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The cost of repairing a watch can vary depending on the type of repair that needs to be done. It is important to keep in mind that repairing a watch requires a lot of time and effort from a skilled and experienced watchmaker. Learning this trade is not an easy task and most professional watchmakers study and train for many years to become experts. In addition to time and patience, watchmakers also invest a lot of money in buying the right tools and equipment.

It is recommended by manufacturers that an entire maintenance service, or overhaul, is carried out every four to seven years. Proper lubrication is necessary for a watch movement to keep accurate time. Changes in oil viscosity can generate friction and impact the mechanism's precision. This can cause the watch to run fast, slow, or even stop altogether. When the movement operates without lubrication, the moving parts will begin to wear out and require replacement at an additional cost during the next service. If you don't want to spend money on servicing your watch, it is advised not to wear or use it until it has been serviced to prevent more damage.

After an estimate has been approved, replacement parts, if required, are ordered, and the movement is taken out of the case and disassembled completely. Some movements are simple and comprise only a few parts, while others can consist of over 100 parts. The movement then undergoes a multi-step ultrasonic cleaning process. After cleaning, it is reassembled, lubricated with the appropriate lubricant for each specific function, timed, and tested for factory-specific accuracy. Before the watch is sealed, all necessary seals are replaced, and the case is pressure tested. If desired, most watch cases and bracelets can be refinished or polished.

In some cases, only a partial repair or service is required. Such repairs may include the replacement of a stem, crown, push-button, gasket, or crystal. However, there is no warranty on the movement for partial repairs or services like these.

We provide a one-year warranty on battery and overhaul services (including movement replacements). Partial repairs carry a limited warranty only on work performed. This warranty does not cover crystals, bands, stems, crowns, pushers, or any parts subject to wear and tear. This warranty does not cover damages resulting from water, wear and tear, improper handling, tampering, or negligence. The warranty is rendered void if any of the above occurs, if the watch is opened, and/or if any work is carried out on the watch by persons not employed by Watch Doctor Inc. All watches are considered not water-resistant unless water-resistance service has been performed. All work is signed internally. All sales and fees are final and non-refundable. 

Setting the time on your watch is a straightforward process; however, it is essential to follow the correct steps to avoid damaging the watch. First, check whether your watch has a push-in or screw-down crown. If it is a screw-down crown, you must unscrew it until it pops out slightly. If it is a push-in crown, you can gently pull it out. 

Your crown may have different positions that control various features like the date, day, or time. You should refer to your user manual for specific setting instructions. Once you have set the correct time, push the crown in, and screw it down tightly if required.

A watch's ability to resist water is ensured by a set of seals present in various parts of the case, such as the crystal, case back, and crown gaskets. These seals tend to dry out and crack over time, which can result in them losing their ability to keep water out. Having the water-resistant seals checked or replaced approximately every two years is highly recommended. In the case of quartz watches, this is about as often as the battery needs to be replaced.

If you notice condensation under the crystal or water on your watch's dial or hands, it is crucial to take it to a professional watchmaker as soon as possible. Water can damage or destroy the movement, leading to costly repairs that can sometimes cost several thousand dollars.

Before wearing a watch in the shower or pool or after changing the time, the crown must be closed and/or screwed down tight. Note that you should never activate push buttons underwater, which can cause water to penetrate the case. Additionally, it is crucial to check for any chips or cracks in the crystal, as water can enter through these areas. Lastly, it is recommended not to wear a watch in a hot tub or sauna, as some watch gaskets are prone to melt in such conditions.

Ratings:

30 meters or 3ATM  -  The watch can withstand accidental, short-term exposure to moisture from splashing, rain, or sweat. Submersion in water is not acceptable.

50 meters or 5ATM - Moderate exposure to watch moisture will not damage the watch.

100 meters or 10ATM - Submersion in shallow water is acceptable. This includes showering, dishwashing, and swimming in shallow water.

200M or more - The watch has been designed for diving. Specifications will vary and should be reviewed before use.

Many people assume that watches keep perfect time, but that's not entirely true. While quartz watches are the most accurate, they can still be off by a few seconds each week. On the other hand, a well-maintained mechanical watch should run within +/- 10 to 20 seconds per day. For more precise watches, such as certified chronometer watches, the accuracy range is between -3 to +13 seconds per day. However, these numbers may vary depending on the manufacturer of the watch. Older watches may have a much wider variance in accuracy. The only watch that can keep time accurate to the second is an atomic watch.

It is important to know that watches can be affected by magnetism, which can cause them to gain or lose time. There are many objects that can create a magnetic field, such as cell phones, televisions, computers, certain types of jewelry, hair dryers, electric razors, and magnets. So, it is recommended that you keep your watch away from such objects to avoid any problems.

While some watches are designed for sports activities, not all of them are. Therefore, it is better to remove your watch before playing any sports that involve substantial impacts. Dropping or hitting your watch against a hard object can cause significant damage to both its internal mechanism and exterior.

If you notice that the bracelet connection springs of your watch are loose, it is essential to have them replaced, as worn-out pins often break or snap, resulting in the watch falling off your wrist and potentially being lost.

A mid to high-quality leather strap usually lasts between 6 to 12 months. However, contact with water or sweat can cause the strap to wear out quickly. If you need to clean your watch case and bracelet, use soapy water and a soft-bristled brush only if your watch is water-resistant to at least 100m. Be careful not to brush too hard if you have a high-polish bracelet, as it may scratch the bracelet. After cleaning, dry the watch with a lint-free polishing cloth and avoid using excessive heat, like a hairdryer.

Quartz watches operate on batteries that require replacement approximately every 1-2 years, though some batteries may last longer. The battery's lifespan is determined by several factors, including the age of your watch, when the battery was produced, the consumption level of your watch's movement, and how often you use other features, such as the alarm, light, or chronograph. If a battery is left in too long, it may leak battery acid and cause damage, leading to additional service costs.

Newer models of watches, like Citizen Eco-Drive and Seiko Solar or Kinetic, use rechargeable batteries. These rechargeable batteries, also known as capacitors, require replacement every 5-10 years. Eco-Drive or Solar watches should never be kept in the dark but instead placed on a nightstand or in a storage container with a glass lid. Kinetic watches function using the motion of your hand, much like a mechanical automatic watch.

It is highly recommended that your watch be pressure-tested after every battery change to avoid the risk of water damage. If you don't plan on wearing your watch, or if your battery has stopped working and you don't plan on replacing it, it is strongly suggested that the battery be removed to prevent leakage and damage to the movement.

Windup watches are powered by a mechanical movement, meaning they must be manually wound. It is advisable to wind them at the same time every day. To properly wind the watch, turn the crown until fully wound, which usually requires about 20-40 revolutions. You will feel resistance when the watch is fully wound. It is impossible to over-wind the watch, but the mainspring could break if the crown is forced.

Automatic or self-winding watches are powered by an internal rotor that is activated and powered by the wearer's wrist movements. These watches typically have a power reserve of 24 to 72 hours. To ensure the watch has enough reserve power, it is recommended to actively wear it for at least 8 to 10 hours per day. If the watch has not been worn for a while or the power reserve has run out, it may be necessary to wind it about 20 to 30 times before wearing it.

If you do not wear your watch regularly, keeping it on a high-quality watch winder is best. However, it is essential to note that some watches only wind in one direction, and if the winder specifications do not match your watch, the mainspring could break. It is strongly advised to check with the watch and winder manufacturers to ensure the winder specifications match your watch.

Chronograph watches come equipped with a chronograph feature, more commonly known as a stopwatch. However, many people mistake the chronograph hand for the second hand. To initiate the stopwatch, press the top pusher and then press it again to stop. The bottom pusher functions as a reset button and moves the hand back to the 12 o'clock position. It is crucial to stop the chronograph before resetting it. A few movements operate oppositely. To avoid damaging the movement, refer to the owner's manual before initiating the chronograph.