Wednesday, October 28, 2009

What Goes On In Routine Maintenance Of Luxury Watches



Although luxury watches from Patek Philippe, Omega and the like are built to last generations, they also need to undergo a routine maintenance check or inspection every three or four years. The main misconception of many Patek Philippe and other luxury watch owners is that if it is working properly, then it does not need to be serviced. Do not wait for a problem to happen. Have your luxury watch serviced at authorized centers.
Please note that each luxury watch manufacturer like Patek Philippe, Omega, etc. each have their own specific recommendations. Below are the basic services common to all luxury timepieces.


Complete inspection
-       Worn-out parts that may need to be replaced
-       Parts that may require lubrication
-       Dust, water, or perspiration that may have seeped into the luxury timepiece
Dismantling of Components
-       Old and worn parts are replaced with identical parts, if necessary
-       Cleaning each and every part, down to the last screw
-       Lubrication for precision
Reassembling
-       Precision adjustments
-       Test for timekeeping
-       Test for pressure-proof
-       Test for water-resistance and tightness of gaskets
Polishing and Cleaning
-       Polishing of the case
-       Polishing of the bracelet
General and Final Quality Control
While this routine maintenance may seem a lot, bear in mind that a luxury watch like Patek Philippe is an investment and investments are meant to be taken cared of to last generations.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

What You Need to Know Before Buying Patek Philippe and Other Luxury Watches


There are a lot of things to consider before purchasing luxury timepieces such as the Patek Philippe brand. Watch collectors are experts when it comes to buying Swiss watches and other well-known brands. But first timers need a quick guide when planning to own a Patek Philippe watch. Watches have been used to tell time, but nowadays wristwatches are also used to display status, power, and wealth. Before buying a Patek Philippe timepiece or any luxury watch, read on for easy tips.
  • Buying a timepiece with a specific purpose in mind is easier than canvassing timepieces randomly. Casual wristwatches are perfect for outdoor activities while dress watches are more  suited for work and formal occasions.
  • Talk to your wallet. Define your budget as this will narrow down the options you have. Keep in mind that though Patek Philippe watches cost more than your average watch, these are timepieces that are well worth the investment because they last longer and can be used for a whole wide range of activities.
  • Know the features you want your watch to have. Watches are no longer purchased for the sake of telling time only, they provide a number of different features such as date, alarm, stopwatch, and sometimes calories and heartbeat per minute too. Chronographs are classic timepieces that Patek Philippe offers and though they may cost more than your usual watch, it’s still well worth keeping.
  • Waterproof and scratchproof watches are what collectors look for nowadays. Particularly for the first time buyer, these are the first few things to consider when buying watches. Water resistant watches such as Omega’s New Constellation Collection are a great purchase because they reach a depth of 100 meters.
  • Check if the watch has quality batteries as they will help you save a whole lot more in the long run. Luxury timepieces are priced higher than the average because they are manufactured with cutting-edge technology and that includes the batteries that come with the watches.
  • Make sure the timepiece fits your wrists perfectly. Because they accessorize your wrist, it’s improtant that they are secured well and don’t hang loosely when you wear them. If the watch feels uncomfortable and heavy, it’s probably not for you.