Rolex Watch Repair - Be a Savvy Consumer

When something of high value breaks down, or is need of maintenance, most people do one of two things: fix it themselves or take it back where they bought it. However, we have learned through experience that in the case of watches, and especially high end watches like Rolex, neither of these options is typically an optimum choice.

The first place that most people consider taking their Rolex watch for repair is to the dealer who sold it to them. This may be the most intuitive choice, but it is rarely the most efficient one. One of our clients here in Dallas, where OrangeCast is located, is a watchmaker who works on Rolexes and other high end watches. He provided us with some helpful information that we want to pass along to the HubPages community, especially anyone who has a watch that needs repair now or that will in the future.

What most people fail to realize is that retail watch stores are set up primarily for marketing and selling watches, not repairing them. For this reason, most watch stores do not have expert watchmakers onsite. Thus, Rolex repairs are outsourced and typically shipped out in batches. The transit time and the time to actually perform the maintenance, plus lag time in communication if parts need to be ordered, leads to turnaround times that can last up to a month. Not to mention, the Rolex store will usually charge a fee for the Rolex repair that includes a markup on top of what the watchmaker who performed the service charged.

Ironically, the maintenance is often outsourced to the same watchmaker that a savvy consumer would go to directly for their Rolex watch repair. This savvy consumer makes a more efficient choice that eliminates the middleman; and with it, avoids extra time and extra cost for their Rolex repair. Not only does this cut down on the turnaround time, but also the individual in need of the repair will have direct access to the watchmaker repairing their valuable timepiece.

“I cannot tell you how many times I have had a customer come in asking for a quote on maintenance or cleaning a Rolex who tells me they’d had it repaired before at the store they bought it from,” explained Hutch Kantzabedian, the expert watchmaker at Diamond and Watch Traders here in Dallas, Texas. “I see the watch and realize it’s the same watch I’d worked on a year or two before, after it had been sent to me by the store. I feel bad for the customer because I know they paid more and waited longer than if they had just come to me directly.

“I love working on watches, and it is my expertise,” Kantzabedian continued. “I will gladly accept business from the retails stores, but I feel bad for the consumers who choose this route. I prefer to work directly with the owner of the Rolex or any other watch, and I know that it saves them time and money.”

A few people may choose to do their own Rolex watch repair. However, repairing a Rolex watch differs from other types of repairs due to the extraordinary intricacy required; and this goes for any watch, not just Rolexes. Watch parts are small and can be delicate. Bending a single part 1/100th of an inch can sometimes lead to irreparable damage.

Furthermore, while an informed person may think that they can repair a battery or clean a band on their own, any process that requires disassembling a watch is risky. The disassembly is not usually problem, but reassembling a watch without damaging parts and getting it to work properly can be an arduous and painstaking process that requires significant skill and knowledge.

For these reasons and many more, like the high cost of proper equipment, self-repair of Rolex watches is usually not an option the vast majority of people can consider. Some people are connoisseurs of horology (the science of making timepieces...get your mind out of the gutter!) and work on their watches as a hobby. Many people do, in fact, have expertise in this area without being a professional; however, even these individuals are advised to proceed with caution if they are not 100% confident in their abilities. If you are a person who insists on performing your own watch repair, the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute is a great resource.

“I think it’s great when people take up watchmaking as a hobby because it is a beautiful craft.” said Kantzabedian. “You do have to be careful though. A pretty good percentage of my business comes from people who tried to repair their watch themselves, and ended up causing more damage to it than was originally there.”

As the old saying goes, ‘there are many ways to skin a cat.’ And there are certainly a variety of options to choose from when it comes to repairing a watch. However, there is clearly one option that is more effective and efficient than any other: taking it directly to a reputable and experienced watchmaker. This will ensure that the watch is repaired and cleaned correctly by an expert; and, it will save time and money in the process.

Look at all those Rolex watch pieces! Our official advice is to let an expert handle your watch repair. If you insist on doing it yourself, just make sure you have a magnifying glass (and really tiny tools!).

Guide to Buying a Rose Gold Watch

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Rose gold is a beautiful option for jewelry. It gives you the classy style of gold but it offers something a little bit more interesting for the eyes. Rose gold watches are particularly popular. Watches are worn daily so you don’t want anything too flashy but you do want something really nice and rose gold provides that perfect balance. Rose gold watches are available for both men and women although the styles for the two genders are completely different. If you want to get a great rose gold watch, there are quite a few things that you’ll want to take into consideration.

How Rosy Do You Want Your Rose Gold?

The first decision that you should make is what color of rose gold watch it is that you’re actually looking for. That starts with determining how rosy you want the rose gold to be. Rose gold is actually a gold that has been combined with copper to give it a reddish look. There are typically three levels of color that all fall into the rose gold category. There is red gold, rose gold and pink gold. Each has varying degrees of copper; the more copper, the redder the appearance of the gold. Choosing how red you want your rose gold watch is a great start to picking the right piece of jewelry.

What Other Colors Do You Want In The Rose Gold Watch?

After determining how rosy you want your rose gold watch, you can start thinking about the other colors that you want in the watch. A men’s watch will typically be a black watch or gold watch that only has touches of rose gold since a pink watch would be too effeminate for most men. A black watch band with a watch face made of both black and rose gold is a good choice. In contrast, a women’s rose gold watch may be almost entirely made of rose gold. Or it may be a combination of rose gold and silver in the design. Think about whether there are other colors you’d like for the band or watch face when choosing your rose gold watch. Also make sure to think about the style of watch band that you want – leather, metal, etc.

What Style of Rose Gold Watch Are You Seeking?

Rose gold watches come in many different styles just like any other watch would. Decide in advance whether you’re looking for something classic and traditional in appearance, something effeminate and romantic, something strong and modern or something futuristic. Consider the side of watch that you’re interested in and the additional design features (diamonds, etc.) that you might want included in your watch.

How Much Do You Want to Pay?

There are rose gold watches available at all parts of the cost spectrum. There are rose gold watches available for less than $100 and those that cost more than $10000 each. As with all jewelry, you pretty much get what you pay for. Are you looking for an inexpensive rose gold watch to wear every day? Or do you want something nicer for a special occasion or to give as a gift. It really helps to identify your price range before you start shopping around so that you can limit what you’re looking at to the price range that really suits you.

Are There Watch Brands That Really Appeal To You?

There are many people who couldn’t care less about which brand of watch they were but there are also a lot of people who want to get a good name-brand watch because they know they’re getting quality and prestige with this purchase. Do you care what brand you’re looking at? Do you want an Invicta Rose Gold Watch or a Kenneth Cole Rose Gold Watch? You’ll have to reconcile your desires with the price range that you’ve already set for yourself but it’s nice to think about the brands that you might want.

Additional Features of Your Rose Gold Watch

Now that you’ve determined more or less what you’re looking for in terms of the style, price and brand of the watch, you are ready to get down to the nitty gritty of the purchase. This is something you would do when buying any watch because it’s the part where you pick the functions of the watch that are going to interest you most. For example, last year Casio came out with a solar-powered, shock-resistant rose gold watch. If those are features that interest you then you might want to check that watch out. Alternatively you may want an all-weather watch or a watch with certain timer functions or it may be important to you that the watch is self-winding. Start to think about those additional features and find a rose gold watch that includes those features but also matches the design you want and fits into your price range.

Where To Buy Your Rose Gold Watch

You may be wondering where you should look when trying to find this product that you’ve learned how to shop for. The answer is probably the Internet. There are many different outlets for finding rose gold watches online including online jewelers and auction sites such as eBay. Once you’ve outlined what you’re looking for, you can use the various advanced search functions on these sites to find the rose gold watch that you want to own. Make sure to be smart about shopping online, get a good deal and know what the terms and agreements are before you make the purchase.

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How to Avoid the Cheats When You Repair Your Watches

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Nowadays, more and more people like wearing watches, inevitably there will be some problems with our watches, then we have to send them to a watch repairer, once you don't pay more attention to the process, you will be cheated, once you have your watches repaired, you can refer to the following aspects to avoid the cheats.

Method 1: You can have your watch repaired at the watch shops which have good reputation, or you can chooe the watch shops in the big marketplace, often, they are professinal, and you can avoid the cheats most of the time.

Method 2: Please do not rely on the ads of the watch shops, we should check that what kind of professional equipments and tools they have,at the same time, we should have a look at the oils of the watch shops, if the watch shops have 4 to 5 kinds of oils, then you can have your watch repaired in that shop.

Method 3: Before you hand the watch to the repairer, you’d better carefully have a look at the price list, and make sure the total prices with the repairer.

Method 4: If the repairer tells you that you can get your watch soon, there must be some cheats. Only when he replaces the battery and shorten the straps for you, then maybe you can get your watch soon. Because the inspection and test are the two necessary taches for watch repairs.

Method 5: You’d better know the basic problems of your own watch before repairement, then check carefully about the appearance of your watch, which includes the dial and glass face, also you should check whether there is scratch on your watch or not, if the watch is a luxury one, you should count the numbers of the straps, and get the confirmation from the watch shops. Also, you should confirm the whole details of your watch, such as the model, production number and other marks. At last, before you get the watch from the watch shop, you should check whether the watch is totally the same as it when you send it to the repairer.

Method 6: You should have a general knowledge on the problems of your watch.

Method 7: After repairment, please remember to ask for the replaced parts of, especially for the watch replaced by the gears and circuit boards.

Method 8: Please remember to ask for the invoice and repair list which contains the content of the repair.

Types of Watches Glass

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The term watch glass refers to the transparent covering over the face of a watch. There are a number of different materials that are used to make watch glasses. They are generally made of one of three common materials depending on the make, uses and quality of each particular watch. Each material has it's own advantages and disadvantages, so it is worth understanding the differences.

Sometimes the glass is referred to as the crystal, this is not to be confused with the quartz crystal inside of a lot of watches which regulates the timekeeping.

Acrylic Glass

The cheapest glass is actually a plastic. Acrylic plastic is tough, flexible and transparent. It is not likely to shatter as it is very light. The downside is that it may scratch easily. The scratches can be removed, it is advisable to consult a jeweler about the best way to proceed. Childrens' watches often have an acrylic glass as they are unlikely to be able to break it even if they are not as careful as they could be!

Mineral Glass

The most common form of glass is mineral glass. This is made by using heat or chemicals to treat ordinary glass in order to make it more scratch resistant. If the glass does become too scratched it will need to be replaced. Unfortunately this also has the affect of making the glass more likely to shatter. Occasionally when a watch glass shatters small shards of glass can lodge themselves into the workings.

If this happens then the cost of repair is likely to exceed the value of the watch. Most watches, however, do not end their life in this way; so there is no need to be unduly worried. But it is worth being careful if your watch glass does shatter in order to prevent this from happening.

Sapphire Crystal

The most desirable watch glasses are made out of either synthetic or genuine sapphire. Commonly synthetic sapphire is used. This is made out of crystallized aluminum oxide, it has the same physical properties as the natural gem frequently used in jewelery but without the coloring. It is the most expensive way to create a watch glass but the advantage is that the glass is incredibly durable.

Sapphire rates 9 on the Moh scale,(that is the scale that measures the relative hardness of all materials) and is just behind diamond which measures 10. Of all the glasses it is the least likely to shatter or be scratched. If anything you should be more concerned that your watch may scratch another surface!

Sapphire crystal is one of the features that pushes up the price of high end watches. This is due to the value of sapphire and partly because expensive tools that use diamonds to cut and shape the sapphire have to be used to make them. Premier brands such as Seiko and Citizen watches often use sapphire glass for their watches.

Wrist Watch Power Time Keeping And Types Of Watch Batteries

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Many people say to me that they could not live without their watch. But it was not until the last century that this became a realistic possibility for the majority of people. Timekeeping has been possible in a fairly accurate way since the 1400s but it was not until the 1800s, when watches began to be mass produced rather than made by hand by skilled watch makers, that this became accessible technology.

The trend of wearing wristwatches began in the trenches in WWI as they were a more practical accessory than a pocket watch. Since then the technology has developed in leaps and bounds.

Mechanical Watches

The first wristwatches were mechanical. They are powered by the energy stored in a spring which was used to move a number of weighted wheels, or gears as they are also known, that turned the hands. This technology came from spring-powered clocks that were around as early as the 1400's; it began to be used for smaller watches in the 1600's. These types of watches need to wound regularly; meaning that as well as being prone to losing time they rely on their user to remember to wind them. For these reasons mechanical watches are generally collectors items or created primarily for nostalgic purposes rather than for practicality.

Kinetic or Automatic Watches

The modern variation of the mechanical watch that has recently seen a revival is the kinetic watch also known as an automatic. These watches have a similar internal structure but rely on the movement of the wearer to power the spring. They are often less reliable than other forms of power for watches; there is a greater likelihood that they will lose time, sometimes a few seconds every day. They have made a comeback in certain designers ranges such as Police and Seiko. This is partly because they never need to have a battery change and also the mechanics allow for some additional stylistic features like transparent backs through which the mechanism can be viewed.

Quartz Watches

In 1969 the first quartz powered watch was available on the market. Quartz has special properties so when it is shaped in a certain way and subject to an electrical field it will bend. When the field is removed the quartz generates an electrical field of its own as it moves back to its original shape. This property is known as piezoelectricity. Due to this property quartz crystals can be used to regulate the movement of an electronic oscillator. This energy and movement powers and controls the hands of the watch. This revolutionary technology is now the most common form of power in wristwatches. It is also the most reliable timekeeping method which also comes at a low price.

Atomic Timekeeping

The most accurate time pieces on the planet are connected to atomic clocks. An atomic clock deviates by around a second every million years! Certain wristwatches such as the Casio WaveCeptor range utilise this technology. This is done through a network of radio transmitters which emit time signals. Radio controlled watches receive this signal and adjust themselves accordingly.

Types of Watch Batteries

There are three main types of battery that are used to power watches. The most common is the silver oxide battery. They are frequently used in watches because they have a high energy to weight ratio. This means that they should last for a long period of time. Due to the silver content they can be expensive to produce which is why they are not often used for products that take larger batteries.

Lithium batteries are long-life and also relatively expensive. They are used primarily in watches that have lights or other energy draining features.

Solar cells are now becoming a popular and effective way of powering wristwatches. High-tech battery cells are fuelled by the light that reaches them through the watch face. This means that the user will never have to change the battery. Citizen Eco-Drive range has set the standard for the practical application of this technology. As an additional ecological bonus the batteries do not contain any of the harmful chemicals found in regular batteries.

Purchase Chanel Replica Watches The Trend Emerged Quite Significantly

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In the last couple of years, a trend that has emerged quite significantly is the increase in the purchase of luxury watches, not just in the developing world, but also across other countries from the developing regions of the globe. People are buying these watches in their bid to imitate the lifestyles of celebrities, many of whom are seen endorsing these high-end timepieces of one brand or another.

People with different spending capacities are doing all that it takes to make them look good. If not an original Chanel, they are going in for replica Chanel timepieces in an effort to stay one up above others in their social structure.

This is means that there is more than adequate demand for the replica Chanel watches, as well as timepieces of other brands. And watchmakers and retailers are making the most of the situation. Quite a few retailing outlets have come up that are offering cheap Chanel replica timepieces to the customers and clients.

And the choices that are on offer in some of these sites are sure to stun even the most skeptical of buyers. It should be sufficient to state that in the watch industry, the customers are the kings and they are getting mostly what they want. Quite a few of the qualities that are available in the original models, can also be found in the Chanel replica.

With stainless steel exteriors, incorporation of crystals, glossy surfaces, specialized movements and sometimes even special features such as water resistance thrown in for good measure, the Chanel J12 Superleggera replica models on display have got it all.
There is absolutely no doubt about the fact that buying a replica Chanel watch is emerging as quite a smart choice. These replicas, especially of swiss make, are very good – both in the way they look and also in the way that they function. However, the potential customers need to keep certain factors in mind before going in for the kill. They cannot just rely on any and every retailer that they see in the online marketplace.

Quire a few among them would tempt them with cheap Chanel replica watches, but in the longer run, it makes more sense for people to check out the authenticity of the retailing outlet from where they are making the purchase.

They should go for outlets that have a proven track record in customer satisfaction and on time delivery. The replicas that are on offer should also be of high quality. As a general rule of thumb, the Chanel replica watches that are of grade 1 or 2 are quite impressive in both their looks and capacities. So, all you people out there can now buy a Chanel J12 Diamonds replica and see your lives changing irrevocably and for the better.

Water Resistant Watches Explained

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If you are considering buying a watch, especially a replica watch, you would be well advised to determine its water resistance rating before you purchase it. Watches always have their water resistance rating on the case, if you are buying online you should find this information in the product specifications.

Most of the customers that I speak to do not have a firm grasp of the differences between the ratings in part because of the different ways that the same information is recorded. You are likely to come across these three ways of denoting water resistance; bar, atmosphere or meter. 1 Bar = 1 Atmosphere = 10m.

It is important to remember that unless a watch is a specified professional divers watch it is probably unsuitable for prolonged use in the water. Watches are tested for water resistance in static laboratory conditions for short periods. The result of this is that a 10m rating does not necessarily mean that the watch will endure being taken to that depth, it is merely indicative of the pressure the watch can withstand in still conditions.

Water Resistance Ratings

Some watches have only minimal resistance, they will be marked simply 'water resistant'. If this is the case then the watch will be splash proof but nothing more, meaning that it should not be worn whilst washing up or showering. If you need a watch that can be used for these everyday tasks it would be better to go with a watch with a rating of at least 30m. Watches within this category are not suitable for swimming.

The next common rating is 50m or 5 atmosphere. These watches are suitable for swimming but not for diving as the pressure at the moment of impact with the water would exceed 5 atmosphere. If you want to do more than just swim you need a watch with a 100m rating. A watch within this classification is appropriate for everyday swimming, watersports and diving, but must not be used for high board or scuba diving.

A watch within the 200m water resistant class can be used for most water sports. If you are searching specifically for a divers watch, it is imperative that you check that the watch complies with international standards for divers watches. Generally the word 'divers' will be imprinted on the case back of the watch. There are higher classifications of water resistance, 300m or more. In principle the higher the water resistance rating the more durable the watch will be, although this is dependent on the quality of manufacture.

Tips for Maintaining Water Resistance

Water resistance can be compromised if the buttons and stem are not screwed down or pressed in correctly. It is also advisable to have your watch pressure tested after the battery is changed, in order to be assured the water resistance has been maintained. The most common way to do this is to return your watch to the manufacturer for the battery change.

Do not immediately worry if your watch has traces of condensation underneath the glass. This can occur during a dramatic temperature change, for example diving in to cold water. Normally the condensation will disperse without any intervention after a number of hours. If it does not I would advise returning your watch to the manufacturer to be examined.