleaned from the outside.”

• The movement is completely taken apart

• Each part is checked for wear and damage

• Old lubricants and debris are removed using professional cleaning machines

This is delicate work that demands experience, steady hands, and the right tools.

3. Parts replacement where needed

Worn components are replaced with correct, high-quality parts. This might include:

• Mainsprings

• Worn wheels or pinions

• Balance staffs or jewels

• Seals, crowns, pushers, crystals

For quality and value, using parts that suit the specific brand and calibre is essential.

4. Reassembly, lubrication, and regulation

This is where the watch comes back to life.

• Fresh oils are applied in precise amounts

• The movement is rebuilt step by step

• The watch is adjusted and regulated for accuracy

A well-serviced watch should run smoothly and consistently, not just “tick.”

5. Case, crystal, and bracelet work

Depending on your preferences, the workshop may:

• Replace or polish the crystal

• Lightly refinish the case and bracelet

• Replace worn pins, screws, or clasps

• Clean the exterior thoroughly

Done properly, this refreshes the watch without erasing its character.

6. Final testing

Before the watch goes back on your wrist, a professional repair should include:

• Timing checks across positions

• Power reserve testing

• Water-resistance testing where appropriate

• Functional testing of date, chronograph, GMT hand, etc.

Only after passing these tests should the watch be considered truly “repaired.”

Why a specialist like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong matters

You wouldn’t take a classic car to any random mechanic and hope for the best. The same logic applies to watches – especially luxury or sentimental pieces.

A dedicated workshop such as AG Watch Repair Hong Kong (agwatchrepair.com.hk) focuses on doing this kind of work properly, day in and day out.

What sets a specialist apart?

• Experience with a wide range of brands and movements
  From everyday watches to high-end Swiss pieces, they understand how different calibres behave and wear over time.

• Proper tools and equipment
  Professional timing machines, pressure testers, ultrasonic cleaners, and specialised tools ensure precise, repeatable work.

• Respect for originality
  Refinishing is done thoughtfully, preserving sharp lines and original character instead of over-polishing everything to a blur.

• Clear communication
  You’re told what’s wrong, what needs to be done, what it will cost, and what to expect – before any work begins.

For watch owners in Hong Kong and beyond, having a trusted repair partner like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong turns watch ownership from worry into peace of mind.

How often should a watch be serviced?

There’s no single rule that fits every watch, but as a guideline:

• Quartz watches

  • Battery: every 1–3 years

  • Full service: roughly every 5–7 years, or sooner if there are issues

• Mechanical watches

  • Full service: every 3–7 years, depending on use, environment, and brand

If you notice accuracy issues, moisture, or unusual behaviour, don’t wait for the “recommended interval”—get it checked.

Simple habits that reduce repair costs

You can’t avoid all wear, but you can make life easier for your watch:

• Keep it away from strong magnets (speakers, phone cases, laptop covers).

• Always screw down crowns and pushers before going near water (if your watch has them).

• Rinse dive watches in fresh water after sea or pool use.

• Store watches in a dry, stable place when you’re not wearing them.

• Avoid DIY opening, battery changes, or heavy polishing at home.

These small steps can delay major repairs and protect both performance and appearance.

Final thoughts: repair as part of your watch’s story

A watch that’s worn will eventually need attention. That’s not a flaw – it’s proof that it’s doing its job. Watch repair is part of the natural life cycle of any timepiece that’s actually being enjoyed, not just sitting in a box.

When you choose a real specialist, you’re not just fixing a problem; you’re investing in the next chapter of your watch’s story. By entrusting your timepiece to a dedicated professional like AG Watch Repair Hong Kong (agwatchrepair.com.hk), you help ensure it keeps ticking faithfully – not just for years, but potentially for generations.

Because in the end, a good watch doesn’t just measure time. It carries memories. And that’s always worth repairing properly.