Three workshop paths, each scoped in writing before it begins
Crystal and crown replacement, full self-winding overhaul, or a long-form heritage project. Each is a different commitment of time and scope. This page sets out what each covers.
← Back to HomeHow the workshop handles every incoming piece
Every piece that arrives at Ticklore follows the same initial process: we look at it, read the condition, and form a view of what the watch needs. That view goes into a written scope document that the owner approves before any tools are picked up.
The scope includes what will be done, what parts will be replaced, what the timeline looks like, and what the price is. If anything changes during the work — if the movement reveals a problem that was not visible on intake — we write a revised proposal and wait for approval before continuing.
This approach takes longer than simply opening a movement and getting on with it. That is intentional. The extra time spent in communication means the owner is never surprised by the invoice and the watchmaker is never pressured to skip steps to meet an expectation that was never written down.
The timelines quoted for each service are ranges, not deadlines. Parts must sometimes be sourced and waited for. Movements must be observed after assembly. We prefer to give a realistic range and meet it than to give an attractive figure and miss it.
Crystal and Crown Replacement
A short bench visit for the two parts that absorb the most contact. The watchmaker measures the aperture with a micrometer, sources a matching acrylic, mineral or sapphire crystal, and presses it to the correct tension. A worn or stiff crown is replaced together with its tube and gasket where the case construction allows. Suitable for scratched or crazed glass, a crown that no longer winds or sets smoothly, or a case that has begun to admit dust.
- Crystal — acrylic, mineral or sapphire as matched
- Crown, tube and gasket replacement where applicable
- Case cleaning
- Water resistance re-test where case is rated for it
- Written note of the fitted specification
- 01 Intake assessment and aperture measurement
- 02 Crystal sourced and confirmed with client
- 03 Crystal pressed to tension; crown and gasket replaced
- 04 Case cleaned; resistance re-test carried out
- 05 Written specification note issued; watch returned
Self-Winding Calibre Overhaul
A complete strip-down and rebuild of a rotor-driven movement. The winding module is separated and the reverser wheels are cleaned and inspected for wear. The mainspring barrel is opened and the spring renewed to the calibre's specification. The train is re-lubricated point by point using Moebius lubricants at the appropriate grades. The assembled movement is regulated across six positions and left on the wrist simulator for several days before the final timing check. Written for owners of everyday mechanical watches that have begun to lose overnight reserve or stop during the day.
- Full movement strip-down and ultrasonic cleaning
- Mainspring renewal to calibre specification
- Winding module inspection and reverser wheel service
- Gasket replacement
- Timing report before and after service
- 48-hour power reserve measurement on completion
- 01 Intake timing check; pre-service report generated
- 02 Movement stripped and components ultrasonically cleaned
- 03 Mainspring renewed; parts inspected and worn pieces noted
- 04 Movement rebuilt; lubricants applied by point
- 05 Six-position regulation on timing machine
- 06 Multi-day run on wrist simulator; final timing check
- 07 48-hour power reserve measured and documented; watch returned
Long-Form Heritage Project
An open, slow-paced restoration path for family pieces and older references where several disciplines converge. The workshop begins with an assessment week to understand what the piece needs and what is possible. A written route is then proposed, which may cover movement rebuilding, hand refinishing of the case, dial cleaning through a specialist partner, hand re-luming, and a made-to-measure strap. Every stage is agreed in writing before it proceeds. The owner may stop the project after any completed stage and take the piece home as it stands.
- Assessment week with written report
- Written route proposal for all agreed stages
- Stage photography throughout the project
- All agreed bench work (movement, case, strap)
- Specialist partner coordination for dial work where needed
- Final regulation and timing figures
- Archival record folder on completion
- 01 Assessment week — condition review, written report issued
- 02 Written route proposed and approved by owner
- 03 Each stage confirmed in writing before it begins
- 04 Stage photography sent at each completed stage
- 05 Final regulation; timing figures recorded
- 06 Archival folder assembled; watch returned
Which service fits your watch?
Not every watch needs every service. This table helps you read the match between what the watch is showing and what the workshop can do.
| Situation | Crystal & Crown RM 620 |
Overhaul RM 1,880 |
Heritage RM 4,600 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scratched or cracked crystal | — | ||
| Crown that no longer winds smoothly | — | ||
| Watch stopping overnight or losing reserve | — | ||
| Rotor not winding or slipping | — | ||
| Family heirloom or older vintage reference | — | — | |
| Case scratches and hand refinishing needed | — | — | |
| Archival documentation required | — | — |
Not sure which path applies? Send an enquiry — we will read the situation and advise without obligation.
Standards that apply to all three services
Written agreement before work
No service begins without a written scope approved by the client. Changes to the scope are proposed in writing and approved before they are carried out.
Client data protection
Contact information and watch records are stored securely. They are not shared with any third party outside the direct requirements of the workshop service.
One working day response
Enquiries receive a reply within one working day. Questions during an active service receive the same standard of response.
Moebius lubricants, grade-matched
Where lubrication is part of the scope, Moebius watch lubricants are applied at the grade specified for the movement type, applied by individual point.
Parts measured before sourcing
Crystal apertures are measured before parts are ordered. Replacement mainsprings are matched to the calibre's published specification. Approximations are not used.
Service documentation issued
Every completed service produces a written record of what was done. Overhauls include timing reports. Heritage projects include the full archival folder.
Fixed pricing, written in the scope
The prices below are the starting figures for each service. If the assessment or intake reveals additional requirements, a separate written proposal is issued for approval before that additional work proceeds.
- Crystal (acrylic / mineral / sapphire)
- Crown, tube and gasket
- Case cleaning
- Resistance re-test
- Written specification note
- Full movement strip and clean
- Mainspring renewal
- Gasket replacement
- Timing report (before & after)
- 48-hr power reserve measurement
- Assessment report
- All agreed bench work
- Stage photography
- Dial specialist coordination
- Archival record folder
Bring your piece to the bench
We work by appointment and by enquiry. Contact us to start the conversation — no obligation before the written scope is agreed.
Send an Enquiry