Why Do Rolex Watches Increase in Value?

When people think of investments, they typically think of property, stocks, or bonds. These are certainly the most traditional and safe forms of monetary investment. However, some luxury items can also be investment pieces that increase in value over time. One such example is Rolex watches. Rolex watches have consistently increased in value since the brand was established, and many of their classic timepieces are now considered safe luxury investments since they are virtually guaranteed to hold their value. If you own a Rolex watch and need cash quickly, a collateral loan against your watch could earn you a lot more than you think while still allowing you to keep your investment piece for years to come.

Why Are Rolex Watches Valuable?

The short answer is that Rolex is the biggest watch brand in the world. A widely-recognized brand name adds inherent value to any item. Beyond this, several factors have caused Rolex to become a brand whose products hold their value: they’re made of high-quality materials, they’re highly in demand, they have a good brand heritage, they have an impressive list of famous customers and spokespeople, they’re easily recognized, and they’re widely available. The combination of these factors has made Rolex watches not only hold their value over time but actually increase in value. In fact, a Rolex traditionally increases in value by 5-15 percent each year.

As with all luxury goods, you have to choose the right model in order to guarantee your investment. With Rolex, sports watches such as the Submarine and the Cosmograph Daytona are desirable and classic models that can be consistently sold for the purchase price or higher. More contemporary, colorful, or customized Rolex watches, on the other hand, are more likely to depreciate in value as trends change. While some of them may end up being rare and collectible, there’s no way to guarantee this, making a classic model a much more reliable investment.

Collateral Rolex Loans with Watch & Wares

The cost of purchasing a new Rolex watch from retail stores has increased exponentially over the past three decades, even accounting for monetary inflation, and this trend is likely to continue. A classic Rolex previously purchased for $4,000 may now cost $6,000, for example, and would, therefore, be worth more than was paid for it at the time. Collateral loans are an excellent way to take advantage of this trend if you’re in need of quick cash. You can receive more money for the loan than you spent on the watch if you’ve had it for several years, which is advantageous in itself. It also means that you don’t have to sell the watch and lose your investment permanently. Following the repayment of the loan, you’ll have your item returned to your possession, and you can hold onto it for longer allowing its value to appreciate even more.

We have an expert team at our Tustin location that is qualified to appraise your Rolex and offer you a valuable collateral loan if you’re in need of quick cash. We’ll evaluate your Rolex based on the model’s value on the secondary market and overall desirability. We also take into account condition, materials, and rarity. The process is thorough but quick, and we can give you the Rolex loan value within a matter of minutes. All of our collateral loans are issued with a four-month loan term plus a ten-day grace period, and all interest is state-regulated.

Rolex’s global recognition and established history in the luxury market makes it a classic choice that people will continually desire. Rolex watches won’t go out of style like more contemporary brands might. With that risk eliminated, an investment can be made more confidently, and the value is likely to hold, if not increase. If you need cash fast but don’t want to lose your investment piece permanently, consider a collateral Rolex loan from Watch & Wares. We’ve provided luxury loans for almost 30 years, and we’re fully licensed and bonded. Visit our Tustin location near the intersection of the 55 Fwy and East 17th Street or give us a call at (714) 731-9600.

What Is A Handbag Spa?

When you invest in a designer handbag, you want to be sure that it can last a lifetime. With daily use, the delicate leather of your handbag can crease, stain, dull, and even begin to smell, so taking the proper steps to maintain your bag’s original beauty is a worthwhile endeavor. With Watch & Wares handbag spa services, we can professionally clean your handbag to the highest standard, so your bag will look as good as the day you first brought it home. Whether you need cleaning for your Chanel or a color touch-up for your Hermes, Watch & Wares will provide the premium quality service your luxury goods deserve.

Professional Cleaning

Here at Watch & Wares, we’ll provide your designer handbag with a thorough cleaning and remove all dust, grime, and buildup from the bag. When we’re finished, it will look just as pristine as the day you bought it.

Handbag Moisturization

Many luxury handbags are handcrafted using delicate materials such as soft, authentic leather. These materials require care over time to avoid drying and cracking. At our luxury handbag spa, we’ll moisturize your handbag to prevent these damages from occurring to the bag’s surfaces.

Stain Treatment and Protection

Designer handbags are meant to be worn, used, and loved, but with daily use comes the wear and tear and accidents. With our stain treatment and protection services, you can be sure that getting caught in the rain (or a coffee spill) won’t ruin your Chanel forever. Keep your designer handbag in perfect condition through anything.

Edgewear Restoration

Your handbag goes through a lot; it gets picked up, set down, thrown around, and rifled through. Daily use of your luxury handbag naturally causes wear to its edges over time, especially in softer materials such as lambskin leather or fabric. If you notice the edges of your bag fraying, bring it into Watch & Wares. Our specialized techniques, performed by trained experts, allow us to restore each edge to look as good as new again.

Color Touch-up

You may have first been attracted to that bright red designer handbag for its vibrant hue, but over time a handbag’s vibrancy can fade with use and exposure to sunlight. Watch & Wares handbag spa provides unparalleled color touch-up services that will reverse your bag’s dulling color and bring back its original beauty.

Odor & Mold Removal

Whether it was left in a closet or caught in a flood and wasn’t dried properly, odors and mold in your designer handbag are never good! At Watch & Wares, we can remove any unwanted smells and even remove mold if necessary to restore to your bag to its original glory.

A designer handbag is an investment that requires care and upkeep to ensure that it retains its value for years to come. Handbag spa services can restore any designer bag, from vintage Chanel to contemporary Gucci, and keep it looking pristine. Here at Watch & Wares, our team of trained professionals have been restoring designer handbags for decades, and we’re confident you won’t find anyone better. We understand luxury, and we always strive to provide the best service in Southern California. Call us or stop by one of our Orange County locations today for a free estimate.

 

How to Avoid a Collateral Loan Scam

Cash and jewelry loans can be a great option if you need cash fast and have valuables to trade. They don’t require a credit check, failing to repay doesn’t hurt your credit score, and you get your cash instantly. Whether you want to collateralize Rolex, estate jewelry, designer handbags, or other valuable items, a short-term collateral loan can be a good option for getting cash quickly without hurting your credit or permanently losing your valuables. However, before entering into an agreement with any lender, it’s crucial that you do your research to ensure that you don’t fall victim to a personal loan scam.

Some pawnbrokers operate illegally and fail to follow loan regulation laws. They charge more than the annual percentage rate (APR), have customers sign illegal contracts, and deceive customers about the interest rates and fees on their loans. Make sure you know the signs of a personal loan scam so that you can avoid falling victim and losing both your valuables and your money. Here are a few warning signs to look out for:

  • The lender doesn’t have a license to operate in your state

States require that any lender or pawnbroker register for a license to legally trade. Make sure that you request your lender’s license number and verify their legality before entering into an agreement with them.

  • The business has no physical address listed

If the lender has no easily searchable physical address or phone number, be wary. Scammers try to make it difficult to contact them to avoid any confrontation or legal action you may pursue if you do get scammed.

  • The loan requires up-front payment

If you’re being asked to put up a payment up front, such as a processing fee, it’s likely that you’re being scammed. Scammers want to make money quickly, so running off with your up-front “fee” is a likely scenario. Legitimate pawnbrokers will never ask you for payment when processing a collateral loan, just your valuable item which they will return once you pay off your loan.

  • They have vague loan terms or are hesitant to provide them at all

Illegal loan schemes will likely charge you more interest than the state’s legal maximum rate. They add hidden fees and high rates disguised in complex wording to make as much money off of you as possible. Make sure that your lender is transparent about their fees and interest rates to avoid paying out more than you were planning on (or is legal).

  • There are no online reviews available

Legitimate pawnbrokers will have testimonials or online reviews available for your viewing. Using third-party websites such as Yelp to verify that other customers receive satisfactory service is an excellent way to ensure that you won’t be scammed later down the line. If a business has no reviews online, it’s likely because they’ve deleted or hidden bad reviews to avoid alerting potential customers to their deceptive business practices.

Pawn shop loans are a wonderful tool to have if you need cash to last you until the next pay period, or if you’re looking to build your credit score. However, it’s imperative that you perform thorough research and stay vigilant so that you avoid falling victim to a collateral loan scam. If you need a safe and reliable cash loan for jewelry or other valuables, call Watch & Wares today or stop by our location in Old Town Orange. One of our highly-experienced professionals will be happy to walk you through the process and provide you with a fair value cash loan.

How is Gold Tested?

Before approaching your local reseller or gold buyer with gold and jewelry wares, it’s important to know exactly how the value of your items will be calculated. Becoming a more informed buyer will prevent you from being ripped off by untrustworthy businesses and ensure that you get the best price for your items. While it’s hard to attain the same knowledge as an experienced gemologist or appraiser, this article will give you some insight into how gold is tested and valued on the resale market so that you can get the maximum cash for your gold.

Figures to Know

There are three figures you need to know in order to calculate the value of your gold accurately: the weight of the gold in troy ounces, the purity of the gold in karats, and the current gold spot price. The gold spot price is the price for one troy ounce of pure, 24-karat gold at that time. The spot price can vary day to day, and minute to minute.

Troy Ounces

Precious metals like gold are weighed in ounces. However, they are not weighed by the standard ounce (28.3 grams). Instead, they are weighed in a unit of mass used in the precious metals industry called the troy ounce. The troy ounce is equal to 31.1 grams, 9% more than a standard ounce. When weighing gold, it is essential that it is weighed as accurately as possible in order to get the best estimate of value. Our scales at Watch & Wares are certified by Orange County Field of Weight & Measure to ensure that all measurements are accurate to the industry standard.

Purity

Everyone’s heard the phrase 24-karat gold. But what exactly does that mean? 24-karat gold is the purest form of gold available on the market. Gold, especially in jewelry, is rarely 100% pure gold because it would be too soft to shape. Instead, it is often mixed with other metals such as zinc that result in a lower karat alloy more suitable for making jewelry. To calculate the purity of your gold for market value, first find out how many karats your piece is and divide that number by 24. If your item is 14-karat gold, for example, you would divide that number by 24 to get the figure 0.583. That means that your jewelry piece is 58.3% pure gold. The higher the percentage of gold in your item, the higher the value of your piece will be.

The Formula

Although gold jewelry and accessories will vary in price based on style, brand, condition, and a number of other factors, a formula can generally be used to calculate the price of the raw gold itself. This formula is (spot price / 31.1) x purity in decimals x weight of the item in grams. So, for example, if you had 1 gram of 14-karat gold, and the current spot price was $1300, you could calculate the value of that gold by doing the following calculation: (1300 / 31.1) x 0.583 x 1 = $24.37.

However, as stated, this value only applies to the gold itself, not the overall item or piece of jewelry. For full appraisals, visit a reputable jeweler or pawnbroker and have your item evaluated. Here at Watch & Wares, we always offer a fair and honest price to customers. Call us at (714) 633-2030 or come into one of our stores to get cash for your gold today!

 

Collateral Loan on Rolex

You need cash fast, and you’re thinking about selling your Rolex to get the money you need. But what if you don’t want to part ways with your watch? Luckily at Watch & Wares in Tustin, we have a collateral loan program for your Rolex, so you don’t need to say goodbye to your watch forever. Getting a collateral loan will allow you to get fast cash to use in any way you need. Whether you’re hoping to start a small business or investing in a new laptop, Watch & Wares offers same-day cash for collateral loans on used Rolex watches at our location in Tustin. Here’s what the process of a Rolex loan looks like!

The Process of a Collateral Loan With a Rolex Watch

Collateral loans are simple, straightforward, and can be used for a variety of items. When it comes to getting a loan with your Rolex, it’s even easier! Just bring in your Rolex to our location in Tustin to get connected with one of our representatives. We’ll evaluate your watch based on the Rolex’s value in the secondary market and the desirability of the watch. The process is very quick, and we can give you a loan-value within minutes.

What Could I Use a Collateral Loan For?

Many small businesses throughout Orange County use collateral loans for start-up costs, payroll, inventory investment, and other business needs. Small business owners have found that taking out a collateral loan is helpful when money is a little tight for the company. When taking out a hassle-free collateral loan with a valuable item, such as a Rolex watch, business owners can have extra cash on hand to ensure solvency, while still owning their Rolex.

Collateral loans could also be used for personal uses. Many people will take a Rolex loan to invest in an engagement ring, home improvement projects, or for tuition. If the Rolex or other item has significant sentimental value, collateral loans are the way to go, as the item will be returned once the loan has been paid off.

About Collateral Loans at Watch & Wares Tustin

Our collateral loans are issued with a 4-month loan term plus a ten-day grace period. We also offer the option of renewing your loan by paying the interest amount. The interest rate is based on the amount of the Rolex loan and will be state-regulated. There is no penalty should you decide not to pay the remaining amount of your loan, as the Rolex will act as payment.

Watch & Wares is licensed and bonded. Our reputation precedes us, and our friendly staff is here to ensure you are completely satisfied with your experience.

Have questions about taking out a collateral loan on your Rolex? Visit our Tustin location near the intersection of Costa Mesa Fwy and East 17th street or give us a call at (714) 731-9600.

Collateral Loans: Everything You Need To Know

Collateral Loans Are Simple

‘Collateral’ – the term refers to any property or asset that a customer promises to the lender as a sort of a backup in exchange for a loan. Usually, collateral loan agreements say that the lender can take over the asset if the borrower fails to repay the loan according to the contract. So If you are considering taking a loan secured by a collateral or a personal asset, it is important that you understand how collateral loans work.

Learning this, the lender can take the asset you put up for collateral, but only if you fail to pay off your debt or loan. Assets can be any item of a certain value. Alternative forms of repayment accepted by lenders are numerous . The most popular option is jewelry, in which case, also called a jewelry loan.  This way, collateral assures that the lender receives full or partial payment or compensation. ‘Secured Loans’ are just collateral loans with a different name.

Examples of Collateral Loans

There are three main types of collateral loans.

Personal loans

Customers us personal loans consolidate their previous debt, finance their regular expenses, or build credit. Lenders offer these loans in two main types: secured and unsecured.

The difference between secured and unsecured personal loans is that secured personal loans are backed by collateral. In contrast, unsecured personal loans are not. Secured personal loans have lower rates of interest than unsecured personal loans because collateral reduces the lender’s possibility of default. Physical properties can all be used as loan collateral, such as vehicles, houses, or monetary assets.

Small Business Loans

Small business loans are a way to support a growing or small scale business. Office space rent, equipment, or hiring, are typical expenses for example. Collateral for such loans include real estate, inventory, and future payments by customers.

Small business owners can also use their personal assets to gain approval for a small business loan. As a result,
the lender can ask for a personal guarantee in some cases where the amount borrowed is high. That way seizure of the borrower’s personal assets (collateral) can happen if the company defaults on their loan.

Mortgages and Auto Loans

Mortgages and Auto Loans are among the most common types of secured loans customers use. In these cases, the asset being purchased (the house or car) is used as collateral for these loans, for instance. Most lenders insist that the asset be appraised to determine the exact value of the collateral. This process is extremely important for mortgage applicants as lenders approve home loans. Because they will do so only on the condition that the appraisal value of the house is in excess of or at least matches the sale price.

Advantages of Collateral Loans

You might be wary of taking a secured loan knowing that you could lose a valuable personal or business asset. But this type of loan is the best option for covering business expenses and keeping your debt in control. After all, when you know what you have to offer, you can benefit from collateral based lending.

Here are a few benefits of collateral loans:

  • High range of options for the loan.
  • Increased chance of qualifying
  • Your finances, credit history, and debt management history is not taken into consideration
  • Low rates of Interest
  • Better terms of repayment
  • Better leverage for negotiation

How the Wealthy are Using Collateral Loans

Business owners, CEOs, and the wealthy are turning in their Rolexes, jewelry, or other personal assets for collateral to high end pawn shops for quick and easy loans. As a result, these pawn shops and lending companies are noticing their affluent customers get loans of up to thousands and millions of dollars, because they are using high end collectibles serving as collateral.

The amount, in these cases, is far higher than the average loan size of $150, according to the National Pawnbrokers Association. Business owners are saying that the way luxury goods backed loans are growing does not point to financial distress related to pawn shops, instead it is to seize money making opportunities.

Real World Collateral Loan Examples

Jordan Tabach Bank, CEO of the Beverly Hills based company, The Loan Companies, says, ‘The pickup in economic growth has shifted the balance towards small business owners growing their businesses. Growth is certainly geared more towards opportunity loans than anything else.’ Jordan Tabach Bank’s company operates some high-end pawn shops, not only in Beverly Hills but also in Chicago and New York.

One of Bank’s clients was able to use his expensive watch collection to seal a commercial real estate deal. The customer had spent ten years trying to purchase a piece of property and then it suddenly came up for sale last year, and he had just one week to close the deal. Banks do not provide loans on such a short notice, but when the client showed four high-end luxury watches, Bank was able to provide him with $400,000 in just under 48 hours.

Collateral Loans Are A Tool, Not a Necessity

There is a common misconception that if people are borrowing money, they must be in a bad spot. That is not true. Most often, people whose businesses are steadily growing use collateral loans the most, for instance.

Global wealth is rising dramatically as equity markets have run into record high territory, so prices for luxury goods and important artifacts are rising. Last year, someone bought a Da Vinci painting for more than $450 million, becoming the most expensive art piece ever sold. In December,
a vintage Rolex owned by the Oscar winning actor Paul Newman, set the record for the most expensive watch ever sold at $17.75 million.

The Process of Selling Gold and Jewelry

For anyone who is thinking about selling their gold or jewelry, it’s important to find a pawnbroker who will give you a quote equal to what your item is worth. Here at Watch & Wares, we ensure our customers feel valued and are happy with their selling experience. Established in 1991, we are a full-service jewelry store, and if you’re looking for the best place to sell your jewelry or gold near Irvine, look no further!

SELLING YOUR GOLD OR JEWELRY

When you walk into Watch & Wares, you will meet with one of our highly trained evaluators, and we’ll take about 5-10 minutes to asses the jewelry piece or gold. The appraisal will be based on karat, weight, and the inclusion of precious stones. If you have a certificate to prove the stones’ authenticity, bring it as well, as it will help increase the value of our offer. If there is no certificate available, our gemologist will assess its value. Once we’ve completed the evaluation, we will give you the best offer possible. Although our estimates require no obligation to sell, we do offer the best and most competitive rates in Irvine. If you like our offer, you can walk out the door with your money the same day, as we buy gold and jewelry for cash!

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR WITH PAWN SHOPS

We, like all other legitimate pawn shops, will ask for your ID when you pawn your items, as required by law. Any government-issued form of photo ID will work to confirm your identity. If a pawn shop does not ask for your ID, be wary of their legitimacy because they may not be licensed. Watch & Wares is a certified cash buyer and licensed pawnbroker, so you can feel secure selling your items to us.

Additionally, our scales here at Watch & Wares are certified by the Orange County Field of Weight and Measure to ensure the most accurate measurements. The more precise the weight measurements are, the better price you will get for your item! A scale that is certified by the Orange County field of Weight and Measure is crucial in selling your gold or jewelry, as an uncertified scale allows pawnbrokers to falsify the actual weight of your items.

Watch & Wares is proud to offer accurate and no obligation estimates, top-tier customer service, and a sense of security and comfortability that other pawn shops lack. With over 25 years of service and a 5-star Yelp rating, our reputation speaks for itself! Watch & Wares is here to provide you the best experience possible. For questions about pawning jewelry near Irvine, call us at (714) 731-9600.

How To Get The Perfect Vintage Engagement Ring For Your Loved One

So you’ve found “the one” — the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. You’ve been saving money for months to get that vintage engagement ring, but you’re hoping to have a little more in your pocket before you pull the trigger. Luckily at Watch & Wares, we have a couple of options that help you buy the vintage engagement ring you loved one deserves! It is FOREVER after all.

SELL JEWELRY & PAWN ITEMS

Your first option in getting your engagement ring is to sell some of your other jewelry in exchange for money. At both the Tustin and Orange Watch and Wares locations, you can bring in these valuables and get them appraised, and then decide whether or not you’d like to sell. We buy a variety of wares including jewelry, handbags, luxury watches, art pieces, and more, so you’re not limited in your options. Just make an appointment, and we will appraise your items on the spot. Getting that perfect vintage engagement ring for your loved one is something that they will cherish forever so that you can use your seller’s reward towards an investment item for your future.

We sincerely value our customers, and we always strive to give you the highest monetary value possible for your luxury items. We will provide you with a fair, accurate, and hassle-free offer, which can be payable in cash on the spot! Selling your jewelry will typically get you more money than taking out a collateral loan. However, unlike a collateral loan, the item will not be returned to you unless you purchase it back.

Some brands we buy are likely to purchase from our customers include Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, Cartier, Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and Louis Vuitton. We do not buy electronics, clothing, or weapons. To learn more about selling jewelry and pawning items with Watch and Wares, visit our Sell Jewelry page for our Orange and Tustin locations.

TAKE OUT A COLLATERAL LOAN

Your second option is through our collateral loan services. If your item has sentimental value and you do not wish to get rid of it indefinitely, consider taking out a jewelry loan (also known as a pawn loan or collateral loan). Getting a collateral loan is very simple at Watch and Wares Tustin, and you will not need to make an appointment to get an appraisal.

Bring the item(s) that you would like to use as collateral to our Tustin location and we will give you a free evaluation of what we think the item is worth. You will then be issued a 4-month loan with a ten-day grace period, and a state-regulated interest rate based on the loan amount. We do not require credit checks or income verifications, so you get the loan without any credit score risks involved.

When you take out a collateral loan, we will securely store your item until you have paid off the loan in its entirety. If you end up needing longer than the allotted amount, you can renew the loan by paying the current interest. There is also no penalty should you decide not to pay the remaining amount. Your collateral item will act as your payment and belong to Watch and Wares. We accept jewelry, luxury watches, gold, and other precious metals as collateral items so you can find the item that works best for you. You could be proposing much sooner than you anticipated with a ring that your future husband or wife will love. To learn more about taking out a jewelry loan with Watch and Wares Tustin, visit our service page.

Whether you want to sell your jewelry or take out a collateral loan, Watch & Wares is here for you. It’s personal preference on which service will work best for your engagement ring plans, and we’d be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about our services. Getting the perfect vintage engagement ring has never been easier!

For questions about collateral loans, please call our Tustin location at (714) 731-9600. For all other questions, please call our Orange location at (714) 633-2030.

What Items Can I Use For Collateral On My Jewelry Loan?

 

If you need fast cash but don’t want to sell your valuable jewelry, taking out a jewelry loan is an excellent option for you. Jewelry loans, also known as pawn loans or collateral loans, work by trading in gold, jewelry, or other valuable items as collateral for money. Items brought in as collateral will vary in value depending on numerous factors, which will be determined by an evaluator. Here at Watch & Wares in Tustin, we’ve compiled a list of items you can use as collateral for a jewelry loan.

Items You Can Use as Jewelry Loan Collateral

Most luxury accessories can be used as a jewelry loan collateral. The amount you may receive will vary, depending on brand, quality, and the face value of the item. Some common items we accept as collateral are, but not limited to:

Rings, Earrings, Necklaces – We determine the value of jewelry depending on the clarity, carat, cut, and color of the diamond. Typically, vintage estate jewelry will be offered more money.

Luxury Watches – Some familiar brands we offer loans on are Rolex, Zenith, Oris, Omega, Girard Perregaux, Cartier, Panerai, and much more.  

Gold – Gold itself is valuable and can be used as collateral. How much we offer will depend on its quality and weight.

Pawn Loans Versus Selling Jewelry

Taking out a pawn loan and selling jewelry can both get you fast cash for the same items. However, both options have their pros and cons that just come down to personal preference when deciding between the two.

Through Watch & Wares, jewelry loans work by issuing a 4-month loan with a ten-day grace period and an interest rate based on the loan amount. This is an excellent option for items with sentimental value that you do not want to sell off. As long as you pay back the loan accordingly, there is nothing to be worried about in regards to your jewelry loan.

When selling your jewelry, there is no financial risk involved at all since there will be no loan for you to payback. Customers typically will receive more money for the item(s), but this also means that the jewelry no longer belongs to them and the piece’s title now belongs to the buyer/shop.

Ultimately, it is a personal preference and up to the customer to decide whether or not they want to release possession of their item. Regardless of what you’d like to do, Watch & Wares offers pawn loans and buys jewelry at our Tustin location.

We are a family owned and operated licensed pawnbroker business with over 25 years of experience that you can trust. Our policy is to always treat our customers with the utmost respect, which is why all transactions are 100% confidential and discreet.

Have questions about taking out a pawn loan or how you can buy or sell jewelry? Visit our Tustin location near the intersection of Costa Mesa Fwy and East 17th street or give us a call at (714) 731-9600.

4 Signs Your Watch Needs Maintenance

Upscale timepieces are meant to last a lifetime. For you to get the best out of your watches though, it takes a little love, care, and maintenance. Here are a few signs that indicate it’s time to bring your watch into Watch and Wares for maintenance.

Indication of Moisture

It’s almost a given that your watch will come into contact with water at some point in time. If there is evidence of any moisture or condensation inside the glass of your watch when it does, or in general, it’s time to take a trip to Watch and Wares to repair your watch. If you plan on swimming with your watch, be sure to adjust the crown and ensure it is tightly secured before you enter. If you come into contact with salt water, be sure to immediately rinse your watch with fresh water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Moisture can increase the risk of damage to the functionality of your watch, so taking care of the matter promptly is imperative.

Behavioral Change

If you start the notice that your second hand is skipping by a couple of seconds, it’s time to take your watch in to get serviced. When your watch starts to skip a beat, it is usually an indicator that your battery is running low. Watches that have reached this point should be taken in for an immediate inspection. Don’t wait until the watch is completely drained to take it in for maintenance. Most Quartz watches can detect when the battery voltage drops below a certain level and will notify you that it’s time for a new battery. Prolonging this replacement can cause severe consequences, such as a potential battery acid leak. From a professional standpoint, it is recommended to have your battery switched out every 1-3 years to ensure optimal use.

Mechanical watch movements, on the other hand, are powered by the energy created from the movement of the mainspring. If you’ve dropped your mechanical watch and noticed that it’s not working properly or has stopped running altogether, the impact might have caused the axle to break or become displaced – resulting in an axle replacement. Extra care also needs to be taken when adjusting the time and date on your mechanical watch. The gears inside of a mechanical watch pre-engage before the actual change at midnight. So if you are manually changing the time and date, you need to be careful in order to not break the gears that are already engaged. If you happen to accidentally break a gear, you may notice a behavior change with the hands. If this is the case, you need to take your watch in for maintenance to repair the gears and behavior of the watch.

Something Sounds Off

If you’ve accidentally dropped or hit your watch on a hard surface, it’s possible that it took on some damage. The mechanisms and movements of watches are extremely complex, and sensitive. Even the smallest of bumps can jolt the function of your watch. A clicking noise could be an indicator that your watch is in fact damaged or on the verge of something more serious. If the rotor axle is exhibiting a type of rattling noise, it can eventually interrupt the inner working elements within the watch itself – shortening its lifespan. If you start to hear an odd rattle or noise or feel like something is off, head over to a professional repair shop to get it checked out.

Loose Crown

A watch crown is an important and necessary component to any watch. They allow you to change the time and date of your watch as well as wind and stop it. Though watch crowns are built to be durable and capable of withstanding tough conditions, they are susceptible to becoming damaged due to its exposure. The crown is connected to a tiny stem that allows the watch to execute its meticulous movements. If you notice that it becomes stiff or loose or has completely lost its function, a replacement is needed. Loose crowns are a common issue and can be easily replaced.

From battery replacements to detailing services, Watch and Wares provides each and every client with the highest quality watch maintenance services in Orange County. For over 30 years, we have perfected the art of craftsmanship, providing you with the best possible repair experience in the industry. If you think your watch needs servicing, take the initiative to ensure there will be no additional damage to your precious timepiece.