Toolwatch Just Got Better
Remember we introduced you to Toolwatch? An initiative from a few guys who work in the watch industry and decided that it was time for an on-line tool to measure the accuracy of your your watch. In case you missed it, click this article for a more thorough introduction on Toolwatch. In the meanwhile, they have 1500 watches measured!
Measuring the accuracy of your watch
An accurate mechanical watch is not something to think lightly of. Your mechanical watch is a complex piece of work and it is not a given fact that it will keep perfect time. Bumps, shocks and magnetism, it can all influence the accuracy of your watch. Although you will see the Witschi equipment on many watchmaker’s benches, they are simply too expensive to have at home. A Witschi – or similar device – will measure the accuracy of your watch realtime, using different angles (to simulate the position of the wrist). The Toolwatch website is of course not able to do the same, but at least you can measure it over a period of time (minimal 12 hours) and keep track of the accuracy of your watch(es) in this database you create on their website. If something is really wrong, you’d probably noticed it already, but some times you just don’t know whether it is within specifications (like COSC) or that it runs a bit faster or slower than that. Especially if you have more than one watch and change regularly.
Adjusting your watch
The good thing about mechanical watches is that you can have your watch adjusted if it isn’t accurate. Some times – in case of magnetism – you will need to have it demagnetized and it might run spot-on again. In other cases, a watchmaker will need to open up your watch and adjust it to an acceptable level again. Depending on the watch, this can be done by using a Swan neck regulator for example, or by adjusting screws or weights on the balance wheel.
Toolwatch just got better
Ok, so Toolwatch doesn’t adjust your watch, but at least you’ll know exactly if your watch is still doing its job correctly or that it’s time to have it regulated or for a service for your watch in general. It depends on the watch and the brand – or independent watchmaker – what the costs are. If regulating is the only thing that needs to be done, don’t expect a high invoice. If there is more going on, and the watch needs a service and replacement of parts, it can become expensive depending on the age, brand and type of watch. Always make sure to ask this up front.
Toolwatch just got better however, as they improved the measuring system to make it easier to use and the results more precise. It also now gives you the opportunity to share the results with others. On the website, you will now find cool videos and a blog with tips to measure and maintain your watch.
It is also possible to signing-up using your Facebook account, which saves the hassle of having yet another login & password for a website.
And not entirely unimportant, Toolwatch receives a fair share of traffic via mobile devices. Therefore, the website has been updated to perform perfectly on your smartwatch or tablet.
Sign-up today and keep track of the accuracy of your watch(es)!
See the images below for some impressions.
