Michlmayr: Wristwatch Repair and Servicing

I recently had one of my watches serviced (at no charge to me, see note below*) by Norwich-based watchmakers, Michlmayr. My wristwatch collection is smaller than it used to be, but I like to ensure that they are kept well maintained. 

Servicing and repairing a mechanical watch (or a clock) is a cost that needs to be factored into watch ownership, but is an expense only required perhaps every 5-10 years and, if done regularly, maintains the value of the timepiece while keeping it running as accurately as when new.

My early 90s Tudor 'Big Block' chronograph beautifully serviced by Michlmayr

Michlmayer was established in 1986 and now has a team of qualified and experienced watch and clockmakers providing services to private clients, to the public sector and cathedrals and churches repairing, servicing and restoring wristwatches and clocks. They kindly offered to service one of my watches and I selected a Tudor 'Big Block' 79170 chronograph dating from the early 90s which, while it was running well, was due a clean and a lube.

I suspect that many owners have little idea of the wonders that lie inside their mechanical watches. The Tudor has a workhorse Valjoux 7750 movement with little decoration but a truly utilitarian beauty. I'm grateful to Michlmayr for taking the following images for me. It's when you see the complexity of these movements that you begin to understand the skills, expertise and the cost of servicing. What the images don't show is just how small some of the parts are - yet an experienced watchmaker handles the tiny components with remarkable confidence and dexterity.

Michlmayr have done a superb job. I asked them not to polish the case (which they will do if required) as I prefer it to be kept as original as possible. The watch was returned to me running well within 5 seconds a day (and this isn't a chronometer movement). A bent secondhand was replaced with a Tudor replacement and the watch looks superb, now acting as my daily wearer.

Finding a reliable watchmaker can be hard, but I'm pleased to recommend Michlmayr highly on the basis of this experience. To find out about their watch and clock services or to book a service go to Michlmayr

*Note: At my request Michlmayr serviced my watch without charge and I agreed to objectively review their services here on my blog.

My Tudor 'Big Block' chronograph 79170 before the service