What’s involved?

Documentation

When you entrust your watch to Spring and Barrel, it’s journey begins with an in-depth inspection, complete with photo documentation. Bring your watch to our shop in Seattle, or we can provide an insured FedEx label for overnight shipping.

The first step is superficial disassembly and documentation of the condition of your watch, including case, surface level components, and in some instances removing the dial and hands. This process is followed by the creation of a condition report with service recommendations, including optional items like a new crystal, refinishing or polishing, or refreshing luminous paint.

We provide this document for your records for insurance or sale consideration. Should service be necessary, we will provide a referral to a qualified restoration shop. When evaluating a service provider, the follow steps are standard practice:

First cleaning and disassembly

Service begins removing the movement from the case, and removing the dial and hands from the movement. The complete movement is run through a 5-stage ultrasonic chemical cleaning process. This is followed by the complete disassembly of the movement down to the last screw. During disassembly each component is cleaned by hand and scrutinized for condition under high magnification. All components are then subjected to a second ultrasonic cleaning cycle.

At this stage, replacement parts are sourced if necessary. Repairs, restoration interventions, and adjustments take place. Any interventions on the case like ultrasonic cleaning, refinishing, or case component replacement take place at this time.

First Assembly

The base movement is assembled, lubricated, regulated, and tested for timekeeping efficiency and accuracy. Additional complications like calendar and chronograph functions are added and calibrated.

Second Cleaning and Second Assembly

The first assembly is like a proof of concept. Is the escapement properly adjusted? Do the day and date trip at the same time? Are the endshakes all correct? The process of adjusting a watch to get it right can be messy, and the outcome from this process isn’t ready to go back to the customer. So we take it all apart again, and run it through another cleaning cycle. Knowing everything is just right, we can efficiently assemble and lubricate the complete watch with confidence before final regulation and timing testing.

Final Assembly, Timing Testing, and Quality Control

Assuming no new issues arise during second assembly, the dial and hands are installed, the watch is returned to the case, and assessed for timing in multiple positions over 5 days. If further regulation is required, another 5-day cycle may be required.

The watch is then inspected under magnification before being returned to the client, along with any parts that may have been removed from the watch for replacement.

As a client of Spring and Barrel you can expect fully transparent communication, as well as referrals to the highest level of care.