Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How should I send my watch to you? Email TheWatchTech@gmail.com for my mailing address. I recommend sending watches in a small box by USPS Priority Mail - insurance at your discretion. UPS or FedEx, but note that I am unlikely to ever receive anything sent by UPS that requires a signature.

How much is an estimate? No charge for estimates, but please reiumburse me for return mail for declined work.

How long will it take? Usually under 4 weeks if I don't need to source any parts. I will advise up front when turnaround times are longer.

What does service (COA) include? A COA begins with complete disassembly of the watch and 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 Endshake and sideshake are checked/adjusted as necessary. High quality (Moebius, PML, Molykote, etc.) horological oils and greases are used during reassembly. Following assembly, the watch is tested and adjusted in multiple positions to ensure adequate balance amplitude, beat, and daily rate. COA includes light case polishing and new generic case back gasket. A new mainspring and additional gaskets may be installed for an additional charge. More involved case/bracelet refinishing is available at an extra charge.

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 Omega, Tissot, and many other Swiss-made brands such as Gruen and Wyler. I have many genuine parts for these latter two brands.

Do you service and repair Rolex watches? Yes, but I am not affiliated with or certified by Rolex and do not have a Rolex parts account. I periodically repair older (prior to c. 1970) models Rolex considers obsolete and will no longer support. Please contact a certified Rolex Repair Center for work on modern Rolex watches.

Do you work on battery-powered watches? I can service some early quartz pieces, but don't have the proper testing equipment to diagnose modern quartz modules. I can service balance wheels electrics (such as ESA 9154) and some tuning fork watches made by Bulova/Accutron and ESA (Swissonic, Mosaba, Omega f300, etc.), but have none of the most needed (and discontinued) parts. Hamilton electrics are best left to specialists.

What services are not offered? I do not work on clocks, antique fusees, or current production wristwatches (such as modern Rolex, Patek Philippe, Sinn, etc.). I do not have any water proof testing equipment and cannot pressure test a dive watch, etc. I am also no longer working on Seiko Chronographs or Bellmatic alarm watches, although other vintage Seikos are no problem. 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? Sorry, but I do not maintain a sufficient inventory of watch parts or offer any for resale.

Can you reassemble or build a watch from supplied parts? I tend to avoid such build-a-watch projects, which rarely work out to anyone's satisfaction. Any such project I do accept will include a $50 extra charge.