A revision is a comprehensive service of a mechanical movement. The movement is properly checked, cleaned, freshly lubricated and, if necessary, worn parts are replaced.
A revision isn't automatically needed after a certain number of years. What matters most is how your watch behaves and how intensively it's used.
How can I tell that a revision might make sense?
A technical check or revision can make sense if your automatic watch, for example:
- runs noticeably less accurately than before
- suddenly runs strongly fast or slow
- regularly stops despite being sufficiently wound
- has a noticeably shorter power reserve than before
- shows unusual resistance when winding or setting
- makes noticeable or new noises
- no longer works reliably after a stronger knock or fall
- or has already been worn regularly for many years and its running behaviour has changed
However, a single one of these signs doesn't automatically mean that a full revision is required. Depending on the cause, a smaller repair or regulation may also be enough.
Does an automatic watch need regular revisions?
Mechanical movements consist of many small moving parts. Special lubricants are used in the movement so that these can work with as little friction as possible.
Over time, these lubricants can age or change. At the same time, natural wear occurs due to the movement of the parts.
That's why a service can make sense after longer use.
However, we don't recommend sending in a watch as a precaution based purely on its age if it's working perfectly and reliably.
If your watch is running normally, its power reserve is unremarkable and it shows no technical problems, there's generally no urgent need for action.
Is there a fixed service interval?
It's difficult to give a general service interval.
How quickly a mechanical movement needs servicing depends, among other things, on:
- how often the watch is worn
- the particular movement
- stress from knocks and vibrations
- ambient conditions
- humidity and temperature
- the general condition of the movement
An automatic watch worn daily, for example, can be subject to different demands than a watch that's only worn occasionally.
That's why the actual technical condition is more meaningful than a fixed number of years.
What's done during a revision?
During a full revision, the mechanical movement is comprehensively serviced.
Depending on the movement and its condition, this can include:
- removing the movement from the case
- disassembling the movement
- cleaning the individual components
- checking for wear or damage
- replacing any necessary worn or defective parts
- relubricating the relevant points
- reassembling the movement
- regulating the running behaviour
- a final function and rate check
Which work is necessary in a specific case depends on the condition of your watch.
Is a regulation the same as a revision?
No.
During a regulation, the running behaviour of a mechanical movement that's fundamentally working is fine-tuned.
A revision is considerably more extensive. Here, the movement is disassembled, cleaned, checked, freshly lubricated and then reassembled and adjusted.
So if your watch, for example, is only running slightly outside the intended rate tolerance, that doesn't automatically mean a full revision is required.
My watch is running slightly fast or slow – do I need a revision?
Not necessarily.
A certain amount of rate deviation is normal for mechanical watches due to their construction.
Different manufacturer tolerances apply depending on the movement fitted. If your watch stays within these tolerances and otherwise works normally, the rate deviation alone doesn't mean a revision is required.
It's more noticeable if the running behaviour suddenly changes significantly or the deviation is clearly greater than before.
My watch stops – is a revision necessary?
This, too, doesn't automatically mean that a revision is required.
With an automatic watch, often the power reserve has simply run out.
First, fully wind the watch via the crown and then observe how reliably it runs.
If it regularly stops despite being sufficiently wound, or if the power reserve is noticeably shorter than intended, the movement should be technically checked.
Should I have an older watch revised as a precaution?
If your watch is already several years old but still:
- runs reliably
- shows a normal rate deviation
- holds its power reserve
- and shows no unusual noises or malfunctions,
an immediate revision isn't strictly necessary.
You can continue to keep an eye on its running behaviour.
If you notice any noticeable changes, we recommend getting in touch with our customer service.
How much does a revision cost?
The cost depends on the particular model or movement and the amount of work required.
We don't provide a traditional cost estimate. However, if you describe your model and the issue to us, we'll tell you the maximum possible repair costs for the case described before you send it in.
That way, you know in advance the maximum amount you might have to pay.
Is the case also refurbished during a revision?
A technical revision of the movement and a cosmetic refurbishment of the case are, in principle, separate jobs.
Scratches or signs of wear on the case therefore don't automatically disappear through a revision.
If you'd also like a cosmetic refurbishment, you should arrange this in advance with our customer service.
Should I oil my watch myself or open the case?
No.
Please don't open the case yourself and don't use any oils or other lubricants.
A mechanical movement needs special lubricants, which are applied in very small amounts to specific points. Improper opening or lubricating can damage the movement and also affect the water resistance.
A revision should therefore always be carried out by a professional.
When should I contact our customer service?
Please get in touch with us if:
- your watch is running noticeably less accurately than before
- the rate deviation has suddenly changed significantly
- the watch regularly stops despite being sufficiently wound
- the power reserve has noticeably decreased
- unusual noises occur
- the crown or winding no longer works as usual
- or you're unsure, due to the age and condition of your watch, whether a service makes sense
Please send us, if possible:
- the exact model of your watch
- your order number, if available
- the approximate age of the watch
- a description of its current behaviour
- the measured rate deviation, if known
- the approximate power reserve after fully winding
- and, if relevant, photos or videos of any visible or audible irregularities
This allows us to first assess whether a regulation, a smaller repair or, indeed, a full revision makes sense.