Shinola Watch Repair Near Me
Shinola is an American luxury goods company based in Detroit, Michigan. While they do make watches they produce bicycles, leather products, and other goods. Their watches have been around since 2013 and originally were criticized for only producing Quartz movements. Since 2017 they have grown and diversified their timepiece catalog. In this article I will address where to get on fixed, how the warranty impacts a repair, and how the Shinola watch repair near me operates.
Map of Shinola Watch Repair Near Me
For “Shinola Watch Repair Near Me”, see the map below for locations…
Unauthorized Shinola Watch Repair Shops
If you take your Shinola timepiece into any local watch shop, they will be happy to look at and repair it. While that’s a good thing, you should understand that in most circumstances that is an unauthorized repair and could void your warranty. In addition the repair shop likely can’t guarantee their work or provide repairs under warranty coverage.
So why would anyone seek an unauthorized watch repair?
Well, convenience! Local repair shops provide faster turnaround, in person customer service, and save you the effort of mailing in your watch. Thety can also answer all your basic watch repair questions. If your warranty is expired anyway, it may not be a big deal for you to seek an unauthorized repair.
In the case of a battery change, Shinola does allow a unauthorized repair shop, so long as the:
- Work is performed by an experienced and legitimate watch service center
- Work is not performed in a negligent manner.
- Watch is reassembled properly, including replacement of gasket to achieve suitable water-tightness.
Authorized Repairs Are Great, but Take Time…
When you get an authorized Shinola watch repair near me through a service center it can take 4-8 weeks. You will fill out a repair form online and send in your watch for evaluation. They will provide an estimation or let you know if the issue is covered under warranty.
How Long is The Warranty on My Shinola Watch?
Shinola has different warranties for their lines of watches. Watches from the Detrola collection carry a 3-year limited warranty, while all other Shinola timepieces are covered by a limited lifetime warranty. Both of these warranties are actually higher then the average 2 year limited that 90% of all other watch makers provide.
- Quartz Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Automatic Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Detrola and TR90 Resin 3 Year Warranty
As far as the length goes, these are above average warranties. The language in them it is standard though for a watch warranty. You are looking at coverage of craftsmanship and mechanical issues. That means any issues you cause will not be covered.
Another note, where Shinola warranties are a bit better then other watch makers is the ability to get a watch battery replacement without voiding your warranty. As long as you visit a competent shop, even an unauthorized one, a battery change does not void the warranty. The shop should be able to perform an ATM pressure test to ensure that your watch has been properly sealed and remains water resistant.
Shinola Watch Battery Replacement Near Me
Given that many models of Shinola’s are Quartz movements, they are powered by a battery. You should swap out the battery every one to three years. If your battery should die while it’s in the watch it could leak and cause internal damage. The Shinola watch battery replacement near me, will clean a minor leak for a small charge.
The Shinola’s I have seen all use button cell batteries. Technically speaking you can change the batteries on these timepieces fairly easily. With a holder, tweezers, case knife, and a mini screw driver most models can be done at home. Even so, I am not recommending doing that as it would void your warranty.
The best thing to do for a battery swap is either visit a local jeweler or watch repair, or go to the place you bought it. At a jeweler our watch repair you can expect a $10 to $20 charge. If you can go to the place of purchase or a Shinola store, many times the service is free.
If you need to change the brand of the battery, see this battery conversion chart.
If you have a water resistant model, it needs to be sealed and tested. A pro watch shop can do an ATM check to make sure the casing is secure. The Shinola battery replacement near me, will inspect the gasket before they seal the case.
Shinola Crystal Replacement
The crystal in a watch is what folks refer to as the glass. It’s the clear material that covers and protects the watch face. Shinola’s vary in crystal type. Lower end models have plastic and acrylic while a few higher models have sapphire. Each crystal material reacts different to damage. Plastic for example will scratch but difficult to shatter. Sapphire will shatter, but its really hard to scratch.
For crystal repair work I would advise seeking a pro shop. A crystal repair on one of these starts around $50 and goes up based on the type of material. The good part is that parts are available and still manufactured for these. That makes a crystal replacement more affordable and repaired faster.
Replacing the Band or Strap
Band and strap replacements are also straight forward DIY repairs. Most can be accomplished with the use of a spring pen. Shinola replacement bands and straps are affordable and of course vary in price based on the material. Fabric materials cost less and high end metal bracelets cost more. There are 3rd party generic band and straps that fit these timepieces, so you have a lot of options…
Resizing a Band or Strap
Resizing of the band or strap is a common repair request. Whether you just bought the watch or perhaps you have gained or lost weight, its an easy job. Fabric materials can be resized by adding holes. Eventually though you run out of material to work with. Metal bands are resized by adding and removing links.
Resizing can be done at any watch repair or jeweler. Return it to the shop you purchased the watch may get you resized for no cost.
No matter where you go, having a properly fitting watch not only looks better, but prevents damage.
Crown Repair
The crown is the knob that you turn to change the time and/or functions. Crowns can get bent or pushed in. When a crown takes damage often the pin, called the stem, inside that connects to the movement can be damaged as well. Any damage to the crown should be looked at by a pro technician.
Since Shinloa watches have only been around since 2013 finding a replacement crown and stem isn’t hard. The Shinola watch repair near me, actually has a huge amount of replacement parts in stock. This makes the work affordable and quick compared to lets say a vintage watch.
Movement Repairs
The movement is the inside mechanical parts of the watch. It is what makes the watch tick. There are a variety of movements that Shinola uses, early on it was primarily Quartz. Work on a movement needs to be done by a pro. This is much more technical and involves an understanding of the internal mechanics. To keep your movement working and trouble free you should have it serviced regularly.
Work on the movement is on the more expensive end. Most work will start around $100 and go up depending on the model and the issue.
Authorized Shinola Repairs
For an authorized Shinola watch repair near me, you can mail your timepiece to one of their authorized service centers. The process starts by filling out there online form, here. They will review your info and then reach back via email with the instructions on the next steps. They also provide a direct number and email for you to contact them: t +1-844-744-6652 or email CustomerService@Shinola.com
In order to do any authorized repairs you must first register your timepiece. This is how they verify your warranty information. In order to make a claim under warranty the watch must still within the boundary of the purchase date and warranty limit. If your issue is not covered under warranty they can still do the work, but you will be charged.
Authorized Shinola Watch Repairs Near Me
If you are ready to send in your watch to an authorized Shinola watch repair near me, you need to fill it out the online form and register on there site. If you are instructed to mail it in, I would advise the following…
Tips for Sending Away Your Watch to an Authorized Shinola Service Center Near me
- Use an index card to write out the issue, even if you already told them in the online form
- print the online form and include it in your package.
- Estimate the value of the watch and write it on the index card.
- Insure your package for at least the value you estimated.
- Put the watch in sturdy box and wrap it with bubble wrap.
- Follow all information on the Shinola website.
- Contact customer support if you have questions.
Can you Fix a Shinola Watch Yourself?
Yes, these watches are actually not to difficult to do some of your own repair work. Still though, I don’t advise you taking that on yourself. Given that a Shinola watch has one of the better warranties in the business, I would seek authorized repairs.
Other Resources for Shinola Watch Repair Near Me
If after reading this article you are still seeking guidance, try the Shinola community. First I like to contact the Shinola watch repair near me, but I also will check these resources:
- Reddit: Watches [Shinola]
- SingleTrack Luxury Watch Forum
- The Official Shinola Website
- Shinola Customer Service and Inquiries
Best Shinola Watch Models
When you visit the Shinola watch repair near me, the first question they ask is about which model you have. This brand features various models and collections. Here are the top 5 Shinola watch models right now.
- “The Runwell”Leather Strap Watch 41mm
- “The Runwell” Leather Strap 47mm
- The Canfield
- “The Runwell” Chrono Leather Strap watch 47mm
- “The Runwell” Moon Phase Leather Strap Watch 47mm
Shinola Watch Repair Near Me – Conclusion
These watches are mostly American in marketing and now have parts from various parts of Asia. There reliability is yet to be seen as they have not been around for even 10 years. I do really appreciate there generous warranty which is more then most watch manufacturers. Working on these watches isn’t all to difficult and because of that you can find most watch repairs or jewelers will be happy to service you. This is what I have learned from the Shinola watch repair near me.