Why would you need to remove watch links?

Watch bracelets are usually sized when they are first purchased; with links being either added or removed to fit to the owner’s wrist. As watches change owners, links become damaged or broken, or people gain or lose weight then the watch bracelet will often need resizing again.

One of the more common issues with bracelet repair is that customers wear a watch with a bracelet size that is too small. As the watch is too tight on the wrist the additional strain will distort the links over time – leading them to become worn or broken. The simple solution is to fit an additional link or two to the bracelet.

What is the ideal bracelet size?

There is no fixed ideal, as the choice for how a bracelet is sized is subjective and based on the owner’s preference. A happy medium is that you should be able to comfortably fit a pen between the underside of the watch and your wrist; this will ensure that the bracelet is secure on your wrist but that it is not strained.

5-step process for watch link removal

Here at The Watch Lab, we suggest a simple five-step process if you would like to remove your watch links at home.

1. Measure the watch band to determine how many links to remove
2. Gather your tools and workspace
3. Remove links
4. Reattach remaining links
5. Reconnect the clasp

1. Measure the watch band to determine how many links to remove

To know exactly how many watch links to remove, you need to measure your watch band. To do this, position your watch on your wrist, the way you normally wear it. Once satisfied with this position and it is comfortable, turn your wrist over so that the watch face is facing away and clasp towards you.

To determine how many links to remove, gather the slack of the band in your fingertips. Stop gathering the links together once you reach a comfortable position on your wrist. Next, you’ll need to count the number of links that you need to remove. If you’re unsure of how many you need to remove or are in a predicament whether you want your watch slacker or a more snug fit, it is always better to remove fewer because it is much easier to remove a link than add one back on.

2. Gather your tools and workspace

Make sure you find a flat surface to work on, preferably a desk. Gather a pin pusher, a small hammer and a small screwdriver.

3. Remove links

As you now know how many links you need to remove, it is important to note that each watch is designed differently, so the removal of links varies from watch to watch. With some watch straps, you may need to separate the clasp so you can remove the links. To do this, follow these instructions:

• To remove the spring bar in the clasp, hold your watch in your left hand, remove the spring bar on the left side of the clasp.
• Use the pin pusher tool to lever the spring bar out of the clasp.

Now to remove the exact number of links you require. On most metal watches, small arrows will signpost how to remove the link. Simply, insert the pin pusher tool into the end where the arrow is facing down, when the pin peaks out the other end, pull the pin out and the link will detach. 

Repeat this process to remove further links. As a simple tip, make sure you remove links on both sides of the clasp and remove an even number of links either side. This will make sure that the face of your watch sits perfectly centred on your wrist. 

4. Reassemble the watch band

Once the correct number of links have been removed, the pins will need to be replaced to complete your watch strap. To replace your links together, push the pins in the opposite direction to the arrows. If needed, tap the pins with a hammer to get them back into place.

5. Reconnect the clasp

If you have disconnected the clasp, it will need reattaching. To do this, you need to carry out the disconnecting process in reverse by replacing the spring bars. 

Choose The Watch Lab for your link removal needs

At The Watch Lab we are aware that this process can be tricky or you might be apprehensive about carrying it out yourself! This might be especially true if you are a proud designer watch owner. If you would like a professional watch technician to take charge, our Watch Lab technicians are located in over 20 Labs nationwide in prime shopping destinations. 

We offer a speedy watch link removal service and all of our technicians are trained in high-end and popular brands. Additionally, if we have a variety of watch repair services that can nurse your watch back to full health! 

Why not find your nearest Lab, and get a professional to do the hard work for you! 

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We clean ourselves daily and wash our outfits and shirts after one wear. Yet (let’s face it), we are all guilty for neglecting our accessory items, cleaning them infrequently. But what is the correct way to clean your watch? The Watch Lab have provided a simple cleaning process, suitable for all watch brands and material types. By following this simple five-step method, it will help prolong the life of your watch and keep it in optimal condition.

How to clean watches?

Clasp, strap or bracelet, wooden, stainless-steel or silicone – there are endless materials that watch straps can be made from. With the wide range available, determining which cleaning process to use can be a difficult decision.

As many of us own watches way beyond the price of our clothing, it is understandable to be apprehensive cleaning your watch yourself. All of these excuses can lead to popping the watch-clean at the end of to-do-lists and can in-fact lead to a buildup of grime and dirt on the surface of your watch face and strap.

Whether or not you are a proud Omega, Tag Heuer, Micheal Kors or designer watch brand owner or own a high-street watch. Here at the Watch Lab, we have provided a simple step-by-step guide to watch cleaning, suitable for all brands and watch types.

The steps required to clean your watch

To make sure that all areas of the watch are cleaned, it is essential to clean both the watch face and strap. To clean these areas, make sure that you adhere to the following process:

1. Cleaning the watch face – Fill a dish of warm water and add a mild detergent (dish soap). Dip your cloth or a bristled toothbrush into the warm soapy water and gently brush over your watch face. There’s no need to rub vigorously, but very gently to remove any dirt from the watch front.
2. Any crystals or markings? – simply work your cloth or brush around them.
3. Cleaning the watch band – If possible remove the watch bands before cleaning (for example if own a fitness watch). Cleaning the watch strap follows a similar process to cleaning the watch face. Simply fill a dish full of warm water, dampen your cloth ever so slightly and wipe down the watch band.
4. Strap particularly dirty? Simply add some dish soap to the water and follow the same process.
5. Gently dry the watch with a clean, dry cloth before re-fastening.

This process works for just about all watch brands and strap types. Although, it is worth a special mention that leather watches should not be exposed to moisture, as this causes the leather material to crack. So if you have a leather watch, you can use a dry cloth to remove any build-up of debris or moisture.

If you are unsure whether the above cleaning process is suitable for your watch, or if your watch deserves a professional clean. At The Watch Lab we have over 20 Kiosks situated across the UK, conveniently placed in popular shopping centres to deep clean your watch and prolonged watch life.

Watch valeting at the Watch Lab

As specialists in high-value watches, The Watch Lab can thoroughly clean your watch, returning your treasured item to look and feel like new. Our Valeting and Polishing Service can remove scratches and marks from designer watches and as high-end watches are crafted with intricate components, our Watch Lab technicians have the right expertise for the care and maintenance for your watch.

In our mini-valet, approximately one hour long, our technicians will perform comprehensive valeting of your watch and carry out ultrasonic cleaning to sanitise your watch, removing dirt and oxidisation. Our process will prolong your watch life-span and bring a new-lease-of life to your watch aesthetics.

For any vintage watches, specialist finished watches or watches desiring in need of restoration, if we can’t carry out this procedure in one of our Labs, we can send your watch to our main service centre for specialist polishing and restore.

To give your watch a new lease of life, discover the brands we valet.

The post How to clean your watch appeared first on The Watch Lab.

Collecting watches can be a rewarding pastime, not to mention a great way to stay accessorised, but every owner of automatic watches soon finds that if you don’t keep them moving, the watch will start to slow down or even stop.

A watch winder is a storage solution and a display case, but above all else will keep your watch moving periodically, keeping your watch wind topped up. The watch winder will keep the watch to the right time and keep it ready to be worn.

Keep your Rolex at the ready and your Seiko in the saddle with The Watch Lab range of watch winders.

Single Watch Winders

The single watch winder features a high-density wood case, piano paint case and an acrylic glass which all makes the watch winder sturdy and durable.

The interior is manufactured with PU Leather for extended life span, ease of cleaning and is also economical and animal-friendly. It has a five-mode motor, which allows the user to ensure the watch is running in a number of different directions and only runs at 60db.

Double Watch Winders

The double watch winder has the same features but with the added benefit of holding two watches, the motor only running at 10db, additional hinge support and being able to lock the watch winder.

Both watch winders have the option to run off a DC power plug or 3AA battery’s (not Included).

Visit your nearest Watch Lab today

Visit your nearest lab to get view our range of single and double watch spinners. Our Watch Labs are located around the country, follow the link below to find your nearest Lab.

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Watches are built to last for a number of years. High-quality timepieces often go many years without needing a battery replacement. However, the watch battery is the most common reason that watches stop working. The cost of replacing your watch battery will depend on the watch. Watch battery replacement costs are dependent on a number of factors, such as the watch brand, case material and the type of seal.

How long should a watch battery last?

The life span of your watch’s battery depends on the quality of the watch and its functions. Often, a brand new watch with basic functionality will last more than three years. However, if the watch is aged the battery can last up to two years. The watch battery will last for a shorter length of time if the watch uses functions such as lights, sounds, alarms or if the watch is a chronograph.

How often should you change a watch battery?

Typically, you would replace your watch battery when the battery is no longer powering your watch. However, it is recommended to replace your watch battery every two 2 years regardless. This will reduce any potential battery leakage. Battery acid leakage can create more damage to the insides of the watch, so it’s useful to know when your watch needs a battery change.

How will I know when to change the battery in my watch?

Watch owners will think the time to change their watch batteries is when it’s completely stopped. However, you can spot when your battery is coming to the end of its life. You can often tell when the watch battery is coming to an end when the watch hands (especially the second-hand) start twitching or skipping seconds. This will affect the watch not displaying the correct time, as you may find yourself changing your watch to the correct time.

Watch battery replacement cost at The Watch Lab

Here at The Watch Lab, we will give you a free, no-obligation quote at your nearest Lab. You can do this by visiting our Labs page to find your nearest Lab. We operate in 20 locations, so you’re sure to find a Lab within just a few miles of your location. Contact The Watch Lab today or book in for a free assessment at your nearest Watch Lab, for your watch battery replacement and resealing.

Find out which watch brands we repair by visiting our brand’s repair hub

The post How much is it to get a watch battery replaced? appeared first on The Watch Lab.

This year, the clocks will go back 1 hour from BST (British Summer Time) to DST (Daylight Saving Time) on Sunday 27th October at 2 am. 

When the daylight saving time changes, here at the Watch Lab, we often get flooded with requests for watch repairs due to people not placing the crown securely back in place, to ensure that the watch is water-resistant.

If you aren’t sure whether your crown is securely back in place to avoid contact with water, dust or moisture, you are more than welcome to bring your watch to your nearest Watch Lab, where one of our technicians will be happy to give free advice.

If there is a fault with your watch, we can advise on the work required and give a free estimate of the repair costs.

Crown faults on older watches

Often a fault with an older watch will not be apparent until you come to adjust the time, which can be unfortunate and very frustrating. However, this will often mean that you will need a watch crown replacement, and luckily that is a service that we offer here at The Watch Lab. 

Most manufacturers recommend a watch service every 3-5 years for a mechanical watch and 5-7 years for Quartz watches, all to ensure the watch retains its integrity. A watch service will ensure your watch lasts its natural lifetime – and possibly even longer!

Contact The Watch Lab

The Watch Lab can provide you with a watch service which includes crown replacement. Our watch technicians are happy to help with any issues you may have. You can find your nearest Watch Lab here or you can visit our service page to find out more about the other services we offer here at The Watch Lab.

If your watch has never had a service or is overdue a service,  drop into your nearest Watch Lab for a free estimate.

The post When do the clocks change in 2019? appeared first on The Watch Lab.

The Watch Lab has launched its new style kiosks in the Metro Centre, Victoria Centre (Nottingham), Brent Cross (London) and Leicester creating a better customer experience.

The new kiosks are designed to create a more engaging customer-friendly space, with an open and inviting workspace. This new design allows customers to see their own watch being worked on by a Watch Lab technician, thanks to the lower and transparent work stations. 

The lower work stations also provide another benefit of letting you see which specialist tools and equipment are being used on your watch, allowing you to watch our technicians hard at work on solving all your watch issues, creating more approachable and transparent (literally!) customer service.

New watch displays installed

The Watch Lab has also been busy installing new displays across multiple locations. The displays will house some of the biggest watch brands available to purchase over The Watch Lab counter, including brands such as Police, Storm, Casio and Sekonda. 

Within the new selection is the Accurist nine-carat gold watch. This watch is only available in a limited number of branches, which includes Manchester, Hanley and Chester. Feel free to stop by to look for a great gift from a range of watches at competitive prices.

New website and Kiosks launched

The investment in new kiosks comes alongside the launch of the new Watch Lab website and the introduction of our exclusive Service Plus offer.

This is our new service where all quartz and mechanical services, starting at £55 and £195 with the additional benefit of not only a two-year guarantee but two years of in-branch discounts via the new privilege card. Service plus also includes care products worth up to £30, including cleaning cloths and travel cases* as our gift to you.

The Watch Lab now stocks travel cases that make for a perfect gift for people who love to take care of their watches. The cases start from £14.95 for a single case; perfect for protecting your watch at home or while travelling.

 *gifts vary depending on the value of the service, travel cases are free with all services over £100

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