How to handle old watches

The charm of antique watches

Antique watches have a completely different appeal to modern mass-produced watches .
The history of mechanical watches is long , and it is said that the technology was almost perfected about 100 years ago .
These clocks are assembled one by one by craftsmen, and even though some are made several decades or even over 100 years ago, they still tick away as if they were alive, giving us a sense of the romance of history.
In addition, many of the watches used by aristocrats and other wealthy people at the time featured lavish and beautiful decorations on their cases and dials , making them appealing as works of art as well.

Antique Clocks

These machines were made decades or even more than 100 years ago, so they are extremely delicate.
Compared to modern watches, they are inevitably inferior in terms of functionality such as water resistance, vibration resistance, anti-magnetic properties, and accuracy.

Over the years, some watches may develop symptoms such as "poor initial movement," "large variation in posture," or "stiff crown," but we would like you to be generous and appreciate these as the watch's "quirks" rather than as defects.

All antique watches sold in our shop, except for those marked as junk or in need of repair, will work properly if wound up.
However, since there are many cases where each product has some kind of "quirk," we will state any distinctive features in the product description.

Accuracy and power reserve (operating time from a full mainspring) vary depending on the watch, so the inspection values ​​are listed in the product description.
However, the accuracy of antique watches is affected by factors such as how the mainspring is wound, the temperature/humidity, the position of the watch (how it is placed), and the presence or absence of objects that emit magnetism or electromagnetic waves around it (PCs, smartphones, earphones, speakers, etc.), so this accuracy cannot always be achieved.


Watch warranty

We guarantee the functionality of all watches purchased from our store for one month from the date of delivery.
If a watch sold as in working condition stops working as described within the warranty period, we will repair it free of charge.

Please click here for more details.


overhaul

If a mechanical watch does not undergo an overhaul, which involves disassembly, cleaning, and oiling, about once every three years, it will gradually deteriorate and become more prone to breaking.

Unless otherwise specified, watches sold by our store are not overhauled at the time of purchase.
We use this sales method because some customers like to overhaul their watches themselves, are not concerned with precision, and purchase them simply as a decorative item .

If you wish, we can overhaul your watch before shipping it to you. In that case, the cost of the overhaul will be quoted separately.
It depends on the structure of the watch, the manufacturer, and the storage condition, but it is generally around 20,000 to 30,000 yen.

Basic handling instructions

Our blog explains how to care for antique pocket watches.

[Blog article] Types of pocket watches and names of their parts

[Blog article] How to wind a pocket watch

[Blog article] Setting the time on a pocket watch

Also, when wearing a pocket watch, it is common to attach a chain called an Albert chain to prevent it from falling out of your pocket, etc.
The Albert Chain is explained here.

[Blog article] Albert Chain

Tips to make it last longer

Please do not open the back cover unnecessarily as dust or other particles may get in and cause the device to stop working.
Regarding the front cover, please be careful not to open it and touch the needles or other parts.

Do not place near devices that emit magnetic or electromagnetic waves, such as smartphones, computers, earphones, or speakers.
The parts may become magnetized, causing the time to become out of sync or malfunction.

Be careful not to drop it (it is sensitive to shocks).
When you go out, we recommend using an Albert chain or string to prevent the watch from falling out of your pocket, etc.

Be sure not to get it wet.
Avoid using it on rainy days or storing it in a humid place.

When winding the mainspring, wind it until it stops (full mainspring).
There may be cases where the initial movement is poor and the device does not get started, or the accuracy is poor.

Please have it overhauled about once every 3-4 years.
If you do not know who to request an overhaul, please contact us.

 

Post-purchase maintenance

Even if a mechanical watch is not an antique, it is advisable to have it overhauled about once every three years if it is to be used as a practical item.
In the case of antique watches, it is often the case that the manufacturer does not accept repairs or the manufacturer itself no longer exists, making it difficult to ask the manufacturer to repair or overhaul the watch .

The number of watchmakers who can repair and overhaul antique watches is decreasing due to the aging population.
If the watch you purchased from our store breaks or starts to malfunction and you would like to have it overhauled, please contact us.

If you send us your watch, we will assist you by handing it over to a watchmaker who can repair it and getting you an estimate for the repair.

We can also introduce you to a watch shop near your home that can repair antique watches (depending on your area).

 

Notes

About originality
    It has been a long time since the watch was manufactured , and parts such as the mainspring, crystal, hands, and crown may have been replaced during maintenance.
    In particular, parts such as the mainspring and crystal are considered consumables.
    In some cases, the dial or case may have been replaced .
    It is impossible to fully understand what is being exchanged.
    They may have been replaced with non-original parts from the manufacturer .
    As far as I know, it's stated in the description.
    However, the fact that all parts are not original does not make the watch less valuable as an antique .
      Initial response
      Especially if you have just received your watch, it may not start working properly even if you wind the mainspring tightly.

      In that case, try gently shaking the watch side to side or moving it 12 hours (one revolution) by adjusting the time.

      Please understand the above before enjoying the world of antique watches.

      If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us using the button below.

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