Your Watch Repair Guide
From board meetings with the boss to date nights with a special someone to weekends with the family, your watch keeps you on schedule and ensures that you never miss a thing. So, when your watch stops telling time properly, it's important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Find out what to expect during the repair process and learn how to find a trustworthy repair shop.
7 Reasons You Need Watch Repairs
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No matter how reliable your watch might seem, it's bound to need service from time to time. Some of the most common reasons to seek out watch repairs include:
- New Battery: Even the longest-lasting batteries run out eventually. Although replacing a watch battery is relatively simple and you may be able to do it yourself, a knowledgeable repair person can handle the task more efficiently. Besides, if you drop off your watch for a battery replacement, you can arrange for a cleaning or band adjustment at the same time.
- Crystal Replacement: No matter how carefully you might treat your watch, accidents can happen. If your watch face gets scratched or damaged, you may be able to have it replaced. An experienced watch repair person can address the damage and salvage your watch so you can avoid having to purchase a new one instead.
- Band Adjustment: Whether you wear your watch every day or for special occasions only, you want it to fit perfectly. Rather than attempting to adjust the band yourself, take your watch to a repair shop. By trusting a pro, you can rest assured that your watch band will be adjusted correctly and efficiently.
- Button Malfunctions: Buttons can give your watch a lot of added functionality. Yet if they stop doing their job or if they begin to work only intermittently, it's important to have them repaired. A professional watch repairer can find the source of the problem quickly and have your watch working properly in no time.
- Loose Screws: The more you wear your watch, the more likely its parts are to loosen over time. With regular wear, the screws that hold your watch together can gradually loosen. Eventually, they may not be able to hold the watch case together. An experienced repair person can tighten the screws and prevent internal damage to your watch.
- Cleaning: If you spend a lot of time outdoors or if your hobbies include hiking and camping, you may notice that your watch has collected a remarkable amount of dirt and debris. After a professional cleaning, your watch can look as good as new and maintain its status as a style statement.
- Restoration: If you tend to invest in vintage watches rather than contemporary pieces, you know that older watches need restoration to recapture their original sparkle. An experienced repair person can restore even the most delicate vintage watch, making it a piece to wear proudly.
Your Guide to the Watch Repair Process
If you're relatively handy, you might be tempted to repair a broken, ill-fitting, or damaged watch yourself. Although replacing the battery may be relatively straightforward, it's almost always in your best interest to seek out a professional instead. After all, watches can have hundreds of tiny parts. Even if you manage to identify and fix the problem, keeping track of the many parts and putting them back together correctly can be impossible, even for the most determined watch enthusiasts.
Rather than spending time and frustration on your own watch repairs, seek out a local watch or jewelry shop to handle them for you. The time frame depends on the type of watch, the nature of the repairs, and the workload of the repair shop. As a general rule, here's what you can expect:
- Replacing a battery or tightening screws is usually quick and can be complete in as little as a few minutes.
- Band adjustments may take as little as a few days.
- Cleaning and complex repairs can take several months, especially if they require replacement parts or factory service.
- Vintage restorations can be complex and may require sourcing rare parts, which can take several months.
How to Find a Trustworthy Watch Repair Shop
When you value your watches, you want to make sure they're in good hands during the repair process. That's why it's essential to find a watch repair shop you can trust. To locate a repair shop that provides superior service and exceeds your expectations, keep these tips in mind:
- Understand the Value: Professional watch repair isn't cheap, but it doesn't have to be overwhelmingly expensive either. Rather than seeking out the least expensive repair shop, understand that paying reasonable fees increases the chance of high-quality, long-lasting repairs.
- Set Clear Expectations: Before you make a repair appointment, do your best to educate yourself so you can avoid surprises. By researching the problem with your watch in advance, you can get an idea of what the necessary repairs might include and how much you may have to pay for service.
- Visit the Repair Shop: Instead of committing to repair service immediately, consider visiting the shop first. A clean space and knowledgeable service employees can signal that the repair shop is trustworthy and competent. In contrast, a grimy shop staffed by employees who won't answer your questions may not be the best choice.
- Ask Questions: When you visit a repair shop, don't hesitate to ask the service employees about their process. For example, you can ask about the testing procedures and any guarantees the shop provides.
- Watch for Red Flags: Before committing to a repair shop, keep an eye out for red flags. Since few watch repairs can be completed instantly, avoid any repair person who volunteers to open the watch and fix a complex issue immediately. Similarly, avoid a repair shop that won't provide photos of your fully disassembled watch after a full-service repair.
If you're looking for a repair shop you can trust in Clifton, New Jersey, our team is at your service. Contact Unique Gold & Diamonds to set up an appointment or learn more about how we can help you.
