Overhaul

Overhaul (also called complete service or revision) describes a full movement reconditioning of a mechanical watch. It is the single most value-preserving intervention in a watch's life cycle and is categorically different from a battery change, gasket replacement or polish. An overhaul in a manufacture-certified workshop typically costs between €500 and €3,000 depending on brand and complication — the investment is almost always economically rational relative to the movement substance it preserves.

What an overhaul includes

A complete overhaul follows a defined sequence:

1. Diagnostic. Movement condition assessed, rate measured in multiple positions, water-resistance test. A written report with service recommendation is created.
2. Disassembly. The movement is completely taken down — up to 200 individual parts on a chronograph, up to 600 on a perpetual calendar.
3. Cleaning. Components are cleaned in an ultrasonic bath with specialist solutions to remove old oil, dust and residue.
4. Wear-part replacement. Mandatory parts on an overhaul: mainspring, gaskets, sometimes jewel screws and wheel bearings. Further parts per manufacture specification as needed.
5. Lubrication and reassembly. Movement is reassembled with defined specialist oils (a distinct oil for each bearing type) and adjusted.
6. Regulation. Rate is regulated across 5 or 6 positions to manufacture tolerance.
7. Pressure test. Case is tested to factory water-resistance specification.
8. Final test. 24 to 72-hour running test with rate measurement before delivery.

On a classic three-hand movement the full process takes around 8–15 workshop hours in an experienced atelier. On a perpetual calendar or a minute repeater the workload reaches double or quadruple-digit hours.

When an overhaul is due

Most Swiss manufactures recommend an overhaul interval of 5 to 10 years — depending on complication, water resistance and intensity of use. Clear indicators that an overhaul is overdue:

• Rate deviation rises. A sudden deterioration in accuracy (more than ±10 seconds per day on a modern watch) signals oil hardening or wear.
• Power reserve drops. An automatic that no longer holds 36–48 hours of reserve usually has hardened oil in the barrel.
• Visible condensation on the crystal. A sign of failed gaskets — critical, because moisture causes movement corrosion.
• Time alone. Anyone unable to document the last service should plan an overhaul regardless of subjective impression.

Manufacture service vs independent workshop

A manufacture workshop works with original service sets, original parts and factory specifications. Advantages: standardised quality, original spares, manufacture stamp in the booklet. Disadvantages: longer turn-around times (typically 4–12 weeks), higher cost, less customer input on detail decisions.

An experienced independent workshop — like the certified partner workshops we work with in Munich — offers comparable quality on modern standard movements, often faster handling and more individual consultation. On particularly collected vintage pieces or unusual complications, the manufacture may be the only sensible address.

At our atelier in Munich we inspect service history before every sale. On a vintage reference without documented service in the last 8 years we recommend a preparatory overhaul to buyers, often performed in advance of the sale. On modern references with active manufacture service, the service stamp is in the booklet — a value-determining document in the secondary market.