1: How much is my watch worth?

It is said the the value of a watch is what another person agrees to buy it for. The perceived value of a watch is determined by many factors. As well as the monetary value that is placed on a watch there may also be a sentimental or historical value that is attached. Maybe it was your great-great grandfathers watch that has been willed to you over time. Now the watch has risen in value in your eyes to priceless. We do complete appraisals as a service for our customers. These appraisals require numerous hours investigating the current market for each watch. And as a general rule, a working watch in good condition will retain its value more than its non-operational counterpart.

 

2: Can you give an estimate for repair before we send in the watch?

We are asked this question all the time. During our estimates we examine each part of the watch to determine the proper avenues to take in the repairing of your watch. Without seeing the watch itself we have no way of determining the condition & operational problems of the movement and watch itself. Our price guides on our web site give you an idea of the costs for similar watches but each watch is different and posses different problems.

 

3: Why do you charge an estimate fee?

The proper inspection of your watch requires a complete disassembly and inspection of every part of the timepiece. Necessary repairs, required parts and their availability, as well as the cost of fabrication must be evaluated.  If the estimate is declined the watch must be reassembled and returned. We charge a fee for this service if the watch is not repaired at that time.  If the work is approved, there is no charge for the estimate, provided we have not already reassembled the watch.  In these cases, when you approve the repair/restoration then we will credit the estimate fee to the repair cost. No work is done without your approval. 

 

4: Are your estimates like those for repairing a car which rise during & at the completion of the job?

 

No. We take great care in preparing your estimates. We do this so that you know the final cost out the door before we begin repair. If we run into an unforeseen problem then we will absorb the extra cost ourselves.

 

5: When is the estimate fee due and is it refundable?

The estimate fee must be paid in advance and is non refundable. This is due to the extensive labor and time required as our watchmaker examines each piece of the watch to give an accurate estimate. Please refer to our price guides to determine the estimate fee for your particular watch. If you approve the repair/restoration then we will credit the estimate fee to the repair cost.

 

6: What forms of payment are accepted?

Estimate fees must be paid for in advance unless prior arrangements have been made with Masterpiece Watch Restoration. This fee is non-refundable and will be credited to the cost of the repair when the estimate is approved.

You will be contacted once your repair is complete and the accuracy of your watch is being tested and observed. At this time we will invoice you for the remainder of the repair. Your watch will be returned to you upon receipt of the final payment and successful testing of the watch.

We accept personal and business checks, Pay pal as well as MC, Visa & Discover cards for your convenience. All payments must be in US Funds. Keep in mind that all Florida residents will be required to pay Florida sales tax on all sales and repairs.

7: How long will the repair/restoration take?

The average repair time is 5-6 weeks. Some will be less while other restorations requiring fabrication will take more time to complete. If you would like to get your watch back in time for a special occasion please let us know and we will gladly do what ever we can to meet your needs. If you are curious about your repair please do not hesitate to call or email us. The time required to complete the work depends on many variables. Modern watches and watches where replacement parts are readily available, require less time to repair. Back orders by the suppliers is out of our control and we will make every attempt to keep this time to a minimum.

 

8: Are the replacement parts used Genuine or aftermarket?

We make every attempt to use only Genuine parts in our repair and restoration services. If a part can not be found because the manufacturer no longer produces the part then we will attempt to search our many contacts. If this process does not produce a successful search then we will find an acceptable after market piece that meets the manufacturers specifications. If the part has been discontinued and our search fails to secure a replacement piece then we have the ability to fabricate most parts in the shop.

 

9: The guy in the mall said he can clean a Rolex for $75.00?

We spend a great deal of time correcting and fixing problems caused by these type of so-called un-trained watchmakers. We have seen everything from rubber bands packed into a movement to keep it in place to supper glue substituted for a lost screw. Keep in mind that luxury watches require specific tools to open them without marring the casing, and for each screw inside the movement is a matching jewelers screwdriver. You get what you pay for, is a good motto to keep in mind. Chances are that all the cheap watchmaker is doing is opening the back, splashing in some oil and closing it back without even replacing the gasket. No cleaning, timing or testing. The watch runs when you get it back but in a short period of time the oil will cake up and once again you are faced with taking it in for servicing. Would you take your BMW or Mercedes to a factory trained repair shop or the local gas station?

As a watch ages, it may become vulnerable to the effects of moisture. The gaskets, setting crown and crystal deteriorate over time and should be serviced under normal circumstances.

Masterpiece Basic Rolex Watch Service includes:

• Movement Service. (Clean, Oil & Adjustment )

• Replacement of gaskets

• Water Resistance testing using Rolex approved equipment

• Other Genuine Rolex replacement parts may be needed at an additional cost.

 

10: Is my watch worth spending the money to repair?

Antique Pocket Watch Restoration requires special skills and a great deal of patience. Because of the age of these watches replacement parts are not available through conventional means and often a part must be specially fabricated and fitted precisely in order to insure that the watch performs as it should. These parts require days and many man hours to design and then finally produce. Preservation of originality is an important consideration when designing and fabricating these pieces. Each restoration is a unique project in and of itself. Sometimes the expense is no object and other times practicality is in order. Many times these very special watches are pronounced "beyond repair" by uninformed jewelers and watchmakers. Very seldom is a watch beyond repair. The expense of Antique Watch Repair is another matter. In many cases the cost to fabricate the broken, worn or missing pieces of the watch may exceed the value of the watch. But many times the sentimental value associated with the watch makes the restoration well worth the expense.

 

11: What is your recommenced shipping method?

The charge for return postage, insurance and handling, is $25.00. This fee is added on to the cost of the repair and covers all watches up to $5,000.00 in value. (watches valued more that $5,000.00 will be shipped at a slightly higher rate to cover additional insurance costs ) (International rates vary by country) Our preferred method to ship your repaired watch back to you is via US Post Office utilizing their Postal Registered Mail Service. We have found that this is the most secure and reliable method for shipment over the years. If you would like us to return your watch to a special location or through a special carrier then please notify us and we will be happy to meet your preference (Extra fees may apply depending on carrier).

Please properly pack your watch to keep the watch free from movement and damage during shipment. We are not responsible for damage done to the watch in transit to Masterpiece Watch. Please do not include original boxes or papers.

 

12: I live in Tampa, can I drop off the watch to you?

The cost for using one of our service partners facilities is $35.00. This will cover the cost of insuring and transporting your watch to our service facility and back. This fee is in addition to any estimate and repair fees. Please read our policies associated with our Service partners.

Southwest Florida

(Tampa, Brandon, Plant City, St. Petersburg)

Central Florida

(Orlando, Disney, Lakeland, Kissimmee)

There is no added fee added to the cost of the repair for usding this service facility. All of the extra costs are aborbred by Masterpiece Watch Restoration.

 

13: What type of warranty comes with the repair?

We completely warranty all of our replaced or fabricated parts and labor. If a watch is returned to us with any defect that is the result of the manner in which it was repaired, we will correct the situation immediately. We will prioritize your watch repair and return it to the customer at no charge. Shipping costs to us are the responsibility of the customer. The warranty period is for one year from the completion date of the original repair.

Our warranty on modern watches and to some extent on vintage watches includes the installation of parts, not previously replaced, that fail during the warranty period. There would be a charge for the part but we will install and test the new part at no charge to you. Some part failures are virtually impossible to anticipate. This does not include parts that may fail as a result of rust or abuse, such as, a broken balance staff or broken crystal. The owner must accept responsibility for their part. This is especially true when it comes to water damage. We do not cover water damage to any watch unless it is to a reliably water resistant watch and that damage is caused by a direct result of a failure on our part.

 

14: My watch is a Rolex copy and it is not working, will you repair or service it?

No. We do not repair Counterfeit or Replica Rolex watches. We will not supply Genuine Rolex parts for use on any Rolex watch that has been altered with after market accessories such as bezels and dials.

 

15: My local watchmaker said that the watch is un repairable?

Many watches are pronounced "beyond repair" by uninformed jewelers and watchmakers. Very seldom is a watch beyond repair. The expense of Antique Watch Repair is another matter. In many cases the cost to fabricate the broken, worn or missing pieces of the watch may exceed the value of the watch. But many times the sentimental value associated with the watch makes the restoration well worth the expense. Because of the age of these watches replacement parts are not available through conventional means and often a part must be specially fabricated and fitted precisely in order to insure that the watch performs as it should. These parts require days and many man hours to design and then finally produce. Preservation of originality is an important consideration when designing and fabricating these pieces.

 

16: I am buying a watch, can you tell me if it is authentic or stolen?

We are proud to have partnered with a new company called Watch Facts. They independently check & report authenticity, condition, theft and service history for pre-owned watches.

 

17: Can I keep the parts that were replaced during repair?

Yes. Just inform us prior to the beginning of the repair so that we can mark you job as such. The only exception would be if the manufacturer requires the old part be sent to them as a supply condition.

 

18: Can I just buy parts from you?

No. We do not supply parts without servicing the watch. The only exception would be in the fabrication of parts. If you are a watchmaker and find that you need a part that is not available please contact us. When sending us the part do not just send the part you need replaced as we will need the mechanism to assure that the fabricated piece is correctly fitted and operational. In this scenario we are not responsible for the operation of the movement but the fabricated part solely.

 

19: Can I purchase a new Genuine Rolex band for the watch that is being repaired from you?

No. Rolex only sells bands to dealers. Watchmakers can only order spare parts through their accounts.

 

20: I need the watch for a special occasion, can I get expedited service?

Yes. If you need the watch by a certain date please notify us before the job has been estimated. We will keep this in mind as we check on parts availability. At that time we can let you know if this is possible. The time required to complete the work depends on many variables. Modern watches and watches where replacement parts are readily available, require less time to repair. Back orders by the suppliers is out of our control and we will make every attempt to keep this time to a minimum.

 

21: What can I expect in accuracy from my repaired watch?

Precise regulation of a Rolex watch is achieved by adjusting the balance spring & timing screws located on the balance wheel, the regulating heart of the watch. In addition to a test on an electronic timing machine, actual performance of the watch must be observed over a period of several days. It also makes a difference whether the watch is worn on the left or right wrist, on the outside or inside of the wrist. It is important that you inform the watchmaker of your wearing habits so that your watch can be adjusted accordingly.

1. A watch laid flat on a table with the dial up tends to gain a few seconds during the night.

2. In a vertical position with the winding crown pointing down, the watch will tend to lose a few seconds.

3. In a vertical position with the winding crown pointing up, the watch will tend to lose a few more seconds than in the position with the crown up.

A vintage mechanical watch in good repair, on average, will be +/- 15 seconds in a 24 hour period. On the other hand a modern non-certified mechanical watch will average around +/- 5 seconds and a modern chronometer certified watch will average +/- 2 seconds.

 

22: What are your hours of operation?

Our office is open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm.

 

23: Do you have a minimum service charge?

Yes. Our minimum charge for service is $100.00 plus return shipping.

 

24: How often should my watch be serviced?

Every mechanical instrument with moving parts needs periodic cleaning and an application of fresh oil to maintain precision operation. Until recent years a lady's watch required cleaning every 12 to 18 months and a man's watch approximately every 18 months to two years. With modern oils and lubricants, the frequency has been lengthened.

 

25: Do you share your customers personal information?

No. Any and all information that is collected during the repair process is for the sole purpose your watch repair or restoration. This includes personal information and information concerning your repair.