Pocket Watches & Their Cases: Complete Movement Servicing: $275 - $375 Replace Mainspring: $55 Replace Jewels: $55 each Replace Bows or Crowns: $75 each
Full Answer
How much does a pocket watch cost?
Pocket watches, American antique (1915’s-1949’s): $400 Pocket watches, Early American and Swiss, Pre-1915: $480 Pocket watches, Very early American pre-1880: $580 Pocket watches, American Railroad Grade: $385
Which pocket watches would you like to restore?
The pocket watches that I will consider for restoration are the factories of: Ball, Columbus Watch Company, Elgin, Hamilton, Hampden, E. Howard, Howard Watch Co., Illinois, Peoria Watch co., Rockford, Seth Thomas, South Bend, United States Watch Co., U.S. Watch Co., and Waltham. Other watches we would be interested in repairing:
How much does it cost to fix a broken pocket clock?
Repair costs for these types of clocks typically start at $750. Replace Pocket Watch Hands: Cost dependent on the specifics of the job. Removal of Dents/Case Repair: Cost dependent on the specifics of the job. Balance Staffs: Costs dependent on the specifics of the job.
How much does it cost to have a watch repaired?
Some common staffs are becoming very difficult to find. Our shop-rate is $100/hour. For other repairs not listed here, please contact us with your questions *NOTE: Some problems are impossible to detect until the watch has been completely disassembled.
Are old pocket watches worth anything?
Most old pocket watches are worth less than $200, with many having no real value because they are in rough condition or don't work. The most expensive pocket watch ever sold went for 24 million dollars.
Can a pocket watch be fixed?
If your pocket watch stops working, a jeweler can easily pop out the old battery and replace it with a new one. An Orrefors watch before and after battery replacement. Mechanical Overhaul: A mechanical overhaul is often needed when the internal clockwork of your pocket watch is broken.
How much does it cost to repair an old watch?
The cost of an overhaul depends on the manufacturer, but for a fine Swiss timepiece, the price can start at $200 and can go up to $1000 or more.
Is it worth getting a watch repaired?
In some cases, repairing a watch can end up costing more than what you bought it for. However, if it's an heirloom or has personal sentimental value, the cost might be worth it. The other scenario when the repairs might be worth it is if you could sell it for a higher price.
How do I fix my pocket watch?
1:443:36Antique Pocket Watch Repair Beginner Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure there's no dirt you need to get some magnification. And examine them closely. Then you'llMoreMake sure there's no dirt you need to get some magnification. And examine them closely. Then you'll need to get some pith with buttons.
Should you own a pocket watch?
You should buy a pocket watch if: You are attending a special event such as a wedding, work event or party and want to make an impression with your formal ensemble. You want something historic, unique and different to the masses. You want an investment, collector piece that can stay with your family for years to come.
How much does it cost to change a battery in a watch?
We can tell you from experience that the cost of a basic battery replacement starts at just $10. Most watch battery replacements can be done while you wait (although some replacements will take a few days or, in very few cases, even a few weeks).
How much does it cost to service a mechanical watch?
$100 to $1,000It's safe to say that most mechanical watch services cost somewhere in the region of $100 to $1,000 depending on the watch's complexity and what needs replacing. For example, an Oris Automatic watch will cost around $200 to service, while a Patek Philippe complication will be closer to $2,000!
How much does it cost to replace a watch stem?
Cost and Turnaround Time A stem and crown replacement can range from as low as $50 to upwards of $300. More expensive brands with special designs, such as Longines or Vacheron Constantin, will require more work and even brand-specific components to repair.
What happens if I don't service my watch?
0:541:56What Happens When You Don't Service Your Watch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd lubricants dry up and the metal gets the metal keeps running and the wheels keep turning thatMoreAnd lubricants dry up and the metal gets the metal keeps running and the wheels keep turning that the metal in Ruby that the Ruby is stronger than the metal.
What is included in a watch service?
Strip down the movement into individual components. Check that each individual watch part functions correctly, making sure to check for rust and wear. Determine if any replacements are needed for parts and provide you with an estimate. Wash the stripped down movement in cleaning machine with specific baths.
How do I know if my watch needs a service?
5 Signs It's Time to Service Your WatchMoisture in the case. ... The second hand skips several seconds. ... You hear a rattle inside the case, or the hands or dial seem 'loose' ... The watch is fast (or slow) more than 4-6 seconds per day. ... You're about to go on vacation.
Why has my pocket watch stopped?
This is due to temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure and altitude affecting the movement. For this reason, a mechanical pocket watch should not only be fully wound, but the time should also be reset daily. If the watch is wound only, the time could be off by several minutes within a few days.
Why is my pocket watch not winding?
There are two common reasons why a pocket watch will not wind properly. The first is due to a broken winding mechanism which should only be fixed by a professional watchmaker, the second is a broken mainspring.
What tools do you need to repair a pocket watch?
12 Essential Tools for your Watch Repair KitWatch Case Opener.Watchmakers Screwdriver Set. ... Watchmakers Tweezers. ... Eyeglass or Eye Loupe. ... Watch Hand Lifting Levers. ... Movement Holder. ... Parts Container. ... Pegwood.More items...•
How do you unwind an overwound pocket watch?
1:342:35How to unwind a pocket watch mainspring - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo how is it done rotate the crown a few notches to release the stopper slightly. And then push itMoreSo how is it done rotate the crown a few notches to release the stopper slightly. And then push it back further using a small screwdriver. While holding the crown tightly between your fingers.
What is the phone number for Pocket Watch Guy?
If you have any questions please email us at [email protected] or by telephone any day between 10:00am and 6:00pm Pacific Time at 310-486-0572. Thank you, Jeff – The Pocket Watch Guy. 310 486.0572.
Does the Guarantee cover pocket watches?
Our Guarantee does not cover any work done on any watch by anyone else. Our Guarantee does not cover Pocket Watch crystals. Pocket Watch technology pre-dates the modern “Shock-Proof” era of Watchmaking. Our Guarantee does not cover damage, such as Balance Staffs due to severe impacts.
How much does it cost to make a house call on a grandfather clock?
House Calls: Typically, house calls are necessary for grandfather clocks or very large wall clocks. The charge for these service calls is $250 and includes all travel and service work that can be completed outside the shop.
Can a pocket watch be broken?
However, it can be missing parts or parts broken due to mishandling or misplaced curiosity.
Is horological repair difficult?
When it comes to providing a firm cost, however, horological repairs are no different than other types of mechanical repairs in that determining a specific length of time to complete the repair can be difficult, if not impossible.
How long does mechanical watch restoration take?
All work and parts are guaranteed for one year. Most mechanical watch restorations are conducted in 3 blocks of time ranging from an hour to two each. Upon completion, every mechanical and artistic consideration has been a applied.
What to expect from a 70 year old pocket watch?
The current condition of your pocket watch will determine all. If your watch isn't in poor condition as most 70 year old watches are, expect to pay less. Every watch I accept for restoration is fully disassembled for servicing. Every case and dial are serviced to look their best.
Why is my watch keeping time?
The cause of most erratic time keeping in a mechanical watch is attributed to it's small amount of critical internal lubrication having evaporated. Dirt mixing with this perfectly placed high-grade lubrication creates a sludge that can bring a watch to a slow halt.
Why won't my Swiss watch run?
There are over 100 reasons why your Swiss or American pocketwatch won't run. One or more of it's 200 parts may be broken, rusted, miscalibrated, unoriginal, previously improperly serviced, under lubricated or just plain tired.
How long does it take to get a watch serviced?
It is safe to say, that you will rarely have a watch servicing done in less than 4 weeks and it can take up to 6 months in some cases.
How often should I service my watch?
A common rule recommends a complete watch servicing every three to five years. After this delay, damaged parts will most likely damage other components and oils might dry resulting in further damages inside the watch. Adding up, this will result in a higher cost of repair, probably not a good long-term deal.
Why is my watch not running?
If your watch doesn’t run properly, it could also be cause by water infiltration. If gaskets are used, water can infiltrate and damage components, impacting accuracy. Infiltration can be spotted by fog onto the crystal.
How many components are needed for a mechanical watch?
Mechanical watches are wonderful little mechanical objects. Even a “simple” time-only watch will require over a hundred components (including several gears, springs, oils and gaskets) and of course, excellent skills in assembling those parts together.
Should I wear a watch while playing sports?
While playing such sports, you should not wear high-end mechanical watches, unless their are made for that. Violent gestures also damage components as they can move from their initial position. You should keep you watch inside your bag and avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
Can a damaged watch be replaced?
Damaged components will either be fixed or replaced by original parts (extra charge can occur if they need to change critical components). Finally, the watchmaker will assemble back the watch and adjust it in several positions to make sure it runs well before sending it back to you.
List of Items to Keep On Hand
It is important to have all your tools ready before you start repairing your fob watch. Do not substitute any of them with not recommended things, since it can tamper with the repairing process.
Opening the Watch Face
Once you open the fob watch face, you’ll notice what is called the pallet lever. This controls the balance wheel which swings to-and-fro while keeping a track of time in the same fashion as a pendulum. Once you remove the balance wheel, blow air gently at it using the watch blower and not direct breath.
Winding Wheel Irregularities
If time pieces are too old it can cause a slight rusting around the winding wheel, which can over time cause it to stop moving as smoothly as it once did. This may need to be replaced or cleaned thoroughly. Likewise, the crown wheel needs to be looked over as well.
Minute Detail Check-Up
The magnifying glass should be used to zoom in at the balance staff which is the axle epicenter of the balance wheel. If the surfaces of the balance staff where the tapering shafts come in aren’t uniform and scratch free, then the parts may need changing to have it smoothly functioning again.
Balance Wheel Function
Tighten the balance wheel if it doesn’t move smoothly, seeing that it could be doing so because of friction against the underside wheel known as the center wheel. If the balance and case screws are loosened along the inside of the fob watch, screw these back into their placements firmly so that the balance wheel moves without hindrance.
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