Watch service costs vary dramatically—from under $100 for simple quartz movements to over $1,000 for luxury chronographs. Understanding pricing factors helps you budget appropriately and recognize fair quotes from unfair ones.
Factors Affecting Cost
Movement complexity: A simple three-hand watch costs less to service than a chronograph, which costs less than a perpetual calendar. More parts mean more labor.
Brand and parts availability: Luxury brands charge premium prices for genuine parts. Some independent watchmakers can source equivalent components at lower cost.
Service provider: Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent watchmakers but guarantee genuine parts and factory-trained technicians.
Watch condition: A neglected watch needing extensive repairs costs more than routine maintenance on a well-maintained piece.
Quartz Watches
Battery replacement: $10-50 depending on the watch and where you go. Some premium brands charge more for their proprietary batteries.
Basic quartz service: $50-150. This includes battery, gasket replacement, and cleaning. Appropriate every 5-7 years.
Full quartz overhaul: $100-300 for higher-end quartz movements that justify complete service rather than replacement.
Entry-Level Mechanical (Under $1,000 Watch Value)
Basic service: $150-300. For watches like Seiko, Orient, or Tissot with standard ETA/Miyota movements. Independent watchmakers often provide excellent service at these prices.
Full overhaul: $200-400 including parts replacement as needed.
Consider: For watches under $300, service costs may approach or exceed the watch's value. Sometimes replacement makes more economic sense—though sentimental value changes that calculation.
Mid-Range Brands ($1,000-5,000 Watch Value)
Brands: Hamilton, Longines, Oris, Tissot PRX, TAG Heuer, etc.
Basic service: $300-500 for time-only models.
Chronograph service: $400-700. The additional complication requires more disassembly, cleaning, and adjustment.
Authorized vs. independent: At this tier, quality independent watchmakers often provide comparable service at lower cost than authorized centers.
Luxury Swiss Brands ($5,000-15,000 Watch Value)
Brands: Omega, Tudor, Breitling, IWC, Panerai, etc.
Omega: Complete service runs $600-900 for basic models, $800-1,200 for chronographs. Omega's service includes a 2-year warranty.
Tudor: $500-800 for most models. Tudor service is typically faster and more affordable than Rolex.
Breitling: $600-1,000 depending on complications. Chronographs at the higher end.
Rolex
Basic service (Oyster Perpetual, Datejust): $600-900 through Rolex Service Centers.
Chronograph (Daytona): $900-1,200.
GMT, Submariner: $700-1,000.
Note: Rolex service includes replacement of wearing parts, complete refinishing unless declined, and a 2-year warranty. Independent watchmakers can service Rolex for 30-50% less but without genuine Rolex parts guarantee.
High Horology (Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Söhne)
Simple models: $800-1,500.
Complications: $1,500-3,000+.
Grand complications: $3,000-10,000+ depending on complexity. Minute repeaters and complex perpetual calendars require specialist attention.
Important: At this level, authorized service centers are typically recommended. The craftsmanship in these watches demands factory-trained specialists and genuine parts.
What's Included in Service Cost
Standard service typically includes: Complete disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, lubrication with fresh oils, regulation/timing adjustment, gasket replacement, water resistance testing, and basic wearing parts.
Often additional: Crystal replacement, case polishing, bracelet refinishing, specific part replacements (hands, crowns, etc.).
Always ask what's included in quoted prices and what might add cost.
Saving Money on Service
Consider independent watchmakers: For non-luxury watches, skilled independents provide excellent service at lower cost. Research reputation carefully.
Service before problems develop: Preventive maintenance costs less than emergency repair.
Decline unnecessary work: Case polishing is optional and removes metal. If you don't want it, say so.
Get multiple quotes: Prices vary. Three quotes provide perspective on fair market rates.
When Higher Cost Is Worth It
Valuable or rare watches: A $10,000 watch deserves quality service even if it costs more.
Warranty considerations: For watches under manufacturer warranty, use authorized service to avoid voiding coverage.
Future sale: Authorized service records support resale value better than independent service for luxury brands.
Budget Planning
Plan for service costs as part of watch ownership. A rough rule: budget 5-10% of the watch's value every 5 years for maintenance. A $5,000 watch should have $250-500 budgeted per year toward eventual service—not spent annually, but accumulated for the inevitable service interval.