COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR SERVICES

Our customers have many questions about our services. Here are the most common:

SHOULD I PACK MY TIMEPIECE IN THE ORIGINAL BOX?

No. Simply place your watch in FATHER TIME WATCH WORKS packaging. Your timepiece will be safe and secure

WILL I RECEIVE AN ESTIMATE PRIOR TO MY TIMEPIECE IS SERVICED?

We provide up front estimates. We will review your timepiece and give you a call to go over cost.

WHAT PAYMENT OPTIONS DO YOU ACCEPT?

Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Zelle, Venmo or Paypal

DO YOU SELL REPLACEMENT PARTS SUCH AS STRAPS, BRACELETS, AND LINKS?

We provide replacement parts for straps, bracelets, links, and other components. For assistance or more information, please call 323-316-4026

WHAT IS A MOVEMENT MAINTENANCE / OVERHAUL?

Like any finely engineered instrument, both mechanical and quartz watches require regular maintenance to perform at their best. Inside the watch, power is transmitted through a series of gears that move the hands to display the time. To minimize friction, the gear pivots rotate within “jewels” — small synthetic rubies — that are specially lubricated. Over time, this lubrication naturally breaks down, leading to increased friction and potential timing issues or complete stoppage. When this happens, a full service is necessary to restore proper function. Most manufacturers recommend a complete movement overhaul every five to six years.

WHAT IS WATER RESISTANCE MAINTENANCE?

Water resistance in a watch is maintained through a system of seals placed between key components of the case. These include a series of gaskets and a precisely engineered crown designed to keep out moisture. Over time, normal wear and exposure to various conditions can cause these protective elements to degrade. To preserve the watch’s water resistance, the gaskets and crown should be checked—and replaced if necessary—whenever the case is opened for servicing. After any maintenance, the watch must also be pressure-tested to confirm that its seal has been properly restored.

HOW LONG DO REPAIRS, RESTORATION, AND MAINTENANCE TAKE?

The time required to service your watch varies based on its specific design, the scope of work needed, the number of components requiring replacement, and the availability of those parts. Our team utilizes advanced diagnostic and repair equipment to ensure every timepiece is serviced with precision and efficiency—never compromising on quality. While we maintain an extensive inventory of replacement parts, occasional delays may occur if certain items are back-ordered.

If you need additional assistance or cannot find the information you’re looking for, please contact us at info@fathertimewatchworks.com or Call us at 323-316-4026

WHAT STEPS ARE TAKEN TO REPLACE A BATTERY?

Many of our timepieces are designed with water-resistant features; however, they require meticulous attention each time the case is opened—even for something as simple as a battery replacement. Our battery service involves a detailed inspection, carefully performed by skilled watchmakers to ensure optimal precision and protection.

Some of the critical steps include:

  • Thorough cleaning of the case and bracelet
  • Measuring the lower working voltage (often referred to as the “heartbeat” of a quartz watch)
  • Performing a timing accuracy test
  • Replacing gaskets and crown components as necessary
  • Verifying the alignment and secure fit of the case back and gasket seat
  • Conducting a full water-resistance evaluation on applicable models

This comprehensive approach ensures that your watch maintains both its performance and durability after every service.

COMMON QUARTZ WATCH PROBLEMS

Quartz watches may develop the following problems:

The watch has completed stopped working

This is usually caused by a battery issue. Quartz watch batteries can last three or more years, after which you should replace the watch battery.

The second hand is moving awkwardly.

This is a sign that the battery is running out of power and needs to be replaced.

The push buttons don’t return to their starting position.

Dust, dirt, and corrosion can build up inside the watch’s tubing and prevent the button from functioning properly. The springs in the button may need to be replaced.

The alarm is malfunctioning.

This may be due to one of three things: the alarm’s contact spring is positioned incorrectly, the case backing was not attached correctly, or there is a problem with the alarm contact plate.

The second hand is ticking back and forth without making any progress.

This is usually due to a mechanical problem that needs to be addressed by a watchmaker.

The display has turned black and the numbers aren’t visible.

This may occur if the watch was dropped, stepped on, or struck against something, causing the thin pieces of glass in the digital display to crack and allow air to leak in and disrupt the conductive fluid.

The display is only showing partial digits and letters.

This problem may occur if the watch was dropped or the contact points have become corroded.

The watch stops running when put on the wrist.

If the internal temperature of the watch suddenly increases when it comes into contact with human skin, this can cause the circuitry to expand and break the contact points inside.

COMMON MECHANICAL WATCH PROBLEMS

A mechanical watch can have thousands of tiny parts working together to keep time. But if one part stops working properly, this could cause a chain reaction in other parts and require professional Swiss watch repair. A few common problems with mechanical watches include:

The watch has stopped ticking.

Loose parts could cause a blockage or jam in the internal mechanisms. This may be caused by vigorous movement, such as playing sports while wearing the watch.

The mainspring has stopped working.

The mainspring could be defective, or you may simply need to wind it. If you feel any abnormal resistance when winding it, there could be a more serious problem.

The internal mechanisms have been exposed to water.

Even if the watch is waterproof, no watch is 100% waterproof forever. Prolonged exposure to water could damage the inner mechanisms if the gasket or seal deteriorates.

Internal mechanisms have become dirty.

Dirt and dust could cause the watch to jam and damage the delicate parts inside the watch. Only a trained watchmaker should be trusted to clean the watch.

The watch isn’t keeping time accurately.

It’s normal for watches to eventually fall out of sync with original tuning and require professional watch service.

The glass face has been cracked.

Dropping the watch or hitting the watch face could force shards of glass into the watch’s interior and cause problems with the internal mechanisms.