The strap is the element that transforms your watch’s character. A strap change can make an elegant watch sporty, or refine a casual model.
Materials
Leather
The timeless classic. Alligator for formal elegance, calf for daily versatility, suede for casual-chic. Lifespan: 6-18 months with daily use.
Rubber/FKM
Ideal for sports and dive watches. FKM (fluoroelastomer) is the premium material, resistant to UV, salt water and sweat. Lifespan: 2-5 years.
NATO/Perlon
Woven nylon, light and versatile. Perfect for summer and sport. Passes under the watch for added security. Lifespan: 1-3 years.
Steel/Titanium
Metal bracelets for maximum robustness. Oyster, Jubilee, President for Rolex; integrated bracelet for Royal Oak. Require periodic professional cleaning.
How to Measure
The key measurement is lug width in mm. Most common: 18mm (classic), 20mm (universal — Submariner, Speedmaster), 22mm (sport), 24-26mm (Panerai, military).
Whether inherited, received as a gift, or purchased years ago, sooner or later the question comes: what is my watch worth?
The 7 Factors That Determine Value
- Brand and model: Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet maintain (and often increase) value
- Condition: Excellent condition adds 20-40% vs mediocre
- Completeness: Original box, warranty, certificates can add 10-20%
- Year of production: Some pre-1990 vintage pieces have increasing value
- Rarity: Limited editions, special dials, discontinued references
- Movement condition: A serviced watch with certificate is worth more
- Market: Global demand fluctuates
When to Get a Professional Appraisal
- Before selling: to know the real market value
- For insurance: certified appraisal for specific policies
- After inheritance: to understand what you have
- Before purchase: pre-purchase inspection to avoid fakes or hidden issues
We offer professional consultation and appraisal. Contact us.
When your luxury watch needs servicing, the first question is: authorised centre or independent watchmaker? The answer depends on your specific situation.
Authorised Centre: Pros and Cons
Advantages: Original parts guaranteed, official brand warranty, standardised procedures.
Disadvantages: Higher costs, long wait times (6-12 months for Rolex), tendency to replace more parts than necessary, no direct contact with the technician.
Qualified Independent Watchmaker: Pros and Cons
Advantages: Competitive costs, faster turnaround (2-4 weeks), conservative approach preserving original components, direct communication with the master watchmaker, photographic documentation.
Disadvantages: Workshop warranty (not manufacturer), quality varies between professionals, may invalidate active manufacturer warranty.
Our Recommendation
Choose the authorised centre if: your watch is still under manufacturer warranty, or you need official certification for insurance.
Choose a qualified independent if: the watch is out of warranty, you want a conservative approach, reasonable costs and timing, and a personal relationship with whoever touches your watch.
Request a quote and compare it with the authorised centre. The choice will be yours, in full transparency.
A mechanical watch is one of the most fascinating machines ever created. In a space of a few cubic centimetres, hundreds of components work in harmony to measure time with extraordinary precision.
The 5 Fundamental Organs
1. The Mainspring
The energy “heart” of the watch. A thin steel strip coiled in the barrel that, as it unwinds, provides the energy to power the entire mechanism. Modern watches provide 48-72 hours of power reserve.
2. The Gear Train
A series of toothed wheels that transmit energy from the spring to the balance wheel, progressively reducing rotation speed.
3. The Escapement
The “regulator” that releases energy in controlled impulses. The lever and escape wheel create the characteristic “tick-tock” — actually 6-10 beats per second (21,600-36,000 alternations/hour).
4. The Balance Wheel and Hairspring
The precision “brain”. The balance oscillates back and forth, controlled by the hairspring. The frequency determines the watch’s accuracy.
5. The Dial and Hands
The visible part: hands connected to the gear train via the cannon pinion and minute wheel.
Why Maintenance Is Essential
Over time, lubricating oils degrade, gaskets lose elasticity and moving parts wear. A service every 5-7 years ensures every component functions perfectly.
A vintage watch is not just a timekeeper: it is a piece of history. Conservative restoration is the approach that preserves this history, intervening only where strictly necessary.
Conservative vs Invasive Restoration
- Conservative: preserves original components, natural patina, period finishes. Increases value.
- Invasive: replaces parts, polishes aggressively, re-lacquers. Can decrease value by up to 40%.
A Rolex Submariner ref. 5513 with a “tropical” dial (natural brown patina) is worth 3-5 times more than one with a re-lacquered dial. The right restoration is the one you cannot see.
Our Approach
- Documentation: HD photographs from every angle, initial condition certified
- Analysis: identification of original vs replaced components
- Conservative plan: minimum necessary intervention, agreed with the owner
- Execution: techniques respectful of period materials
- Certification: complete before/after report with intervention details
Do you have an inherited or vintage watch? Contact us for a free assessment.
A Rolex is built to last generations, but even the most reliable movement needs periodic maintenance. In this guide we explore official recommendations, warning signs and what a complete service involves.
Official Rolex Recommendations
Rolex recommends a complete service every 10 years for recent models (post-2015 with 32xx calibres). For earlier models, the recommended interval is 5-7 years.
Warning Signs Your Rolex Needs Service
- Loss of precision: more than ±5 seconds per day
- Reduced power reserve: less than 48 hours (should be 70h for 32xx calibres)
- Stiff crown: difficulty in screwing down
- Unusual noise from the movement
- Condensation under the crystal
What a Complete Rolex Service Includes
The procedure involves: complete calibre disassembly (100-200 components), ultrasonic cleaning, microscope inspection, gasket and worn component replacement, lubrication with certified oils, reassembly, chronometric regulation in 6 positions and water resistance test.
Authorised Centre vs Independent Watchmaker
Authorised Rolex Service Centres (RSC) offer excellent service but with significant wait times (6-12 months) and rising costs. A qualified independent watchmaker offers the same technical quality with faster turnaround (2-4 weeks), a conservative approach that preserves original components, and direct communication.
Does your Rolex need a service? Request a free quote.
