GSWW FEATURE ARTICLES

Last Updated on Monday, 04 May 2009 22:20 Written by GoldSmithWatchWorks Monday, 11 August 2008 17:13

In April of 2009, GSW decided to build a Watch Community to share knowlege and the FUN of collecting Vintage and Classic Wrist watches.

Watch Repair & Restoration

All watches, from mechanical to quartz devices, require periodic cleaning and inspection. GSW provides both cleaning and repair services with our main speciality that of restoring and repairing classic & vintage watches. GSW has established parts accounts with the oldest watch parts houses in the world as well as a network of watch dealers and repair centers around the world. GSW also provides dial restoration services. In addition to servicing new, vintage & classic watches, we also service high grade wristwatches. Think of your watch as you would a fine automobile, it is worth maintaining as it will increase your pleasure of ownership and also enhance the resale or trade-in value. If you plan on passing your watch on to the next generation, skilled periodic maintenance will be greatly appreciated in the future.

1. WATCH IN GOOD SHAPE.
A watch in good condition may only require a standard servicing. Disassembly and cleaning followed by lubrication and calibration. As long as there are no rust damaged or broken parts, the turn around time is most often under 10 days.

2. WATCH IN NEED OF PARTS:
If your watch needs replacement parts such as a new crystal, crown, stem, and we have it in stock, the same turn around time will apply. If we have to order or find the part, we will advise you of the completion time.

3. HIGH GRADE RESTORATION:
High end watches such as Rolex, Piaget, Patek are more expensive to restore & repair. Parts cost more and specialized tools are trequired. The cost to repair & restore high grade watches are determined by the brand and it's needs. "Complication" which is the definition of the complicated movements of many chronographs, automatics, come day-date and calendar watches require additional bench time.

4. DIAL REFINISHING:
All watch dials can be restored. Each is priced accotrding to it's complication and finish. Multi colored lettering means additional stamping applications. Stick-on verses pinned markers can mean additional time. Thus, each dial is proced arroding to it's complication. Allow a maximum 4 weeks for dials.

5. PRICING FOR REPAIR AND RESTORATIONS:
(call or email for available discounts)

Wristwatches, mid-century, manual wind: $200
Wristwatches, mid-century, self wind: $255
Wristwatch, chronometer, self wind: $560
Wristwatches, chronograph: quoted after viewing model
Wristwatches, antique, (20's-40's) gent's: $245
Wristwatches, antique, (20's-30's) ladies: $260
Rolex, and other high grade: $400 and up
Calendar, window or outer date ring each: $35 and up
Crystal, plastic, non break, mineral glass, Sapphire add: $38 and up
Replace mainspring, wrist or pocket add: $38 and up
Replace hand, second, minute, hour, add: $25 each and up
Install stem , Swiss and American add: $42 and up
Replace crown, dress, dust-proof, standard: $38 and up
Balance staff, Swiss or American add: $68 and up
Replace broken jewel, hole, roller or cap: $38 and up
Other internal parts, setting parts, wheels: $20 and up
Professional dial refinish,(4 weeks time): $90 and up
High quality metal expansion bracelet: $18 and up
High quality leather strap: $18 and up
High quality metal buckle type bracelet: $30 and up
High quality Deployment Buckle for Leather Strap 30.00 and up.