Triple date watch servicing
What is a triple date? A triple date (also called full calendar) is a mechanical complication that displays the day of the week, date of the month and month, often paired with a moonphase. These displays require additional gearing and intricate levers, making triple-date movements more complex and delicate than simple time-only calibres.
Why specialist servicing matters
Complexity and sensitivity: The calendar mechanisms include delicate springs, finger levers and tiny cams. Incorrect handling can bend parts, cause misalignment or damage the calendar jumper, leading to incorrect switching or stuck indicators.
Age and wear: Many triple-date watches are vintage and use materials that have fatigued or corroded over decades. Components such as calendar discs, date rings, and small screws are prone to wear and require careful assessment.
Interdependent adjustments: Setting and testing the calendar functions requires a specific sequence to avoid damaging the movement—especially around the midnight changeover and during month-end adjustments.
What our triple-date service includes
Full movement inspection: Complete assessment of calibre condition, wear on calendar components, mainspring condition, and case seals.
Disassembly and ultrasonics: Careful strip-down of the movement and calendar module. Ultrasonic cleaning of parts to remove old oil, dust and oxidation.
Component overhaul or replacement: Inspection of levers, springs, cams, date wheels and moonphase components. We source or manufacture replacement parts where required and feasible.
Precision lubrication: Application of specialised oils and greases only at specified contact points for reliable calendar actuation and reduced long-term wear.
Reassembly and regulation: Accurate assembly, beat adjustment and timing to ensure reliable timekeeping across the full power reserve.
Calendar sequencing and testing: Controlled testing of day, date and month switching over multiple 24‑hour cycles, including checks for correct jump at midnight and proper behaviour through month-end transitions (28/29/30/31-day changeover).
Case and crystal attention: Inspection and replacement of gaskets, pressure testing for water resistance where applicable, crystal replacement or polish as required.
Final quality control: Multi-point inspection to confirm smooth crown operation, correct calendar setting sequence and overall performance.
Typical service times and costs
Service time: Triple-date services take longer than standard servicing due to the extra complexity. Expect an estimated turnaround of 4–8 weeks depending on parts availability and condition.
Cost factors: Final price depends on movement make/model, condition, need for new calendar parts, and whether the moonphase requires restoration. A detailed estimate is provided after inspection.
Care advice for owners
Avoid setting the calendar between 9pm and 3am: Many calendar mechanisms are engaged during this interval; forcing changes can break levers or springs.
Use the crown and correctors gently: Never force a stuck hand or disc; stop and consult a specialist.
Regular servicing interval: For reliable operation, we recommend a full service every 4–6 years for vintage triple-date watches, sooner if you notice irregularities.
Storage and wear: Keep watches in a stable environment (avoid extreme humidity or magnetic sources). Regular wear helps keep lubricants distributed; if unused for long periods, wind and run the watch monthly.
Why choose fromrusttowrist
Specialist experience with vintage calendar movements and moonphase mechanisms.
Combination of conservation-minded restoration and functional reliability.
Transparent reporting and itemised estimates after inspection.
To arrange a service, send a brief description of the watch (brand, movement if known, photos of dial and caseback) and we will advise next steps.
