Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How should I send my watch to you?

First, please email me at Matt@thewatchtech.com to let me know you are interested in having your watch evaluated or repaired. I can then give you my mailing address and/or phone number if you want to talk first. I recommend packing your watch in a small box and sending it by USPS Priority Mail (or other insured carrier) with at least $100 insurance.

How much is an estimate?

Estimates are provided free of charge, but I do ask to be reimbursed for return postage if you elect not to have the watch serviced/repaired.

How long will it take?

I am employed full time in a different field and only do watch repair part time, but I generally return watches sent for service in 10 to 14 days. I invest 2 to 3 hours in every watch (more for chronographs) and it may take me a few days to acquire necessary parts. If I am experiencing a high volume of work and anticipate a longer turnaround time, I will advise you up front.

What does service (COA) include?

A COA begins with complete disassembly of the watch and movement. Movement parts are put through a series of ultrasonic cleaning machines. Pivots are inspected with a 10X loupe and burnished if necessary. Jewels and bushings are pegged by hand with sharpened pegwood. Endshake and sideshake are checked and adjusted as necessary. High quality (Moebius, PML, Molykote, etc.) horological oils and greases are applied as the watch is reassembled. A COA includes simple polishing of the case, installation of a case back gasket, and balance poising, if needed. A new mainspring and additional gaskets may be installed for a small additional charge. Move involved case and/or bracelet refinishing is also available at an extra charge. Following assembly, the watch is tested and adjusted in multiple positions to ensure adequate balance amplitude, beat, and rate.

Do you have any particular specialties?

Yes, American made pocket watches (e.g., Hamilton, Elgin, Illinois, etc.) and vintage chronographs (e.g., Landeron, Venus, Valjoux, Universal, Movado, etc.) I also have plenty of experience with Gruen and Wyler watches and have many genuine parts for both brands.

Do you service and repair Rolex watches?

Yes. I am not affiliated with or certified by Rolex. However, I have received many requests to repair older models that Rolex considers obsolete. I offer service and repair for vintage Rolex wristwatches. By vintage, I mean anything made prior to the mid-1980s. I do not have a Rolex parts account but many genuine parts are still available through other sources. Please contact me with questions about your vintage Rolex. For repair of modern Rolex watches, I recommend contacting a certified Rolex repair center.

Do you work on quartz watches?

Yes. I do replace batteries and can service and repair older quartz watches. Better quality quartz watches and many from the 1970s and 1980s are often designed to be dismantled, cleaned and oiled very much like a mechanical watch. Most typical modern quartz movements are not designed this way: replacing the movement is often more practical and cost effective than servicing it.

What services are not offered?

I do not work on clocks, tuning fork watches (e.g., Accutron), fusees, Hamilton electrics, current production high-end wristwatches requiring special tools/parts (such as modern Rolex, Patek Philippe, etc.), and vibrating of hairsprings. Please note: if I feel that a job or repair is beyond my abilities, I will simply say so rather than risk damaging the timepiece.

Do you sell watch parts?

No. I do not maintain a sufficient inventory of most watch parts or offer them for resale.