Can Watches be Repaired? [Are Watches Worth Repairing?]
The short answer is that in most cases, yes, watches can be repaired, But whether or not it is actually worth repairing a watch repairing is a completely different question. And that’s exactly what we’ll get to the bottom of in this article.
Are watches worth repairing? It depends…
There are two ways to answer this question: the first is from a financial standpoint. In other words, is it worth having the watch repaired, or does it make more sense from a financial standpoint to just buy a new watch? The second is whether or not the watch has an affection value so that the cost of repairing doesn’t really matter because you want the exact same watch. Perhaps it is an heirloom or perhaps you plan on passing it on to your child one day.
It’s impossible to say an exact number of how much it costs to service a watch as it varies depending on a large number of factors. The most important factors that affect the cost of servicing a watch are:
- The brand of the watch
- How expensive the watch is
- How complicated the movement is
- The condition of the movement
- Whether the watch is damaged or broken in any way
- What has broken
This primarily relates to watches with mechanical movements but also includes digital ones. However, when it comes to digital watches, there’s usually no debate. Digital watches tend to be cheap and it is rarely worth repairing them. In most cases, people just buy a new watch when their digital watch has broken. But with that said, most watches can be repaired, including digital ones. But whether it is worth it or not is a different story. But as a general rule, it’s usually not worth repairing digital watches from a financial standpoint. That is as long as you don’t have an expensive digital watch.
When it comes to mechanical watches, the cost of servicing and repairing a watch depends on numerous factors. Service and repair are different. Repairs always include a service, but not the other way around. That is unless there’s just something visual about the watch that has broken and can be fixed relatively easily. But if something inside the watch has broken, for example, the watch has stopped or something is loose inside the watch, the movement will be disassembled, the broken parts replaced, the movement serviced, and then reassembled again.
At its core, a watch service includes disassembling the movement, cleaning the movement, replacing damaged or worn-out parts, reassembling the movement, and lubricating it.
So if we only talk about servicing a watch, that is one thing. But if we talk about things that may have broken inside the watch, the cost will naturally be higher as parts will need to be replaced. If there are other things about the watch that have broken, for example, the bracelet, and case, it’s also a different story. This is because, depending on the part, and depending on the brand, the cost for replacement items apart from movement parts, can vary a lot in cost.
- The cost span for servicing a watch is generally between 200 dollars to 10.000 dollars.
- The cost span for repairing a watch can range from anywhere from 200 dollars to more than 50.000 dollars
Of course, the higher span for both service and repair is for the most expensive watches that generally cost a few hundred thousand dollars, such as Richard Mille watches. In other words, it’s not applicable to most people.
Most watches cost around 400 to 900 dollars to service. This includes the cost of servicing brands like Omega, Rolex, TAG Heuer, and other entry-level and mid-tier luxury brands. Seiko watches and other more affordable timepieces usually cost no more than a few hundred dollars to service.
This is the cost of a standard service so if your watch is damaged and needs repair, it may require new parts which will add to the cost of a standard service. How much depends on the brand you have and what needs to be repaired.
The type of movement
The type of movement your watch has will affect the cost of servicing and repairing it. A watch with a generic movement that is relatively easy to work on doesn’t require as much expertise to service. Therefore, more watchmakers are able to work on it. Moreover, a less complex movement will be easier to service and thus take less time. As a result, it will also decrease the price of the service.
On the contrary, more complex and advanced movements will cost more to service. For example, a watch with a chronograph complication or even more advanced complications like annual calendars, perpetual calendars, etc. will increase the cost of servicing the watch. This is because they contain more parts, take more time to service, and require more expertise to service.
Are Watches Worth Repairing?
If you have a watch with an affection value, then yes, the watch is likely worth repairing. But if you only ask this question from a financial standpoint, then it depends.
In general, expensive watches are always worth repairing. For watches that cost less than 1000, it’s not certain that you will get back your money if you repair them. In some cases, it might, but it depends on the condition of the watch and how damaged it is.
But it’s still important to know that in most cases, most watches can be repaired, regardless of the condition it is in. But the worse shape and condition it is in, the more expensive it will be to repair it.
If you have, let’s say a Rolex or an Omega that has stopped, then it is likely worth repairing it. But if you have a Seiko watch that has broken, then the cost of repairing the watch may be as much as the value of the watch. In this case, you have to consider whether or not it is worth it for you to repair the watch or not.
Estimate the cost of repair and the watch’s value
The best way for you to estimate whether or not it is worth repairing your watch is by getting a cost estimate for the repair and then comparing the cost of the reparation with the watch’s value when repaired. If the cost of repair costs more than the watch is worth, most people will choose not to repair their watch unless it has personal affection value.
To get a cost estimate, visit a specialized watchmaker. They will assess the condition of the watch and what needs to be done to it. They will then provide you with a cost estimate of how much it will cost to repair it.
Once you have gotten this, go to sites like ebay.com, Chrono24.com, and other sites and get a rough idea of the value of the watch. Now that you know the value of your watch (once repaired), it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to proceed with the repair or not.
Complicated and advanced watch repairs
The techniques, machines, and methods used for manufacturing – and repairing – watches have been dramatically improved over the years. Today, watchmakers are able to take on some very complicated watch repairs with the help of the right machines and tools. But just because it is possible doesn’t mean it is worth it.
But for expensive luxury watches, it’s generally worth it to perform these repairs even if your watch has been seriously damaged. For example, if you have dropped the watch on the ground and it now has some serious dents, it can actually be repaired. And watchmakers are able to do this without heavily polishing the watch and completely changing the shape of the watch. Laser-welding is one such method that has become more and more common in recent years for the repair of large dents and damages on watch cases. Previously, you would need to polish these damaged parts heavily which meant removing a lot of material and giving the watch a different shape. Very deep scratches and dents would still be visible. In other cases, you would have to replace the part, which naturally costs a lot if it’s an expensive watch.
As such, laser welding can be used to restore watches to their original condition thanks to an experienced watchmaker and with the help of the right equipment. This is just one of many examples of how even the most damaged watches can be restored to their former glory.
Replacement of parts
If certain parts of the watch are so damaged that they need to be replaced, then the watchmaker will suggest it to you. In most cases, it is more worth repairing it than replacing the part – especially for expensive watches- but if the part is damaged beyond repair, it will need to be replaced. Replacement of parts is much more common for more affordable watches than expensive ones for obvious reasons.
For example, if a movement in an affordable watch is heavily damaged, it may be deemed that it is more appropriate to replace the movement with a new one rather than service and replace all the damaged parts. The more expensive the watch is, the less common this is.
But the point is that yes, a watch can be repaired, even if it is heavily damaged. In most cases, watches can be repaired by experienced and professional watchmakers. But that doesn’t always mean that it is worth it from a financial standpoint. In general, the more the watch costs, the more it will cost to service it. At the same time, there’s often no point in repairing the most affordable watches as it is cheaper to just replace them than to have them repaired.
