Pocket watches are more than just accessories—they’re mechanical works of art and often sentimental heirlooms. Whether it’s granddad’s old railroad timepiece or a vintage flea market find, restoring one requires precision, experience, and an understanding of horological history.
So when your pocket watch stops ticking, Googling “where to get a pocket watch fixed” is only the first step. This isn’t your average trip to the battery kiosk at the mall. Pocket watch repair involves skilled hands, rare parts, and an appreciation for tradition. Here's what you need to know before handing over your treasure to just anyone.
TLDR – Quick Guide
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Common Issues: Dust, rust, broken mainsprings, and worn-out escapements.
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Required Skills: Only go to repair shops with certified watchmakers (CW21, AWCI).
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Turnaround Time: Most repairs take 2–6 weeks depending on complexity and parts availability.
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Cost: Basic service starts around $75, with full restoration costing $200+.
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Top Tip: Avoid any shop that doesn’t specialize in mechanical or vintage watch repair.
Detailed Breakdown
What’s Wrong with Your Pocket Watch?
Pocket watches are mechanical by nature. No battery, no circuitry—just gears, springs, and old-school engineering. That means issues typically involve:
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Worn Mainsprings: These drive the watch and can wear out over time.
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Dust and Dirt: Even tiny particles can jam gears or slow the mechanism.
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Rust or Moisture Damage: Especially common in older, improperly stored pieces.
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Balance Wheel or Escapement Wear: Precision parts that wear down after years of ticking.
The bottom line? These aren’t quick fixes. They require a watchmaker who knows their Calibres from their crowns.
What a Proper Pocket Watch Repair Includes
A professional pocket watch service goes far beyond a quick polish. Here’s what to expect from a full repair:
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Complete Disassembly: Every gear, screw, and jewel is removed and cleaned.
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Ultrasonic Cleaning: Strips away decades of grime and oil.
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Inspection & Rebuild: Damaged parts are repaired or replaced. The watch is then reassembled.
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Lubrication & Timing: High-grade oils are applied, and timing is adjusted to factory specs.
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Casing & Finish: The watch exterior is cleaned, polished, and sealed.
This isn’t a process that should be rushed. A rushed job often leads to damage or loss of parts, especially in antiques.
Trusted Repair Shops to Consider
If you’re searching for where to get a pocket watch fixed, here are some standout options, especially if you're based in Southern California:
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WatchWorks – With nearly 30 years in horological repairs, WatchWorks offers expert-level pocket watch service at their four SoCal locations. Their in-house team handles both modern and antique pocket watches with care. Visit watchworksus.com to learn more.
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Tick Tock Time Repair (Los Angeles) – Specializes in antique and vintage watch restoration, with deep experience in rare pocket watch brands.
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Jewelers on Time (Newport Beach) – High-end specialists known for work on Rolex pocket watches and custom heirloom restorations.
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La Jolla Watchmaker – Offers a certified CW21 technician and is especially popular for rare parts sourcing and delicate repairs.
Before choosing a shop, ask these questions:
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Do you have experience with pocket watches?
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Are your repairs done in-house?
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Do you guarantee your work?
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Can you provide a written estimate?
What About Shipping Repairs?
If there’s no quality shop nearby, many high-end repair shops offer insured shipping options. This is common practice, especially for rare or collector-grade pocket watches. Always opt for fully insured, tracked shipping with tamper-proof packaging.
Key Takeaways
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Pocket watch repair requires certified professionals—not generic mall kiosks.
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Repairs often involve full disassembly, cleaning, and precision tuning.
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Expect turnaround times of 2–6 weeks and costs starting at $75.
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Only trust shops that specialize in mechanical or vintage watch repair.
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WatchWorks and other Southern California-based shops offer top-tier service for collectors and everyday wearers alike.
FAQs
1. Can I repair a pocket watch myself?
Unless you have training in watchmaking, it’s not recommended. These devices are complex and require delicate handling.
2. How often should a pocket watch be serviced?
Every 3–5 years for regular use, or anytime it shows signs of stopping or running slow.
3. Is it worth repairing an old pocket watch?
Absolutely—especially if it has sentimental value or is from a reputable brand. Many vintage models also increase in value over time.
4. How can I tell if a shop is qualified to fix pocket watches?
Look for certifications like CW21 (Certified Watchmaker of the 21st Century) or AWCI membership, and ask about their experience with vintage pieces.
5. What brands of pocket watches can be repaired?
Most mechanical brands including Elgin, Waltham, Hamilton, Longines, and even modern ones like Tissot. The only limitation is parts availability and watch condition.