Watches

The master watchmaker's top tips for maintaining your watch in peak condition

We had the opportunity to talk to one of Sweden's most reputable watchmakers about the importance of regular watch service, the best tips regarding watch care and about a unique watch from the 1976 Summer Olympics.

text: joakim rönnqvist
foto: Urservice i Norr

Published 2024-08-20

To obtain a master's degree in watchmaking requires exceptional experience and professional skill. In Sweden, there are few who can boast having such a diploma on the wall. Ingemar Forsberg, owner of Urservice in Norr, is one of them.

We met Ingemar in his watchmaking workshop in central Skellefteå to learn more about the profession and how best to take care of your beloved watch.

Master Watchmaker Ingemar Forsberg, Urservice i Norr.

Tell us about your journey as a watchmaker. How did you start?

– I've always been fascinated by fine mechanics and technical solutions, so when it came time to choose a career path, the decision was clear—it had to be something in that field. I pursued a micromechanical track, which offered several specialisations at the time, but I was particularly drawn to further training in the world of watches.

What makes watchmaking so exciting?

– Even after more than 25 years as a professional, I still encounter new challenges that keep the work inspiring. What makes the job truly exciting is the problem-solving aspect—figuring out why a watch behaves a certain way, with each issue presenting its own unique puzzle.

Deep concentration is required when all the small parts are to be assembled.

What does a typical day look like as a watchmaker?

– A typical day always starts with a good cup of coffee - only then can I really start the day. My day always starts with planning what I want to get done and then I work methodically based on that plan. Calm and methodical. I am a structured person who needs order to function best. Today I am going to service a Rolex GMT-master 2.

Order and precision as the first watch of the day, a Rolex GMT-Master II, is set to be serviced.

Can you explain the steps in a watch service and why it is important to service your watch regularly? How often should you service your watch?

– Simply put, the entire watch is disassembled, with each part carefully taken apart. The components are cleaned in a cleaning bath, and then reassembled while checking functionality, applying fresh oil and grease, and fine-tuning the movement's accuracy. The movement is then placed back into the case, new gaskets are installed, and finally, the watch's water resistance is tested through a pressure test.

"Just like a car, it's essential to service your watch regularly to maintain it in optimal condition."

– Just like a car, it's essential to service your watch regularly to maintain it in optimal condition. The oils within the movement have a limited lifespan, and once they no longer lubricate effectively, the movement is exposed to unnecessary friction and wear. The watch's gaskets also age and lose their seal, which can allow moisture to seep in and cause rust damage. Service intervals vary depending on the model and brand, but they typically range from 5 to 8 years.

An Omega Speedmaster ready to be assembled.

What signs should watch owners look out for that indicate it's time for service?
– If the watch no longer keeps time like before or if the power reserve (for automatic watches) is less, this is a sign that the watch needs service. However, I recommend that you service the watch regularly before it starts to go bad, to avoid damage to the movement.

An IWC chronograph in for a service.

Do you have any tips and tricks to keep a watch in the best condition possible?

– Service the watch regularly and avoid exposing it to high heat, chemicals or magnetic fields. For example, swimming in a chlorinated pool and then taking a sauna with the watch on is not recommended.

Read more: How to take care of your quality watch

Don't forget to pressure test your watch before the summer swimming season!

You must have seen thousands of watches over the years. Is there any watches in particular that stand out?

– Yes, there are many watches that stand out for various reasons. One of the most memorable (and perhaps also the ugliest) watches I've encountered is the Omega Chrono Quartz, a special edition released for the Munich Summer Olympics in 1976. It was rectangular and resembled a scoreboard—an incredibly unusual watch that definitely grabs attention!

If you could only choose one watch to wear, which would it be and why?

– Provided the opportunity, I would choose a Patek Philippe Grand Complications 5520RG from their 2024 editions. It is incredibly beautiful and I would love to wear it. Patek Philippe stands for top class quality and I really love that model. For more casual wear, I've always liked the Omega Speedmaster, especially their "Dark Side of the Moon" series, which is really cool!

We thank Ingemar for the tour and chat!