Common Problems You Might Encounter With Mechanical Pocket Watches

pocket watches can be excellent collectibles or fashion statement. Whether your reason is the former or the latter, as an owner, one of your primary responsibility is to take care of your beautiful investment. Mechanical pocket watches have innards made of small parts, however they are well-crafted, there will come a time that you might encounter problems. 

Below are some common issues that you might have to deal with pocket watches:

Lubrication And Cleaning

When anything mechanical stops working, there is a big possibility that you need to clean some parts and lubricate mechanisms. The same is true for pocket watches. 

While it stays inside your pocket, dust and particles might still be able to find it’s way inside. Typically, your pocket watch will require TLC (tender lubrication and cleaning) every 3 to 5 years. Think of this maintenance work as oil change for your car that ensures that your engine works as smoothly as possible. 

Unless proper cleaning and lubrication is done, you might , the mechanical movements might stop. Some parts that might be damaged due to normal wear and tear might also be replaced. 

Water And Moisture

If you need to protect your pocket watches from their worst enemies, that would be to keep them away from water and moisture. 

Water and moisture penetrating the watchcase will spell disaster for critical components of the watch. The foreign matters will deteriorate the metal contact points of the pocket watch and will be problematic for the almost frictionless motion of the mechanisms inside. Likewise, if the stationary components are exposed to water and moisture, rust or mold may develop, rendering the parts irreparable. 

In order to protect your pocket watch, it will be best to carry it in an inside pocket. Make sure you’re wearing a coat or jacket if you are venturing out into the rain. In case you are coming from the cold, you can warm the pocket watch using the natural warmth of your body. Never use artificial heat such that from a hair blower. It is also not advisable to leave the watch near window to dry under direct sunlight. Temperature extremes spell disaster for pocket watches. So, do not leave it in the glove compartment of your vehicle or in damp places such as your garage or basement. 

If you see condensation forming on the face or glass of the pocketwatch, this means that there’s moisture inside. Save your watch by bringing it to at trusted watchmaker or repair shop and have it cleaned and lubricated. 

Movement Seizure

Make sure you wind up your mechanical pocket watch daily or at least once a week. This will keep the watch in tip top condition. If you leave a mechanical watch dormant for a while, the oil coating its parts might form a thick and sticky film that may prevent the parts from moving properly. Do not believe the myth that you can over wind a watch. That will not happen because the mechanism of the watch will not allow you to turn it more beyond its limits. 

When storing your pocket watches, make sure that they are flat on their back and not turned to their sides nor resting on their crowns.