Watch Restoration Near Me

Restoring a watch is much like restoring a classic automobile. It requires technical knowledge, fine mechanics, and an understanding of how modifications impact the value. Below I’ll help you evaluate restoration services, the questions to ask, and understand what impacts value. I’ll also share my experience with the watch restoration near me.

Map of Watch Restoration Near Me

If you need “Watch Restoration Near Me”, see the map below for locations…

Whether you have a vintage wrist watch or a classic pocket watch, getting it restored has its pros and cons. There is a lot to consider around value and the timepiece’s condition and age certainly come into play. A good watch restoration service will know how their work impacts the watch repairs value in the eyes of a collector. So let’s dive in on how to find the best watch restoration near you…

Finding the Best Watch Restoration Near Me

Researching several shops both in and out of state is always a good idea. You can call several and get quotes. I find that it’s best to find a shop that has experience with your brand. For certain brands like Rolex for example, you may want to consider contacting their authorized service center to get a quote also.

Be ready to describe the timepiece. They will ask about brand, model, age, condition, materials, modifications, etc. Taking pictures ahead of time will also help you get better direction and quotes from the shop. If you have any paperwork for the watch, like service records, those documents can also be helpful.

Ask to See their Past Work

When you evaluate watch restoration services you will want to see their past work. Ask them to provide you with before and after photos of the watches they have restored. Preferably watches that are of your same brand or of similar condition. The other thing you should ask about is their education in watchmaking. While education doesn’t trump experience, It may be worthwhile to check.

Ask How the Watch Value Will Change if Restored

One of the most important considerations, when restoring a watch is how the value is impacted. Some folks think that a restored watch is worth more than one that doesn’t work. That isn’t always true in the eyes of a collector. If a watch restoration shop polishes your watch, fabricates parts to get it working, or replaces parts using off-brand pieces…it will drop the value. If you are not sure, you can also consider getting a watch appraisal before you restore it.

At the watch restoration near me, they say less is more. You want to be conservative with repairs in a restoration, this is a resto, not a makeover. Any good restoration service should tell you the risks of each fix or change they can make.

Inquire Within the Watch Community

Asking watch collectors about their experience with restoration and repair services is also a smart approach. Almost every major watch brand has a forum where you can post questions to the community. Some will have opinions about restoration shops and others will offer opinions on what to restore and what not to restore. I find the best approach to these folks is to be honest. If you don’t know anything about watches then state that upfront.

Consider All Options Even Non Local…

Small towns may have limited options for restoration work. You may need to think about mailing your watch to a restoration shop out of state. It really depends on where you live. If you decide on an out-of-town repair shop, then you will want to insure your package for the value of the watch when you mail it.

Sometimes a good place to start is your local jeweler. If your watch is old enough, they shouldn’t take it anyway, it’s too much risk. You can go to them for advice. They may be able to direct you to the right restoration shop to meet your needs.

Before You Restore an Old Watch…

Before you have any resto work done, you must understand the value. That is the value before the changes and the estimated value after. Some work you may want done will actually decrease the value.

Working Watches Aren’t Always Best

To a collector, a working watch may be less valuable. It depends on what was done to get the timepiece in working condition. If for example new parts needed to be added to a century-old watch, it would be worth less. At the end of the day though it is your watch and you decide what is best!

Cleaned, but Not Polished

Wear and tear on a vintage watch is normal. In fact, to some it is preferred. Old antique watches have back stories and character, polishing sometimes removes that.

When you seek a used watch repair or restoration near me, consider asking about cleaning vs polishing. Cleaning is almost always fine, polishing may devalue it. If you drop off your watch and say nothing, they may polish it without your consent.

What Do You Value: A Working Watch or Original Parts

When you set out to do a restoration you need to consider what you are ok with. Do you want the watch to remain original? Do you want the watch modified? Are you ok with fabricated parts? Are you OK if they use parts from the same time period of different manufacturers?

To really keep the value and quality of an antique watch, it must remain original. That means any secondary parts must come from the same watch and/or the same brand. Even fabricated parts are frowned upon.

You must be very clear and upfront about what you want. Any good watch restoration service should ask you but don’t assume you’re on the same page if they don’t ask.

Don’t Touch the Bezel And Anything That Touches It…

The bezel is the character of the watch. Changing this would devalue the watch the most. Anything that touches the bezel like the crown, band, and face should also remain intact. Parts to consider swapping out should be mechanical parts inside. Once you start changing the look and feel of movement, you are reducing value.

Getting a Watch Restoration Right Takes Time

The older your watch is, the longer the restoration will take. Parts for antique timepieces are not manufactured any longer. That means a shop has to do something in order to restore the watch. There are typically three choices:

1. Fabricate parts (fastest turnaround and decrease value)
2. Find replacement parts from the same time period (medium turnaround and medium value decrease)
3. Find replacement original parts (longest turnaround time and least value decrease)

The Importance of Certified Watchmakers

In today’s world, where timepieces range from simple pocket watches to intricate omega models, the art of watch repair has never been more crucial. When your cherished family heirloom or a valuable piece from a renowned jewelry store malfunctions, the first thought might be to rush to the nearest repair shop. However, it’s essential to understand the difference between certified and uncertified watchmakers.

Uncertified watchmakers might offer watch repair services at a lower cost, but there’s a risk. They might not have the right tools or equipment to handle specific brands or common types of watches. Moreover, the process they follow might not align with the highest standards of quality watch repair. Imagine entrusting your grandfather’s Hamilton watch, a piece that has been in your house for many years, to someone without the necessary skills. The thought alone might make you wait and reconsider.

On the other hand, certified watchmakers ensure excellent customer service. These professionals have undergone rigorous training, honing their skills in detail. They understand the intricacies of various watch dials, ensuring that genuine parts are used during the servicing. Their clients often include loyal customers who visit repeatedly, glad to have their watches serviced by experts who treat every timepiece as a work of art.

Furthermore, a certified company employs technicians who have dedicated weeks, if not years, to mastering the craft. Whether it’s a watch your dad wore daily or a recent purchase, they provide the proper care it deserves, ensuring it has a long life ahead.

Resources for Watch Restoration Near Me

Restoring a watch can be both exciting and stressful. Also, it can be very expensive. You can leverage the community to try and find other folks who have had a similar experience. Most people will be happy to recommend a service and share what they paid. Here are a list of resources to consider:

• History of Watch Wiki
• Reddit: Vintage Watches
• Reddit: Antique Watch Identification
• Watch Repair Talk Forum
• National Association of Watch and Clock: Watch Repair Forum
• The Horology Board

Watch Restoration Near Me – Conclusion

To most watch collectors the less you do, the more it’s worth. Old watches have character and when you start changing that you devalue it. Keeping parts original is the best way to maintain a timepieces value when doing a restoration. Look to change inside components first and outside components last. This is what I have learned from the watch restoration near me.