The ultimate guide to luxury watch repair and maintenance

Owning a luxury watch is not than just a fashion statement. It’s a commitment to preserving a finely crafted masterpiece. Whether it’s a Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, Audemars Piguet or Jaeger Le-Coultre, luxury watches will all need maintenance and care at one point or another.

Luxury timepieces require specialised care, precision, and attention to detail that only expert technicians (like us!) can provide.

From routine maintenance to intricate restorations, understanding the needs of your luxury watch is essential to maintaining its performance and value.

Let’s  walk you through the essentials of luxury watch repair and maintenance, showcase the comprehensive services available at The Watch Specialist’s Clinic, and help you make informed decisions to keep your prized watch in impeccable condition.

Common needs of luxury watch repair and maintenance.

Luxury watches, like any finely-tuned instrument, have common repair needs that stem from both regular wear and tear and environmental exposure.

Some of the most frequent luxury watch repair needs are as follows: 

Movement servicing	Over time, the intricate internal mechanisms of a watch can lose accuracy or stop working entirely due to dried lubricants, dusor worn parts. Routine movement servicing is essential to ensure precision and reliability.
Battery replacement (for quartz watches)	A seemingly simple task, battery replacement requires care to avoid damaging delicate components.
Crystal and case restoration	The crystal and case protect the watch's inner workings and contribute to its aesthetic appeal. Scratches, chips, or cracks can compromise both the appearance and functionality of the watch.
Strap or bracelet repairs	Leather straps can wear out, and metal bracelets may loosen over time. Ensuring a snug fit and a quality appearance often involves minor repairs or full replacements.
Water resistance checks and seal replacements	Water-resistant watches need periodic checks to maintain their ability to withstand moisture. This involves inspecting and replacing worn seals to prevent water from entering and damaging the movement.

The four key goals of luxury watch repair specialists.

Watch repair specialists have these core goals and outcomes they strive for, when working on luxury timepieces.

Preserving originality Skilled technicians aim to retain the original components and finishes wherever possible, maintaining the watch’s value and authenticity.	Enhancing longevity The goal is to keep the watch functional for as long as possible, often extending its lifespan by decades through meticulous care and quality repairs.
Restoring aesthetic and functional quality A good repair not only restores the watch’s functionality but also brings it back to its original aesthetic beauty, respecting the design and craftsmanship that went into its creation.	Servicing with trust and reliability By providing consistent, high-quality service, reputable repair specialists (like us!) aim to build lasting relationships with clients, ensuring their watches are always in trusted hands.

What are some additional services that may be unique for my luxury watch?

 Every now and then we encounter luxury watch maintenance or repair needs that go beyond routine maintenance, preserving the integrity, appearance, and performance of luxury watches in more nuanced ways.

Microsoldering 

Tiny components, such as electrical connections in hybrid or quartz watches, may need microsoldering to restore functionality without replacing parts. (Please note, we do not offer this service.)

Lubricant replacement for jewel bearings 

High-end movements use jewels as bearings, which require precise re-lubrication over time to prevent wear and maintain accuracy. These "jewels" act as pockets or wells that hold lubricants, which can dry out or lose their properties over time. Servicing of watches typically includes this process.

UV Treatment for luminous dials 

For watches with luminescent dials or hands, UV treatment can restore brightness if the luminescence has faded over time. (While we do not provide UV treatment, we can restore hands by reluming, repainting, or reconditioning dials, which is similar to respraying.)

Polishing of micro-scratches on sapphire crystals 

While sapphire is highly scratch-resistant, tiny imperfections cannot be polished. Only plexi crystals can be polished. However, we can replace sapphire crystals to ensure your watch remains pristine.

Demagnetisation 

Magnetic fields can disrupt a watch’s accuracy, especially in mechanical models. Demagnetisation restores balance and precision, especially after exposure to electronic devices.

Does the brand, age and origin of my luxury watch matter when choosing a specialist?

🔍 Brand expertise Each luxury watch brand has unique design elements, movement complexities, and proprietary components. Specialists with experience in specific brands (like Rolex or Patek Philippe) understand these nuances, making them better equipped to handle intricate repairs and maintenance.

⏳ Age of the watch  Older watches, particularly vintage models, often require a different approach. Parts may be harder to find, and the techniques needed to repair them can differ from modern watches. Specialists experienced with vintage models know how to preserve the watch’s authenticity and handle delicate, sometimes irreplaceable, components.

🗺️ Country of origin Swiss-made watches, for instance, are crafted with distinct engineering and assembly techniques, often requiring Swiss-specific parts and standards. A specialist knowledgeable about Swiss movements and practices can provide more accurate repairs, ensuring your watch’s integrity. (Hint: We are SWISS-trained repair specialists! 🇨🇭)

Other considerations and differing factors between luxury watch repairs and regular watch repairs.

Here are some differences between luxury watch repairs and regular watch repairs.

Aspect	Luxury Watch Repairs	Regular Watch Repairs
Parts and Materials	Genuine, brand-specific parts are used, often sourced directly from the manufacturer or certified suppliers. We use original parts because they meet the quality standards required to confidently provide a 2-year warranty on repairs. Parts that are not original may not match the original quality or fit properly.	Generic parts or readily available materials may be used for simpler repairs. In some cases, generic or universal parts may be used, but only with the client's consent, and we clearly explain the reasons for their use.
Skill Level	Requires highly trained specialists, often Swiss-trained, familiar with brand-specific mechanisms.	General watch repair skills are usually sufficient.
Attention to Detail	Extreme attention to detail to preserve aesthetic and functional aspects; even micro-scratches matter.	Standard repair processes; cosmetic imperfections may be overlooked.
Cost of Repair	Higher due to specialised tools, expert labor, and sometimes rare parts. Luxury repairs often involve more time, such as a 100% complete strip and overhaul servicing, which contributes to the cost.	More affordable, as parts and labour are usually less specialised.
Servicing Frequency	Often requires scheduled servicing to maintain value and performance, typically every five years or as recommended. (We ensure our advice remains approachable and not overly formal to avoid sounding exclusive.)	Servicing is typically as-needed, with less emphasis on Restoration and Preservation prioritises preserving originality (and longevity), especially for vintage or limited-edition models. Limited focus on preservation; more emphasis on functionality.
Restoration and Preservation	Prioritises preserving originality and longevity, particularly for vintage or limited-edition models.	Limited focus on preservation; more emphasis on functionality.
Testing and Calibration	Advanced testing for accuracy and water proofing and/or water resistance after repairs.	Basic testing, usually limited to checking time accuracy and battery life.
Documentation and Warranty	Includes service documentation and warranties. Typically, one photo of the dismantled watch is taken unless additional photos are requested by the client.	Basic receipt or limited warranty, with minimal effect on resale value.
Repair Duration	Typically longer due to the need for thorough work and waiting times for rare parts.	Faster turnaround, with parts and labour more readily available.

Choose us for your luxury watch repair needs!

With our Swiss-trained experts and decades of experience, The Watch Specialist Clinic provides unmatched luxury watch care.

We understand the unique requirements of Swiss-origin watches and offer meticulous, specialised services tailored to discerning owners who value quality and precision over shortcuts. Drop us a line below to schedule a free consultation and to get a quote.

Why Choose The Watch Specialist's Clinic? Expert technicians: skilled, SWISS-trained professionals with extensive experience. Support a long-standing family business and discover why our customers love us. Detailed inspection always: comprehensive checks for all watch components. Reliable & reputable repairs that ensure durability and precision.