Is a watch just a tool for checking the time? Probably not. As you spend a lot of time with it and spend time with it, you build a deep relationship with it and it becomes an irreplaceable companion. To enjoy your watch for as long as possible, regular maintenance is essential. In this article, we will introduce the overhaul of a watch from the Swiss luxury watch brand, IWC.
IWC and the history of overhauls
IWC (International Watch Company) is a luxury watch brand founded in Switzerland in 1868. The company name is in English because its founder, Florentine Ariosto Jones, was an American watchmaker.
Jones combined the superior mechanisms of the American production system with the skilled handicraft skills of Swiss workers, a unique combination for the time, to establish a more efficient and high-quality style of watchmaking.
That attitude and his spirit are still carried on by IWC, which has established its own strict standards in addition to the Swiss official chronometer standard to ensure quality. In addition, IWC is known for updating its signature series, such as the Aquatimer and Pilot's Watch, every year.
IWC also repairs discontinued models. They offer permanent repairs and maintenance, and their ability to repair and overhaul even older models is one of IWC's strengths.
The difference between overhaul and repair
An overhaul is a medical checkup or maintenance of a mechanical product. It is not limited to watches, but is used in a variety of industries, including automobile and motorcycle engines.
It is sometimes mistaken for a "repair," but in fact it is something completely different.
"Repair" only fixes existing malfunctions, and is equivalent to "treatment" in human terms. In contrast, "overhaul" involves disassembling a machine and inspecting it for internal malfunctions or defects, or for worn-out parts, and is equivalent to a "regular checkup" or "health check" in human terms.
The importance of overhaul
Watch brands recommend regular overhauls. While the cycle differs from brand to brand, most recommend three to five years.
A mechanical watch contains at least 100 parts, and as the number of functions of the watch increases, the number of parts increases, sometimes reaching hundreds or even thousands.
Lubricant is used inside the case to ensure these parts fit together and move smoothly. Lubricant also reduces friction between parts, but as the lubricant deteriorates over time, friction occurs between parts, which can lead to cracks and damage.
Damage to parts directly leads to malfunctions or breakdowns in the watch itself, so regular inspections through overhauls are essential.
The difference between authorized and unauthorized stores
Watch maintenance, including overhauls, can be performed not only at authorized stores but also at unauthorized stores.
At authorized stores, you will be served by professionals who belong to the brand and are knowledgeable about the brand's watches. When repairs or part replacements are necessary, you don't have to worry about non-genuine parts being used, and there is also a comprehensive warranty in case of an emergency. However, the disadvantage is that service fees are higher than at unauthorized stores.
At unauthorized stores, repairs are handled by regular repair technicians. Some stores offer lower service fees than authorized stores, making them attractive for their cost-effectiveness. However, the technicians' skills vary, so it's important to choose a high-quality store. There are also cases where non-genuine parts are used without your knowledge, or where they are unable to repair certain models.
IWC Complete Service
The maintenance and overhaul procedures and contents vary depending on the brand. IWC's complete service is one of the after-sales services offered by IWC. It is an overhaul that includes everything from inspection to disassembly and cleaning of the movement. Depending on the diagnosis results, it usually takes about four weeks. If the inspection reveals any defects or malfunctions, it may take longer.
From here, we will introduce the process and contents of IWC's overhaul "Complete Service."
Diagnosis
First, we perform a diagnosis to understand the condition of the watch. We start by evaluating the watch's technical functions and check the aesthetics of the case, bracelet, etc.
This diagnosis is carried out very rigorously, with every detail thoroughly checked to identify and determine which parts need to be repaired or replaced.
Case Process
After the diagnosis, the movement, the heart of the watch, is removed from the case and all parts are cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. The case and bracelet are also polished and reconditioned, and deep scratches are repaired using a laser.
Movement process
The entire movement is also disassembled and the parts are cleaned. Once each part has been cleaned, a watchmaker inspects it and replaces any that do not meet IWC's standards.
The parts are reassembled, lubricated, and then the watchmaker performs a first adjustment.Then, after casing (placing the movement in the case), the dial and hands are attached, and the watchmaker performs a final adjustment before sealing it.
Quality inspection
The final quality inspection involves a comprehensive quality check including functional tests and inspections of power reserve, air pressure, water resistance, etc., and the IWC overhaul is complete.
