Watch repair: mechanical, quartz, smart and wall clocks
First find out what kind of watch you have
Watch repair depends heavily on the type. A quartz watch most often needs only a new battery, strap or glass. A mechanical watch is a complicated mechanism that needs dismantling, cleaning, oiling and regulating, so it costs differently and takes longer. Smartwatches are repaired mostly by service centres: screen replacement, battery, diagnostics. Wall and floor clocks, often with a pendulum or chime, may need the watchmaker to visit.
On BlaBlaPrice you describe the watch and the problem once, and watchmakers reply in the chat with offers: the work, the price or what it depends on, and the timing. They see where their offer stands, so terms often improve. It is free for buyers.
Symptoms and what they mean
- The watch has stopped: often the battery has run out, or there is dirt in the movement.
- Loses or gains time: for a mechanical watch this calls for cleaning, regulating or demagnetising.
- Fogged glass: the seal needs replacing, and the movement should be checked for moisture.
- Cracked glass: it can be replaced, but for water-resistant models the sealing should be tested.
- The crown does not wind the movement: the fault may be in the winding stem or the spring.
If water has got inside, don't wait: corrosion develops fast. Take the watch to a watchmaker as soon as possible.
What to include in your request
- Type of watch — mechanical wristwatch, quartz, smart, wall or floor clock.
- Make and model — for example, Casio G-Shock.
- Fault or service — battery, strap, glass, cleaning, loses time, water got in.
- Deadline — urgent, or can it be left for a few days.
- City — where the workshop should be.
- Home visit — for wall and floor clocks.
- Guarantee — if you need one, for example 6 months.
- Budget — if you want to name one.
Example: “Abu Dhabi: a mechanical wristwatch is losing time, it needs cleaning and oiling of the movement. Guarantee of at least 6 months. Budget up to AED 66. I can leave it for a week.”
How to compare offers
For a mechanical watch don't expect an exact price in advance: the watchmaker will most likely name it after an inspection. So ask whether the inspection is free or included in the cost when you approve the repair. Find out whether original or compatible parts are used and what guarantee is given on the work. For simple services such as a battery change, check whether water resistance is tested afterwards.
Reviews next to the offer help you choose a watchmaker who handles valuable watches with care. For a family heirloom or an expensive watch this is very important.
Common mistakes
Opening the movement yourself and damaging it. Giving the watch to the first roadside stall without checking experience. Not asking about a guarantee. Not stating the model and getting the wrong price. Not testing a water-resistant watch after the seal is replaced. Expecting a mechanical clean to take half an hour: it usually takes longer.
Leather straps are sometimes repaired in workshops that deal with shoes and bags. All household services are in “Household services”.
