What You Should Know About Repairing Your Watches

Watches do more than tell time; they reflect your personality and often carry sentimental value. But like any precision instrument, they need occasional care and maintenance. This watch repair guide covers everything from everyday issues and maintenance tips to knowing when it's time to visit a watch repair specialist.
Understanding Common Watch Problems
Quality watches are built to last, but they can still show signs of wear over time. Some of the most common problems include a dead battery, condensation under the glass, or a watch that loses or gains time. Other issues, such as a broken crown or misaligned teeth, often require professional attention.
If your watch stops working entirely or behaves unpredictably, don’t ignore it. These could be signs of worn-out movement parts or lack of proper lubrication, both issues that worsen if left untreated.
What Causes a Watch to Stop or Lose Time?
Several factors can impact the accuracy of your watch. A quartz watch may stop due to a drained battery, while mechanical watches can lose time due to dried lubricants, magnetization, or worn-out movement parts. Sudden shocks, like dropping your watch, can also damage the inner workings.
Over time, even high-end watches need adjustments. This is why regular maintenance matters; it keeps the movement clean, balanced, and functioning as intended.
When to Service a Watch
A general rule is to service your watch every 3 to 5 years, especially if it’s mechanical or automatic. However, you may need to act sooner if you notice specific warning signs, such as your watch losing accuracy, feeling sluggish when wound, or showing moisture inside the case; it's time to seek help.
Water resistance also wears down over time. Even if your watch appears fine on the outside, seals and gaskets can weaken, leaving your timepiece vulnerable to damage.
Can You Repair a Watch at Home?
Some basic tasks can be done at home, like replacing a strap or adjusting the bracelet length with the right tools. You can also change the battery on certain quartz watches, but this comes with risks. Opening the case without proper sealing can compromise water resistance, and the wrong tools can easily scratch the case or crystal.
If you're ever unsure, it’s better to consult a professional. Attempting complex repairs on your own might lead to more damage than you began with.
Tips for Caring for Watches Between Services
Caring for your watch properly helps reduce the frequency of significant repairs. Here are a few helpful watch repair tips:
- - Avoid extreme temperature changes, which can affect the movement
- - Store your watch in a case when not in use
- - Wipe the case and bracelet regularly with a soft cloth
- - Keep automatic watches wound or use a watch winder
- - Don’t operate crowns or pushers underwater unless your watch is specifically designed for it
These habits go a long way in preventing avoidable wear and tear.
When to Leave It to the Professionals
If your watch has sentimental or financial value, or if it’s a luxury brand with a complex movement, it's best to entrust it to expert watchmakers. At Paramount Jewelers, our team handles everything from minor adjustments to complete overhauls, including vintage restorations and brand-specific repairs.
Understanding what your watch needs, and when, helps preserve its precision, longevity, and meaning. A little care today can make all the difference for years to come.
Visit Paramount Jewelers for Trusted Watch Repair
When it comes to caring for your timepiece, expertise matters. At Paramount Jewelers, we combine precision, experience, and attention to detail in every repair. Whether it's a battery replacement or a more advanced service, we're here to help keep your timepiece performing at its best.
With multiple locations across Texas and beyond, it's easy to find a store near you. You can find us at:
- - Oklahoma Location: Penn Square Mall, 1901 Northwest Expy, Suite 1102A, Oklahoma City, Ok 73118
- - Atlanta, GA Location: Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Suite 1070 Atlanta, Ga 30346
- - Mesquite Location: 2048 Town East Mall, Mesquite – 75150. Phone: (972) 682 – 4266 | Fax: (972) 682 – 4583
- - Killeen Location: 2100 South W. S. Young Dr, Suite 1058, Killeen, TX – 76543. Phone: (254) 680 – 5005
- - Frisco Location: Stonebriar Mall, 2601 Preston Rd, #1012, Frisco, TX – 75034. Phone: (469) 476 – 4155
- - Amarillo Location: 7701 Interstate 40, Suite 572, Amarillo, TX – 79121. Phone: (806) 803 – 9940
- - Lubbock Location: 6002 Slide Rd, G24, Lubbock, TX – 79414. Phone: (806) 507 - 3901
- - Odessa Location: 4101 E 42nd Street, #C24, Odessa Tx – 79762. Phone: 432-552-8708 | Fax: 432-552-8709
- - Longview Location: 3500 McCann Rd Suite 08A, Longview – 75605. Phone: (430) 625-7257
- - College Station Location: 1500 Harvey Rd Suite#6002, College Station – 77840. Phone: (979) 485-9130
- - El Paso Location: 8401 Gateway Blvd W, Suite T02, El Paso – 79925. Phone: (915) 234-2992
- - Corpus Christi Location: 5488 S Padre Island Dr, Space 1232, Corpus Christi – 78411. Phone: (361) 985-0745
- - McAllen Location: STE F11 La Plaza Mall, 2200 S 10th Street - 78503. Phone: (956) 800-5145
With an extensive network of locations, Paramount Jewelers is your trusted destination for the finest jewelry and watches at the best prices. Book an appointment today and experience the Paramount difference. Trust us to provide you with the highest quality jewelry and watches, because at Paramount Jewelers, quality and affordability go hand in hand. Stay updated with our latest news and dazzling jewelry inspiration by following us on Facebook and Instagram.