Frequently Asked Watch Reapir Q & A
How do I get an estimate on my watch repair?
You may call us at 212-233-4000 or simply "click here" to contact us.
How long does it take to repair my watch?
For a quartz watch, the average repair time is within 2- 3 weeks. For modern mechanical chronograph watches, it usually takes around 3- 4 weeks. It would also take around 3-4 weeks to repair a vintage mechanical or chronograph watch. This would vary depending on the availability of spare parts.
How often should my watch be serviced?
In order for a watch to function optimally, it needs to be serviced in a regular manner just like any other precision instrument. The interval between each service is around 1-5 years.
The interval of service for Manual wind and Automatic watches should be about 3 to 5 years. The modern mechanical watches have a special crowns that helps prevent dust and moisture from getting in the case. However, some dust and moisture still enter the case over time. The lubricants would also dry out making it necessary to have the watch serviced to clean the watch and lubricate it again.
For Quartz or battery operated watches, it is strongly recommended that the battery should be changed every one and a half to two years. A complete service can be done after two to three battery changes and that would range from four to five years. Quartz watches also run in oil, which could get old through time. This does not just stop the lubrication, it also acts to stop the watch or cause wear.
Vintage wrist or pocket watches need to be serviced every 2-3 years. This type of watch does not have a sealed crown, thus allowing dust and moisture to enter the watch easily through the crown gap. These particles can contaminate and damage the inner portion of the watch.
How often should I replace the battery in my watch?
Battery change for a quartz watch is necessary every 1.5-2 years. This is done in order to avoid acid leaks from the battery which would destroy the circuit module.
How much does it cost to repair my watch?
We base the costs on an ESTIMATE where a professional would determine the best services to do with your watch. We offer estimates free of charge but our professional watchmakers have to see the actual watch before giving a quote. We try our very best to give you reasonable repair costs. We intend to keep our clients satisfied by providing quality service to protect the value of your timepieces.
Do you offer watch repair services worldwide?
Swiss Precision does not only cater to the needs of clients in the US, but also those from Latin America, Canada, Europe, and even the Caribbean. We can help you with your concerns wherever you may be. We assure that your valuable timepieces are insured, shipped and handled carefully. We have two large vaults to keep your watches secure. Please get in touch with us now to know more about our free evaluation for the watch repair service you need.
Do you issue a warranty for all service and watch repairs?
We offer 12 months warranty for modern watches and 6 month warranty for vintage watch repair. The counting commences the moment the watch is delivered to you.
Do you repair fake or “replica” watches?
The company does NOT service or repair replica or fake watches from any manufacturer. If the genuineness of the watch is questionable then it would probably be a replica. Our skilled watchmakers can determine whether the watch is genuine or not. We charge $40.00 for an appraisal.
How often should my watch be inspected and tested for water resistance?
The regularity of testing and inspecting a watch for water resistance would depend on how the watch is used and its exposure to moisture. As a general rule, quartz watches need to be checked every time the battery is replaced. This would be at about one to two years. It is important to do this often because water resistance is not lasting. There may be some cracks or the gasket may get old or dry, thus failing to seal and protect the watch from pressure.
Should I keep my watch on in the shower?
It is recommended that a water resistant watch should be taken off when in the shower. While soap or shower gels may help clean the watch because of reduced surface tension of water, it has the tendency to seep through the tiny slits among the pieces of the case and the seals. This should also be considered when cleaning watches.
What should I do with my watch after swimming?
After exposing the watch to saltwater or chlorinated water, it has to be rinsed using freshwater. The water may dry out causing salt and chlorine to crystallize. These crystals would cause scratches on the seals of the watch.
There is condensation on the inner surface of the crystal. What should I Do?
If there is condensation at the inner surface of the crystal, the watch needs to be checked immediately by a professional. You still need to have your watch checked even if the condensation lasted for a short period only. This indicates that water particles were able to penetrate through the seals but it is still tight enough to keep the water from evaporating.
Can I keep my watch in a safe for long periods?
There isn’t any problem with storing the watch for a long time but the lubricants of the watch may dry out little by little. For a watch not worn often, it is best to have it checked every 4 to 5 years in order to make sure of the performance of the watch and at the same time maintain its value.
What are the functions of the push-buttons on a Chronograph?
The one at 2 o’clock is a button for to starting or stopping the chronograph function while the one at 4 o’clock functions to reset the chronograph.
What are the precision tolerances for mechanical watches?
The precision tolerances vary greatly for it would depend on the way the owner wears the watch. But most of the watches that don’t have a chronometer have a precision tolerance that ranges from -5 to +8 seconds each day.
What are the precision tolerances for most quartz watches?
Most quartz watches have precision tolerances ranging from -0.6 to + .09 seconds per day. This range is affected by ambient temperatures.
Can I go swimming with my watch?
Undoubtedly yes! But only if your watch is water resistant. Before taking a dip, just make sure that the cap is fastened tightly to the case. This indicates that the seals are pushed tightly to the case thus, giving more effective protection from water. If it is not crewed tight enough, there is a possibility that water would enter the case. You can refer to water resistant notices behind your watch for more information. Note that water may not affect the watch itself but leather straps like those made from ostrich bands, crocodile skin and others can be destroyed by water. It is better to keep these straps away from water.
What is a function of the helium escape valve on scuba diving watches, including Rolex Sea Dweller, Omega Seamaster, and Citizen?
Omega and Rolex have created the helium escape valve especially for professional divers. In doing deep-sea dives, which last for a number of days, divers work from diving bells. Before they surface, these bells are filled-up with a combination of helium and oxygen. The helium molecules are less dense compared to air. This allows it to infiltrate the watch in adequate quantity and pushes out the crystal at atmospheric pressure levels. To avoid this, the valve should be opened when resurfacing and allow helium to escape while still preventing water to enter the watch.
How do I use a Tachymeter?
A tachymeter is a device used to measure speed. It is a chronograph which has a graduated dial where the speed can be read in kilometers per hour based on a thousand meter distance. In order to read an observation on a tachymeter, only the second-hand of the central chronograph is utilized. For observations of longer periods, the readings of the minutes and hour hand count.
What do the initials “GMT” stands for?
GMT is an abbreviation which stands for “Greenwich Mean Time.” GMT in watches indicates that the watch can display two or more time zones. The other time can be read from a hand that makes a complete rotation around a 24-hour ring. This allows the watch to indicate whether it is morning or afternoon in that time zone.
Do I have to come in to a store to have my watch serviced and/or repaired?
No. If you are unable to go to our store location, we offer a mail-in service for you to easily complete to have your timepiece shipped to our centralized service center.
How is pricing determined for services and repairs?
We provide estimates, free of charge, on any timepiece that has been dropped off for repair. Estimates are based on the total cost for the needed repair, separated into two categories: necessary and optional. Necessary repairs, such as timing and water resistance, restore the watch to factory specifications. Optional repairs, such as crystal, hand, and dial replacement or case/bracelet refinishing, typically enhance the appearance of a watch without having a direct effect on its performance.
How long does it take for my watch to be serviced when sent to the service center?
It depends on the complexity of the timepiece and parts availability. Most factory repairs take about 6-8 weeks.
Are services and repairs offered for certified pre-owned watches?
All CPO watches sold at Swiss Precision are covered by a two year warranty similar to that of a manufacturer warranty.
Can I have my watch serviced by Swiss Precision even if I didn’t buy it there?
Yes. We provide service for a variety of brands not sold by Swiss Precision but purchased from other retailers.