What owners say after their watch comes back from the bench.

CHALLENGE

Vintage Rolex Datejust, running 35 seconds slow per day

Owner had purchased the piece secondhand and noticed significant timekeeping drift after a few months of daily wear. The watch had not been serviced in at least eight years, and the accuracy had deteriorated noticeably in Bangkok's humidity.

APPROACH

Service Health Review confirmed the timing deficit across six positions, alongside a borderline water resistance reading. The Standard Mechanical Service followed after the owner approved the scope. Full movement disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, fresh lubrication, gasket replacement, and careful regulation over several days.

OUTCOME

Timing improved to +3 seconds per day averaged across positions. Water resistance restored to manufacturer specification. Total time from drop-off to collection: four weeks.

"I was surprised how different the crown winding action felt after the service. The watch felt like a different piece."

CHALLENGE

IWC Pilot's Chronograph, erratic pushers

The chronograph start/stop pusher required excessive pressure to engage and occasionally failed to reset cleanly. The owner was uncertain whether this was a wear issue or something more structural in the column-wheel mechanism.

APPROACH

Complication Care Project. Inspection isolated the issue to a worn column wheel tooth and a stiff lateral pusher spring. Both were discussed with the owner before ordering. Manufacturer-sourced parts were available and used. The base movement received a full clean and lubrication alongside the complication work. Extended eight-week observation before return.

OUTCOME

Chronograph engagement and reset functioning correctly throughout the observation period. Base movement timing within manufacturer specification. Owner received a detailed project record listing all parts replaced.

"The report they gave me listed every part touched, every measurement taken. Worth having for its own sake."

CHALLENGE

Pre-purchase evaluation, Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

Owner was considering a secondhand purchase from a private seller. The watch appeared to be in good condition externally, but the owner wanted an objective view of the movement's health and whether the accuracy figures the seller quoted were accurate.

APPROACH

Service Health Review. Timing measured at +18 seconds average per day — significantly above the figure the seller had suggested. Internal photographs showed lubricant migration consistent with a movement overdue for service. Water resistance acceptable. Written report prepared and delivered within three days of drop-off.

OUTCOME

Owner used the report to negotiate a reduced price, factoring in the service cost. Proceeded with the purchase and returned the watch six weeks later for a Standard Mechanical Service. Current accuracy: +4 seconds per day.

"The ฿3,800 for the review paid for itself in the negotiation. Clear, independent, and no sales pressure."