I have done some research on watch repair services and how much they cost. Also describe the process that is involved in watch restoration.

A vintage wristwatch can be a complex and intricate device. Therefore watch repairs involve a high level of expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the various parts and mechanisms of a watch. You should therefore be sure to find someone who is properly qualified. Those charging excessively low amounts are probably amateurs who risk causing more damage to your watch.

What Watches can be Repaired?

Watch repair can be performed on quartz watches but repair of mechanical movement watches both modern and vintage is more common. It is often not worthwhile repairing cheap or modern day quartz watch. Also not all watches can be repaired such as those that have extensive rusting and it can be difficult to find certain replacement parts for some old watches due to their rarity.

You should not wait until your vintage watch stops working but service your watch every few years and if your watch shows signs of moisture forming inside you should get the watch cleaned as soon as possible.

What does a Watch Repair Service involve and Cost?

A good watch repair service should do more then just fix your broken watch. They will give your watch a complete service which may involve the following:

The watch will be disassembled and then inspected for damage and worn or corroded parts. The mechanical parts will be cleaned in an ultrasonic machine. Each part is carefully examined for damage or wear and where necessary replaced or repaired. The watch is then oiled and timed and regulated to be as accurate as possible using state of the art test equipment. The movement is then refitted to its case and tested and timed over a number of hours. It can then be shipped back to the customer via post.

A complete service like the one described above on most modern watches start at about $200 to $400. Vintage wrist watch repair start at about $300 to $500 and high-grade watches and chronographs start at about $400 to $550. Prices just for cleaning range from about $50 to $150

This whole process can take a few weeks as the materials and mechanical pieces sometimes have to be ordered due to them being so rare.

What Parts Cannot be Repaired or Cleaned

Discoloured dials can rarely be cleaned as most dials are made of silver-plated brass. In most cases when a dial appears to be dirty, it is really an indication of lacquer which has discoloured and or fallen off. This then allows the underlying silver surface to tarnish. The only remedy is to refinish the dial

Also watches that originally came with plastic crystals can not be fitted with modern sapphire crystals due to the construction of the watch case.

Watch repair costs will vary depending on the brand and the amount of work and replacement parts. A professional watch repair shop should be able to repair a broad range of vintage and modern watch brands such as the following:

Watch Repair Kits

There are watch repair kits available now available. These watch repair kits are cheap and can be purchased from ebay.

I would not recommend taking a watch apart and trying to fix it yourself if you are an amateur and the watch is of high value or cherished possession. Watches contain many small parts which can easily get lost and springs that are difficult to re-attach. Also it is easy to forget where all the parts go.

However these watch repair tools are fine for replacing the batteries or watch band repair on many watches. Watch repair tools usually consist of the following:

A watchband holder, link pin remover, spring bar remover, small hammer, knife, slotted screwdrivers, case wrench, long nose pliers, stainless steel tweezers and work pad.

You should also insure you purchase some cleaning solvents, oil for lubrication, a bright lamp, emery cloth and adhesive.

So which watch manufacturer makes the best titanium watches? Well that’s a difficult question. Apart from the functions and features of a watch different titanium watch manufactures do in fact produce their titanium watches using different methods and with varying degrees of scratch resistance or hardness.

A citizen titanium watch will probably undergo special treatment on existing titanium to harden the surface if it is a Citizen Duratect watch. For example a Promaster Citizen titanium watch undergoes the patented ‘glass multi-layer coating’ which the company says makes them scratch-resistant and significantly harder.

Seiko created the Brightz line and succeeded in producing titanium watches harder then regular Titanium that look indistinguishable from sterling steal and scratch about as easily.

While a Casio titanium watch will have probably undergone hardening technologies to produce scratch resistance.

As I mentioned in a previous post titanium watches have a number of advantages over their more common stainless steel counterparts, being stronger then steel but about 45% lighter they are tough but light weight and softer on the skin. They have greater tensile strength and flex and have hypo-allergenic properties meaning they are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Also titanium watches are corrosion resistant, and can be worn comfortably even when the skin perspires.

All these properties make them ideally suited as sports and divers watches.

This leads me to the next question. What is the best mens titanium watch on the market? I would have to choose two mens titanium watches; a sports titanium watch and a divers titanium watch.

For a Sports titanium watch it has to be the Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Promaster SST Titanium Watch

Featuring Eco-Drive technology this Gents titanium watch charges in natural or artificial light, the environmentally friendly Promaster SST watch from Citizen is perfect for wearing during your workout. Ultra-sporty, this eye-catching watch features a titanium case and titanium watch band for durability, a non reflective mineral glass that's great for sunny days, and a black dial with 1/1000 second chronograph that measures up to 24 hours. This reliable timepiece also lets you keep track of your average speed, and has a 99 minute countdown timer, rotating slide rule bezel, and 20-lap memory. Water resistant to 200 meters (660 feet), the Promaster also never requires a battery.

Eco Drive Promaster Titanium Watch

Summary of Features:
• 1/1000 second chronograph measures up to 24 hours of elapsed time
• Split lap time
• Average speed calculation
• 20 lap memory
• World time in 43 cities
• Alarm
• 99 minute countdown timer
• Red LED back light
• Rotating slide rule bezel
• Screw-back case
• Non-reflective mineral crystal

For a divers watch I would choose the Traser H3 P6506 Commander Titanium Tritium Watch

This is simply the best, most functional titanium watch particularly for divers. Whether you are diving into sub-zero temperatures or diving into a geothermally heated spring this black titanium watch should be able to withstand extreme temperatures and depths of over 200 metres.

Sapphire crystal, titanium case, and carbon fiber bezel make this a lightweight watch that is also tough. It is a quartz movement, so it keeps accurate time, and never really needs to be adjusted and for a non-atomic watch it's accurate.

Traser Commander Titanium Watch

Product Description
Traser H3 P6506-Accurate Swiss quartz movement with second hand and date window, GTLS (Gaseous Tritium Light Source) illumination on three Hands, hour markings and bezel, brushed and very light titanium case, sapphire glass with antiflex coating, screw-down crown with double o-ring, 200M (660 ft.) water resistance, polished screw-in titanium back plate, 45mm case, one-direction rotating carbon fiber bezel, black nylon Nato strap. Two year warranty (10 years on illumination) Made in Switzerland

• Very light brushed titanium case
• GTLS (Gaseous Tritium Light Source) illumination on three Hands, hour markings and bezel
• Sapphire glass with antiflex coating
• 200M (660 ft.) water resistance
• Made in Switzerland

Bulova Accutron Watch Mechanics

One of the greatest achievements of the Bulova Watch corporation was the introduction of the Bulova Accutron watch.

This watch is special as it qualifies as the first Electronic watch and was used in the NASA mission to the moon in the 1960s.

The watch uses a tuning fork as a means of regulating the time keeping function. The tuning fork is powered by a one-transistor electronic oscillator circuit making this an electronic watch. The tuning fork in turn drives a mechanical gear train to turn the hands.

This watch was the most accurate watch during the time due to the resonating 360 hertz tuning fork

The inventor, Max Hetzel, was born in Basel, Switzerland, and joined the Bulova Watch Company of Bienne, Switzerland, in 1948. More than 4 million were sold until production stopped in 1977.

During the 1960s Moon Landing mission all instrument panel clocks and time keeping mechanisms in the spacecraft were Bulova Accutrons with tuning fork movements. NASA was unsure how well a mechanical movement would work in low gravity conditions.

The Bulova company currently manufactures a limited edition "Astronaut" model under its Accutron line of watches. The back of the watch case is autographed by Buzz Aldrin. The tuning fork movement has been discontinued by Bulova, and the current Astronaut model features automatic ETA SA movement, making it similar to the rival Omega.

If you are considering purchasing a vintage wrist watch I would recommend a Hamilton Vintage Watch. They provide excellent workmanship and movements. There are a large variety available, they provide good value for money and an excellent monetary investment. These factors all make Hamilton Vintage Watches a sought after timepiece by vintage watch collectors.

History of the Hamilton Watch Company

The Hamilton Watch Company was established in 1892, when the Keystone Standard Watch Company was forced into bankruptcy and sold at a sheriff's sale to a group of Lancaster, Pennsylvania entrepreneurs whose "objective was to build only watches of the highest quality."

Hamilton Railroad Watch

Its first series of pocket watches, the Broadway Limited, was known as the "Watch of Railroad Accuracy," and Hamilton became popular by making accurate railroad watches. These were specialized timepieces that once were crucial for safe and correct operation of trains in many countries, including England, the United States, Canada, etc. A Hamilton Railroad pocket watch can sell for around the 400-600 US dollars range.

Hamiltons First Wrist Watch

Hamilton introduced its first wristwatch in 1917. This watch was designed to appeal to men entering World War I and contained the 0-sized 17-jewel 983 movement originally designed for women's pendent watches. The introduction of the 0-sized wristwatch was the start of a line of wristwatches that included some of the finest American wristwatches made.

In 1928 Hamilton purchased the Illinois Watch Company. Some of the most collectible early Hamilton wristwatches include: The Oval, The Tonneau, The Rectangular, The Square Enamel, The Coronado, The Piping Rock, The Spur, The Glendale, The Pinehurst, The Langley, The Byrd, The Cambridge, and The Flintridge. Many models came in solid gold and gold filled cases.

Hamilton Marine Chronometer

During World War II, production of consumer watches was stopped, with all watches manufactured being shipped to troops. More than one-million watches were sent overseas. The company was extremely successful in producing marine chronometers and deck watches in large numbers to fill the needs of the US Navy. This achievement was a milestone in industrial history and represents the only time a true precision timekeeper was produced on a mass production scale.

1957 Hamilton Electric Ventura Watch

In 1957, Hamilton introduced the world's first electric watch, the Hamilton Electric 500. The idea of a watch which never needed winding was very exciting to consumers back in the 1950's who were not only tired of always winding their watches, but were also captivated by progress and modernity. The Hamilton Electric was an instant hit. Its popularity was enhanced by the fact that Hamilton released a number of very dramatic case styles with non-traditional asymmetrical styling

Hamilton Pulsar Watch

In 1972 Hamilton introduced the Pulsar. It was the world's first electronic digital watch and used an LED display. Seiko Corporation acquired the brand in 1980.

The Hamilton name brand is currently owned by The Swatch Group Ltd.. Swatch Group Hamilton brand watches have grown increasingly popular. Modern Hamilton watches no longer use proprietary "in house" movements, instead using movements made by The Swatch Group's movement making subsidiary, ETA.

In the late 1980's and early 1990's, Hamilton began a marketing campaign that resulted in a comeback. Vintage designs were coming back in style and Hamilton had a large portfolio of popular designs from the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's to draw from. Playing on this resurgence, Hamilton replicated several of these original designs such as the Ardmore, Boulton, Cabot, Piping Rock, Spur, Wilshire, and the 1957 Hamilton Ventura. These reissued watches incorporate a modern Swiss made quartz movement.

Purchasing a Vintage Hamilton Watch

The common models are priced much more reasonably, even the ones in gold cases. Many of the models have the "tank style" or rectangular case. It is a classic look and quite dignified. Most of these date to the 1930s -1950s and are abundant in the marketplace.

If buying on eBay, it is a good idea to make sure you are buying from a reputable dealer who has a good return policy. You can then take the watch to a professional watch repair place to ensure that you bought a good watch. It is essential to find a trustworthy repair store if you plan on getting involved with vintage watches.

Watch buckles and clasps come in many different styles and can be constructed in many different ways.

Buckles usually refer to strap type watch bands. A standard tang-buckle strap looks a lot like a traditional belt.

Metal clasps are usually associated with a metal bracelet. They both enable a watch to be attached and detached so that they can fit securely around the wearers wrist.

Standard Watch Buckle

Metal Watch Clasp

There are three main types of metal clasps.

Folding Depolyment Clasp

A standard deployment clasp is the type where the clasp opens out and folds. It locks in place with a small hook type latch.

Folding Deployment Clasp

Folding Metal Clasp

Folding Depolyment Clasp

Pushbutton Clasp

A pushbutton deployment clasp is the same as a regular deployment clasp, however in order for it to be released, you must pinch the buttons on either side of the clasp.

The pushbutton is a security feature so that the clasp will not open on its own.

Foldover Pushbutton

Fold-over Pushbutton Deployment Clasp

Some watches have two security features. A fold-over snapping latch that secures the whole clasp as well as having a pushbutton feature

The fold-over latch is first flipped out allowing the claps to be deployed by pushing in the buttons on either side.

The bracelet is then extended to its full size to fit over the hand.

Hidden Deployment Clasp

Hidden Clasp

A hidden deployment clasp is the type where the clasp is invisible when it is being worn. The ends of the bracelet come together to meet so that none of the clasp shows. This is done to improve the appearance.

These types of clasps are sometimes referred to as butterfly clasps because they open on both sides characteristic of a butterfly's wings.

Standard Watch Buckle

Strap Buckle

A strap buckle is a simple pin system that hold a strap in place by being secured through one of a series of holes in the strap. This is also common on many belts.

Specialty Strap Buckle

Specialty Strap Buckle

Some straps have special deployment type clasps attached to them.

The clasp allows the strap to be pulled through allowing for a perfect fit for the wearer.

The Casio watches belong to Casio Computer Corporation. Casio, the company born in Japan and established to the world. It was founded by Kashio Tadao, in the year 1946. Tadao started his own business with the name Kashio Seisakujo, in Mitaka, Tokyo. Originally a subcontractor company to manufacture microscope parts. Casio has been a major global innovator of watch design and development after a partnership with one of four brothers. One of the central innovations of the calculator was its adoption of the 10-key number pad in the late 1950s; at that time other calculators were using a "full keypad", which meant that each place in the number (1s, 10s, 100s, etc...) had nine keys. Nowadays, Casio is best known for its calculators, audio equipment, PDAs, cameras, musical instruments, and watches.

Casio has continued to lead the timepiece market with products that promote style with trendy forward thinking flair. High performance models such as the Wave Ceptor series features Atomic timekeeping that keep perfect time by picking up radio transmitter signals worldwide that allow UK users to switch between UK and mainland Europe transmitters at will.

Sporty, compact and feminine, Baby G BG-3000-7AER women's sport watch is the popular watch aimed at young women, with an emphasis on bright colours and attractive displays. Casio Baby G BG-3000-7AER women's sport watches live up to their name and that they are incredibly durable, reliable, tough, lightweight, and comfortable. These Replica Watches come with amazing functions such as World timer, countdown timer and alarm within its slim compact design. As with every Baby-G, these watches are shock resistant, water resistant up to 200m. Casio timepiece products also come with vibration alarms, which are useful for the hard of hearing; or in situations which are noisy, or when you do not want to disturb others around you with an alarm tone.

Designed to be user-friendly and convenient, even the most discriminating users will appreciate the compact styling, ample functions and unparalleled quality Casio products. The Casio Company has a corporate motto of "Creativity and Contribution", and it is its constant endeavor to create new innovative products which are useful as well as makes life more efficient and provide value for money thus making a significant contribution to the society for years and decades to come.

Definition of a Watch Strap

Firstly a watch band is a more generic term for a watch strap or watch bracelet.

A watch strap is a watch band made of rubber/resin, leather, denim, nylon, cloth or other non-metal materials and is used to hold a watch on your wrist.

Rubber Strap

Leather Strap

Nylon Strap

A watch bracelet is a watch band made from a metal link. This metal link can be composed of stainless steel, titanium, gold, silver or other metals. Like many ladies bracelets it may have a clasp to open it.

Stainless Steel

Titanium Bracelet

Gold Bracelet

What is the Best Watch Strap or Bracelet?

This is rather subjective as it depends in part on your own personal preferences. However factors such as durability, personal comfort, scratch resistance, toxicology and style are also important. Hopefully the following info will help you make a decision:

Durability

Metal
Where durability is concerned metal bracelets are the strongest lasting over 20 years with stainless steel the most common.

Titanium watch bands are the most durable but tend to scratch easier then stainless steel unless they are surface treated to make them scratch resistant. However the durability and scratch resistance of titanium depends on the grade of titanium used.

White and yellow gold watch bands are softer than other metals, and are not as resilient under normal wear.

Leather
Leather watch straps usually last about five years, depending on the quality of the leather. The standard buckle closure adds wear and tear, but better leather bands offer a deployant buckle, significantly increasing the band's durability.

Synthetics:

Rubber is the most popular of the synthetics and provides good weather resistance, rubber is also popular for sports watches as it is light. I have found rubber watch straps to be more durable then leather watch straps but this depends on the quality of the rubber.

Nylon is fairly cheap, but does have a tendency to wear out quickly, if it catches on anything.

Plastics, such as PVC, are most often used for children's watches and are not very durable.

Style

• In most cases you are not confined to purchasing the watch band from the company that designed your watch.
• The width of the watch band does not have to be proportionate to the face of the watch. However insure that the watch band fits securely onto the watch case and that it is attachable.
• A contrasting metal colour can actually highlight the case. However insure that the colours don’t clash.
• Matte finishes on leather or metal or gold/silver plated finishes on metal bracelets can create a diverse and contrasting style.
• For a minimalist look, choose a matte band for a matte face
• Shinier finishes draw attention, but are more susceptible to scratches.

Comfort

Where comfort is concerned Watch straps win hands down over watch bracelets.

They tend to be:

• Lighter
• Softer
• Warmer
• More breathable

Putting on Metal bracelet watches can be uncomfortable, particularly on a cold winters day. Metal bracelets are also known to cause skin rashes in some people.

I have found rubber straps to be the most comfortable. They feel warm and lightweight. You barely notice that the watch is resting on your wrist.

Regarding leather, ostrich leather is one of the most luxurious materials for watch bands, with a particularly soft and supple feel, and a distinctive texture.

If you want a metal strap consider stainless steel which is in-expensive. However if you want maximum comfort consider a titanium strap. They are more lightweight, softer and warmer on the skin then stainless steel.

Titanium also has hypo-allergenic properties and is less likely to cause skin rashes which can be uncomfortable.

Price

• Stainless steel is the most common metal for watch bands and is affordable, starting around $20.
• Titanium is more expensive than steel and titanium bands usually start around $75.
• Gold bands usually start around $1,500.
• Cowhide or calf-leather is the most common leather for watch bands. Band prices range anywhere from about $15 to $100.
• Other popular leathers in the same price range include alligator, crocodile and stingray. Band prices start at $75, with many selections priced $200 or more.
• Rubber is the most popular of the synthetics and prices begin at $15.
• Nylon is quite inexpensive with prices starting at around $5.00.
• Plastics, such as PVC, are most often used for children's watches and are very cheap. Prices begin as low as $3.00.

Advantages of Watch Straps

• Lighter and more comfortable
• Softer and warmer against the skin
• Greater choice of colours, textures or patterns
• Easier to adapt or change
• Less likely to produce allergies
• Affordable
• Breathable

Advantages of Watch Bracelets

• More Water-resistant
• More durable
• Easier to put on
• Less likely to fall off
• More customized fit

Can I change my Watch Bracelet?

Thankfully the majority of modern and vintage watches have detachable bracelets which can be replaced with another bracelet or a standard watch strap so long as it is of a similar width.

Standard Lug Connection

If your Watch is a simple bracelet or and/or on standard lug connections it should be easy to replace your watch Bracelet and you do not have to obtain the new strap from the same manufacturer. The lug is the part of the watch that sticks out to hold the detachable strap or bracelet.

If you have a non-standard or model specific watch strap/bracelet connection you should try to obtain the new watch strap/bracelet from the manufacturer so that it is compatible and fits the case of the watch. If you cannot obtain this from the manufacturer you could try specialty strap makers who may be able to create a custom strap for your watch.

Fixed peg or pin connections on the watch require open ended straps and so are more difficult to replace once attached without damaging the strap. However such straps are commonly made and only require you to purchase the correct width.

Integrated Bracelet

If you own a watch with an integrated bracelet so that the bracelet and the watch case are a single piece then it is unlikely you will be able to replace the strap. This is rare so you should check with a watch specialist first to determine if a changing your watch bracelet to a strap is possible.

The Longines brand stretches back to the 1830s and holds the oldest registered logo for a watch company. Longines is now owned by the Swatch Group and produces high-quality watches with both quartz and mechanical movements.

Vintage Longines watches are some of the most sought after vintages watches by collectors due to their design and precision. Longines watches have been used by famous aviators, explores and pioneers.

History of Longines Watches

Louis Amédée de Savoie

Longines provided timers used at the first modern day Olympics in 1892. In 1899, Louis Amédée de Savoie took five navigation chronometers designed to withstand the extreme temperatures of the Arctic.

It was the introduction of automatic timing at the Federal Gymnastics at Basel in 1912 that proved to be the most important event in this development of Longines association with sports. With the ever-increasing demand for accurate instruments to record sporting events Longines created a pocket chronograph, which allowed 1/10th and 1/100th intervals to be recorded.

Vintage Longines 1938 Lindbergh Hour Angle Watch

In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh made the first solo and nonstop transatlantic flight from New York to Paris, timed by Longines. In 1931, he designed a new instrument for Longines that earned a place in history as the hour-angle air navigation watch.

Since 1952, Longines has been responsible for the timing of nearly all of the Olympic Games, both Summer and Winter. In 1990 Longines was appointed the official timekeeper for the World Grand Prix Motorcycle Championships, and in 1991 Longines timed the World Alpine Ski Championships in Saalbach. From 1997 onwards Longines is the official timekeeper for all events in gymnastics competitions.

In aeronautics Longines has provided the watches required to set and then certify numerous world flight records – not least Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 first nonstop solo crossing of the North Atlantic

In 1973, Longines was the first world watch maker to introduce a LCD-display watch on the consumer market.

Buying Vintage Longines Watches

Vintage Longine watches can vary significantly in price. The two greatest factors being the rarity and the materials the watch is made of. Many Vintage Longines watches are made with precious materials such as Gold and diamonds that can significantly increase the costs.

Costs of Repairing a Vintage Longines Watch

If your vintage Longines watch is damaged and needs repairing or servicing the following source provides estimates of the costs involved in replacing or repairing various parts of a vintage longines watch. Whether it is repairing the crowns, the glass, replacing the case, straps, bracelets, dial or the batteries.

Croton Mens 50 ATM Automatic Watch

Built like a tank with thick casing this Croton watch is tough enough for deep sea divers as it can withstand a pressure of 50 ATM. Similar to the pressure you would expect from a professional divers watch.

Just so you know 1 ATM corresponds to 32 feet of water or almost 10 metres. 50 ATM corresponds to over 1600 feet. In theory this is equal to a water pressure of 5,000 g / cm2.

It other words its one tough watch. Also fairly heavy and bigger then I expected. However it is comfortable to wear as the bracelet end neatly wraps around your wrist. The stainless steal watch strap has a diver deployment clasp - a practical watch strap accessory for any diver.

Like many Croton Watches it has quality automatic movement and therefore does not require a battery, this means it can power automatically with the movement of your arm.

Made of mineral crystal the watch is less scratch resistant then Sapphire. However mineral crystal does not shatter so easily.

This croton watch comes with a stainless-steel case; black dial, day and date functions, is luminous and water resistant to 1640 feet (500 m)

The watch also has a screw-down crown. This is a crown that can be screwed into the case to make the watch watertight.

Croton Two Tone Automatic Dive Watch

One of my favourite Croton Watches is the Croton Two Tone Automatic Dive Watch which can be purchased for around $100. This watch is beautifully styled. It has quality Japanese automatic movement so powers automatically with the movement of your arm, is self winding and requires no batteries. Since the 1980s, Japanese-made movements have caught up to the Swiss in quality and I love the fact I don’t need to replace the batteries..

I love the contrast between the gold numbers on the bezel against the bold black unidirectional bezel and dial. It weighs more then most watches of the same size and looks more expensive then it is. The baton styled hands are luminous making it glow in the dark.