How to Care for, Service, and Repair Tourbillon Watches

Caring for, Servicing, and Repairing Tourbillon Watches

Tourbillon watches are masterpieces of horological engineering, renowned for their complexity and precision. These exquisite timepieces require meticulous care to maintain their performance and elegance. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to care for, service, and repair your tourbillon watch.

Understanding Tourbillon Watches

A tourbillon watch features a rotating cage that houses the escapement and balance wheel. This intricate mechanism counteracts the effects of gravity, enhancing the watch’s accuracy. Due to their complexity, tourbillon watches demand a higher level of care and maintenance compared to standard timepieces.

Caring for Your Tourbillon Watch

1. Handling with Care: Always handle your tourbillon watch with clean, dry hands. Avoid touching the dial and mechanism directly to prevent oils and dirt from accumulating.
2. Winding: Wind your watch gently and consistently. Manual tourbillon watches should be wound at the same time each day to maintain accurate timekeeping.
3. Avoiding Magnetism: Keep your tourbillon watch away from strong magnetic fields, which can affect its precision. Store it in a designated watch box when not in use.
4. Protecting from Shocks: Tourbillon watches are delicate instruments. Avoid exposing them to sudden shocks or impacts, which can damage the intricate mechanism.

Regular Maintenance

1. Cleaning: Regularly clean the exterior of your tourbillon watch with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the metal and crystal.
2. Professional Servicing: Tourbillon watches should be serviced by a professional watchmaker every three to five years. This involves disassembling, cleaning, lubricating, and reassembling the movement to ensure optimal performance.
3. Lubrication: Proper lubrication of the tourbillon mechanism is crucial. A professional watchmaker will ensure that all moving parts are adequately lubricated to reduce friction and wear.

Proper Storage

1. Storage Conditions: Store your tourbillon watch in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. This prevents the metal parts from expanding or contracting, which can affect the movement.
2. Protective Cases: Use a protective case or watch winder to store your tourbillon watch when not in use. This prevents scratches and keeps the movement in optimal condition.
3. Humidity Control: Ensure your storage environment has controlled humidity levels to prevent moisture from damaging the watch’s delicate components.

Repairing Tourbillon Watches

1. Identifying Issues: Common issues with tourbillon watches include inaccurate timekeeping, movement stoppage, or visible damage to the mechanism. If you notice any irregularities, it’s crucial to seek professional repair services immediately.
2. Professional Repair: Due to the complexity of the tourbillon mechanism, repairs should only be performed by experienced watchmakers. Attempting to repair it yourself can result in further damage.
3. Regular Check-ups: Even if your tourbillon watch appears to be functioning correctly, regular check-ups can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

Tourbillon watches are exquisite timepieces that require dedicated care and regular maintenance to preserve their precision and beauty. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your tourbillon watch remains in excellent condition, offering accurate timekeeping and aesthetic elegance for years to come.

If your tourbillon watch requires maintenance or repair services, Sangamon Watch Company Repair Service Center provides repair by mail services for customers in the US. Our expert watchmakers are equipped to handle the complexities of tourbillon watches, ensuring your timepiece receives the highest level of care and attention. Please contact us today.