Watches are delicate engineering marvels, and even the most reliable of them require service from time to time. A good repair shop can save you a lot of money in the long run.
If you’re looking for a wrist watch repair shop near me here are some things to consider:
What to Look For
Whether you have a family heirloom, a vintage watch or a brand-new Seiko timepiece, it’s important to keep it in tip-top shape. Thankfully, there’s a wide range of repair shops to choose from—including some that specialize in different types of watches.
Often, when you bring in a watch for repair, it can be a black box process. But at this Brooklyn-based watch repair shop, managing director Henry Ly emails customers photos of the watch parts laid out with highlights describing what’s broken or needs to be replaced. Gregory Wirtz of RedBar Group has taken several Patek Philippes and Rolexes to Ly for servicing, and he says he was impressed by the detailed information Ly provided about one particular problem: a cracked calendar wheel on his 1980s Rolex Day Date.
At this South Park Slope spot, you’ll usually get your watch battery replaced or your bracelet links removed on the same day for $7 or less. And according to Yelp reviewers, this is a great option for anyone who wants to avoid the crowds in midtown.
Cost
Like any mechanical device, watches need regular service to keep working properly. They also need to be repaired as soon as possible in order to avoid expensive and potentially irreversible damage.
Depending on the type of watch and its condition, repairs can cost anything from $20 for a simple fix such as changing a battery to hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a full overhaul. While it may be tempting to purchase a new watch, it is often a better idea to have your existing one repaired, especially if it has sentimental value.
A complete watch service takes many hours to complete and involves opening and disassembling your watch, cleaning every part and lubricating them. It also involves replacing gaskets and running quality control tests. Some watches are even sent to the manufacturer for a complete inspection and overhaul. It is important to find a reputable shop that will not overcharge you for watch repair services.
Warranty
The watch on your wrist not only tells the time, it tells your story. It might be a gift from someone special, or one you bought yourself for a college graduation, wedding, milestone birthday, or major promotion. Whether you need a simple battery change or a complete mechanical overhaul, there’s a repair shop near you that can get the job done.
Reviewers love this South Park Slope spot for the speed and affordability of its services. A typical watch resizing or battery replacement costs about $5 and takes under five minutes. Owner Henry Ly is a watch-enthusiast who gives candid and direct service, according to some Yelp reviewers. For example, he recently worked on an antique Patek Philippe with a cracked calendar wheel, and sent the customer photos of all the broken parts laid out with highlighted notes on what needed to be fixed or replaced.
All repairs are backed by an international 2-year warranty on the movement, and excludes damage to the crystal, strap or band, case, or attachments. This warranty is in addition to any rights you might have under applicable consumer laws.
Experience
The watch you wear everyday is more than just a timepiece; it’s a symbol of your style, your personality, and sometimes even your professional success. So when it comes to replacing a watch battery, you’ll want to find a shop with the right experience to ensure that your treasured piece of jewelry remains in pristine condition.
One option is to take your watch to the jeweler or department store where it was purchased. Many of these shops will replace watch batteries for a low price, and some even offer a warranty on their work.
For example, in New York City, you can visit Grand Central Watch, a longtime watch repair service known for its impeccable customer service. The owner of the cluttered, old-school store, described by reviewers as a “kind old man,” will often be able to repair your watch while you wait. One such customer was Ben Clymer, founder of the watch-news site Hodinkee. He had taken in a 1950s Heuer Camaro that hadn’t worked for 30 years.
