Have a watch in need of repair? Getting a timepiece fixed can be a burdensome and frustrating process, but also very rewarding when your watch is returned - and in better condition than ever. Below you'll find some straight forward information about getting your watch fixed and what to expect. It is important to understand generally how long it will take and how much it will cost to fix your watch before sending it to a repair center.
In order to make it easy for you, aBlogtoWatch has chosen Govberg Watch Repair as its official service partner for all your timepiece repair and restoration needs. Govberg Watch Repair and Govberg Jewelers are located in Philadelphia, and are authorized dealers of many fine brands including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Cartier, IWC, Audemars Piguet, Omega, and plenty more.
Govberg Watch Repair is a United States-based watch repair provider that receives authorized parts directly from all the major brands. aBlogtoWatch officially recommends Govberg Watch Repair for all your service needs. If you'd like to get started with your watch repair, service, or restoration, please fill out the form below and submit your information.
Watch Repair Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost for my watch to get fixed or serviced?
Please note that the following information is general and does not necessarily apply to your watch or the condition it is in. While many watches appear similar, their internal movements and the condition that they are can vary greatly. This can affect the price so please refer to the information below as averages only - these figures refer to service from Govberg Watch Repair.
- Overall average price of a watch repair is $200
- Battery replacements for quartz movement based watches start at $60
- Watch crystal replacements start at $60-$70
- Watch overhaul (service) prices range from about $200 - $700 depending on the complexity and nature of the watch. Overhauls are necessary when a watch is running poorly or if a watch has been sitting for a long period of time (maybe 10 years or more) without being used. Overhauls for low-end watches average about $150-250, while those for high-end watches range from about $250-$750. Overhauls also include case cleaning and polishing.
- For total restorations or vintage watch service, prices can vary dramatically based on the brand and model, as well as the condition of the watch. It is very difficult to estimate averages for these prices, but these tend to involve higher costs.
What types of repairs are the most expensive?
- Very high end watches with complex functions
- Badly damaged watches
- Vintages watches needing excessive restoration and/or custom parts made
- Vintage pocket watches
- Dial restorations or replacement
Should I send my watch to the original manufacturer for repair?
While it would be incorrect to suggest that original watch manufactures are inappropriate places to send watches needing service or repair, it is often the most expensive place to do so. Watch brands use watch repair centers as additional revenue generators and are more interested in making money that performing quick expedient repairs. Even if your timepiece is still covered under warranty, it is often the case that you will be charged. Plus, sending watches to the brand for repair will often result in the longest wait times. For these reasons, it is most advisable to avoid sending your watch to the original watch manufacturer unless only they can repair the watch.
Highly exotic or rare watches are often only serviceable by the original manufacturer. When choosing a service provider, please make sure to ask them if they are qualified and feel comfortable servicing your specific watch.
When it is not worth repairing a watch?
If the watch you want fixed isn't worth as much as the cost of repair or service, you are better off getting a replacement want or only having it serviced if the watch has significant sentimental value to you.
What types of repairs are best serviced by a local watch service provider?
- Battery changes on inexpensive quartz movement based watches
- Watch bracelet resizing or adjustment
- Strap replacements. Govberg Watch Repair is authorized to offer original manufacture straps for over 50 popular brands. To save on shipping costs and time, they can send you a replacement strap if you contact them with the brand and serial number (located on the back of most watches) or model name and year.
How long will it take to repair my watch?
A great deal of the frustration involved with getting a watch repaired is how long it can take. Servicing done by the original manufacturer can take many months. Govberg Watch Repair usually is able to return your timepiece in about 4 - 6 weeks on average. Battery changes and other simple repairs can take less time. In rare cases watches will take when parts are not easy to get or the watch requires a lot of work. Proper watch servicing requires the attention of a qualified watch maker as well as time for testing. It is important to know how long it can take for your watch to be repaired so that you aren't impatient with the process. While your watch is with Govberg Watch Repair you can always access the status of the work to know what is currently being done with your timepiece.
Will I be charged for estimates and return shipping if I choose not to repair my watch?
No. Govberg Watch Repair does not charge for estimating how much it will cost to repair or restore a watch. While you are required to pay for the shipping of your watch to Govberg Watch Repair, if you decide not to have your watch repaired or serviced after you have received an estimate, then Govberg Watch Repair will ship your watch back to you without cost.
How long will it take to get an estimate?
It is typical for watch repair providers to offer the customer an estimate before beginning to do work. Estimates are important as the extent of the service required is only able to be determined after a watch maker is able to inspect the watch in question. At Govberg Watch Repair estimates take about 7 - 10 days to prepare. At that time the customer can decide if they want to proceed with the necessary work or have their timepieces sent back to them without cost.
Where will my watch be fixed?
The majority of repairs are done in-house by Govberg Watch Repair in the USA. There are instances when watches will require special parts that watch brands do not offer to third party watch service providers. In these uncommon instances Govberg Watch Repair, on your behalf, will send your watch to that brand's US service center. In the unlikely event that the brand does not have a US service center, Govberg Watch Repair will contact the customer before taking further action.
Can I track the status of my watch repair?
Yes. Govberg Watch Repair offers a system for determining what the status of the repair is that you can access any time. In the event complications or questions arise, Govberg Watch Repair will reach out to you.
Does Govberg Watch Repair warrant their services?
Yes. All watch repairs done by Govberg Watch Repair come with a 1 (one) year warranty. Please contact Govberg Watch Repair for more information regarding the warranty.
What if I want to speak with a live person at Govberg Watch Repair before sending in my watch?
For the best service please make sure to mention that you learned about Govberg Watch Repair via their partner aBlogtoWatch.com and call (276-443-2115).
