These days, it’s common to throw away broken items. It’s easier and more practical to say out with the old and replace it with something new.  But if you own an antique timepiece or one that was passed down through generations, you may consider finding a watch repairman (or woman) with quality workmanship to restore your timepiece to its original state. 

It’s hard to find a professional who truly knows how to repair a watch, so don’t take yours to just any watch repair in Wellington for convenience or affordability. 

When you do a little research and ask the right questions, you’ll be so glad you did. It may cost money to repair a watch, but to find a reliable watch repair shop is priceless. 

Here are five questions to ask before making your decision.

Do you repair on-site?

It’s common to find a local jewelry store in Wellington that will accept your watch and then send it out to be repaired. This is because very few people know how to repair watches these days. Although it’s preferable for the watch to be repaired on-site, it’s not necessarily bad if they send it out. Many shops will send it out to the manufacturer, so at least you know your watch is in good hands.

However, you should find out exactly where they’re sending your watch and ask if you can get in touch with the third party to be more hands-on during the repairs. 

When a third party is involved, your watch will receive professional craftsmanship, but the entire process takes longer and is less transparent. As a result, it’s preferable to find a shop that handles everything on the premises for your watch repair in Wellington.  

How long will it take?

This is an important question to ask if the watch is being prepared on-site. The repairman should give you an estimate on how long it will take to repair the watch and how many projects there are ahead of yours. If it’s being repaired on-site, it’s also a good idea to ask the professional repairing your watch about his/her industry experience and ask to see their certificate. 

They should have at least one certificate from a major watch manufacturer. 

If they don’t, and you question their experience, consider going elsewhere for your watch repair in Wellington.

What is the estimate?

Find out the estimate and whether you will be charged for receiving one. Being charged for the estimate isn’t uncommon, so don’t consider it a red flag if they do. It’s also possible for the price to change if other problems are detected during the repair process, so no estimate is set in stone. 

If the estimate seems high, it’s important to note that you don’t want to drop off your watch where the repair cost is cheap. When in need of a watch repair in Wellington, remember this is one area where it’s okay to splurge.

In addition to the estimate, it’s also important to find out what needs to be fixed and whether all the parts are in stock.

If something isn’t in stock, the cost will increase and you will have to wait longer for the repair to be completed.

Can you provide references?

Again, if the watch is being prepared on-site, another important question to ask is whether the professional can provide a list of prior customers s/he has repaired watches for, then contact each one (of course, if they’re reluctant to provide references, this is a red flag). 

You should receive at least three references to contact.  

Should it be fixed?

Unless your watch is a highly valuable piece, it may be too expensive to repair. If it’s difficult to find parts for the repair, you may end up spending more than the watch is worth. Ask if it’s worth fixing and if the repair is higher than the overall value, it’s up to you to decide if the piece is worth the estimate.

Contact Designer’s Touch Jewelry

Contact our local jewelry store in Wellington for all your jewelry and watch repairs. We combine an artistic approach with the best repair techniques. If your treasured item has become damaged or worn, we repair a wide range of issues. 

We’re always happy to help, so contact us today. Call (561) 790-6220 for your watch repair.