What To Consider When Getting Your Watch Repaired?

Choosing A Watch Repair Specialist

Have you ever had that sinking feeling when your beloved timepiece needs some TLC? Sadly, one of life's inevitabilities is that at some point, you will need to seek the expertise of a watch repair specialist. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what to consider when selecting a watch repairer, from assessing their range of services to verifying their use of genuine replacement parts. We'll delve into the importance of effective communication, customer testimonials, warranties, and the cost of repairs. Additionally, we'll highlight the significance of quality control measures, such as post-repair testing, in ensuring the accuracy of your watch after that. 

What To Consider When Choosing A Watch Repairer?

A watch often has sentimental value, and for luxury watch owners, it's also an investment. When choosing a watch repairer, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you avoid any unfortunate hiccups further down the line and preserve the value of your timepiece: 

What repairs do they offer? 

When selecting a watch repair specialist, it's crucial to assess the range of services they offer. From battery replacements to vintage watch restoration and beyond, opting for a company with a broad specialisation ensures they can address any repair your watch may require. Moreover, it's essential to verify the types of watches they handle—whether quartz or mechanical—and be mindful that some repair companies specialise exclusively in specific brands. By considering these factors, you can ensure your watch receives the expertise and attention it deserves.

Communication

A repair centre with good communication means you'll be kept in the loop throughout the whole process. You'll receive updates on the status of your watch repair. With clear communication comes transparency—you'll know precisely what repairs are needed, the estimated timeline, and any associated costs upfront. This way, you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Genuine Replacement Parts 

When choosing a watch repairer, always ask whether they use genuine replacement parts. It's a well-known fact many major high-street watch repair shops use cheap imitation parts, aiming to maximise profits while fixing your watch as quickly as possible. 

Independent watch repair specialists are dedicated to their craft and are more inclined to take their time when repairing your timepiece. Sourcing genuine replacement parts is a time-consuming process, especially if you own a vintage watch. Quite often, watch brands cease manufacturing replacement parts after so many years, resulting in watch repairers having to take advantage of their connections within the industry. 

Opting for a repairer who uses genuine parts in their watch repairs is crucial for safeguarding the authenticity and value of your timepiece. While imitation parts might visually resemble genuine ones, they often fall short in terms of material quality and manufacturing precision. This disparity can result in complications during fitting and trigger additional issues with your timepiece further down the line.

Custom Testimonials and Reviews 

Do your due diligence. Check out customer reviews and ask for recommendations from trusted sources to find a reputable watch repair service. Don't solely rely on testimonials on a company's website. Explore platforms like Google Business Profile and other reputable independent review sites. Additionally, this will help you gain a better understanding of the different services a watch repair shop provides. 

Warranty and Guarantees 

A guarantee or warranty clearly indicates the repair specialist's confidence in the quality of their services and unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards. Knowing that a guarantee or warranty backs your watch repair also provides peace of mind. If any issues arise after the repair, you can have confidence that the specialist will address them promptly and at no additional cost to you.

Cost of repairs 

Always request a detailed quote before proceeding with your watch repair. A watchmaker must disassemble the case and movement of your timepiece to diagnose any necessary work and provide an accurate quote. Be wary of significantly low prices that might indicate subpar work or non-genuine parts. Additionally, consider whether the repair cost is justified based on the value of the watch. 

Quality Control 

The last thing you want is to receive your watch, either by collection or through the mail, only to discover that it still has issues. That's why it's recommended that you inquire about the post-repair tests conducted.

These tests will guarantee the accuracy of your watch's timekeeping functions after the repairs, such as its ability to keep time within specified tolerances. Additionally, for water-resistant watches, post-repair testing includes checking the integrity of seals and gaskets to ensure the watch remains water-resistant to the manufacturer's specifications, which is crucial for preventing water damage.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, choosing the right watch repair specialist is crucial to ensuring your cherished timepiece receives the care and attention it deserves. From assessing the range of services offered to verify the use of genuine replacement parts, each factor plays a vital role in safeguarding the authenticity and value of your watch. Effective communication throughout the repair process ensures transparency and peace of mind, while warranties or guarantees provide added assurance. By conducting thorough research, asking the right questions, and considering these essential factors, you can confidently entrust your watch to a reputable repair centre. So, whether it's a routine maintenance service or a complex repair, rest assured that your watch is in good hands. Here's to keeping your timepiece ticking for years to come!

How We Can Help You?

At AMJ Watch Repairs, watch repair isn't just a service we offer—it's our passion. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our comprehensive repair service, covering everything from minor adjustments to complete restorations. Whether your timepiece is quartz or mechanical, our expertise extends to all types and brands of watches. We specialise in luxury watch repairs and pride ourselves on using only genuine parts, ensuring that your watch is restored to its original specifications.

With years of experience under our belt, we've seen watches in all conditions, and no repair request is too big or small for us to handle. For local customers, feel free to drop by our Hatton Garden watch repair shop, or why not send us your timepiece in the post?