Originally Posted by
walkerwek1958
Glad to hear you're happy with your choice, and buying new is a nice experience.
As for allowing the watch to run down, I really can`t see it making any difference. However, I`m convinced that a watch worn only sparingly (say 2-3 months/year) doesn`t need servicing as frequently. Conventional repair wisdom states otherwise, but I speak as I find. I`ve had watches with ETA 2892 movements sent to me for service after 7-8 years and they've been running badly, definitely in need of service. Contrast that with my own Speedy reduced (ETA 2892-based movement with chrono module), acquired new by me in 2004, worn sparingly over the years, which is still running perfectly with good amplitude and timekeeping. I can`t see any evidence that it requires servicing but I`ll give it a once-over when I get the time. I think modern synthetic lubricants help; if the watch isn`t running the lubricant films don`t seem to deteriorate but if the watch is running they do. In the past, mineral-based lubricants tended to age and become sticky, even if the watch wasn`t used.
My advice with this one is to wear it as you please. If the timekeeping deteriorates significantly after 6-7 years of regular use it's worth having it checked on a timegrapher. That'll show whether the amplitude's fallen, that's the best indicator of the need to service a watch. Personally I wouldn`t leave it longer than 9-10 years if it's worn fairly frequently.
The Air King will feel small by comparison! I have several 34mm watches which I really like, but swapping from 34mm to 40mm does feel strange at first.
Paul
Paul