Wristwatch Repair Near Me

by James · Published August 1, 2022 · Updated September 8, 2023

If your wristwatch needs repair, you may be wondering where to take it and what the process will entail. This guide will provide some basic information on wristwatch repair, including common problems and solutions, as well as how to find a reputable repair shop. I will also share my experience with the wristwatch repair near me.

Map of Wristwatch Repair Near Me

For “Wristwatch Repair Near Me”, see the map below…

Common Issues with Wristwatches

Watches are delicate instruments, some involving thousands of tiny moving parts, and even with the best care, they will eventually need to be serviced or repaired.

The most common wristwatch problems include a dead battery, broken or damaged watchband, a cracked or scratched watch crystal, water damage, and a stopped or malfunctioning watch movement.

Depending on the severity of the problem, wristwatch repair can range from simple cleaning and oiling of the watch movement, to a complete replacement of the watch movement.

How to Troubleshoot Battery Problems With a Watch

Batteries are often a good place to start for most technical issues.

If your wristwatch is battery-operated, it is not uncommon for the battery to eventually need to be replaced. If your watch stops working or the battery life seems shorter than usual, it may be time for a new battery.

Replacement of a battery is recommended every 1 to 3 years. You shouldn’t wait for the battery to die either, it can leak acid and cause internal damage to the movement.

There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot battery problems with your wristwatch:

Check the battery: If your wristwatch uses a standard watch battery, you can check it yourself to see if it needs to be replaced. Simply remove the back of the watch and take out the battery. If the battery is flat or corroded, it will need to be replaced.

Take it to a professional: If you are not comfortable replacing the battery yourself, or if your wristwatch uses a special type of battery, you can take it to a professional watchmaker or jeweler. They will be able to quickly and easily replace the battery for you.

Check the warranty: If your wristwatch is still under warranty, check with the manufacturer or retailer first to see if a battery replacement is covered. Many wristwatch companies have authorized service centers that can perform repairs covered by the warranty. Having a battery replaced by an unauthorized technician could void your warranty.

As long as you take good care of your wristwatch, it should last for many years. But inevitably, there will come a time when it needs to be serviced or repaired. When that time comes, use these tips

How Much Does a Wristwatch Repair Cost?

The cost of wristwatch repair can vary depending on the type of repair needed and the complexity of the watch. Simple repairs, such as replacing a battery, may only cost a few dollars, while more complex repairs, such as a complete overhaul of the watch movement, can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

To get an estimate of the cost of wristwatch repair, take your watch to a professional watchmaker or jeweler and explain the problem. They should be able to give you a general idea of the cost of the repair.

For context I have recently had 2 different brands of watches get a full service; a Nixon and a Tudor. My Nixon watch cost about $500 for a service, which my Tudor ran $900.

Still Under Warranty?…

If your wristwatch is still under warranty, check with the manufacturer or retailer first to see if they offer repair services. Many wristwatch companies have authorized service centers that can perform repairs covered by the warranty. The average warranty on a watch is a 2-year limited liability warranty covering craftsmanship and defects.

If your wristwatch is not under warranty, or if you prefer to use a local watchmaker, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a wristwatch repair shop.

An unauthorized technician working on your watch may void the warranty
The work may not be guaranteed after it is completed
The shop may not have the parts available and may need to order, find, or fabricate them

Can You Fix a Wristwatch Yourself?

In some cases, you may be able to fix a wristwatch yourself. For example, if the battery needs to be replaced, this is a relatively simple task that can be done at home with the proper tools. There are great resource on Youtube on How to Repair a Watch Yourself. What I do recommend though is using some basic repair tools.

However, most wristwatches will need to be serviced by a professional watchmaker or jeweler. This is because wristwatches are delicate instruments, some involving thousands of tiny moving parts, and even with the best care, they will eventually need to be cleaned and oiled.

Additionally, many wristwatches these days are water-resistant or waterproof. While this does not mean that they can be submerged in water indefinitely, it does mean that they need to be serviced by a professional who has the proper tools and equipment to test the seals and make sure that the wristwatch is still water-resistant.

If you are not sure whether or not you can fix a wristwatch yourself, it is always best to err on the side of caution and take it to a professional.

Which Watch Brands are the Most Reliable?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different people have different experiences with different brands of wristwatches. However, some wristwatch brands are known for being more reliable than others. For example, wristwatches made by Swiss brands such as Omega and Rolex are generally considered to be very high quality and quite reliable. Of course, that also coincides with the most expensive!

Common Problems Watch Repair Shops Can Handle

Watches that need batteries replaced.
Damaged crystals, can buff out a scratch or replace the crystal.
Broken bands, clasps, or straps.
Water-damaged watches or watches with condensation in the glass.
Chronograph watches that are not resetting properly.
Automatic watches that are not winding properly.
Quartz watches that are not keeping time accurately.
Antique or vintage watches that need to be cleaned and serviced.

As you can see, there are a variety of wristwatch repair services that shop offers. When choosing a wristwatch repair shop, be sure to find one that is experienced and qualified to work on your particular type of wristwatch. Checking the repair shop’s website or calling and asking about their experience and qualifications is a good place to start.

How to Find a Reputable Wristwatch Repair Near Me

When looking for a wristwatch repair shop, it is important to find one that is experienced and qualified to work on your particular type of wristwatch. Check the repair shop’s website or call and ask about their experience and qualifications.

Some wristwatch brands have authorized service centers, so if you have a specific brand in mind, you may want to start your search there. You can reference or list of authorized service centers for popular watch brands here.

You can also check online reviews of wristwatch repair shops in your area to get an idea of the quality of their work and customer service. I prefer to use Yelp and Google Business to read independent reviews.

Once you’ve found a few wristwatch repair shops that look promising, call or visit them in person to get a quote for the repair. Be sure to ask about the warranty or guarantee on the work and get everything in writing before leaving your watch with the repair shop.

Other Resources for Getting Repair Help

Sometimes you just aren;t ready to reach out to a repair shop and spend the money. In those instances I like to fall back on the community of watch enthusiats to assist me with my issue. Most likely someone has delt with the same issue that you are experiencing.

Do a seatch for your brand of watch + forum. for example “Rolex Forum”. You can also try looking for your brand on Reddit. Many of the most popular watch makers have SubReddits dedicated to them.

While finding your specifc maufacturers forum and SubReddits is ideal, here are a few generic ones I like.