Watch Stopped Working? Professional Watch Repair & Movement Servicing in Hong Kong to Solve Power Reserve Issues.
When the heart of your watch stops, we restore its precision and power
"Has your beloved watch suddenly stopped, or is it showing signs of inconsistent performance? We understand this is more than an inconvenience; it's a cause for concern for your cherished timepiece. Whether it's your daily companion or a treasured heirloom, the complex movement at its heart requires the most professional and dedicated care.
At RG Watch Repair Center, our team of master watchmakers specializes in resolving all power-related issues for luxury watches. From automatic winding system failures to the natural aging of the movement, we provide precise diagnostics and expert repair solutions to restore your timepiece to its original precision and vitality.
Diagnosing the Problem: The Four Common Reasons Why Your Watch Has Stopped
Understanding the cause of an issue is the first step in any professional repair. Below are the most common reasons why a mechanical watch may stop or suffer from an insufficient power reserve:
1. Insufficient Power Reserve
This is the most common reason for an automatic watch to stop. If your daily activity has been lower than usual, or if the watch has not been worn for several days, the automatic rotor cannot sufficiently wind the mainspring. Even when winding manually, an insufficient number of turns will cause the watch to stop before its full power reserve is depleted.
If you suspect this is the issue, try manually winding your watch approximately 30-40 full turns (until you feel slight resistance), then set it aside and observe its performance. If it runs correctly for more than 24 hours, this indicates the movement is healthy; you simply need to wear the watch more frequently or wind it periodically to maintain its power.
2. Dried or Aged Movement Lubricants
The smooth operation of the hundreds of precision gears and components within a watch movement relies entirely on specialized lubricants. After 3-5 years of regular wear, these oils can begin to evaporate, degrade, or congeal into sludge.
This increases internal friction, which severely drains the power reserve and causes the watch to stop intermittently or stop working altogether. When this occurs, a complete movement service and overhaul is required to restore its performance.
3. Movement Magnetization
In our daily lives, we are surrounded by magnetic fields from items like mobile phones, computers, tablet cases, and magnetic handbag clasps.
The hairspring, a critical component of a mechanical watch's movement, is highly susceptible to magnetization. When this happens, its delicate coils can stick together, which severely disrupts the oscillation frequency of the balance wheel. The typical symptom is the watch suddenly running significantly fast. In severe cases, magnetization can stop the balance wheel from moving at all, causing the watch to stop completely.
4. Worn or Damaged Parts
Accidental impacts, drops, or the cumulative effects of long-term wear can cause internal movement components—such as gear pivots or the ball bearings of the automatic rotor—to wear down, become deformed, or even break.
In particular, if a component within the automatic winding system fails, the watch will be unable to build up and store power, causing it to stop quickly even while being worn.
RG Watch Repair Service Process: Transparent and Committed to Perfection
We promise that your cherished timepiece will undergo a rigorous, standardized professional process to ensure the problem is thoroughly resolved. A stopped watch should not be overlooked; early diagnosis can prevent more serious damage to the movement. Contact Us
1. Consultation & Check-in
Our master watchmaker will consult with you personally to understand your watch's condition, your wearing habits, and its previous service history.
2. Full Diagnosis & Quotation
We use professional instruments (including timing machines, watch winders, and water-resistance testers) to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of your watch. This allows us to precisely identify the root cause of the issue and provide you with a clear, transparent quotation with no hidden fees.
3. Movement Disassembly & Cleaning
Upon your approval, our watchmaker will completely disassemble the movement. Every component is then placed into a Swiss-imported, professional cleaning machine, where a series of ultrasonic baths with specialized solutions thoroughly remove old, congealed oils and impurities.
4. Parts Inspection & Replacement
Each microscopic component is meticulously inspected for wear or damage. Any worn or aged parts are replaced with high-quality components that meet the original manufacturer's specifications.
5. Reassembly, Lubrication & Adjustment
The movement is carefully reassembled, and new Swiss lubricants of various viscosities are applied to key contact points to ensure minimal friction and long-term performance. Following this, the watchmaker performs precise adjustments and regulates the movement on a timing machine to ensure its timekeeping accuracy meets the highest standards.
6. Quality Control & Warranty
After assembly, the watch undergoes several days (a minimum of 72 hours) of dynamic testing, as well as multiple pressure tests to guarantee its water resistance and overall performance stability. All watches that receive a complete service from us are backed by a comprehensive two-year service warranty.
Watch Stoppage & Maintenance - Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Understanding the cause of an issue is the first step in any professional repair. Below are the most common reasons why a mechanical watch may stop or suffer from an insufficient power reserve. Our Commitment: We always provide a full diagnosis and quotation first. We will never proceed with any chargeable repairs without your prior approval. Contact Us
Q1: How often does my mechanical watch need a complete service (overhaul)?
A1: We recommend a complete service every 3 to 5 years. Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent your watch from stopping, ensure the movement is properly lubricated, reduce component wear, and effectively extend the life and value of your timepiece.
Q2: What is included in a complete maintenance service (overhaul)?
A2: Our complete service is a comprehensive, standardized process which includes: full movement disassembly and cleaning, replacement of any worn components, reassembly and lubrication, timekeeping accuracy regulation, ultrasonic cleaning of the case and bracelet, replacement of all water-resistance gaskets, and a full water-resistance pressure test.
Q3: What is the approximate cost for a repair or overhaul?
A3: The cost primarily depends on the watch's brand, model, and the complexity of its movement. For example, a complete service for a basic three-hand watch with a date function typically starts from HK$1,800. We highly recommend bringing your timepiece to our workshop for a complimentary inspection, after which our master watchmaker can provide you with a precise quotation.
Q4: If my watch is only magnetized, can you just demagnetize it?
A4: Absolutely. If our diagnosis confirms that magnetization is the only issue, we can perform a professional demagnetization service for you immediately. This is a quick and inexpensive service.
