One common misconception about luxury watches is that they are a one-time expense—meaning you pay money upfront and then do not have to invest any more in your timepiece. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Due to the passage of time, wear, and accidents, timepieces need to get repaired and fixed up, and it comes at a price. And after I have conducted my research, I have found how much it costs to repair a mechanical watch.
When repairing a mechanical watch, be prepared to spend anywhere from $100 to upwards of $2000. The cost will depend on the style of watch and the services needed, as well as the hourly rate of the watch technician.
From my own personal experience, luxury watches are a fun investment that can enhance your style. But if you are a first-time watch owner, be aware that you will need to set aside money to make sure your watch stays in good shape for years to come. Keep reading to learn more about the cost behind watch repair, as well as some common information about mechanical watch servicing.
What Does it Cost to Repair a Mechanical Watch?
Mechanical watches are a classic timepiece dating back centuries. Though you may commonly see the battery-powered quartz watches dominating the lower-end watch market, luxury watches still rely on the complex clockwork mechanisms within to measure time.
These timekeeping systems are truly a marvel, and because of their complexity, it is necessary to provide regular service to keep it running smoothly. Additionally, your watch may break or stop working, which will also require services. I found that the amount you will have to spend on your watch repairs depends largely on the type of repair being done.
But in addition, many people wonder how often a watch should get maintenance or repair. If you are someone who has ever wondered about this, I have written the article just for you. If you want to check out the blog post where I dive deep into how often a watch should be repaired, both automatic and quartz, click right here.
The following sections will discuss the general cost for different types of repairs that are common to mechanical watches.
Regular Servicing
Mechanical watch owners will need to take their watches in for regular servicing appointments. Your watch is a marvelous machine, much like a car, and will need to be taken care of to ensure it keeps running properly. In general, you should plan to have your watch serviced every four to five years.
A standard watch servicing usually runs around $100, although it can cost more depending on the extent of services needed. Typically the following things are done at a mechanical watch service appointment:
- General cleaning and polishing
- Replacement of any parts showing wear
- Reassembly and lubrication of mechanisms
- Waterproofing
- Replacement of gaskets
All of these procedures require a skilled watch technician, which is the reason behind the seemingly steep cost. If this price seems daunting, keep in mind that regular servicing is necessary to keep your watch running and functional for a lifetime to come.
Parts Replacements
One common reason for watch repairs is that something in your mechanical watch no longer works and needs to be replaced. If this is the case, you will need to take your watch to a technician. The technician will be able to disassemble your watch, remove the faulty or broken part, and change it out with a replacement.
I realized that the cost of this type of service varies widely depending on the type of part that is malfunctioning. If it is a common part that is easy to replace, you may only need to spend around $50. If it is a rare part that the watch technician does not have in stock, you may need to spend upwards of $1000.
Additionally, if you are the owner of a vintage or antique watch, your watch part may no longer be in production or readily available on the market. Rare though this situation may be, it can happen. In this case, your watch technician would need to create the part from scratch, which could end up costing thousands of dollars.
Cracks or Water Damage
Everyone’s been in a situation where they’ve dropped their watch or set it down a little too roughly. Sometimes watch faces crack, and this is another common reason for repairs. The amount you will have to spend on this depends on whether there was any mechanical damage. A simple surface-level crack will be inexpensive and easy to fix.
On the other hand, internal water damage can be one of the most expensive repairs. This is because the mechanisms within your watch stop working properly. If this happens, I found that you will need to take it to a technician for parts to be replaced or even overhauled. A complete overhaul can be very costly at more than $1000 depending on your watch. It is essential to take your watch in for regular servicing to keep it waterproofed and protected against future damage.
How to Offset the Costs of Repairs
Mechanical watch repair can seem like a lot to budget for, but it does not have to be such a scary prospect. Taking the following steps I have compiled will help make sure that you are saving money in the long run while keeping your watch in good shape.
- Invest in a brand that is easy to repair: Some watch brands, such as Rolexes, can cost more due to the complexity of their mechanisms. If you are worried about cost, look for a brand that is fairly simple and easy to repair.
- Purchase a warranty or insurance: Some manufacturers will provide a warranty for your mechanical watch. Though this usually does not cover servicing, it can give you some protection if unexpected breakage happens.
- Take care of your watch: Don’t skip regular servicing appointments with a reputable technician, as these are necessary to keep your watch in good shape. Though it will cost you money, it will save you more in the long run as you avoid breaks.
Though it is inevitable to spend some money on repairing your watch, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid large expenses, which can be relieving and give you a peace of mind.
Conclusion
Mechanical watches have stood the test of time and are at the forefront of the luxury timepiece market. As stylish and classic as they can be, they can also be very expensive to repair as I have shown in this article. Before buying a mechanical watch, know the costs associated with repair and have a budget in place so that you can provide the regular servicing that your watch will need.