This is just a general question regarding maintenance. When you have a newer watch that seems to be performing well outside of the norm, how does Omega or any watchmaker determine when to adjust the rate versus performing a full service. Can they tell if the watch needs cleaned and re-oiled (perhaps it spent two years in a deploy window intermittently), or do they adjust the rate first? I’m curious because it seems pointless to tinker with the rate if the issue is the movement requires service, but I don’t know if a watchmaker can determine a service is necessary without taking the watch apart, first (in which case, why not just go ahead with the service?). Perhaps there’s a independent watchmaker perspective vs a manufacturere’s perspective, too (especially if the watch is covered by warranty).

 

The watchmaker puts your watch on a calibration measurement device. If your watch reads a nice amplitude (+/-300°) and acceptable beat error, your watch can just be regulated.

Beside that, ideally you should have periodic maintenance service for cleaning and new oil. You find a lot of opinions about the length of this period, but most of them will apply each 5 up to 10 years.

 

That's hardly a recommendation for your watchmaker... Amplitude and beat error are not the be all and end all.

Chris

 

There's a reason why the watch is "performing outside the norm", so I agree with the OP that "it seems pointless to tinker with the rate". I think a watchmaker's decision to investigate or not says a lot about the watchmaker.

 

If we are discussing a high performance, high quality watch (chronometer) that is now not keeping with the time standard that it was built for, consider this. When it left the factory, there is a high probability that it was keeping time to a high standard. Now it is no longer performing to that high standard. The decision as to what to do can only be done after rating the watch. It is not simply a matter of putting the watch on a timing machine for two minutes, then deciding whether to regulate it, or do a full service! If the rate is erratic, not always varying at the same rate, fast or slow, or if it gains at times, and loses at other times, it is NOT simply a matter of moving the regulator. The watch must be rated over time, and the rate fastidiously observed and recorded, before a decision can be made. If it is not a high quality chronometer of which chronometer accuracy is expected, same applies. Moving the regulator cannot correct erratic performance. Servicing a watch involves more that stripping it, cleaning it, re-assembling it, and lubricating it. Many things need to be checked, and sometimes adjusted or repaired during the process.

 

Determining the need for service should including detailed timing and amplitude checks, plus a detailed visual inspection of the movement under a microscope. Usually with that much you can determine if the watch is in need of service or not.