Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
How does Nesbit’s Fine Watch Service obtain genuine material?
Answer:
Most prestigious watch manufactures have strict standards that must be met in order to qualify for a spare parts account. These include state of the art equipment and tools, up to date training, administrative compliance, location of facility and overall high standard of customer service and repair. Nesbit’s Fine Watch Service meets or exceeds these standards and therefore is privileged to purchase spare parts straight from Rolex, Omega, Baume & Mercier, Tag Heuer, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, Jeager LeCoultre, Movado, Rado, Fortis, Longines, Hamilton, Gucci, Tissot among others.
Question:
What is the warranty on Nesbit’s Fine Watch Service repairs?
Answer:
Nesbit’s offers a two year warranty on most complete maintenance service/repairs. Brands such as Rolex, Omega, Baume & Mercier, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Jeager LeCoultre and Tag Heuer receive a two year warranty. Brands such as Hamilton, Longines, Tissot, Gucci, Rado will receive a one year warranty. Partial maintenance repairs come with a one year warranty on the work performed.
Question:
How often should I service my watch?
Answer:
To ensure the longevity of your fine timepiece, the movement should be cleaned approximately every five years. This will vary according to movement caliber, case construction, user habits such as diving and other activities, temperatures etc.
Question:
How do I know my watch needs service?
Answer:
When your watch needs to be serviced you may see a variety of signals. The watch may begin to run a little slow or even a little fast, your automatic movement may not continue to run overnight or the watch may stop all together. It is possible that only one feature of the movement does not function correctly such as your date or chronograph. You may see condensation under the crystal which indicates your seals may be worn and the movement is contaminated.
Question:
What happens if I don’t service my watch regularly?
Answer:
Adequate lubrication is required in order for your watch movement to keep time properly. With the passage of time and normal wear the lubrication will evaporate, become contaminated, or become thick and gummy. Once this occurs it is still possible that your watch will run or can be forced to run by manually winding the watch or continuing to wear the watch in the case of an automatic movement. When the movement is running without lubrication the moving parts will begin to wear and will need to be replaced during the next service creating added expense. If you think your watch needs to be serviced/cleaned but you wish to hold off, it is wise to store your watch until the time is right for you.
Question:
What is done when servicing a watch?
Answer:
While performing a complete maintenance service several critical steps are followed to ensure the highest quality repair possible. Once the estimate has been approved, required replacement parts are pulled from stock or ordered, the movement is removed from the case and completely disassembled. Then the movement will go through a five step ultrasonic cleaning process. The movement is then reassembled, precisely lubricated, timed and tested for factory specified accuracy. Next the case is refinished according to factory standards. Once the case is beautifully restored, all of the seals, crown, pushers etc are replaced with new genuine replacement parts to guaranty specified water resistant standards. The case is pressure tested at this time. Once the movement is installed the watch will begin the quality control process which will check for timing accuracy, power reserve and visual aesthetics.
Question:
What is the risk of using non genuine spare parts in my repair?
Answer:
When using non factory supplied material you run the risks of the seals and other parts not fitting properly. Among other issues this can be a problem when your watch is a water resistant model. Your watch may leak causing damage.
Question:
Does Nesbit’s Fine Watch Service ever use generic spare parts?
Answer:
There are times when we have no choice but to use generic material. This would include watches that no longer have parts available from the manufacture either because they have since been discontinued, the company is no longer in business or your watch is an antique and genuine material has been deleted. When we use generic spare parts your warranty will only change in regards to the water resistance. This is why we advise not to expose your watch to moisture if genuine material is not available.
Question:
How often should I have my watch battery changed?
Answer:
It will depend on the movement caliber in your watch but generally speaking we recommend that you change your battery every two years. If a battery is left in the watch for too long it can leak battery acid and cause damage and premature service costs. Always have your watch pressure tested after a battery change if you own a water resistant model. If it does not pass a reseal is due.
Question:
What activities should I avoid while wearing my watch
Answer:
We usually advise that you avoid activities that create shock while wearing your watch. These may include golfing, tennis, motorcycling, chopping wood etc.
Question:
What sort of insurance does Nesbit’s Fine Watch Service hold?
Answer:
Nesbit’s Fine Watch Service is insured for loss up to $2,000,000.00.
Question:
How is my watch shipped back to me?
Answer:
Your valued timepiece is shipped back to you via Fedex 2 day delivery, fully insured and traceable. Close attention is paid to how your watch is packed for a safe return back to you. We will notify you when your watch is scheduled to ship and its delivery date. A signature is required at time of delivery.
Question:
How deep can Nesbit’s Fine Watch Service pressure test?
Answer:
We have the ability to pressure test to the depth of 3600 feet.
Question:
Is Nesbit’s Fine Watch Service qualified to repair my fine watch?
Answer:
Yes, All of the watchmakers here at Nesbit’s are certified CW21 and/ or WOSTEP. This certification is required in order to hold a spare parts account with Rolex and Omega.
Question:
Watchmakers
Answer:
Tom Nesbit CW21, third generation watchmaker, has over thirty years experience working on fine complicated watches. He specializes in chronograph, repeater, ultra thin and alarm mechanisms. Tom serves on the Technical Advisory Board for NSCC Watch Technology Institute. Tom is a trained test assessor for the AWCI CW21 examination.
Mackenzie Nesbit CW21 WOSTEP, fourth generation watchmaker, has over 12 years experience and is especially proficient in chronograph mechanisms. Mackenzie also serves on the Technical Advisory Board at NSCC Watch Technology Institute as well. He also serves as guest instructor. Mackenzie is a trained test assessor for the AWCI CW21 examination.
John Baldwin CW21 WOSTEP, has been working on fine watches at Nesbit’s for 5 years. Before his training in Horology he worked as a metals refinisher so not only is he a meticulous watchmaker but he has proficient skill in refinishing cases and bracelets.
Question:
What is an authorized service center?
Answer:
An official factory authorized service center is one in which the independent watchmaker contracts with the watch manufacturer to perform service as an official agent, including warranty repair and revenue repair. Since 2011, Omega/Swatch Group no longer contracts with independent watchmakers to be their official authorized service center. Up until that time Nesbit’s Fine Watch Service was the authorized service center for the NW territory of the United States. We are still recognized by Omega as a service facility qualified by training, equipment and reputation to continue to purchase spare parts directly from them. We still do the same high quality work that we always have as an authorized service center. The same is true with Rolex. They regularly inspect our service facility to ensure we strictly follow the requirements to continue to hold a spare parts account with them allowing us to service your watch using only genuine Rolex material purchased straight from them. These brands trust that we will adhere to the high standards of service that their watches deserve and so can you. We also hold spare parts accounts with Patek Philippe, TAG Heuer, Baume and Mercier, Rado, Jaeger LeCoultre and others.