By using an authorized outlet for your brands, warranties on your timepieces should remain valid. In most cases, estimates are given within a few days, at no charge. But be prepared to allow adequate time for any repairs.

Many steps are involved in routine timepiece maintenance: disassembly, possibility case refinishing, cleaning numerous minute parts, drying thoroughly, reassembly, lubrication, adjustment of timing, pressure testing, and monitoring or re-adjustment. Parts may need to be ordered as well (or built if they are unavailable or obsolete).

Lastly, keep in mind, routine maintenance of your timepieces is always less costly than major repairs due to neglect.


Watch Care
A watch can be a beautiful jewellery accessory to adorn a wrist. But fundamentally, it is a miniature piece of equipment, which needs proper care to perform efficiently.

Different types of timepieces are suitable for different uses. A karat gold and diamond dress watch for instance, can be scratched by simply wearing a gold bracelet next to it; while a sturdy steel sports model can often withstand rough work and leisure activities. Keeping all types in good cosmetic shape will help maintain warranty coverage. Manufacturers might refuse to do complimentary warranty repairs if a watch looks abused.

Learn how to reset the functions on a complicated timepiece, since even the most highly-trained technicians cannot be familiar with all brands. Also, be aware that "water resistant" does not mean a watch can be submerged in water.

The following tips will add to the lifespan of your timepiece:

• A proper fit will prevent damage to links and avoid putting the crystal in vulnerable positions.
  · Waterproof watches should be rinsed in fresh water to remove salt, sand, chlorine, etc.
  
• Besides excess humidity/moisture, watches should avoid rough wear, magnetism, and chemicals.
  
• Mechanical watches should be wound off the wrist to prevent stress to the stem/crown.
  
• When not worn, watches should be separated from other jewellery and stored in soft, absorbent fabric.
  
• Watches kept running in storage allow lubricants into moving parts (but attend to dead batteries immediately to prevent leakage and corrosion).
  
• Like other jewellery, timepieces should be kept in a secure part of the home under stable temperature/humidity conditions.
  
• Have adequate insurance; and keep photos, appraisal copies at home (as well as with the insurance company) with warranty papers and instruction booklets.
  
• Home cleaning should be gentle - utilizing a soft brush/chamois and avoiding water near the mechanism.
  
• A professional technician should regularly inspect your timepiece for gasket and battery changed needed.