How Do I Care for a Fine Watch And Is It Worth Repairing an Older One?

How Do I Care for a Fine Watch And Is It Worth Repairing an Older One?

Table of Contents

• Quick Summary
• Are Automatic Watches Better Than Quartz?
• How Often Should a Watch Battery Be Replaced?
• Why Did My Watch Stop Working?
• Is It Worth Repairing an Older Watch?
• How Do I Store Watches Properly?
• What Makes a Watch Collectible or Valuable?
• How Do I Know If a Rolex Is Authentic?
• When Should a Watch Be Serviced?
• FAQ

Quick Summary

Fine watches are both functional timepieces and long-term heirlooms. Whether you own an automatic, quartz, or luxury mechanical watch, proper care extends its life and protects its value. Most battery-powered watches need replacement every 1–3 years. Mechanical watches require servicing every 3–5 years. If your watch stops working, the cause could be simple or it may need professional attention. In many cases, repairing an older watch is absolutely worth it, especially if it has sentimental or collectible value.

At Hopman Jewelers in downtown Elkhart, we regularly help customers care for heirloom watches, estate Rolex pieces, and everyday timepieces alike.

Are Automatic Watches Better Than Quartz?

The short answer? It depends on what you value.

Quartz Watches

Quartz watches run on a battery and use a quartz crystal to regulate time. Because of this technology, they are:

• Extremely accurate
• Lower maintenance
• Generally more affordable
• Thinner and lighter

However, they do require battery replacement.

Automatic (Self-Winding) Watches

Automatic watches are mechanical. They use a mainspring powered by wrist movement rather than a battery. Therefore, they offer:

• Traditional craftsmanship
• Smooth sweeping second hand
• Mechanical complexity
• Long-term heirloom appeal

However, they must be worn regularly or kept on a watch winder to stay running.

Manual Mechanical Watches

Manual watches also use a mainspring, but you must wind them by hand daily. While less common today, collectors often appreciate their heritage and craftsmanship.

So, which is better? If you want precision and convenience, quartz is ideal. If you appreciate tradition, engineering, and legacy, automatic may be the better choice.

How Often Should a Watch Battery Be Replaced?

Most watch batteries last between 1 and 3 years.

However, several factors affect battery life:

• Watch size and features
• Chronograph functions
• Power reserve indicators
• Temperature exposure

If your watch stops ticking, do not ignore it. A dead battery can leak and damage the movement. Therefore, replacing a battery promptly protects your investment.

Why Did My Watch Stop Working?

A stopped watch does not always mean a major repair.

Common reasons include:

• Dead battery
• Magnetization
• Moisture intrusion
• Impact damage
• Worn movement components

For mechanical watches, lack of servicing often causes performance issues. Over time, lubrication inside the movement dries out. Consequently, friction increases and accuracy declines.

A professional evaluation determines whether a simple fix or full service is needed.

Is It Worth Repairing an Older Watch?

In many cases, yes.

First, consider sentimental value. A watch passed down from a father or grandfather cannot be replaced. Repairing it preserves family history.

Second, consider brand and quality. Higher-end watches, especially Swiss-made pieces, often justify repair costs.

Third, consider market value. Certain brands, including Rolex, increase in value over time. Restoring them professionally protects resale potential.

However, inexpensive fashion watches may cost more to repair than to replace. Therefore, we always recommend an evaluation before deciding.

How Do I Store Watches Properly?

Proper storage significantly extends the life of your timepiece.

Follow these guidelines:

• Store in a padded watch box
• Keep away from moisture and extreme temperatures
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Use a watch winder for automatic pieces
• Store separately to prevent scratches

Additionally, keep watches away from strong magnets. Electronics, speakers, and even purse clasps can affect mechanical accuracy.

What Makes a Watch Collectible or Valuable?

Not all watches appreciate in value. However, certain factors increase collectability:

• Brand reputation
• Limited production numbers
• Condition
• Original box and papers
• Mechanical movement
• Historical significance
• Precious metal construction

Vintage Rolex, Omega, and other Swiss brands often attract collectors. Furthermore, untouched original condition typically commands higher prices than heavily modified pieces.

How Do I Know If a Rolex Is Authentic?

Authenticating a Rolex requires experience.

Here are key indicators professionals examine:

• Serial and reference numbers
• Weight and materials
• Movement quality
• Engraving precision
• Cyclops magnification
• Caseback construction

However, counterfeit watches continue to improve in appearance. Therefore, visual inspection alone is not enough. A trained professional must open the case and examine the movement.

At Hopman Jewelers, we evaluate estate Rolex watches and help customers determine authenticity and value.

When Should a Watch Be Serviced?

Mechanical watches typically require full servicing every 3–5 years.

During service, a technician will:

• Disassemble the movement
• Clean components
• Replace worn parts
• Re-lubricate internal mechanisms
• Test accuracy and water resistance

Routine servicing prevents expensive damage later. Just like a vehicle, preventative maintenance protects long-term performance.

Additional Questions People Often Ask

Many customers also ask:

• Can I shower with my watch?
• Is water resistance permanent?
• What does “Swiss Made” actually mean?
• Does polishing reduce value?
• Should I insure my luxury watch?

Water resistance is not permanent. Gaskets wear down over time. Therefore, testing is recommended annually if you regularly expose your watch to moisture.

Polishing, while cosmetic, can reduce collector value if overdone. Original condition often matters most.

Finally, insuring valuable watches protects against theft or loss. Appraisals help determine proper coverage.

FAQ

Are automatic watches more valuable than quartz?
Generally, mechanical watches hold more collector interest. However, brand and condition matter more than movement type alone.

How long should a quality watch last?
With proper care and servicing, a fine watch can last generations.

Can I replace my own watch battery?
Although it may seem simple, replacing a watch battery yourself can damage the case or compromise water resistance. Professional watch technicians use specialized tools to safely open, reseal, and test the watch. 

Does servicing increase resale value?
Proper documentation of servicing helps maintain value, especially for luxury brands.

What is the most important factor in watch value?
Brand reputation, originality, and condition typically influence value the most.