Then a bit down - we state that after the proper cleaning - the next time (implied) will be a lot less time - since all you need is a cleaning. Where we state it takes a minimum of 3 hours to clean a watch (from my reading of the post.) Because for a proper cleaning one must disassemble. he was wearing it when I was born in 55Īnyway - just wondering about the above post. Currently having my Dad's 1950's Benrus worked on. Convincing my wife and myself - that it might be good to learn how to repair watches. Been repairing larger machines for years. Hi all - I know very little about watches. If you do this at this interval, all that will need to be done each time is a cleaning (after the first time, of course). Three years is probably a good interval between cleanings. Dust gets into the oil and is an abrasive.

Modern oils will last about 7 years, but vintage watches were not water resistant, and thus are not dust resistant. This operation takes at least 3-4 hours, sometimes longer if there are major problems. Of course, problems are corrected as discovered and there are ALWAYS problems form previous bad repairs or running without oil. A microscopic amount of oil is placed in each pivot and the proper kind of oil or grease is used in several locations. Then each part is inspected as the watch is assembled. All pivot holes are hand cleaned with peg wood. Cleaning the parts in a watch cleaning solution, followed by several rinses. This is like dipping your engine in a mixture of gasoline and oil and calling it an overhaul.Ī proper cleaning involves taking the movement apart (about 50 of the 150 parts). My concern is that many so called 'watchmakers' take the movement out of the case and remove the dial and then 'clean' the watch in an ultrasonic cleaner with a combination cleaning - oiling solution. Most overhauls run from $120 and up, because the watch usually requires more than just a cleaning. In my rural area you MAY still find someone who will start at $80. If you are in a higher cost of living location, it is not even close. Some serious hobby watchmakers may do it for that, but I cannot imagine a qualified professional doing it for this range. I suppose it is to late to comment on earlier posts, but $56 to $70 for a proper overhaul is too low. Late 1930s ladies Benrus watches with 15 to 17 jewels and gold filled cases, should do the job.

Since you know what you have, the best way to value a watch is to follow the auctions of similar watches on internet sites like Ebay. You see the notice 'no appraisals' in the upper right side of this page. Because we are a tax exempt organization, we are forbidden by law from commenting on the specific value of watches.

Benrus serial numbers watch