My goal is to provide
the highest-quality repair work available anywhere. I know that my
prices are higher than some of my competitors, but I feel that my
extra service and quality warrants the extra expense. This idea is
reinforced by my customers through their numerous compliments and
repeat business. I take great pride in my work, and continue to strive
for higher standards. This tactic of continuous improvement allows
me to regularly exceed my customer’s expectations.
A significant
portion of my business consists of repairing watches where others have
failed. Even if you have been told that a watch cannot be fixed due
to lack of parts (or any other reason), I encourage you to contact me
with your problem. The successful repair of these types of watches is
fairly common for me.
Cleaning
a watch is probably the most common procedure a watchmaker performs.
However, not all cleanings are alike. The best watchmakers agree that
the only way to properly clean a watch is to completely disassemble
it. If it is not disassembled, dirt and old oil can remain in the jewels,
and worn pivots cannot be detected. Some watchmakers cut corners and
save time by not doing so, and therefore can charge lower prices for
their services. However, the quality of the work, the reliability, and
the timekeeping all suffer accordingly. I feel that it is better to
spend $800 wisely on a quality job than to waste $200 on something that
you are not happy with, and then have to spend an additional $800 to
make it right. Truth is, I run into this situation quite frequently.
General Cleaning
and Adjusting - $450. Includes complete disassembly, cleaning,
and lubrication of the movement. Watches are timed electronically in
all positions to achieve accurate and reliable timekeeping. With my
state of the art timing machine, I am able to look at balance amplitude
and beat errors, parameters which most watchmakers ignore. These additional
diagnostics help increase overall reliability and accuracy. Cases are
cleaned and polished. The price shown is for standard movements - high
jewel
pocketwatches, calendars, automatics, etc. are more expensive.
I specialize in vintage Rolex repair, which is normally $1000 and up. Repairs on later
Rolex watches include a new crystal, crown, tube, and back gasket so
that the case seals properly. I have access to many hard-to-find and
obsolete parts for older Rolex models, including bubblebacks. I am not
affiliated with Rolex, although I do use genuine Rolex parts.
Chronograph repair
costs vary according to the condition, grade, and movement. Lower-grade
2 register chronos run about $600, and high-grade three register models
(such as Breitling) are in the $800 range.
The above prices do not include parts. A good ballpark figure for an
average parts requirement is about $75. Early Rolex automatics, such
as bubblebacks and transitional (1950's) bubblebacks, sometimes require
parts in excess of $250.
Railroad grade pocketwatches
are about $450.
Click here to see more pictures of my work
Dial Refinishing
- $200. This is for most standard re-dials. Two-tone dials and chronographs
are more expensive.
Dials really can't
be 'cleaned' or touched up in any way. Dials generally have a
clear coat of lacquer to protect them, and over time this lacquer can
turn yellow or crack, allowing moisture to oxidize the metal underneath.
The yellow color can't be cleaned away without removing the lacquer and
print entirely.
In essence,
dial refinishing is kind of like stripping and repainting a car.
The dial is stripped down to the bare brass, and then either painted
or plated for the background color, and then printed. Many
dials also have 'raised figures' where the numbers or markers sit
above the dial (like the chronograph shown above). These
figures can either be 'applied' (which are separate little pieces
that are pinned to the dial), or simply 'raised' which are stamped
and are permanently attached to the dial.
After the
dials have been stripped and the background color applied, the rest
of the markings are printed. This is done with a stamping
process, so sometimes a specific font style won't be reproduced
exactly. This can be one of the compromises in dial
refinishing.
Understand that
dial refinishing is a good option for dials in poor condition. However,
you should have realistic expectations - even an excellent redial can
usually be distinguished from an original dial (especially by someone
who is experienced). It can be a good solution, and generally people
are very satisfied with the results. If your original dial has some
small imperfection or scratch, it is almost always better to leave it
alone rather to have it refinished. Be sure to check out the
'restoration photos' section for some before/after photos of dials
that were refinished.
Crystals
- Round plastic crystals are about $15. Fancy shaped crystals (non-rounds)
are $25. I generally use glass rather than plastic for all fancy shapes
due to its clarity. I can also supply round glass crystals when appropriate. Here's a
comparison of plastic vs. glass. You can see the distortion of the
print at the edges of the plastic crystal.
Click here to see more pictures of my work
Miscellaneous
There is an $85
minimum for any work done. However, this figure does not apply to estimates.
Inquire for pricing
on other repair services including repivoting, staff making and parts
manufacturing.
Turnaround time
is generally 2-3 months, but this varies considerably depending on what
needs to be done and my current workload.
For a good
selection of some of the nicest watchstraps available, check out Bob
Davis' site www.mywatchmaker.net
I do not repair
any watch that uses a battery (quartz, Accutrons, Hamilton Electrics,
etc) , I only repair mechanical timepieces.
If you have questions
or require services not listed, please call or e-mail with your needs.
There will be a
2% finance charge per month on all jobs that are not paid for within
30 days (this applies to the date your watch is completed, not the date
it is sent in).
Warranty
All work comes
with a 1 year warranty. This covers most problems, but
water-resistance and/or abuse is not guaranteed. There is
more information on water-resistance under FAQs.
Shipping
Instructions
Shipping instructions
are under Frequently Asked Questions
