Luxury watches like Baume & Mercier aren’t just timepieces—they’re precision-engineered instruments, deeply personal heirlooms, and often, lifelong companions. When you’ve invested in a fine mechanical or automatic watch, keeping it in excellent working order isn’t optional—it’s essential.
If you’re in Atlanta and wear your Baume & Mercier regularly, understanding the signs that it’s due for a full overhaul can prevent costly repairs down the road. But how can you tell when your watch needs more than just a quick fix?
In this guide, we’ll walk through the key symptoms to watch for, what a full overhaul actually involves, and how to find the right watchmaker near you for trustworthy service.
Why Full Overhauls Matter for Luxury Watches
A full overhaul—also called a complete service—isn’t just a cosmetic refresh. It’s an in-depth mechanical tune-up that restores your watch’s inner workings to factory-level performance. During this process, the movement is disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, adjusted, and reassembled to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Why is this important? Mechanical watches, no matter how well-made, experience natural wear and tear. Oils dry out. Tiny gears lose alignment. Even slight deviations can reduce performance, accuracy, and lifespan. An overhaul essentially hits the reset button—extending the life of your Baume & Mercier and keeping it running like new.
If your watch hasn’t been serviced in several years, skipping an overhaul could lead to internal damage and steeper costs later. Its About Time Inc. recommends regular checkups and full services to protect your investment and ensure precision.
Top Signs Your Baume & Mercier Needs a Full Overhaul
Your Baume & Mercier likely won’t shout for help—but it will whisper. Pay attention to these common signs that your watch needs a full overhaul:
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Inconsistent Timekeeping: Losing or gaining several minutes per day? That’s more than just annoying—it’s a sign the movement isn’t regulating properly.
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Moisture Under the Crystal: Even a tiny bit of condensation inside the dial indicates compromised water resistance. This should be addressed immediately.
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Difficulty Winding or Setting: If the crown feels stiff, gritty, or stuck, the internal components may be dry or gummed up with old oil.
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Shortened Power Reserve: If your automatic watch stops running after only a few hours off the wrist, it’s likely due for a full clean and lubrication.
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Service Overdue: Most manufacturers, including Baume & Mercier, recommend servicing every 4–6 years. If it’s been longer, it’s time.
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Strange Noises or Ticking: Clicking, scraping, or louder-than-usual ticking often means something’s loose or misaligned inside.
If you’re in the Atlanta area and experiencing any of these symptoms, a professional evaluation is your next step. Trusted specialists like Its About Time Inc. in Atlanta offer full diagnostics and service for Baume & Mercier models.
How Long Between Overhauls? Understanding Service Intervals
While the typical Baume & Mercier mechanical watch should be overhauled every 4 to 6 years, your wear habits, environment, and usage style can shift that timeline.
Frequent wear, exposure to humidity, or physical shocks can increase the need for servicing. Conversely, a watch stored safely and worn occasionally may last a little longer between overhauls.
Still, time is a factor regardless of use. Oils inside the movement degrade and lose viscosity even when the watch is idle. That’s why sticking to the service interval is smart, not just reactive.
Can’t remember your last service date? If it’s been more than six years—or if you bought your watch pre-owned without service records—it’s safest to assume an overhaul is due.
The Overhaul Process: What to Expect
So, what actually happens during a Baume & Mercier overhaul?
Here’s a high-level overview of the process professionals follow at a reputable service center like Its About Time’s workshop:
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Initial Inspection & Diagnosis: The watchmaker checks accuracy, power reserve, seals, and external condition.
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Disassembly: The movement is completely taken apart and every component is inspected under magnification.
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Ultrasonic Cleaning: Parts are cleaned in specialized machines that remove all old lubricants and debris.
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Replacement & Lubrication: Worn parts are replaced, and new synthetic lubricants are applied to minimize friction.
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Reassembly & Timing: The movement is reassembled and adjusted for accuracy using professional timing machines.
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Pressure Testing: If the model is water-resistant, pressure tests confirm integrity.
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Final Quality Control: A full inspection ensures the watch looks and performs like it just left the factory.
Turnaround time for a full overhaul can range from 2 to 6 weeks depending on complexity and parts availability. To get started, you can submit your watch using this secure repair form.
Ready to restore your timepiece with precision and care? Our experienced technicians handle everything from simple tune-ups to full mechanical overhauls. Let us bring your watch back to life.
Choosing the Right Watch Repair Professional in Atlanta
Your Baume & Mercier deserves expert hands—not just anyone with a loupe and screwdriver. Choosing a certified or highly experienced watchmaker ensures your timepiece gets the careful, detailed service it needs.
Its About Time Inc. in Atlanta has decades of experience servicing Swiss brands like Baume & Mercier. Their workshop is staffed with technicians trained to handle intricate mechanical repairs and vintage models alike.
Better still, their location in the Atlanta metro makes in-person drop-offs easy. You’ll benefit from faster service and direct communication—something you won’t get from shipping your watch to a generic national chain.
What Happens If You Delay a Needed Overhaul?
It’s tempting to put off watch maintenance, especially when your Baume & Mercier still seems to run. But doing so can have serious consequences:
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Increased Wear: Old oil causes metal-on-metal friction, wearing out critical parts prematurely.
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Water Damage Risk: Worn seals increase the chance of moisture ingress, especially in humid places like Atlanta.
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Higher Repair Costs: Replacing a worn rotor or gear is far more expensive than routine cleaning.
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Loss of Value: Collectors and resellers place high value on properly maintained watches with service records.
The cost of an overhaul is far less than the cost of replacing a movement—or losing a beloved timepiece to irreversible damage.
Get Started: Trusted Baume & Mercier Service in Atlanta
If your watch is showing signs of distress—or if it’s simply time based on the service interval—don’t wait. Book a professional evaluation with Atlanta’s most trusted watch specialists.
You can contact the team directly or learn more about their repair process via their dedicated repair workshop page. For a no-hassle start, use this online repair form to send in your watch securely.
Baume & Mercier watches are elegant, enduring pieces. With the right care, they’ll serve you beautifully for generations.
Conclusion
Knowing when your Baume & Mercier needs a full overhaul isn’t just about spotting problems—it’s about preserving value, performance, and legacy. Whether you’ve owned your watch for a decade or just picked up a pre-owned piece in Atlanta, staying on top of service is one of the best things you can do.
Listen to your watch. And when it’s time, trust a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baume & Mercier Watch Overhauls
How much does a full overhaul typically cost for a Baume & Mercier watch?
The cost can vary based on the model, age, and any needed part replacements. On average, you can expect to pay between $400 and $800 for a full overhaul. High-complication or vintage models may cost more.
How long does a complete service usually take?
Most overhauls are completed within 3 to 6 weeks. This timeframe allows for disassembly, cleaning, part sourcing (if needed), reassembly, regulation, and final quality checks.
Can I continue wearing my watch if it’s showing minor issues?
It’s not recommended. Small problems like inconsistent timekeeping or a stiff crown often point to deeper internal wear. Continuing to wear the watch could cause additional damage and increase repair costs.
Is water resistance restored during the overhaul?
Yes. As part of the service, seals and gaskets are replaced, and the watch is tested to ensure proper water resistance. However, this depends on the model and condition of the case.
Do quartz Baume & Mercier watches need overhauls too?
Quartz models don’t require full overhauls as often as mechanical ones, but they do benefit from occasional servicing—especially if the movement shows signs of malfunction or battery leakage.
Can I send in my watch from outside Atlanta?
Yes. Although this article is focused on Atlanta-area services, many professional watchmakers accept nationwide mail-ins. Just be sure to use insured shipping and consult with the repair team beforehand for instructions.
Will servicing affect the value of my watch?
When done by experienced professionals using authentic parts, servicing typically enhances the value of a watch. Be sure to keep records of all maintenance and repairs for future resale or insurance purposes.
