Watch repair
Timing adjustment.
A mechanical watch that suddenly runs fast is often magnetized, from phones, laptop cases, or bag clasps. Demagnetizing and regulating can bring timekeeping back. If a watch is running poorly because it needs a full service, we'll tell you.
When you might need it.
- The watch suddenly gains or loses minutes a day
- It stops overnight or its power reserve seems short
- It was recently near a magnet, speaker, or phone case
What’s involved.
Measuring
The watch's rate is measured in several positions.
Demagnetizing
If the movement is magnetized, it's demagnetized and measured again.
Regulating
Where the movement allows, the rate is adjusted. If it needs a full service instead, we explain why.
Preliminary pricing.
Your preliminary price range is free and comes from your photos. The final price is confirmed after we inspect the piece in hand, and no work starts until you approve it.
What affects the price
- Whether demagnetizing alone solves it
- Whether the movement needs regulation
- The movement type
- Whether a full service is needed
If you’re mailing it in
Tell us roughly how much time the watch gains or loses a day, and since when.
Start with photos. Don’t ship anything until we’ve agreed on shipping and insurance with you.
Get a free estimateCommon questions.
How accurate should a mechanical watch be?
It varies by movement. Most mechanical watches gain or lose a few seconds a day. Large changes usually mean something is wrong.
Can quartz watches be regulated?
Quartz watches running wrong usually need a battery, cleaning, or a movement repair rather than regulation.
Related services
- Luxury watch servicingInspection, cleaning, and repair for mechanical and automatic watches.
- Crown and stem replacementBroken, stiff, or missing crowns and stems replaced so the watch winds and sets properly.
- Vintage and pocket watch repairOlder wristwatches and pocket watches assessed and repaired with care.
Send photos. Get a price. Decide from there.
The estimate is free and takes a few minutes. You’re under no obligation to go ahead.