5 Most Common Watch Repairs

Even just a simple mechanical watch contain about 130 different components. More complicated watches can contain hundreds of different components. My point here is there is a lot that can go wrong inside a watch that leads to a repair. However, those types of advanced repairs are not that common amongst watch owners. The average watch owner who requests work at a repair shop or jewelry store most often requests a few basic services. Today we present to the 5 most common watch repairs.

The 5 Most Common Watch Repairs

Now that we see what the 5 common watch repairs are, let’s discuss each one a bit in more detail.

Band Replacement

Replacing your watch band, also called the strap or the bracelet, is a routine service that can be done in minutes by a jeweler or watch repair shop. Technically speaking with the right tool like a spring pen, you can often DIY watch band replacement. People change watch bands for various reasons sometimes it’s simply to change the look and feel or style of their watch.

Reasons for Band Replacement

Often, the watch band becomes worn out overtime diminishing the overall look of the watch.  Since it’s the part of the watch that gets rubbed up against your skin it can get infiltrated with dirt, grim, and lotion build up. Additionally a worn out watch band can become a security issue. Having a watch band replacement ensures that your timepiece doesn’t fall off your wrist.

General Band Replacement Costs

Watch band replacement costs will vary based on your choice of materials. Simple rubber and fabric materials are the least expensive ($10+). Leather and rubber are mid priced ($20+), and metals, which vary in grade, will be the most expensive ($50+). There are a lot of 3rd party bands and straps that will likely fit your watch. If you are looking for the exact band from the manufacturer you may need to contact them or visit their store.

Check here for local watch band replacement options.

Resizing

Watch resizing is another routine repair service that can be performed quickly by jewelers and watch repair places. This is the process of measuring your wrist and customizing the fit of the band to your needs. The most common reasons this service is popular is either someone lost or gained significant weight or they inherited a family air loom and want to make it fit.

Reasons for Watch Resizing

Similar to band replacement, resizing is also important so that the watch is secure on your wrist. A watch too loose can fall off. A watch too tight can break the strap. A perfectly fitting timepiece customized to your body also has a nice heir of style and sophistication to it. The process of watch resizing will vary based on the type of band. If ‘s a metal linked watch, you may need links added or removed to change the size. Sometimes it can also be a clasp adjustment or punching a new hole in leather, fabric, or rubber. The type of resizing performed various based on the watch material.

General Resizing Costs

Watch resizing costs, while routine, will vary and may even be free if you take it to the place you purchased it. Sometimes it is covered as well under a protection plan, that you can purchase ($50). Some places will do it on request. It can become pricier for high end watches if you are adding links and they are a high end metal. So for example, if your watch has gold links and you are adding more gold, expect to pay for the price of the gold weight. if you are having any expensive metals removed, make sure you get the material when you leave. That is your metal and it has value to it, don’t let them take it.

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Battery Replacement

Watch battery replacement is recommended every 2 to 3 years. It is an important service too not only keep your watch ticking, but that a working watch is good for the internal mechanics. Watch batteries vary in size and a technician will likely use a chart to determine the type of battery you need. Most likely a small lithium button cell battery.

Reasons for Watch Battery Replacement

The most common reason of course is a watch has completely stopped. A sign a watch battery is dying is that it will start losing time. When you notice this issue, you should replace the battery right away. Dead batteries that sit in your timepiece can leak and cause internal damage. More sophisticated watch owners will change the battery is a matter of routine then necessity.

Battery Replacement Costs

Certain business will replace a watch battery for free if you purchased the timepiece from them. Others charge the cost of  the battery ($10+). For higher end watches expect to pay more for a battery replacement. In most cases a watch battery replacement can be done while you wait.

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Crystal Replacement

Watch crystal replacement is the process of changing out the clear piece on the top of your watch face. This is the functional part that protects the dial and the hands. a scratched or shattered crystal can make any watch unwearable and be a complete eyesore. Minor scratches can often be buffed out, but a shattered crystal needs replacement.

Reasons for Watch Crystal Replacement

Since your watch gets worn on your wrist, the crystal can get banged around and scratched. A shattered crystal can make it impossible to even read the time. If the shatter is deep or hard enough it could damage the watch face and/or hands. A deep scratch on a high end watch completely diminishes the look. It involves taking the watch apart, replacing the crystal, and putting it back together.

Of all the services we have discussed this becomes the most complicated off them. If it is just buffing then disassembly isn’t required. Either way this is often a job that takes at least a day. If the crystal needs replacement, it may even need to be ordered if they don’t have it in stock.

Battery Crystal Replacement Costs

Watch crystal replacement costs can get pricey depending on the material of the crystal. There are typically 3 types of material used plastic ($30+), mineral glass ($50+), and Sapphire ($75). If you have a high end watch like a Cartier or a Breitling you are easily gonna eclipse $150+ on a sapphire crystal replacement.

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Cleaning and Polishing

Watch cleaning and polishing is a routine service that is normally done via drop off and pick up. It is the process of deep cleaning a watch. Many places will use an ultrasonic cleaner and then polish the watch by hand after it is clean. You can also do a good cleaning and polishing on your own. An old vintage or antique watch will only be done by hand for both cleaning and polishing.

Reasons for Watch Cleaning and Polishing

Cleaning and polishing your timepiece should be a part of your regular watch maintenance.  Old vintage watches often look deteriorated over time. The metal can look dull and scratched, and dirt and grim build up in the tiny crevices. Cleaning is often performed in a solution bath under heavy vibration to clear of the dirt even in the hard to reach places. Polishing brings out the shine on the metal. Watch cleaning and polishing can take a beat up watch and make it look brand new again. This type of work generally take a day or two to complete.

Watch Cleaning and Polishing Cost

This will depend on the watch. A Rolex for example can run $100 for a lite clean and polish and just under $300 for a heavy duty job. A lower end watch shouldn’t run you too much ($50 -$75). You can also consider cleaning and polishing your watch at home for the cost of polish and an ultrasonic cleaner.

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Other Common Watch Repair Services

While the top are the 5 most common wristwatch repairs, there are certainly many others. Here are a few that are also common asks:

• Servicing and Maintenance
• Dial Refinishing
• Crown Replacement
• Movement Overhaul
• Antique Watch Restoration

Common Watch Repairs: Authorized vs Unauthorized

Before you let anyone work on your timepiece consider the warranty and the watch technician for a moment.

Most watch warranties state that if anyone aside from an authorized technician of the specific brand works on the watch the warranty is voided. This even includes changing the battery or removing a link on the bracelet. Most of you local jewelers or local watch repair shops are fully capable of completing 90% of your watch repair needs. However they are likely not authorized. That also means they won’t guarantee their work or be able to honor your warranty. This is likely no big deal though if your watch is no longer covered under the warranty.

The only place to get an authorized watch repair is from an authorized service center that your manufacturer has certified. This can be as simple as visiting the store you bought your timepiece from or as complicated as mailing your watch away for a few weeks. To find a list of authorized service centers by brand, click here.

Common Watch Repairs Conclusion

Despite how complicated the internal mechanics of watches are, it turns out the most common repairs requests are very basic. That speaks to how well watch manufacturers craft their timepieces. Also it speaks to how many people have watches and are not collectors. A real watch enthusiast looks at this list and scoffs, to say that’s much too simple and maintenance and servicing should be in the top 5. The truth is the average watch owner doesn’t service their watch…they only come in when there is a problem. Ask any watch repair shop or jeweler and you will see these are the most commonly requested repairs.