Regular overhauls are essential to enjoying a mechanical watch for a long time. However, surprisingly, not many people know what kind of work actually goes into it. This article takes a close look at the overhaul of a 1998 Omega Speedmaster, carried out in the repair department of German watch retailer Mahberg. From disassembly and cleaning to reassembly and final adjustments, we'll take a closer look at how a watch repair professional restores a watch. Let's take a peek into the amazing world of precision work.
What is an overhaul, an essential part of watch maintenance?
The appeal of mechanical watches lies above all in their sense of being alive. They start ticking with the movement of your wrist or the action of winding the crown. This mechanism makes a watch feel more like a companion that accompanies you through life than just a tool.
However, even the finest watches will eventually develop wear and tear over time, which is why it's recommended to have them serviced every 5 to 10 years.
This time, we take a closer look at a complete overhaul of an Omega Speedmaster. Marvin Hyman, a watchmaker at Mahlberg, demonstrates every step of the process.
The first step in an overhaul begins with disassembly.
The first step is to remove the watch's bracelet from the case, then open the case back and carefully remove the movement, including the tachymeter bezel, in preparation for cleaning and finishing.
A thorough check of the movement
Once the movement is removed, it is first inspected visually to check its condition. Signs of wear and deterioration due to long-term use are looked for, and any defective parts are replaced at this point. Next, the movement is very carefully disassembled using tweezers. This work requires a high level of concentration and delicate hands.
The structure of a mechanical watch is surprisingly complex
Once all the parts have been removed, it becomes clear just how intricately a single movement is constructed. It's made up of multiple layers of tiny parts, including gears, screws, and springs. During the cleaning process, these parts are put through four different cleaning solutions and an ultrasonic bath to thoroughly remove even the smallest dirt particles and old lubricants.
While the movement is being cleaned, the condition of the case and bracelet are also checked. Any dents or wear are carefully polished using fine polishing tools. Polishing removes any minor scratches, leaving the watch looking almost like new.
Precision assembly supported by high-quality oil
Once cleaning is complete, reassembly begins. The lubricants used here are high-quality, specialized products that can cost over 10,000 euros per liter. Several types of oil are used in different places depending on the application, minimizing friction. For example, a very small amount is precisely applied to the bearing part of the pallet wheel. This ensures stable precision over the long term.
During the assembly process, precision presses are sometimes used for some parts. For example, the transmission wheel of a chronograph must be precisely pressed into the second wheel. During assembly, the operation of each part is also checked at any time.
Finishing process and final check
The dial is fixed to the movement and the six hands are carefully attached. The watch then receives a final cleaning check before being placed in the case. Once everything is in place, the rate is measured with a timegrapher to ensure accuracy meets the required standards. If there are no problems, a new gasket is fitted to the case back, which is then securely fastened.
The revived clock begins to tick again
After this maintenance, the watch will regain its luster, almost like new. If overhauled properly, a single watch can be used for decades. An overhaul of a mechanical watch is not just a repair, but a ritual of restoration. This delicate technique and respect for time will be passed down to the next generation.
