If you’re looking for a local watch repair shop it’s important to consider where you do business. For newer watches and basic repairs, a local jeweler can handle these types of issues. But what about old vintage watches or luxury high-end timepieces? In this article, I’ll cover everything from finding local watch and jewelry repair shops to sending your watch to an authorized service center. I will also share my experience with the watch repair near me.
Where to Find Watch Repair Near Me
If you are looking for “Watch Repair Near Me”, use the map below to find your locations and directions.
Above is a listing of results in your area of “watch repair near me”. You can also try searching for specific brands, for example, “Rolex repair near me” or “Seiko watch repair services near me”.
This often produces a list of results of local businesses who are available within your proximity who can perform the maintenance. Before you visit one of these local repair shops near you its best to call ahead to ensure they can repair your brand of watch and model number.
If a Local Store Can’t Fix it, What are Your Options?
If a local shop near you isn’t an option or your problem is beyond their skill set, the alternative is an authorized service center. These services are hubs certified by specific manufacturers that the company has deemed allowed to repair their products. Similar to taking a Mercedes to a Mercedes dealership for an oil change as opposed to visiting a Jiffy Lube.
Service centers are great, except they are very impersonal and you will most likely not speak to a person at all in the process. You mail your watch in and they give you an estimate. More on the difference between a local repair shop and a service center below…
Watch Repair Store vs Sending Back to a Service Center
Local Repair
The great part about localized timepiece repair shops is that you can get personal attention. You get to speak with a service repair person and talk about price and issues with the watch. However, jewelry stores and local repair shops are not authorized service centers.
They may in fact be able to fix your timepiece for you, but they will most likely not guarantee the work and cannot provide free service if your repair is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. In fact having an unauthorized person (including yourself) perform repairs on the watch, it voids the warranty.
Authorized Service Center
If your watch is still under warranty often the best solution is to send it to an authorized service center for your manufacturer. They will be able to certify the repairs and guarantee them for a specific amount of time after they are finished.
In addition, if your watch is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty they will fix your watch free of charge. In order to prove warranty rights most places require an original receipt with proof of purchase date, watch model number, and purchase price. High-end watches like a Rolex or a Breitling have a warranty card that comes with the watch which will serve as your proof of purchase.
If you know your watch isn’t covered under warranty or you don’t have the documentation to prove it, it makes more sense to visit a jewelry repair or repair store near you.
Normally a service center doesn’t take phone calls so everything is very impersonal and done through the mail. While they do fantastic work, most people don’t like the process of trusting their prized timepiece in the mail without talking to a human first.
Plus you have to describe the problem in detail on paper which people have a hard time doing. If you are in this category it is helpful to be familiar with the parts of a watch so you can write a better description. There are a few brands like Cartier, that don’t use service centers instead they use their boutiques as the service centers.
Many brands have service centers in the US, Europe, and Asia. Finding the service center closest to you can cut down on the repair time. Check here for Watch Repairs in the UK.
Parts of a Watch for Reference to a Service Center
Below are the basic parts of a watch in case you can’t find a suitable place near you and have to mail your watch in. Use the proper names to describe the problems you having with your timepiece.
If you are looking for a service center for a particular manufacturer you can visit our service center links page, where we have included links to all the major brand’s service center locators.
General Watch Warranties
Different brands have different warranty lengths and a full range of parts covered so whether or not your specific watch is covered will require further research. The most common warranties are “limited warranties” which only cover manufacturer’s defects for 2 to 3 years. Any normal wear and tear are not covered, this includes battery swaps, broken crystals, resizing, damaged crowns, band replacement, movement overhauls, etc.
Most warranties also have a very important clause that constitutes what is authorized repair and what is not. They usually have some language that says any work performed by someone who is not a certified [insert brand name] technician will void your warranty. This is an important clause because essentially for some timepiece manufacturers you can void the warranty by changing the battery yourself.
What Kind of Problems Can a Watch Repair Shop Near Me Fix?
These shops can certainly fix a variety of issues and I have seen them turn a few miracles on old-fashioned time pieces that were deemed hopeless. For the most part though here is what you can expect:
- Battery Replacement: This usually only takes a few minutes and most repair places use only the highest quality batteries.
- Stem and Crown Repair: These are the knobs that stick out that allow you to adjust the time. If they break or get bent it prevents you from adjusting time, date, and other features.
- Band: Offer replacement bands and straps in leather, metal, and synthetics.
- Resizing: Add or remove links to make your watch have a custom fit on your wrist.
- Cleaning and Inspection: A thorough review of your time piece and an expert cleaning to keep your watch running for as long as possible.
- Crystal Repair and Replacement: The crystal is the watch face. You can normally get a crack fixed or replaced if needed.
Some repair shops and jewelers offer customers additional services such as restoration, gasket replacement, and even water resistance tests. The above I have outlined is how the watch repair near me operates.
Most repair services listed above can be done, while you wait, of course it’s truly dependent on how much work your watch may require. It may also depend if the shop has all of the parts and pieces they need for your watch in stock. Repairs on vintage watches become challenging because the parts are no longer manufactured. In these instances, the technician has to look for replacement parts or may need to fabricate parts.
How About Antique Watches?
For antique watches, it’s possible your local jeweler or local watch repair shop can handle it if it’s easy, but more than likely you will need an expert called a horologist. These experts are master craftsmen who have finer tools and advanced knowledge of hundreds of antique brands as well as the history of their internal mechanics.
Parts for your watch most likely no longer exist and the horologist will have to fabricate the parts themselves. If you need to find an expert then asking your local jeweler or watch shop is often a good place to start because they may already outsource to one.
Sometimes antique watches just need a little TLC and oil, but more often than not getting one fixed can be pricey. To find the best restoration services in your area you can search for terms such as antique watch repair near me, antique watch restoration, or vintage watch repair near me.
Worth noting…sometimes getting a vintage watch repaired can decrease it’s value to a collector.
Watch Repair Near Me For Popular Brands
Beitling Watch Repair
Breitling is a Swiss watch brand that has been around since 1884. They make luxury high-end watches best known for precision-made chronometers for aviators and divers. Many models have an automatic winding mechanism that is mechanical and can have regular complications. These watches are very expensive to fix because their movements like the B10 and B20 are produced in-house. Breitling has a 2-year limited warranty. Go here for a Breitling watch repair near me.
Cartier Watch Repair
Cartier is a French luxury product designer of watches and other jewelry. They have been around since 1847 and is now a subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group. This company is regarded as one of the most prestigious jewelry manufactures globally and has a long history of sales to royalty with many Kings of Europe toting their products over the years. These watches are expensive to fix because the movements are produced in-house as well as many of the parts like the case, springs, rotors, dials, hands, glass, etc. Cartier offers a 2-year limited warranty. Go here for a Cartier watch repair near me.
Casio Watch Repair
Casio is a Japanese company that produces mobile phones, musical instruments, digital cameras, mobile phones, and of course watches. They have been around since the mid 1940’s and produced the world’s first calculator. No surprise they are the ones who developed the iconic calculator watch in the 1980s. One of their most popular models of watches is the G shock, which is known for being durable and reliable. Since these products are primarily digital, the most common issues involve moisture in the watch. Casio watches have a 1-year limited warranty. Go here for Casio watch repair near me.
Chopard Watch Repair
Chopard is a luxury manufacturer of Swiss watches since 1860. They are best known for their signature free-floating diamond behind the sapphire crystal. Before 1996 all Their movements were assembled from third-party components. Now they produce their own movements in their factory in Switzerland. These watches are very expensive to fix due to the fact the movements are produced in-house with custom-made parts. Chopard has a 2-year limited warranty and an additional 1 year on authorized repair work. Go here for Chopared repair near me.
Citizen Watch Repair
Citizen is a Japanese watch manufacturer, but it was founded by Swiss and Japanese investors in the 1930s. They are the parent company to the American brand Bulova. Citizen makes mid to low-grade watches with their most popular being the Citizen Eco Drive which features a battery recharged by a solar panel hidden under the watch face. Generally, Citizen watches are pretty affordable to fix and replace. Citizen offers a 5-year limited warranty (one of the longest of all manufacturers). Go here for Citizen watch repair near me.
Fitbit Repair
Fitbit is a newer American company that produces fitness and activity trackers. While they have watch and timekeeping functions, they are primarily used for tracking health data digitally. Many people wear them like a watch and therefore think their repairs are similar. Most watch shops will not work on a Fitbit, you are more likely to get repairs through the manufacturer or at a cell phone or smartwatch repair. Fitbit has a one-year warranty on their products. Go here for Fitbit repair near me.
Fossil Watch Repair
Fossil is an American watchmaker founded in 1984. They make licensed accessories for brands such as like Michael Kors, Skagen, DKNY, Diesel, Armani, Kate Spade, and BMW. Fossil makes mid grade watches and they are known to be affordable, but not always reliable. They use various movement types including quartz, mechanical, and automatic. Repairs on Fossils are reasonably priced. Fossil watches only carry a 1-year warranty. Go here Fossil watch repair near me.
Gucci Watch Repair
Gucci is an Italian designer and is known to be one of the most iconic fashion brands for luxury leather goods and products. They have been around since 1921 and began producing their own watches in the 1970s. Their manufacturer under the name is Gucci Timepieces. While these watches can be expensive to fix because of the Gucci branding, they are not made like that of other luxury watchmakers with the same skill and sophistication. Gucci watches have a 2-year limited warranty. Go here for Gucci watch repair near me.
Invicta Watch Repair
Invicta started as a Swiss watch manufacturer in 1837 but was refounded as an American brand in the early 1990s. Early on they created affordable luxury watches, but now are regarded as mid grade compared to other brands on the market. These timepieces feature various movements that are produced by third parties, which makes them more affordable to repair. Invicta has a 3-year limited warranty on their watches. Go here for an Invicta watch repair near me.
Movado Watch Repair
Movado began as a Swiss watchmaker in 1881, but is now American-owned. The name is Movado means “always in motion”, which you may find ironic if your watch has stopped. The Movado brand is best known for its signature metallic dot or diamond at the 12 and minimalist design style.
While many consider these luxury watches, they fall between luxury and mid grade depending on the model. The company has many licensed brands under them as well including Ebel, Coach, Concord, and ESQ. Various models have different repair costs as the internal component quality varies from piece to piece. Movado maintains a 2 year limited warranty on their watches. Go here for a Movado repair near me.
Omega Watch Repair
Omega is a Swiss luxury watch maker originally founded in 1848, but it didn’t take the name Omega until 1903. The company is a subsidiary of the Swiss Swatch group which includes other bands such as Blancpain, Tissot, and RADO.
Omega watches were the choice of NASA in 1969 for the first moon voyage and are also the watch choice of James Bond, who gave up his Rolex for an Omega in 1995. Omega’s are regarded as mid to high-grade watches depending on the model. These are well-built watches but do require scheduled servicing to maintain them. Omega has a 2-year limited warranty. Go here for an Omega repair near me.
Orient Watch Repair
Orient Watch Co., Ltd. is a Japanese watch manufacturer that was founded in 1950. In 2009, it became a functional subsidiary of Epson. The company’s primary market used to be mechanical watches (self-winding & hand-winding), but now they also produce quartz, light-powered (solar), and radio-controlled models.
Not only does the company produce electronic components for Seiko Epson devices, but it also manufactures its own line of Orient branded watches. Visit here for Orient watch repair.
Panerai Watch Repair
Officine Panerai is an Italian luxury watch manufacturer that designs, manufactures and markets watches through authorized dealers and company-owned stores worldwide. The company was founded by Giovanni Panerai (1825–1897) in Florence Italy. Headline products include the Luminor and Radiomir wristwatches which were worn by frogmen of the Decima Flottiglia MAS naval assault force during World War II operations. Panerai watches are covered by a 2 year warranty. Go here for Panerai watch repair near me.
Philip Stein Watch Repair
Is a newer American watch manufacturer founded in 2002. They are known for making luxury products. Their watches utilize frequency technology and apply the principles of overall well-being with distinctive watch design. according to their Wiki, the technology used is said to “provide information to the biofield that makes the person wearing a Philip Stein watch more resilient and adaptable to stress”. This technology is also what makes them expensive to repair. These sorts of non-traditional functions make it difficult to get a local watch repair. Philip Stein has a 2-year limited warranty on their timepieces. Go here for Philip Stein watch repair near me.
Rado Watch Repair
Rado is a Swiss Luxury watchmaker founded in 1917. In the 1960’s they began producing scratch-resistant watches with sapphire crystals. The movements on these watches are either Quartz or automatic depending on the model. Rado is known for making interesting material choices like ceramic for some of their watches. This potentially makes doing repair work expensive and more difficult to do locally. Rado’s have a 2-year limited warranty. Go here for Rado repairs near me.
Raymond Weil Watch Repair
Raymond Weil is a Swiss Luxury watchmaker founded in 1976. The earliest models featured spring-powered and cog-and-gear mechanical Swiss quartz-powered movements.
As far as luxury goes, this classifies but is marketed towards lower-end luxury buyers. Still, repairs on these can be expensive especially models in the Nabucco collection which have high-tech parts. Raymond Weil watches feature a 2-year limited warranty. Go here for Raymond Weil repairs near me.
Rolex Watch Repair
Rolex is a Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1905. They are one of the most iconic watch brands of all time known for being very pricey. As of June 2019 three of the most expensive watches ever sold at auction are Rolex’s. Rolex mostly produced mechanical watches, but it has also developed quartz movements.
What stands out about these timepieces is that most Swiss watches use 316L grade steel while Rolex also uses a higher grade 904L grade stainless steel. This makes the watch more resistant to corrosion and when polished, leaves a beautiful luster. Repairs on Rolex’s are very expensive as you would expect. The warranty for a Rolex is a 2-year limited. Go here for Rolex repair near me.
Seiko Watch Repair
Seiko is a Japanese watch and electronics manufacturer founded in 1881. They are created to make the world’s first production quartz watch. These are considered mid to low-grade watches. The brand also owns the Pulsar and Lorus brands. Seiko watches are very reliable and affordable to repair. Since many other Japanese watches use Seiko movements, finding parts for a vintage Seiko is one of the easier brands to get replacement pieces for. Seiko has a 3-year limited warranty on their vintage timepieces. Go here for Seiko repair near me.
Swatch Watch Repair
Established in 1983, Swatch is a Swiss watchmaker that specializes in developing creative timepieces. At the time of its inception, competition from battery-powered quartz watches had threatened European watchmakers that relied on producing intricate mechanical watches. Therefore, The Swatch Group created Swatch as a response to what was known as the “quartz crisis.” Go here for Swatch Repair near me.
Tag Heuer Watch Repair
Tag Heuer is a luxury Swiss watchmaker founded in 1860. They didn’t become Tag until 1985. They are best known for chronograph style timepieces. Some of their most popular models include Formula One, Carrera, and Monaco. The Monaco has interesting technology where the movement is belt-driven instead of gears. Tags are considered mid to high-grade watches but carry a luxury price tag. Common issues reported with tags are problems with the chronograph dials related to a buildup of dirt or corrosion. Tag Heuer watches have a 2-year limited warranty. Go here for Tag Heuer watch repair near me.
Timex Watch Repair
Timex is an iconic American watch manufacturer founded in 1854 as the Waterbury Clock company. They became Timex in 1944. These watches are most known for being accurate, affordable, and durable. This plays into the company’s long-time famous slogan “it takes a licking and keeps on ticking”. Their signature series of watches aren’t popular these days, but the brand is well known and now makes only water-resistant timepieces. Repairs on a Timex are reasonably priced and parts are readily available on the market. Times watches have a limited 1-year warranty. Go here for a Timex repair near me.
Tissot Watch Repair
Tissot is a Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1853. They are part of the Swiss Swatch Group which includes Blancpain, Omega, and RADO. The company manufactured the first mass-produced pocket watch. they are regarded as mid to high-end luxury watches. Some of the new technology makes them expensive to repair as some models have touch-sensitive sapphire crystals to control various functions like compass, barometer, and thermometer. Tissot’s feature a 2-year limited warranty. Go here for Tissot watch repair near me.
Tourneau Watch Repair
Tourneau is the largest authorized retailer of timepieces in the US. They carry 8000 models from over 100 luxury brands. The company was founded in 1900. While they sell watches from other manufacturers, they once had their own line of timepieces. These watches were trying to be luxury watches, but fall in the mid-grade category. Tourneau watches carry a 5-year limited warranty. Go here for Tourneau watch repair near me.
Wenger Watch Repair
Wenger is a Swiss watchmaker dating back to 1893 and one of the two companies that have produced Swiss Army knives. They build watches that are meant to be affordable, durable, functional, and tough. These are some of the best-constructed watches you will find. The watches they produce are known for their bright red square with the Swiss cross in white in the middle. Repairs on these are reasonably priced if you can even break one. Wenger has a 3-year limited warranty on its watches. Go here for Wenger watch repair near me.
Importance of Professional Watch Repair
When it comes to maintaining the functionality and aesthetics of a timepiece, the value of professional expertise cannot be overstated. Engaging in professional watch repairs ensures that your precious timepieces are handled with utmost precision and care. The team of experts in a professional watch repair service typically possesses extensive knowledge and skills, ensuring that every component of the watch is treated with the attention it deserves.
On the other hand, opting for DIY repair, especially for intricate devices like watches, comes with its own set of risks. The internal mechanisms of watches, particularly pocket watches, are complex and delicate. A simple mistake, such as improper watch battery replacement or mishandling of tiny, intricate parts, can lead to further damage, sometimes even irreparable.
Let’s consider a case study to illustrate this point: A customer attempted to replace watch batteries on their own, only to accidentally damage the internal mechanism of their valuable Patek Philippe watch. Had they opted for professional watch repair services, this mishap could have been avoided, ensuring the longevity and functionality of the watch.
In another instance, a vintage watch undergoing watch restoration by a professional team not only had its functionality restored but also its aesthetic value, enhancing its vintage charm and value. DIY attempts at restoration might lack the nuanced craftsmanship offered by professionals, potentially diminishing the watch’s value and appeal.
In summary, while DIY repair might seem like a quick fix, professional watch repair services safeguard against risks, ensuring that your timepieces receive the meticulous care they warrant. Always consider reaching out to experts who offer free estimates to understand the scope and cost of the needed repairs and restoration before proceeding.
Watch Repair Near Me – How to Choose
My best advice would be to start locally and go from there. If you are in a major city or populated area then you should find a nice variety of jewelers, watchmakers, and repair shops in your area. For those in less populated areas, your local jeweler is a good place to inquire. Even if they can’t fix your watch themselves, there is a good chance they outsource or can provide you with a list of contacts that you can try.
To find Watch Repair Near Me, you can try Yelp or Google Maps. You can type in Watch Repair or Watch Repair Near Me to get a list of results within your proximity.
To choose the best place near you it’s best to call around. You want to find a place that is certified and has experience in fixing your brand of watch. If you the place often services high end luxury watches they may be able to provide you with photos or their previous repair work. Also, you may want to visit their website and read exceptional customer service testimonials.
Can My Local Jeweler Near Me Fix Watches
Your local jeweler can fix the most common watch issues. If it is a quartz watch then definitely yes. First, they will check the battery, then check to see if components are defective, and last see if any cables or circuits have come loose. Some jewelers have a diagnostic machine that can tell you exactly what’s wrong with an electronic watch. If it’s the quartz, then they will just replace it. It’s much cheaper to replace a quartz watch than anything else.
For a mechanical watch, things get dicey. Some old antique watches just need a little TLC like oil and cleaning, but when it comes to mechanical issues it’s much harder. This is because your local jeweler can’t order parts. In addition, they are not master craftsmen who can fabricate the parts you need. An expert watch builder will make you the parts from scratch.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Watch Repair Near Me
This will vary depending on your issue, brand, parts availability, etc. A digital quartz watch is most likely cheaper to repair than an old-fashioned watch. Most places that can repair your watch should be able to give you a quote before performing any work.
No repair on a truly high-end watch is going to cost you less than $1000. Often the more expensive the watch the more expensive the repair.
A few examples: For low to medium-end watches battery replacement is only about $8 to $10 higher-end watches could go as much as $50. Band replacement can be as low as $20 for a simple leather band, but a platinum band could run you $500. Crystal replacement can be between $30 and $50 for acrylic and $80 to $15 for sapphire.
Will I Be Charged if it Can’t Be Fixed
Most repair stores will not attempt to fix your watch unless they know they can fix it. Otherwise, they will be upfront with you. If you are still willing to pay them for their time regardless of the result then it’s worth asking if they can take the watch apart and look at it anyway.
If you send your watch to an authorized service center they will even contact you via mail or email with an estimate. You can then choose to proceed with all or some of the repairs or opt to have your watch returned to you. If your watch is covered under the manufacturer’s warranty and it’s a manufacturer defect, there will be no charge.
Most Common Issues With Wrist Watches
Watches are pretty delicate items and people tend to be rough on them, like playing racquetball with your $10,000 Rolex on. Activities like this usually lead to drops of the watch or worse getting stepped on. Other things people do with high-end watches on are mechanical work on cars or washing dishes and running a non-water resistant watch under a faucet.
Watches while small, are complicated little instruments containing as many as 300 to 500 moving parts. If your watch bangs into something it is going to set the tiny pieces inside ajar.
Watch repair shops and jewelers mostly deal with these most commonly requested repairs:
- Battery replacement
- Watch resizing
- crystal replacement
- Band or strap replacement
- Crown and stem repair
- Cleaning and servicing
Basic Timepiece Care and Maintenance
If you want to keep your timepiece looking sharp you have to take care of it. Here are a few things to do if you want your watch to stay shiny:
- Take off your watch when you apply lotion
- Take it off when you sleep
- Wipe it down once per week with a soft towel
- If its water-resistant use an old toothbrush and warm water
For more detailed advice on keeping your timepiece looking fresh, there is a great resource here on how to clean your watch.
Can I Get Tools to Repair a Watch Myself
If you have decided your pursuit of watch repair near me is not for you and you want to DIY your repair…have at it. You can get tools on Amazon, but my best advice would be to let the professionals do their jobs. Of course for some watches battery replacement is fairly straightforward, but when you open it you risk damaging it.
In addition, you risk getting dust and dirt in it which can greatly affect the mechanics. Other than wiping it down, you should consult a pro; they know what they are doing and they work in extremely clean and tidy environments.
If you try to DIY a fix you can end up costing yourself more money. Once an authorized service center sees a botched job they no longer need to respect any warranties and can charge you full price.
If you have a water-resistant watch that is not a job you should do on your own. When you open up the back of the watch you break the factory seal. A pro watch technician will be able to reseal your watch correctly after the work is performed and then give it a proper water resistance test to check it.
Where to Find Watch Repair Tools
While it’s not advisable to work on your prized timepiece yourself, you can find a variety of watch repair tools on Amazon. Many of these tools while similar are not of the same quality your local repair shop near you would use. They most likely have higher-end tools with much finer precision. With that being said though Amazon is a good place to start for inexpensive watch tools.
Your best bet for the best results is to search for watch repair near me on Google or Yelp and drop off your watch to a pro.
Who Buys Watches Near Me
if perhaps you don’t want to deal with repair work, you may be able to sell a broken watch. Pawn shops, jewelers, and watch repair shops purchase broken timepieces. A repair shop might be looking for replacement parts, but pawn shops and jewelers have a different agenda.
A pawn shop or a jeweler will buy a broken watch well below the appraisal value, fix it, and then sell it. Sometimes they will sell it in their shop, but for the right luxury timepiece, they may take it to auction. There is also plenty of options to sell your watch online on classified sites for collectors. Click here to find places who buy watches near me.
Watch Repair Near Me Conclusion
Taking care of your watch before you have problems is important. Getting it serviced, polishing it, and replacing the battery before it dies will help keep your watch in great condition. There are many local options for getting it repaired and you could consider DIY for repairs or some basic fixes. Just know that in most cases any unauthorized repairs will likely void the warranty on most brands. This is what I have learned from the watch repair near me.
Our mission is to help people find local watch repair shops and authorized service centers. As avid collectors we understand how to find trustworthy services that can keep your precious timepiece both functional and beautiful. 
