How much should a watch repair cost? That’s the question we get asked most often, and it’s not an easy one to answer. The truth is that there are so many different factors involved in determining how much a repair will cost. There are also many different types of watches with varying degrees of complexity.
Repairing a watchcan be costly depending on the type of watch. Generally speaking, a self-winding automatic watch will cost more to repair than a quartz movement because there are many small parts that make up an automatic (including gears and springs). This article will provide a general overview of the types of repairs that are typically performed, as well as an estimate for how much each one might cost.
Watch Repairs and Their Costs
Nowadays, repairing a watch can cost as much as purchasing a new one because of the increasing prices of watches. The more complicated the movement is, the higher it costs to repair or replace parts in that specific timepiece.
Here are the types of repairs and their costs.
Mechanical Watch Overhaul
This procedure is a complicated one as it involves disassembling the watch and replacing old parts with new ones. Every part will be carefully checked and cleaned. From the mainspring to the escapement, this overhaul will set you back by $250 to $1000 depending on the watch’s brand, age, and movement.
Battery Replacement
If the watch can’t keep time or gain or lose time, then the battery needs to be replaced. A simple replacement would cost $20-$30 depending on the type of watch you own. Watches that are waterproof, water-resistant and, chronographs will have a more expensive price.
New Bracelet or Strap
Watches have bracelet features made from different materials such as gold, stainless steel, and titanium. If the strap is broken, it can be replaced with a new one. The cost for this service usually starts at $50 for steel bracelets and thousands of dollars for platinum or gold bracelets depending on the brand, quality, weight, and width.
Watches also have straps made from different materials such as leather, plastic, cloth, and metal. The cost for this service usually starts at $50.
Cleaning or Replacing Watch Crystal
The watch crystal is the clear cover on the front of the watch. It is made of plastic, glass, or sapphire. The glass on your watch can scratch if you accidentally drop it. It’s recommended that you get this fixed immediately because the damage compounds over time and makes the need for replacement inevitable.
If the watch crystal is dirty, it can be cleaned with a special cloth, or if the crystal is broken, it can be replaced with a new one. The cost for this service usually starts at $30 for acrylic crystal and up to $150 for a sapphire crystal.
Rust and Corrosion on Watch Cases
If there is rust present around the case joints where water has gotten into the mechanism over time, this could cause problems with the watch’s ability to keep time. The corrosion will have to be removed and then a protective coating applied in order to prevent it from happening again. This service usually starts at $60, but can go up depending on the extent of the damage.
Kinds of Watches And Their Repair Costs
Analog Watches
Analog watches are relatively simple, so they should be cheaper to repair. A watch movement with a dead battery can cost around $50 up to a hundred dollars. But if there is damage due to the mainspring breaking then it will be more expensive.
Digital Watches
Digital watches are the easiest type of watch to repair. If a digital watch is not working, it might just need a new battery. The cost for this service usually starts at $15. If there are other problems such as a broken screen, the cost for repair will usually go up to $100.
Mechanical Watches
The cost for a mechanical watch repair will depend on what’s wrong with the mechanism. The most common problems are broken mainspring, crystallized lubricant, and rusted or stuck parts. If it is just one of those issues then the cost to fix should be around $100-200. Other problems such as a broken or cracked case, will make the repair more expensive.
When Should I Seek Watch Repair Services?
Bringing your watch to thewatch repairshop is a good idea if it has stopped working, is running very slowly or erratically, you notice any corrosion on its surface, or it needs routine maintenance.
Watch experts recommend getting your watch checked every 3-5 years so that they can check for potential problems and ensure accuracy before something serious goes wrong with the timepiece.
If you are unsure whether or not your watch needs to be serviced, bring it into the shop and ask the professionals. They will be able to take a look at your timepiece and let you know if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
Conclusion
Timepieces are expensive pieces of equipment, so it’s important to take care of them. Costs of repairs for these devices vary widely depending on what’s wrong with the watch, how complicated it is to fix, and other factors. If you’re unsure about whether or not your watch needs to be serviced, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and take it in for a check-up. That way, you can avoid any costly repairs down the road.
Creve Coeur
