Servicing a mechanical watch is as much an art as it is a technical process - a meticulous ritual that honours the craftsmanship behind every timepiece we create. At Marloe Watch Company, we carry out all servicing in-house to ensure each watch receives the care and precision it deserves. Whether it’s a simple regulation or a full overhaul, every service follows a structured process designed to restore your watch to peak performance - while preserving its original character and charm. Here’s a closer look at what happens behind the scenes when your watch returns to our workshop.

1. Registration & Initial Inspection

When a watch arrives, it’s first registered into our system alongside any relevant communication from the customer. This ensures the workshop has a complete overview of the issue or request. During this stage, we also note any visible marks or damage that may indicate underlying mechanical concerns.

2. Watchmaker Diagnostics

The watch then passes to our workshop, where the watchmaker begins a series of inspections. The movement is tested for accuracy, case components are checked, and the hands are observed for alignment and operation. Some faults require extended testing - for example, automatic mechanisms may be evaluated on a winding machine, or timekeeping accuracy assessed over a full cycle. Once diagnostics are complete, a quote is raised should there be any issues not covered by cost of the service, in which case, and the job is placed on hold pending customer approval.

3. Case Preparation

Once approved for a full service, the case back is removed and the movement, dial, and hands are carefully extracted. The case is then prepared for deep cleaning. A small permanent marker dot is applied at the 12 o’clock position of the crystal to ensure it’s reassembled in the same orientation, preserving any original wear marks. All gaskets and crystals are removed, and the metal case components are cleaned ultrasonically for 5–10 minutes, depending on the level of buildup. A soft nylon brush is used to remove stubborn debris, followed by thorough drying - at least 30 minutes - to ensure no moisture remains.

4. Movement Disassembly

The dial and hands are placed in a compartmented tray for protection. The movement is then fully dismantled into its constituent parts - even our simplest movements contain around 130 components, while more complex ones approach 235. Each part is individually inspected under a loupe, with microscopes used for detailed areas like pallet forks and escape wheels. Teeth, pivots, pinions, and jewels are assessed for wear or damage; pegwood is used to clean jewel holes in preparation for ultrasonic cleaning. Worn or damaged components are set aside for replacement. Where available, the mainspring barrel is replaced as standard - though with some discontinued movements, this isn’t always possible. In such cases, we do our utmost to source an equivalent alternative.

5. Ultrasonic Cleaning

Movement parts are carefully placed into a series of specialised baskets - larger ones for bridges, smaller ones for wheels and levers, and fine mesh containers for delicate items such as balance assemblies, escape wheels, and springs. These are run through a four-stage cleaning process using a dedicated watch-cleaning machine: one ultrasonic cleaning stage followed by three rinse cycles. The entire process takes approximately 40 minutes.

6. Reassembly & Lubrication

Reassembly is performed in a precise sequence memorised by the watchmaker. Multiple lubricants are used throughout: high-viscosity oils for the gear train and escapement, greases for high-load components such as the winding mechanism, and Fixodrop - a special treatment that prevents oil migration - for key elements like the pallet stones and endstones. This stage requires intense concentration and dexterity, with each component delicately returned to its place.

7. Timing & Regulation

Once assembled, the movement is tested for accuracy and amplitude. Initial checks are done in the dial-down position for quick adjustments. Once regulated to within manufacturer tolerances, the watch is tested in additional positions - dial-up, crown-left (9), crown-down (6), and crown-right (3). Timing variations, amplitude, and beat error are recorded, and averages calculated to ensure consistent performance across all orientations.

8. Dial Fitting & Casing Up

The dial is reattached to the movement and the hands are pressed into place with precision - ensuring they’re parallel to the dial surface, properly aligned, and evenly spaced. The completed assembly is returned to the cleaned case, with dial alignment verified before the crystal and fresh gaskets are fitted. A final timing check is performed at this stage to ensure nothing has shifted during casing.

9. Final Testing

The watch is set precisely to time (if the movement features hacking seconds) and left dial-down for 24 hours. Timing is then checked, followed by a power reserve test with the watch dial-up. Automatic models are tested on a Cyclomotion machine for at least 4 hours to verify rotor winding function. Finally, the case is pressure tested to confirm it meets its specified water resistance rating.

10. Quality Control & Dispatch

A final visual inspection is carried out before the watch is polished with an anti-static cloth. Clear protective stickers are applied to both front and back, and the strap or bracelet is refitted. The watch is then carefully packaged and prepared for return to its owner - ready for many more years of reliable service.

You can head over to our dedicated Workshop page for further information on sending your watch into us for repair or service.