Wondering how long it might take to have your vintage watch serviced? The amount of time it takes to fully service a watch depends on numerous factors, including the type of watch, the complexity of the movement, the experience of the watchmaker and the specific servicing practices used at the watchmaker’s workshop. Generally speaking, to fully service a mechanical watch it can take anywhere from a couple of weeks through to a number of months, including time for testing and the sourcing of parts. If you’re unsure if you should have your watch serviced, our ‘What Happens If You Don’t Service A Watch?” article may be of interest to you.
Understanding the Types of Watch Services
There are various types of watch servicing available – many brands now classify any intervention as having to fall within one of these brackets, as they won’t offer the option to complete a “part job” (i.e. just replace the glass only). For example, if we take a simple quartz watch: a “battery service” may be defined as the replacement of the battery. A “maintenance service” would include a new battery, ultrasonic cleaning of the case and bracelet, new seals and pressure testing for water resistance, such as for this Omega Speedmaster Chronograph. A “complete or full service” would include everything previously mentioned, alongside complete disassembly, cleaning, reassembly and oiling of the movement, with all worn components replaced and the option to restore the aesthetic condition of the case and bracelet. These definitions do vary from workshop to workshop, so it’s important to make sure you understand what’s included when you take your watch for servicing. When we quote for repairs we itemise everything for our clients so there will be no surprises when you collect your watch.
The duration of a watch service is affected by the complexity of the movement. A simple quartz watch will undoubtedly be serviced and ready much quicker than an automatic chronograph. With more complicated movements there are significantly more components (and often more faults to find and correct) and the level of skill needed to work on these watches is higher. Add into this equation the age of a movement, how well it has been looked after (or not!) and how common the movement is, all of these will affect the speed of service.
Factors Influencing the Duration of a Watch Service
The experience of a watchmaker is another factor. If you have been trained in the servicing of a particular movement with significant experience working on them day in and day out, you begin to know specific pitfalls to look out for. While a tray full of 100+ parts may look bewildering to someone inexperienced with a movement, with experience this changes. Invariably this leads to more speed when it comes to the completion of a service. Specific workshop practices will hugely affect the duration of a service. While there are industry standards, different workshops like to test their watches in different ways and the workflow through the workshop can vary. In our experience, you should be very sceptical of a watchmaker who “services” and returns your watch in a matter of days, as at the very least the testing has been sub-standard. Watch polishing, for example, may sound simple but it requires specialist training and expert precision to achieve the best results. Entrusting your timepiece to a reputable workshop ensures it is restored to its finest condition, preserving both its beauty and value. Look out for positive Google reviews, authorised workshops and experienced watchmakers – this will be a good sign that your watch is being looked after by a reputable business that does not cut corners.
“A high-quality watch service is not a rushed process. From model-specific delicate disassembly to thorough testing, a proper service can take weeks or even months to ensure precision, longevity, and reliability.”
Summary
The time required for a full watch service depends on multiple factors, including the type of service, the complexity of the movement, the experience of the watchmaker, and the workshop’s specific practices. A simple quartz watch may be completed relatively quickly, whereas intricate mechanical movements can take weeks or even months, especially if rare parts need sourcing. Reputable watchmakers follow detailed processes, including thorough testing, ensuring longevity and precision. At W.E. Clark Watch Repairs, we pride ourselves on expert craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and a commitment to quality—ensuring every timepiece is serviced to the highest standard, without cutting corners.
Looking to Have Your Watch Serviced?
At W.E. Clark Watch Repairs, we specialise in servicing and restoring luxury timepieces with the utmost precision. Whether your watch requires a routine maintenance service, a full overhaul, or expert repairs, our master watchmakers ensure every detail is handled with care.
Take advantage of our Royal Mail Special Delivery FREEPOST service—your watch is fully insured for up to £20,000 throughout its entire journey, giving you complete peace of mind.
Book your watch service today and trust W.E. Clark for expert craftsmanship and exceptional service!