Recently, we published a blog post on the benefits of watch repair. Now we want to go more in depth with a brief “Watch Repair Guide” that goes over the different types of watch repairs, how much a specific watch repair type should cost, how these repairs work, and more.
How to Tell If Your Watch Can Even Be Repaired
This is not so much a question of if your watch can be repaired, because most can; this is more of a question if your watch is worth being repaired.
This can come down to multiple factors, including intrinsic value, sentimental value, quality of craftsmanship, and more. A watch that once belonged to your great-grandfather who fought in a war will likely be more valuable and therefore worth a repair than, say, a regular watch you just bought a few years ago.
Additionally, if the cost of the repair outweighs the cost of the watch itself, unless it holds some sentimental value to you, then it is probably safe to say that it is not worth getting repaired. In this case, you may opt to get a new watch instead.
If the watch is rare and, therefore, parts are hard to come by, or if the watch is damaged beyond repair, a repair may not be an option in this particular instance.
One last thing to consider is the age of the watch. Many of these experts can repair old watches because they were meant to be repaired. Believe it or not, many newer watches are harder to fix because they weren’t necessarily built to be repaired (ergo, forcing you to buy a new watch).
A trained watchmaker or jeweler can take a look at your watch and determine the best course of action for you in terms of repairing your watch.
How Often You Should Get Your Watch Repaired
The older the watch, the more it should be repaired or at least serviced. Think of vintage pianos and older cars; these things require maintenance to work at peak performance.
When you bring your watch in for servicing or repair, ask your jeweler or watchmaker how often they think you should bring the watch in to be checked or serviced. Seeing the watch and knowing its condition will help give a better estimate on when to get your watch repaired.
Just note – don’t wait until your watch is broken to get it fixed (you wouldn’t wait until your car stopped working before getting it serviced, would you?).
How Much a Watch Repair Costs
Watch repair costs vary. It’s important to remember, though, that watch repair requires a highly technical proficiency and skill set so this can contribute to a higher cost.
That being said, the cost of watch repair really depends on the type of watch repair you are seeking.
Different Types of Watch Repairs
New Battery
For non-mechanical batteries, most-often quartz, a battery repair should be a fairly quick and simple process. Depending on the battery, watch and whether it has hybrid mechanical parts or not, a battery replacement can cost anywhere from $10 – $50.
Strap, Clasp, Bracelet or Band Replacement
If your watch strap, band or bracelet is weak, worn or otherwise in need of repair, a jeweler or watchmaker will need to take a look to determine to what extent the piece needs replacement or repairs.
Clasps, straps and bands are typically cheaper because they are smaller parts in the case of clasps or they are made out of more cost-friendly materials in the case of straps and bands. Depending on the style, brand and material you choose to get for your new strap or band, prices can vary but expect to pay no more than $100 or so.
Bracelets tend to cost more since they are usually made out metals like white gold or silver. Basic bracelets can be less than $100 but higher-end bracelets can go up into the thousands.
Straps and bracelets are important to the integrity of your watch for obvious reasons. Without it, your watch might fall off your wrist! So be sure to keep this part of your watch in tip-top shape and get it replaced if and when necessary.
Major Watch Repairs
If your watch needs a total repair or major components of the watch need servicing, be prepared to spend a lot of time and money to get the job done.
A total watch repair includes taking the watch apart, cleaning the pieces, recalibrating, putting the pieces back together and much more. This kind of repair requires the utmost care, attention, and craftsmanship.
Major watch repairs can go from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand, depending on the watch, its age, complexity and a variety of other factors. This is also by far the longest watch repair service.
Replacing Watch Pieces and Other Minor Watch Repairs
Whether it is the watch face, the dial, single band pins or straps, the gasket or something else, these minor watch repairs are typically the cheapest of the types of watch repairs. These types of repairs are often quickest, too.
Why You Should Not Try To Repair Your Watch Yourself
You may be tempted to repair a watch by yourself but heed our warning: do not attempt to repair a watch yourself if you do not have the years of experience a jeweler and watchmaker would have, especially if the watch holds sentimental value for you or someone else you know.
Even something as “simple” as oiling a watch can be worsened by improper care and cleaning. Only an experienced jeweler or watchmaker should handle your timepieces when it comes to repairs – trust us!
Where To Get Your Watch Repaired
Of course we would love to see you in our showroom in Denville, NJ for a quality watch repair, but the truth is, many watches are covered under a limited warranty. Check with your manufacturer if your watch is covered. If not, then come on down and we’ll take a look for you and do our best to repair your watch with expert care.