It's About Time! Watch Repair

Professional Pocket Watch Repair & Wrist Watch Repair 

Upper Sandusky, Ohio,  USA

Scott A. Ekleberry-Watchmaker

Click Here To Bookmark This Site!

SPECIALIZING IN BOTH POCKET WATCH REPAIR AND WRIST WATCH REPAIR.

NOW FEATURING SPECIAL PRICING ON SEIKO KINETIC CAPACITOR REPLACEMENT! PLEASE SEE PRICING PAGE!

ROLEX WATCH REPAIR, OMEGA WATCH REPAIR, BULOVA WATCH REPAIR, GRUEN WATCH REPAIR, & SEIKO WATCH REPAIR ARE A SPECIALTY! 

FROM VINTAGE AMERICAN POCKET WATCHES TO THE FINEST SWISS WATCHES OF TODAY, LET ME HANDLE YOUR WATCH REPAIR!

PRICES AND INFORMATION IN EFFECT AUGUST 22, 2007

POCKET WATCHES PROBLEMS AND INFORMATION

• If your watch has started to tell erratic time it probably needs to be cleaned and oiled. This is also necessary every 2-5 years at a minimum because the lubrication will dry-up and dirt will accumulate in the pivots. Among other things this will lead to wear on the parts, and may eventually cause the watch to stop. Many people mistakenly believe they can run a mechanical watch till it stops with no ill effects, this is simply not so. Pocket watches have a mainspring that exerts a great deal of power on very small surfaces. If you don't have pocket watches cleaned and oiled every 2-5 years (depending on how well they are sealed), dirt mixes in with the oil and acts like sandpaper shortening the life of the watch.

• If your watch is wound up tight and won't run then it most likely needs to be cleaned or perhaps has a broken balance staff. There is no such thing as "over winding" a watch.

• If your watch got wet and it stopped running, the problem could be (and most likely is) rust. Rust damage is hard to estimate and will be done on an hourly rate, final cost depends on how badly your watch is rusted. In severe instances it may be cheaper to just replace the movement. Rust is the number one destroyer of old watches!

• If you turn and turn the crown, (the part you wind and set the watch with), and the watch mainspring won't wind up tight, you probably have a broken mainspring.

• I totally disassemble every mechanical watch I service. Total disassembly is the ONLY way to do a proper job and find many defects and problems, especially cracked jewels and bent pivots.

• Each movement is then ultrasonically cleaned, reassembled, oiled, and timed using an electronic timing machine. Each watch is then observed for 24-48 hours to make sure it is working properly. 

• I DO NOT do "dunk and lube" jobs like so many in the watch repair trade today (if your watch is sent to a trade shop by a jewelry store chances are it gets this type of job)!!!

• Labor rates below do not include parts or return shipping. Keep in mind that high grade watches (Rolex, Omega, IWC, etc.) will be more.

SOME OF THE CHECKS PERFORMED ON YOUR POCKET WATCH DURING OVERHAUL

Winding and setting freedom, barrel arbor end shake test, all pivots in watch examined under at least 10x magnification for flat spots and/or bent pivots, all jewels in watch checked for breakage or cracks, proper end and side shake of all train wheels is checked, balance is checked for end-play and side-play, escapement of watch is checked for proper set-up, amplitude of balance is checked after cleaning and reassembly, time keeping of watch is checked on the timing machine, and many other checks.

CLEANING OF POCKET WATCHES

Your mechanical watch shall be cleaned in a Mark V ultrasonic cleaning machine. This is one of the best machines on the market today. I use ultrasonic cleaning on wrist watches and pocket watches.

TIMING OF POCKET WATCHES

I will use a Vibrograf B200 solid state timing machine to time your watch. This machine has been the mainstay of the watch repair industry since 1970. I also check the amplitude of the balance wheel on a Vibrograf Grad-O-Scop balance wheel amplitude meter connected to my B200. Amplitude of the balance wheel is an important indicator of the correct functioning of a watch.

GENERAL POCKET WATCH OVERHAUL PRICES

REPAIRS ON POCKET WATCHES WILL BE DONE AT AN HOURLY RATE OF $40 AN HOUR + PARTS. THE MINIMUM OVERHAUL CHARGE FOR POCKET WATCHES WILL BE $120.

·         Many of you may know that I used to post defined pricing on pocket watch overhauls. I had been losing money on almost every pocket watch I serviced. Many of the old pocket watches are very worn, or have been repaired by many unskilled people (watch plumbers) and they take nearly twice as long to do as most wristwatches. Once I give an estimate I am stuck for it no matter how long it takes or costs me by Ohio law, so that is the reason for no estimates any longer on pocket watches. Many watchmakers are starting to charge a minimum of $300 to do pocket watches, mainly to discourage them from being left for repair. I don't feel it is fair to rack the customer with that large amount if it doesn't take that long. Most pocket watches take anywhere from 4-8 hours to do the work properly, so I think charging by the hour is the most fair way for both the customer and I. It is a simple fact that if you want the work done PROPERLY then it will take time to do so. Pocket watches are one of the hardest watches to estimate just because there are so many variables. I can no longer afford to spend hours trying to get an old pocket watch to function properly and then only charge for half of the time spent. I know this may be hard for someone who has not had to do so to understand, but I am trying to be honest here. I would rather charge by the hour and do the work properly or not do it at all.

·         Pocket watch overhauls are guaranteed for one (1) year from the date the repair is completed. The guarantee does not cover parts I did not furnish, damage from abuse or water damage, watch bands or chains, crowns, stems, balance staffs (if you drop the watch the staff WILL break), crystals, or repairs done by someone other than myself. Most vintage watches are not guaranteed to keep "perfect time".

·         I will not spend any more time than is necessary to repair your watch; I do not "pad" bills!!!

·         If you would like a pocket watch dome to display your pocket watch once it is finished I do have them in stock!

·         I highly recommend that you use a chain with your pocket watch while wearing it to avoid damage to the watch caused by an accidental drop. You can buy them at most jewelry stores and I also keep some chains in stock. If you drop the watch the balance staff will most likely break!

·         While I will do my utmost to ensure that your watch will function correctly and keep time, it may not be possible to get all watches to keep time. This is particularly true of some old pocket watches and wrist watches which were either "low-grade" to start with, or that have seen "better days" (lots of wear or abuse and possibly "cobbling" by inexperienced repair people or incorrect parts in the watch). I feel it is better to be up-front about this at the beginning than to give false hope or expectations. In any event I must see the watch first to give my feelings on how it will perform in the end. Often, everything is fixed properly and a pocket watch still will not run correctly or keep time. In this event I will do what I can, but watchmakers are not "magicians", we can't force the watch to perform. Wear and age take their toll (yes even on people and watches) so all I can do is my best.

·         There will be no warranty on mechanical watch repairs unless a cleaning job accompanies each repair. I am sorry for this, but to provide a warranty I have to know the shape of the watch which is impossible unless I have disassembled, examined, cleaned, and oiled & timed it.

·         Overhaul price include cleaning or buffing of most pocket watch cases, solid gold cases will need to be sent out for reconditioning if approved by the customer. 

OTHER POCKET WATCH REPAIRS

• Balance staffs replaced starting at $40.

• Polishing of screws done on an hourly rate of $40 an hour; minimum charge is $20 per screw. This is often necessary to return a rusted screw to it's former state once the rust is removed.

• Bluing of screws done on an hourly rate of $40 an hour; minimum charge is $15. This is often necessary to return a rusted screw to it's former state once the rust is removed.

• Mainsprings replaced starting at $25. Mainspring cost will be $15 with a full watch service.

• Vibrating of new hairspring to your balance from $200.
  NOTE: It may be possible to obtain a suitable hairspring to work in your watch without the need to vibrate one. This operation will however consume time to recollet and restud the new spring, and "time-out" the watch. If such a course is chosen the watch may not keep as good of time, but the cost savings will be considerable!

• Replacement of jewels done at a flat rate of $15 per jewel plus labor, minimum charge of $35 per jewel.

• Stems turned for wrist watches and pocket watches starting at $160.

NOTE: The rate of $160 covers 4 hours work. If additional time is needed to complete your stem it will be charged at the labor rate of $40 per hour and that fee will be added to your final bill. $160 is the minimum charge for this service. Most pocket watch stems take around 4 hours to turn and harden. If the stem is turned to your specifications, without trying in the watch, I guarantee it to match your drawing, but can take no responsibility for it's functionality in the watch.

• Balance staffs turned at a rate of $175-$200 per staff.
  **NOTE: If staff is turned to your specifications, without trying in the watch, I guarantee it to match your drawing, but can take no responsibility for it's functionality in the watch.

• All pivot replacement is done at a rate of $150-$200 per pivot.

POCKET WATCH CRYSTALS

Please click here to see the crystal prices

CROWNS

• Crowns replaced starting at $35

Other Pocket Watch Items

• I also sell pocket watch domes and chains!

IMPORTANT POINTS, PLEASE READ!

• Labor rate is $40 per hour. Pocket watch work is mostly done by the hour.

• I totally disassemble every mechanical watch I overhaul. Total disassembly is the only correct way to examine a mechanical watch for defects! 

• Many watches, especially old pocket watches, have other problems that cannot be seen until disassembly. Approximately 30% of antique pocket watches I see have broken jewels. Approximately 50% of the antique pocket watches I see have bent balance pivots or flat spots on the balance pivots. Without correcting these things I cannot guarantee the watch to keep good time! If any of these defects are found the customer will be notified before the repairs are carried out.

• WATER RESISTANCE OF WATCHES IS not GUARANTEED. There are all kinds of legal reasons for this, so your understanding is appreciated! This doesn't really apply to pocket watches, but I thought best to put it in here anyway.

• Due to quality and/or parts issues I no longer work on the following brands of watches: Crown, New York Standard, Columbia, E. Howard (I WILL make stems for E. Howard if requested).

• I reserve the right to refuse service on any watch. I am sorry for this, but due to the recent amount of hacked and cobbled watches coming into my shop I have no choice. If you have a badly rusted watch I am probably going to refuse the repair or suggest a complete movement replacement.

• I will not under any circumstances work on nor do I endorse any replica/fake watches!

• Please do not e-mail asking me to sell parts. I repair watches for my living and need the parts I have to repair my customers watches.

• Not responsible for accidents or damages or loss in the mail.

  ---

SHIPPING AND ESTIMATES

PLEASE read, agree to, and follow the procedure below exactly for sending your watch for estimate/repair. The steps below are for YOUR safety and that of your timepiece! I take in many watches for repair and without the proper information I have requested I can not track your watch or return it to you! SIMPLY HAVING THE INFORMATION ON YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER IS NOT ENOUGH. I AM SOMETIMES NOT THE ONE THAT OPENS THE PARCELS OR CASHES THE CHECKS/MONEY ORDERS. PLEASE, PLEASE PROVIDE THE INFORMATION I ASK FOR BELOW! THANK YOU!!!

I hate to add this, but after years of asking, people still are sending their watches in envelopes, padded envelopes, and uninsured. That being said, ANY watch that is received in an envelope or uninsured WILL be refused at the post office and returned to the owner at their expense. I am sorry, but if I accept the package and there is damage I then become the responsible party. please ship you watch in a box and insure it. thank you!!!

1) BEFORE sending your watch you must first e-mail me for approval of your repair. NO watches except Seiko Kinetic will be accepted for repair without prior approval. Once your repair is approved by me you will be provided with my complete shipping address. THERE IS NO SHIPPING ADDRESS ON THIS PAGE AS ALL REPAIRS EXCEPT SEIKO KINETIC OVERHAULS AND BATTERY OVERHAULS MUST BE PRE-APPROVED BEFORE ACCEPTANCE.

2) Wrap your watch in BUBBLE WRAP and place it in a BOX (the US Post Office gives away Priority Mail boxes for free (request the small video box).  DO NOT SHIP TO ME IN A PADDED ENVELOPE (yes some people HAVE done this!)! ANY WATCH RECEIVED IN A PADDED ENVELOPE WILL BE REFUSED AT THE POST OFFICE AND RETURNED TO ITS OWNER AT THEIR COST. Shipping in a padded envelope is just inviting your watch to be destroyed!!!

• Fill the box completely with packing material so your watch doesn't become damaged in shipment! I have had people using 1 small piece of bubble wrap in a large box. The result is the watch comes out of the bubble wrap and bangs around for thousands of miles in transit. PLEASE, use an adequate amount of packing material to fill the box, it will be cheaper than buying a new watch!!

• PLEASE do not use "styrofoam peanuts" to pack the watch! The result will be that the watch will settle to the bottom and be unprotected for most of the trip to my Post Office!

• Taping is OK, just don't "tape it to death"! I had one watch come in that was lucky to survive the unwrapping process because the owner used half a roll of package tape over the bubble wrap and on the watch! PLEASE, do not put tape on the watch itself!

• DO NOT SHIP WATCHES TO ME IN A PADDED ENVELOPE (yes some people HAVE done this)! ANY WATCH RECEIVED IN A PADDED ENVELOPE WILL BE REFUSED AT THE POST OFFICE AND RETURNED TO ITS OWNER AT THEIR COST! Shipping in a padded envelope is just inviting your watch to be damaged or destroyed!!!

• Make a note of the serial number and case number of your watch before you send it and write it on the index card you enclosed with the watch. If something does happen this will make sure your proper watch is returned to you safely. The serial # is a 6-digit number on the lower case back.

3) Enclose a card (index cards are great for this, they fit right in my repair envelopes) with your name, address and telephone number including area code AND e-mail address (I like to give estimates by e-mail, produces a written record for both of us). Please write on the card what you would like done to your watch.

• DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! I MUST HAVE THE INFORMATION TO ENSURE YOUR WATCH IS RETURNED TO YOU! 

4) Include a check in the proper amount to cover the estimate fee (see Estimates above).

• NO work will be done without the estimate fee. I DO NOT do work on "approval"!

5) Ship your timepiece by USPS Priority Mail.

• Insure your parcel for at least $100.

• Put Delivery Confirmation on the parcel (that way YOU can check to make sure I received it on-line). The e-mail situation is getting overwhelming and I will no longer e-mail when watches are received, sorry.

• Mark the package "FRAGILE".

• DO NOT SHIP BY UPS OR FED-EX, THEY CANNOT DELIVER TO MY PO BOX ADDRESS.

  ---

IMPORTANT NOTES

• I DO NOT do work on "approval", no watch will be returned until the bill is settled or the watch can be sent C.O.D.

• You may check the progress of your repair at any time AFTER I have responded with your initial evaluation (it does no good to ask me about the repair status of a watch I haven't even had the chance to look at) by e-mailing me.

• If you do contact me about your repair, PLEASE be specific, I can have other watches in the shop and can't remember ever one.

Please take the following as a guideline for repair times

• Evaluations: 1-2 months. If you haven't heard from me after 2 1/2 months then please e-mail me.

• Pocket watch repairs completed: 4-12 months. This will depend on my schedule and parts availability. In the case of some older watches it may take MONTHS to find the parts, not weeks.

• PLEASE, allow me time to do the work, I can't estimate/fix every watch that comes in within 4-5 days, it is just not possible, especially during the "busy season".

  ---

  PAYMENT METHODS

  • Personal check

  • Cashiers check 

  • Money order

  • I do not take any credit card payments. Sorry!

  • Please make all checks or money orders payable to Scott A. Ekleberry

  If you still feel you have any unanswered questions after reading through my website, please feel free to e-mail questions. Thank you!!!

NAVIGATE MY SITE