Expert: Melvin Mills - 3/9/2009

Question
I own a 15 year old Seiko Chronograph battery operated wrist watch. It looks like new. I have had it cleaned about 3 or 4 times over the years when it stops working and the battery is not the cause. I last cleaned it 3 years ago. Do the internal parts wear out to a point where it is pointless to keep cleaning/fixing it? I bought it for $300 and costs me about $90 for each cleaning. Any recommendations are very much appreciated. I thank you for you kind service, in advance.
Jim

Answer
Jim,

The parts might wear out.  It depends on the watch.  You can ask your watchmaker if he thinks it is worth repairing the next time it needs a servicing.  Ask him how much life it has in it.  He MIGHT be able to get spare parts for it.  15 years is getting up there and parts will be getting scarce.  

Whether it is worth repairing is a personal question that only you can answer.  Sentimental value plays a role in your decision as well.
As long as you feel it is worth fixing, then it is.

Kind regards,

Melvin