"Overhauled" means reliable? How to gauge the true condition of a vintage watch
What is important is not the phrase "overhauled," but who assessed the watch's condition and on what basis it was commercialized. You can find more details about this approach in " Why "Who Commercializes" a Vintage Watch Matters."
We sometimes get questions from customers considering vintage watches, such as:
"Is it safe if it's been overhauled?"
Of course, an overhaul is a very important maintenance procedure for a watch.
However, we believe that the condition of a watch cannot be judged solely by the words "overhauled."
Every vintage watch is in a different condition.
That's why what's truly important is not the phrase "overhauled," but whether the necessary treatment has been properly carried out for that specific watch.
You can find more details about Ante's commercialization standards in "Ante's Quality Standards."
No two vintage watches are in the same condition.
Even for the same model,
how it was used,
how it was stored,
and what repairs or maintenance it received.
Its history varies from one watch to another.
Therefore, just because they share the same model number doesn't mean all watches are in the same condition.
We do not feel secure simply because a watch is "overhauled."
We emphasize checking the condition of each individual watch and ensuring that it has received the truly necessary treatment.
Quartz watches are not just about their movements.
Especially for quartz watches, not only the mechanical parts but also the electronic circuit plays a crucial role.
Maintenance such as disassembly, cleaning, and lubrication alone may not ensure that the watch can be used with peace of mind for years to come.
This is because the electronic circuit is a consumable part that gradually deteriorates with years of use.
At Ante, when customers request an overhaul for a quartz model, we generally recommend replacing the circuit with a genuine one.
What we aim for is not just a "working watch" now.
It's a watch that can be used with confidence 10 or even 20 years from now.
Mechanical watches are not "finished" simply by being disassembled.
The same applies to mechanical watches.
Disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly are essential steps to keep a watch in good condition.
However, these alone may not be enough.
If parts related to accuracy and durability, such as the mainspring or gears, are worn, it is important to replace them as needed and restore the watch to a state where it can perform to its original specifications.
On the other hand, some watches in good condition may not require parts replacement.
What is important is not to perform the same procedure on all watches, but to identify the truly necessary treatment for each individual watch.
Ante's definition of "maintenance" and "overhaul"
In the watch industry, the term "overhauled" is widely used.
However, in reality, the content of what that entails often varies among shops and repair workshops.
At Ante,
we define "maintenance" as the process of disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly to bring a watch to proper working order,
while "overhaul" further involves replacing worn or deteriorated parts to restore the watch to its original performance.
Of course, not all watches require parts replacement.
That is why what is truly important is not the term "overhauled," but whether the necessary treatment has been properly carried out for that specific watch.
Ante's Commercialization Standards
At Ante, all watches we sell are commercialized after undergoing maintenance that includes disassembly, inspection, cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly.
If, after checking the condition, we determine that parts replacement is necessary, we replace the required parts and perform an overhaul before displaying the watch in our store.
No two vintage watches are in the same condition.
That's why we don't perform uniform work, but rather optimal maintenance tailored to each individual watch.
For more details on what we consider a "truly good condition vintage watch," please see "What truly constitutes a good condition vintage watch."
What truly makes a good vintage watch?
A vintage watch cannot be described simply by the phrase "overhauled."
The condition of its exterior.
The condition of its interior.
Which parts have been replaced.
And whether it can be used with peace of mind for years to come.
Only by confirming all of these factors can its true value be seen.
What we aim for is not the phrase "overhauled."
It's about performing the truly necessary treatment for each individual watch.
We believe this is what it means to genuinely care for vintage watches.
Ante's Philosophy
The value of a vintage watch is not determined solely by the phrase "serviced."
It's about ensuring that the necessary treatments have been properly performed on the watch, and that it's in a condition where it can be used with peace of mind for years to come.
We aim to prove quality through the true condition of each individual watch.
