How Antique Pocket Watches Come Back to Life

Many pocket watches today lie forgotten in drawers — inherited, gifted, or once purchased with great enthusiasm. Most of them appear to have seen better days and no longer run with the smoothness they once did. Yet every one of these small timekeepers carries a story within: family ties, origins, meaningful moments, or simply the fascination of an almost forgotten craft.

by Walter Hess

The Most Common Issues with Antique Pocket Watches
Over time, certain signs of wear occur particularly frequently in old pocket watches:

• Dried Lubricants
  In vintage pocket watches, oils and greases have often evaporated or hardened. As a result, the movement either stops altogether or runs very inaccurately. A thorough cleaning combined with fresh lubricants usually restores proper function.
• Fatigued Mainspring
  If a watch has been kept fully wound for many years, the mainspring can lose its strength. In such cases, replacement is necessary.
• Damaged or Aged Crystals
  Broken crystals can be replaced with durable acrylic alternatives. Very old acrylic crystals, however, often yellow over time, as early plastics were not UV-stable.

From Assessment to Restoration

When such a watch arrives on my workbench, I first assess its approximate value and carry out a detailed analysis of its condition. I then evaluate possible repair options, the expected effort involved, and the associated costs. After consulting with the owner, I proceed with the actual repair or restoration.

The brand itself is of little importance — often it is the modest or lesser-known pieces that turn out to hold the most delightful surprises.

Perhaps there is a small treasure waiting in your own drawer to be rediscovered. Feel free to get in touch if I can help bring your pocket watch back to its former brilliance.