Just follow the simple instructions located here to obtain a no-obligation estimate for the repair of your vintage watch.
Do you guarantee your watch repair work?
All of our repairs carry a one-year guarantee... that's one of the best guarantees in the business! You can read all the details of our guarantee by clicking here.
Do you have parts to repair my watch?
That depends entirely on the watch and what parts are needed. We have in stock, or can obtain, replacement parts for most of the more common watch brands, though sometimes an extensive part search is required (more often these days, it seems). Parts may either be new old-stock, or used parts taken from an identical watch movement. In some cases we are just not able to find parts needed to complete a particular repair (see below "what if you can't fix my watch").
What is included in a Clean-Oil-Adjust watch service?
We do our clean-oil-adjust (COA) watch service the old-fashioned way, except we've added the advantages of modern tools, lubricants, and techniques. First your vintage watch is completely disassembled. Then the watch is thoroughly cleaned in a 4-step ultrasonic cleaning process. Cleanliness is critically important to the proper operation of your watch. Once clean, we can begin the reassembly of your watch. Each part is carefully inspected, adjusted, and lubricated as the watch is reassembled. We use as many as 5 different types of watch lubricants while reassembling your watch, and use only the finest synthetic horological lubricants money can buy. Once the movement is assembled, we thoroughly clean and polish the watch case. Final assembly consists of re-attaching the dial and hands, and re-casing the watch . Each watch is then timed on an electronic watch timing-machine for best-possible timekeeping. Finally, we give each watch at least a 30-hour "run in" period to ensure proper operation and good timekeeping. We know that there are cheaper and faster ways to clean a watch (like cleaning it without taking it apart), but we don't know any better way to ensure that the job has been done properly.
If I send you a picture (or serial number) of my watch, can you give me a repair estimate?
Sorry, but no we can't. We are unable to provide an estimate without actually seeing the watch. In fact, in order to protect our computers from unwanted viruses, we don't even open email attachments that are from unknown senders, so please save us both some time by not sending photos of your watch. A photograph is simply not able to convey what may be wrong with the internal mechanisms of a watch.
How do I know if my watch needs to be serviced?
If your watch isn't working, then it obviously needs service. But it may need to be serviced even if it seems to be working properly. We often have people tell us, "I found my great grandpa's old railroad pocket watch, and it ran great for a while but then I heard something snap and now it's not working anymore." Now, would you take grandpa's old model-A Ford out of the barn where it had been sitting for the past 50 years, and start it up and try to drive it without making sure that the engine was in good condition and that the car and engine were properly lubricated? Of course not! But many people do essentially the same thing with a delicate piece of machinery like a 100 year old watch without even a second thought. If your watch hasn't been serviced in years, or decades, then it needs to be properly serviced before being used. Running a watch "dry and dirty" is a sure way to cause irreparable damage.
You said I need a new mainspring, but the mainspring in my watch isn't broken. Why do I need a new one?
The mainspring is the "gas" in your watch's gas tank: It's the motive power source that drives the watch. Many of the older pocket watches are driven by strong "blue-steel" mainsprings that can soften and lose their resiliency after many cycles of being wound and unwound. When this happens, watchmakers say the mainspring is "set," and it will no longer provide enough power to properly run the watch. New alloy mainsprings are not as prone to this condition, but they can also require periodic replacement. Click here to see a picture of a new vs. a "set" mainspring.
How long will my watch repair take?
Repairing a 100 year old watch made by a company that went out of business 50 years ago isn't like getting your washing machine fixed. Unfortunately, we can't just call the factory and have them send us the new parts we need (you'd be surprised how many times I've heard a customer suggest that). Our typical (average) turnaround for repairs is about 6 months, but there's a pretty wide variability in that number depending on the individual repair. We service each watch in the order received, and we give each watch the individual attention it deserves when its turn for service comes. Some repairs go very smoothly and quickly, while some can run into hidden problems or require a part search that adds time to the repair. We are always willing to answer questions about the status of your repair, and your patience will be rewarded with a watch that's been repaired correctly!
But I can't wait ... is there a faster way?
Many of our customers come to us because they have been turned down by 2 or 3 other shops who tell them their watch is no longer fixable, or that parts can't be found. The reason those other shops reject these repairs is because they are not easy. They take a lot of time, a lot of searching for parts, and a lot of custom "fitting and adjustment" work. Sometimes a repair that starts out as a straightforward cleaning can turn into a bigger project if we discover a broken part or an internal problem that must be corrected. When this happens, we work through the problems to get the repair done right... and that takes time.
Can I get "RUSH" service on my watch repair?
We do not offer expedited repair service. We service our watches in the order received, so when someone asks us to "rush" their watch, what they are really asking is to jump to the head of the line, and that is simply not fair to the customers who have been waiting for their repair. We're always a bit perplexed when Grandpa's watch that has been sitting idle in the dresser drawer for 30 years suddenly has to be overhauled within the next 2 weeks in time for Junior's graduation.
I live in the Seattle area, can I drop my watch off at your shop?
We are sorry, but we are a strictly mail-order business. The primary reasons for this are insurance liability and security, but we have also found that we get more watches repaired if we aren't dealing with a steady stream of drop-in customers. By being mail-order only we also keep our overhead low, and those savings can be passed on to our customers in the form of reasonable repair prices. We realize that some customers are reluctant to mail their watch, but after hundreds of watches, we've never had a properly packaged watch lost or damaged in the mail.
Can you provide a repair estimate for my watch repair if I email some pictures?
Sorry, but no. We must do a hands-on inspection of your watch in order to determine what's wrong with it so that we can provide an accurate repair estimate. Most of the pictures we receive (and we receive a LOT) are so big and blurry that we can barely make out the watch, let alone determine what's wrong with it.... so they are essentially worthless for determining what's wrong with a watch. If this seems unreasonable, please try emailing your mechanic a giant, blurry picture of your car next time it breaks down and see if he's able to tell you what's wrong with it and what it will cost to fix it.
How should I ship my watch to you?
We recommend that you wrap the watch in bubble wrap or other well-padded material, and then place it in the center of a small box with additional padding around it. If you just place the watch by itself in the box of styro-peanuts, the watch will quickly "sink" to the bottom and you'll have a very nice box of peanuts with an unprotected watch bouncing around at the bottom. Please send only the watch and do not include the box from the jewelery store or other items. We have had great success using USPS Priority Mail with delivery confirmation and insurance, but you may send via the insured shipper of your choice. We prefer that you do not send using registered mail, since this requires us to make a special trip to the main post office and thus delays our receipt of your watch. Please be sure to include a note with your name, address, phone number and email so that we know how to contact you with your estimate.
How will you ship my watch back to me?
Our preferred method of shipment is US Postal Service Priority Mail with delivery confirmation and insurance, and that is the method we use unless you specifically request another method. We will gladly accommodate your request if you have a specific shipping method that you prefer to use, though additional shipping charges may apply.
What if you can't fix my watch?
As much as we would like to believe that we can fix anything that comes through the door, that is simply not the case. Our acceptance of your watch for repair is not a guarantee that we can fix it; but it is a guarantee that we will make our best effort to do so. We do encounter situations where we accept a watch for repair that turns out to require parts that cannot be obtained, or we discover another reason why the repair cannot be completed. In those cases, we will return the watch to you and you will not be charged anything additional for the repair (your estimate deposit is non-refundable). The one exception is if you have had us arrange outside services for your watch, such as case repair or dial refinishing. In those cases, you will still be responsible for all outside-service charges for work that has been completed even if we are unable to complete the mechanical repair of your watch.
Shouldn't I find a local watchmaker instead of mailing my watch to you?
It used to be that every town had a skilled watchmaker or two, but that is no longer the case. Mechanical watch repair has become a very specialized skill with fewer and fewer good-quality practitioners. It is MUCH MORE IMPORTANT to find a good watchmaker than to find a close or convenient watchmaker, especially when you're talking about the restoration of a family heirloom. Don't eliminate a watchmaker from consideration just because they don't live in your hometown; they are really just as close as your mailbox!
Should I take my watch to a jewelry store for service?
Taking your watch to a random jewelry store is probably one of the WORST ways to get your watch serviced. Now before I get a lot of angry emails from jewelry store owners, let me state that I'm sure that there are jewelry stores who still employ a skilled watchmaker... but they are getting to be few and far between! There was a time when every jewelry store had a good watchmaker on staff, but that is no longer the case. Many jewelers still claim that they repair watches, but most actually send them out to someone else, or have someone on staff who isn't very experienced. So chances are, you'll either end up paying a lot more for your repair by having a "middle man" in the transaction, or you'll get bad results. Of course, if you know your jeweler, or know that they have a top-notch watchmaker on staff, then by all means use them... but be sure to ask a few questions before leaving your valuable watch with just any random jewelery store.
How often should I have my watch serviced?
That depends on how the watch is used. The main enemies of your watch are dirt and lack of lubrication. If you carry (or wear) your watch daily, it's going to need service sooner than if you have it on display under a glass dome, or tucked away in a drawer. We recommend servicing a heavily used watch every 2 years, and for a watch that is on display or used only occasionally every 3-5 years. Even the finest lubricants (which we use) will dry out after a number of years, so 5 years is about the longest you can go and still have some lubrication on the watch.
Do you repair quartz watches?
Our repair work is focused on the repair and restoration of vintage mechanical (wind-up) watches. If it has a battery, we probably don't service it.
Do you repair clocks?
We repair mechanical aircraft clocks, which are really very similar to the mechanism in a high-grade watch. We also repair the Lecoultre Atmos clock. But we do not repair other antique mechanical clocks. We've got plenty of work to keep us busy with just watches! We know a couple of excellent clockmakers in the Seattle area, and would be glad to provide a reference if you contact us.
Do you repair replica watches?
No, we definitely do not. "Replica" is just a nice name for "counterfeit" and we do not support the counterfeiting of goods. The sellers of replica watches rip-off their customers by selling them a cheaply made watch for which there are no repair parts available. They also rip-off the companies whose watches they copy. They don't have any intention of standing behind the product they sell. Buy a replica (counterfeit) watch and you'll get even less than you paid for.
Do you sell watch accessories?
We offer watch accessories including glass display domes and watch display stands so that you can proudly display your beautiful watch. Keeping your watch under a glass dome is an excellent way to both display it and keep it in a dust-free environment. Click here to go to our accessories page.
What is your return policy for watch accessories?
If for any reason you are not happy with your purchase, just return the item in new condition, and we will gladly refund your purchase price less shipping and a 20% restocking charge.
Can you repair my damaged watch case?
The difference between watch repair and case repair is like the difference between the mechanic who repairs your car's engine, and the shop that does the body work when you have a dented fender. They are very different skills. We do not do major case repair in-house, but we have an established relationship with an excellent manufacturing jeweler who can handle some repairs. For those repairs that we can't handle, we will gladly provide you with a reference to a case specialist upon request.
Can you refinish my worn or damaged watch dial?
That depends. If you have a porcelain (fired vitreous enamel) dial on your pocketwatch that is badly cracked or chipped, there is really nothing that can be done for it other than superficial repair. In the case of minor hairline cracks, we can usually clean them up to where they are barely noticeable.
If you have a metal dial on your pocket or wrist watch, we can have those refinished to "near new" condition. We do not refinish dials in-house, but send them out to the oldest and best dial refinisher in the country. They do beautiful work and can work wonders on your old, faded dial.
Is dial refinishing a good idea for my watch?
Professional dial refinishing can produce a result that looks "nearly new." By "nearly new" we mean that the dial will probably not look as perfect as a factory original, but it will look darn good! An expert could likely tell that it was refinished, but most non-experts could not. It's a great option for worn, faded, or stained metal dials where a significant improvement in cosmetic appearance is desired.
If your goal is absolute originality, then you should not refinish your dial. Some collectors would consider a refinished dial as "inferior" to an original dial, and a refinished dial may adversely impact the value of a collectible watch. The dial refinisher will match the details of the dial as closely as possible, and they have dial "prints" for tens of thousands of dials. But they don't have every variant of every dial for every watch... so minor changes in font size or style, dial signature, color, and other design details are always a possibility. If you want your dial to be precisely "the way it was before" then you would be better to keep it as is and not refinish it.
How accurate will my watch be after it has been serviced? Do you guarantee the accuracy of my watch?
Some vintage watches are capable of extremely accurate timekeeping and some are not. We can only bring the watch up to its inherent level of accuracy and can't make it better than it was meant to be. That said, a good quality mechanical watch that is in good condition is capable of timekeeping within a few seconds a day, and most leave our shop keeping excellent time. As part of our COA service, a watch is adjusted for best possible timekeeping. But since these are vintage watches, we make no guarantee as to the ongoing accuracy of any antique watch or its suitability for any particular timekeeping purpose.
I saw a watch repair site on the internet that charges less than you do for a cleaning. Why is that?
A quick search on the Internet will show that there are a wide range of prices being advertised for watch "repair" services. We have even seen a site that advertises that they will "overhaul" your watch for $25! Didn't your mother teach you that when something seems too good to be true it probably is?
Consider this: mechanical watch repair, particularly antique watch repair and restoration, is a dying art. Parts are becoming more and more difficult to find, and there are far more watches to repair than good watchmakers to repair them. Every skilled watchmaker that we know with an established reputation for doing quality work has all the work they can handle and then some. Work backlogs of 6 months to a year are not uncommon. So if someone is offering overly low prices simply in an effort to attract business, that likely speaks volumes about their experience and/or the quality of their work. We're not trying to put anyone down... just pointing out the reality of the marketplace.
There are some very fine watchmakers out there, but, unfortunately, not all the people offering repair services do high quality work. I have seen more than one watch completely destroyed by botched repair work... and it's often impossible (or very expensive) to undo the damage caused by someone who didn't really know what they were doing.
So before you entrust your valuable heirloom watch to any watchmaker (including us), we encourage you to check the reputation carefully, ask questions, and please don't make your decision based on price alone. If you opt for that bargain basement overhaul, you will likely get exactly what you paid for, and your watch may never be the same.
Do you sell watch parts and watch repair material?
No, we are not a parts supplier. Our extensive inventory of vintage parts is reserved for our own repair and restoration work.
We do make our huge inventory of SUC "Rocket Cylinder" vintage wrist watch crystals available to other watchmakers and watch hobbyists. We have nearly every shape and size of SUC crystal ever made. If you are a watchmaker or hobbyist and would like to order a specific SUC crystal, please click here.
Help... my watch just went through the washing machine. What should I do?
Ouch! That is definitely not a good thing for your watch, but with quick action the watch can often be saved. Get the watch to a competent watchmaker as soon as you possibly can (preferably within hours), because the sooner you stop the corrosive action of the water and detergent the better. If you let the watch sit on your dresser for a month before you do anything about it, the odds of saving it are quite low. If you can't get the watch to a watchmaker very quickly, then you can follow this emergency procedure that can help minimize the damage to your watch.
Do you repair Rolex watches?
We do not repair modern Rolex watches, because we, like many other skilled independent watchmakers, cannot obtain genuine spare parts from Rolex, and we will not use "generic" or non-genuine Rolex parts. In fairness, Rolex is not alone in this practice as many other watch brands also restrict the availability of parts to independent watchmakers. In particular, Bertolucci, Blancpain, Cartier, Hublot, Mont Blanc, Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, Breguet, and Bulgari are particularly restrictive in their parts policies. These manufacturers claim that only their own watchmakers are qualified to service their watches, which is both dishonest and ridiculous. We believe the practices of many watch manufacturers to be monopolistic and restrictive of free trade. Only fair-market competition will keep quality and prices under control for the watch-buying public.
Do you repair "cylinder" watches?
No we do not. The cylinder escapement was quite advanced when it was invented by Tompion in 1659, but it fell out of use in the late 19th century as it was supplanted by the far more efficient and accurate English Lever escapement. We find that, in most cases, the cylinder watches we run across are not good candidates for restoration and can seldom be made into good timekeepers. We also find that the cost of restoration often exceeds the value of the watch. As such we have made the decision to not repair cylinder watches.
