Have you ever broken your watch? If so, you might wonder how to go about fixing it. You’re not alone! It can be daunting at first, especially when faced with a few pieces of metal and some tiny parts. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about repairing a watch.
What You Need To Repair A Watch
When it comes to repairing watches, you don’t need a lot of things. You will actually find that the list of things that you need is pretty short. Knowing what you need will help ease your mind in knowing where to start when beginning to fix your watch.
- A watch with a broken or damaged mechanism
- A loupe (a magnifying glass)
- Tweezers
- Nylon Watch Band Pliers
- Fine Tooth Brush and Cotton Swabs
- Watch Case Opener and Screwdriver
- Cleaner such as Isopropyl Alcohol, Rubbing Alcohol, or Lighter Fluid
Understanding Watch Mechanisms
One of the most important aspects of watch repair understands the different types of watch mechanisms.
Mechanism 1: Quartz
Quartz watches are some of the simplest and most common watch types. They are powered by a battery, which sends an electric charge to a quartz crystal. This produces vibrations at a constant rate, keeping time for you. When your battery dies and stops producing the electric charge, your watch stops working.
Mechanism 2: Mechanical
Mechanical watches do not need electricity to work. Instead, they use a spring or pendulum in order to keep time. However, when these parts break or stop functioning, this type of watch will no longer be accurate. This can also happen if you wear it while bathing or swimming in salt/chlorinated water, as that can corrode the inner workings. In either case (broken part or water damage), you will need to take your mechanical watch in for repairing with specialized tools and knowledge that only professionals have access to.
How to Fix a Broken Band
A broken band can usually be fixed at home with a few simple tools. All you need is a pair of small pliers and some duct tape to fix a broken watch band. To fix the band, take the two ends of the band in your fingers, and then use the pliers to bend them back together. Use one hand to hold onto the end of the band while using your other hand to push on top of it.
Once you have bent both ends of the band back together, wrap duct tape around it for added support. Be sure not to wrap too much duct tube over top of the metal piece because this could cause an allergic reaction and make your skin itch.
How to Fix a Scratched Lens
Did you know that one of the most common issues people face with wearables is a scratched lens? It might seem like a small problem, but it can actually be an expensive one. When you scratch the lens on your frames or sunglasses, it can make your glasses unusable. The good thing is, there are various ways on how you can resolve the problem.
One of the quickest fixes is to use toothpaste. Toothpaste has a gritty texture that will help get rid of any scratches on your lenses. All you need to do is apply some toothpaste to a soft cloth and gently rub the surface until all of the scratches disappear. Wash it off with water and dried up using a clean cloth.
If toothpaste isn’t available, rubbing alcohol and salt can also work wonders. Rubbing alcohol is generally easier to find than toothpaste, and salt helps remove grime while also acting as an abrasive agent to help remove scratches from your lenses or frames.
Conclusion
If you want to learn how to repair watches, you’ve found the right article! You can easily fix a broken band and scratched lens with the right tools and knowledge. You can even fix your watch if it needs a new battery. With the right know-how, you can be the watch repairman for your friends and family.
