When it comes to repairing a watch, there are a lot of things to consider: What brand is it? Is the battery just dead, or did you accidentally drop it in the pool? How much time will the repair take, and what parts are covered by the manufacturer's warranty?
In addition to all this, there's one more thing you should know about every watch repair service: How do they treat their customers?
While this might seem like a strange question, many watch owners have stories about having their timepieces serviced. Some describe their experience as pleasant and hassle-free, while others recount an ordeal that left them feeling like they needed to find a new watch repair shop.
This is why before you pick up the phone when your watch breaks or run out to your local jewellery store when your battery dies, you should do some research—and not just online. Speak with fellow watch enthusiasts and see whether they've had positive experiences with certain repair services. Look for reviews online, but also ask around on forums where people who wear the same brand as you do congregate. That way, you can get real-world opinions.
Since the watch industry is small and much interconnected, specialty watchmakers often have a wide range of expertise beyond that of their primary focus. If a brand has a long history, it usually means it has been around for a long time, and it's quite possible that its repairers also have been around for years and have forgotten more than some of the people working there.
If you're looking to get a vintage piece repaired, it's common sense to look for someone who specializes in that brand—that person will know more about its quirks and idiosyncrasies than any other repairman would. The same goes for watches with uncommon complications: you won't find those working at the mall jewellery store chain.
Buyers should also make sure they're looking at the right type of repair location. When buying from an antique shop or auction house, it's important to check whether they are authorized dealers of the brand in question—authorized dealers are usually listed on the manufacturer's website and are required to honor warranty repairs if you buy from them. Sending your watch back to the manufacturer is often faster than sending it back to an independent dealer, but only if you bought it from an authorized dealer. If you bought it from someone else, sending it back to the manufacturer might be a waste.
A watchmaker is a trained professional. If you have an old family heirloom that needs restoration, you shouldn't take it to a general jewellery repair place or department store jeweler—you should seek out someone who has experience with wristwatches. Just like you wouldn't entrust the servicing of your vintage car to just anyone in the body shop down the street, don't give your treasured timepiece to just anyone. The same is true if your watch is not an antique and instead just needs some minor repairs: while you might be able to do a few simple fixes yourself, bring in a professional if you're not sure what's wrong and/or how much it will cost. Asking questions about training can help you figure out whether a potential watchmaker is someone who is likely to do great work for you.
If you're sending your watch off to a third-party professional for repairs, it's absolutely essential that you have it insured. Suppose anything happens to your timepiece while in the workshop of someone who doesn't have insurance or an equivalent guarantee of quality workmanship. You could be out of luck. You'll have no recourse if something happens to your watch (or if the process takes so long that it loses value), and you'll be stuck spending more money to get it fixed somewhere else. Some people skip the insurance on their watch because they don't want to pay extra for it—but consider what you would do in the case of a loss.
Would any amount be worth not having your watch returned? If you're planning on sending your watch out for repairs, ask about insurance policies and if they can promise that you'll get your watch back within a certain timeframe. If they aren't upfront about either, take your business elsewhere.
When a watchmaker works on your timepiece, they are performing a delicate balancing act between keeping the costs as low as possible and providing the best service. This is why it's important to ask about their repair guarantee when you make an appointment for an estimate.
The length of the guarantee is an indicator of how seriously the watchmaker takes their work and how confident they are in the quality of their repairs. A longer warranty shows that they have established good relations with their vendors and that they're not afraid to stand by their work. It also gives you peace of mind that if anything goes wrong at any point in the next year, they will take care of it for free.
It is important to be aware that some watchmakers will only cover certain parts or types of breakdowns under their guarantee; for example, certain parts might be covered for a year, but battery replacements might not be covered at all. It's important to clarify this before signing off on any repairs, so you know exactly what you're paying for when you leave your watch in the hands of a trusted professional.
Watch Doctor is one of the best watch repair shops in UAE that provides a wide range of luxury watch repair services. Since 1987, we have been serving our customers with the finest quality services. Over the years, we have maintained our commitment to provide only the best for our customers. Our staff is highly qualified and experienced so as to cater to all your needs and requirements.
Our team is also well-trained in repairing luxury watches from different brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Richard Mille. With our long list of satisfied clients, including celebrities, athletes, and millionaires, it is clear that we are able to deliver innovative solutions to all kinds of watches. Whether you need your dial to be replaced or a complete overhauling of your watch, at Watch Doctor in Dubai, you will find the right solution for your high-end luxury timepiece.