FUNCTIONAL CHECK SERVICE

Over time, everyday factors such as magnetic fields, shocks, or humidity can subtly affect the precision of a mechanical or automatic watch. Performing a functional check is a simple yet essential way to safeguard the efficiency and longevity of your timepiece. By assessing magnetism, accuracy, and water-resistance, this check ensures that your watch continues to operate exactly as intended - to preserve its reliability over time.

The functional check begins with a careful visual inspection to ensure that no external component - such as the crystal, crown, pushers, hands, dial, strap or clasp - is missing or damaged, as such irregularities could impact the results. Once this initial verification is complete, we proceed with three essential tests:

- a magnetism test

- an accuracy test

- a final water-resistance test

Should any of these steps prove unsuccessful, your timepiece will be entrusted to our technical service center for further analysis. To estimate the price of this service, we invite you to consult our Service Price Calculator. Please note that service costs may vary depending on the condition of the timepiece and the nature of its use.

Since 2019, Jaeger-LeCoultre has collaborated with Witschi to develop a truly groundbreaking device. Much like the revolutionary Millionomètre of the 19th century, the WAIO machine marks a new milestone in watchmaking innovation. It is the only instrument capable of conducting magnetism, accuracy, and water-resistance tests in a single, seamless operation - completed in under fifteen minutes.

Almost all watches can be tested on this machine*.

*Except watches equipped with the caliber 101, the Gyrotourbillon and the Spherotourbillon.

Exposure to magnetic fields can interfere with the normal operation of your watch, whether mechanical or automatic. This is why regular functional checks are essential. A dedicated magnetism test allows our watchmakers to detect even minimal magnetic interference and restore the movement to its optimal state when necessary. By ensuring that your timepiece remains free from magnetic disturbance, the functional check helps preserve the precision expected in a Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece.

In everyday life, low-intensity magnetic fields are commonly encountered through objects such as smartphones, laptop computers, or wireless chargers. While discreet, repeated exposure to these sources may cause slight timing disturbances.

Stronger magnetic fields, found for example near loudspeakers, magnetic clasps, induction cooktops, or certain electronic equipment, can have a more pronounced impact on the movement. By affecting the balance spring - a key component regulating the watch’s rate - such exposure may lead to significant inaccuracies, or in extreme cases, cause the watch to stop entirely.

The accuracy of a mechanical or automatic watch refers to its ability to keep time consistently, in accordance with the standards of high watchmaking.

Because a mechanical movement is powered by a balance wheel and a hairspring - both sensitive, finely calibrated components - its precision can naturally vary within a certain range. In everyday conditions, factors such as changes in temperature, variations in wrist movement, or the position in which the watch is left at rest may subtly influence its rate. These slight deviations are normal for mechanical timepieces and do not indicate a malfunction.

However, a more pronounced loss or gain of time may suggest that the movement requires adjustment or servicing. Regular accuracy checks help ensure that your watch remains perfectly aligned with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s standards of precision and long-lasting reliability.

Water-resistance is not a permanent condition. The seals that ensure it may dry out over time due to repeated temperature variations. As they lose elasticity, they can also be affected by chemical substances such as cleaning agents, cosmetics, or perfumes.

It is therefore essential to have your watch checked regularly, particularly before exposing it to prolonged or repeated immersion in water. Should you notice condensation inside the case, or if the watch has accidentally come into contact with water, we recommend having it inspected as soon as possible to prevent any corrosion of its components.