How much does watch repair cost?

Since the first miniature clock small enough to be worn was invented in 1510, watches have been timepieces of fascination for their engineering, craftsmanship, practical utility, and fashion. Over time watch technologies and styles have evolved—from the first pocket watch to the wrist watch, and on to the quartz watch, digital watch, and the smartwatches of today. Swiss luxury watch brands like Breitling, Patek Philippe, Rolex and Tag Heuer convey great status.

 In many families, vintage watches—pricey or not— are regarded as valuable heirlooms that link generations. But whatever the age, technology or brand,a watch needs service from time to time to maintain their utility and value. 

This guide provides watch repair costs charged by watchmakers and jewelers that offer professional watch repair services.

Watch repair costs vary widely according to the type of watch and the nature of the problem. Repairs run from $15 for watch battery replacement in a typical digital watch to over $2,000 to overhaul a luxury brand Swiss chronograph. 

Mechanical watches (time only), $100–1,000. The most common issues include broken mainsprings, crystalized lubricant, and corroded parts. Repairing any one of these problems typically costs $100–200. Servicing an automatic watch, which is self-winding, typically runs between $200–700. 

Chronograph watches, $600–2,350. The term chronograph is used to describe a mechanical watch that displays more than hours and minutes of the day. Chronographs may have two or more subdials that also track more than one time zone, calendar dates, phases of the moon, speed, and more.

Digital watches, $15–100. Digital watches display time as an LED readout in contrast to analog watches where hands point to numerals and other markings on the watch dial. The most common repair for a digital watch is battery replacement, which typically ranges from $15–40. Replacing a broken screen on a digital watch might cost up to $100.

Pocket watches, $400–850. Basic maintenance that includes cleaning, oiling, and adjusting costs $400–500 for most time-only pocket watches. Basic maintenance for chronograph pocket watches typically runs about $850. Replacement costs for a pocket watch crystal start at about $45.

Quartz watches, $20–150. Quartz watches are battery powered and have fewer moving parts than mechanical watches, so routine maintenance and repairs are less expensive. Replacing a watch battery usually costs $20–40. Cleaning and overhauling a quartz watch movement typically costs $120–150.

Smartwatches, $120–500. The most common issue with a smartwatch that features internet connectivity; messaging; and time, date, and fitness tracking is a broken screen. Expect to pay from $250–500 to replace the touchscreen on the latest model Apple watches, $120–400 for screens on older Apple models and Android smartwatches. 

Overhaul,  $250–1,000. The overhaul procedure involves disassembling the watch, inspecting each part, replacing worn components, cleaning and oiling, reassembling, and testing the timepiece. The total cost for overhauling a watch will depend on its brand, the complexity of the movement, and the price of replacement parts.

Crystal replacement, $30–150. A watch crystal is the clear covering that protects the watch dial. Watch crystals may be made from acrylic plastic, mineral glass, or sapphire glass. Replacing an acrylic crystal typically costs about $30. Sapphire crystals go for $150 or more, depending on shape, size, and watch brand. Mineral glass crystals are usually priced somewhere in between.

Watch case restoration, $50–1,000+. The housing that holds all of the parts together, a watch case may be made of plastic, ceramic, steel, aluminum, or precious metals like silver, gold, platinum, and rhodium. Polishing light scratches from a watch case and bezel can cost as little as $50. It’s sometimes possible to repair a cracked watch case with epoxy or laser welding, but total replacement is usually recommended for valuable watches. 

Mainspring replacement, $80 and up. When wound by the watch crown and stem, the mainspring provides the force to drive the watch movement. Mainsprings tend to fatigue and/or break over time. The cost for replacing a mainspring usually depends on the watch brand and the service provider’s rate schedule. 

Rust/corrosion removal, $80 and up. When rust or corrosion in other forms on watch parts, it’s usually the result of water leaking in through the case, crystal, or bezel—the metal or ceramic ring that holds the crystal in place.Extensive moisture damage indicates that gaskets need replacement and other waterproofing measures may be needed.

Crown and stem replacement, $50–300+. The crown and stem are the assembly used to wind a mechanical watch’s mainspring and adjust the position of the hands. Chronograph watches may have one or more similar assemblies called pushers to control other functions. The cost of crown and stem repair usually depend on the watch brand and the repair shop’s rate schedule.

Dial refinishing, starts at $200. Two-tone dials, chronographs, vintage, and luxury watches usually cost more.

Bracelet or strap replacement, $3–15,000. Plastic and rubber watch bands start at about $3 from online sources. Leather watch bands typically start at $25 but can cost as much as $500 for luxury-brand Swiss watch straps. Stainless-steel bracelets can be purchased online for $20–65. Silver- and gold-plated watch bracelets start at about $70 online. Solid sterling silver, gold, and platinum watch bracelets start at around $1,000 and can cost as much as $15,000 depending on width, design and brand.

Omega, $600 and up. Overhauling a vintage Omega watch takes a minimum of six hours, and costs for common replacement parts can vary widely.

Seiko, $100–900. Seiko watch service includes inspecting the watch movement, fixing or replacing broken parts, replacing gaskets, lubricating where needed, adjusting time and caliber specifications. Seiko technicians also clean the watch case and band with an ultrasonic instrument. Service costs depend on the watch model and its condition. Grand Seiko mechanical watch service costs $400–900. Service on other Seiko mechanical watches runs $100–400.

Service on Seiko quartz watches averages $285. Expect to pay $79–116 to replace a battery. Service on discontinued Seiko quartz watches costs $154.

Rolex, $600–1,500. Overhaul and tuneups average about $800. Other costs depend on the nature of the repair and the model.

Tag Heuer, $207–437. Costs for these premium watches depend on the model, age, type of mechanism, and the cosmetic appearance. Standard charges (converted to $ from £ sterling) for complete Tag Heuer factory service are listed at:

Breitling, $150–850+. Factory service charges listed for various Breitling watch types and services include complete service for:

Patek Philippe, $133–2,346. Standard charges (converted to $ from CHf) for complete Patek Philippe factory service are listed at:

There are ways to save on watch repair.

How often should I have my watch serviced?

Most experts say that watches should be inspected, cleaned, and adjusted every 3–5 years.

How can I tell if a local watchmaker is qualified to fix my watch?

Look for reviews and referrals to watch repair services in your area online. After narrowing down the possibilities, take your watch to one or more for inspection and cost estimates. An honest watchmaker will tell you whether they can fix your watch and offer a warranty on their repairs.

How can I tell if the second-hand Rolex watch that I want to buy online is authentic or fake?

The best way is to ask the seller for a certificate of authenticity that has a serial number on it. Compare the number on the certificate with the serial number etched on the watch case. Be aware that tuning up a Rolex can cost $800 on average. 

Find professional watch repair in your area.