Watch Repair and Service

If you're looking for watch repair or having your watch serviced, I would be glad to help you with these needs as well.

Why the term "watchmaker" for "watch repair?" First a bit of history and how it affects watch service today.

The term 'watchmaker' was first applied, of course, to the people who actually made watches. Some of these craftsmen only made certain parts while others made the whole watch.

As time progressed and more watches were in need of repair, shops were established for the sole purpose of repair and maintenance. At this point in time (mid-1800's) the system of interchangeable parts was not yet available. Therefore, if the one repairing the watch needed a replacement part he had to make it by hand. Hence the term 'watchmaker' was then applied to those whose main focus was watch repair.

Fast forward to today and you will find there is still much need for such watches to be repaired. Although the need for handmade parts is certainly less than before, there still is a need at times. Even in the case of modern watches the replacement of parts, assembly, and disassembly, or repairs to existing parts all require an intimate knowledge of how in fact the watch is made.

Believe it or not, it wasn't the Swiss who first developed the system of interchangeable parts, but indeed an American watch company in the 1930's. This system was later adopted by the rest of the world. While this system in its infancy was a vast improvement for watch repair, it still had certain limitations.

For example, a series of parts would be manufactured and then checked for accuracy. Even though the tolerances were very close (say within 1-3 hundredths of a millimeter) they would still have to be sorted and then matched up with other parts. For instance, a pivot on a pocket watch balance staff may be anywhere from .11-.15 mm and would have to be matched up with jewel hole sizes .12-.16 to ensure a proper fit.

Translate that to what takes place on my bench today and it is easy to see why even working on pocket watches often requires parts to be fitted or modified by hand. I come across this scenario, in fact, on a fairly routine basis. It also implies a thoroughly comprehensive and intimate knowledge of how the watch is made and how it functions (i.e. watchmaking) to keep a watch ticking on time.

I offer a full range of watchmaking services that include:

antique restoration, general cleaning and overhaul, quartz watch repair, crystal replacement, water resistance maintenance, battery replacement, and short jobs including:

new crown, cleaning and refinishing of the case and bracelet, bracelet repair or replacement

I am an independent watchmaker and this is an important consideration in watch repair work for a few reasons.

Modifications to existing parts or replacement parts are made using the watchmaker's lathe. Other tools that are sometimes used are the jacot pivot lathe (to polish pivots) and the vertical milling machine for uprighting worn holes or replacing broken jewels.

Watchmaking has undergone several changes in the last century. While many advancements have been made, technologically speaking, many obstacles have also presented themselves.

From the creation of the Railroad watch, a highly accurate timepiece, to the standardization of interchangeable parts and from a time where most men carried pocket watches to the invention of the wrist watch, this was a point in history when watchmakers were needed more than ever before. While there was a barber shop on every corner, in similar fashion, there was a watchmaker in every jewelry store.

Although many of these watchmakers were very good, the competition between watch companies created the demand for less expensive watches. As watches became cheaper, the demand for cheaper watch repair also increased. Add to this the growing number unqualified watch repair men and it's easy to see how the level of service also went way down.

It's sad to say that most of the problems that I see with watches are not caused by the customer but by previous "repairs" done in a hurried unqualified manner. Many of these watchmakers are still at their benches today and they still have the idea in their head to "fix it" as quickly and cheaply as possible.

I have seen many watches that are practically destroyed in this way. Now I know this sounds pretty bad but don't worry, it gets better--and,yes, I can fix your watch even if it's been man-handled.

Take another step forward to the invention of the electronic watch. While this seemed to be the end of all improvements in watchmaking on the one hand, it was a virtual death blow to the watch repair industry on the other. Watchmakers all over the world bought into the idea that the need for mechanical watches had come to an end. And the public, by and large, did too..for a little while.

The world basically lost an entire generation of watchmakers during this period. Watchmakers all over the world left the trade completely and entered other disciplines, although there were a few who stubbornly stayed at their benches. Whatever the case, the next generation was discouraged from entering the field of watchmaking and, therefore, watch repair.

Well the quartz watch didn't turn out to be the doomsday that was predicted. First of all, there are still plenty of repairs required with quartz watches. The movements can be repaired or replaced along with water resistance maintenance, crystals, crowns, etc. Secondly, people have not abandoned their love for mechanical watches--not by far! In fact there are more manufactured today than ever!

Now to finish my brief history on the world of watches. There is one more important point to cover. Remember the "Independent Watchmaker" I told you about when the need for repair shops first arose? Well we have gone full circle. What fit the bill then, fits the bill today. You see there is still the need for quality workmanship...the ability to employ old world craft to repair both modern and vintage watches.

This is easily understandable you say, but why is it important to be independent? I can tell you why. Although there are still some good watchmakers sprinkled here and there in jewelry stores and large repair shops, they all have one thing in common. They are under huge pressure to perform. Their boss, the jewelry or shop foreman (sometimes the owner or president), has a keen eye on what they are doing and how fast they are doing it. Why is that? Because they are doubling (at least) what the watchmaker charges to the public.

That's right. The watchmaker has to either do his work at half price or in the case of salary, meet certain production demands. Of course he has to make a living, so he complies. But what usually happens is that he has to cut as many corners as possible to get it done as quickly as possible--even if he wants to get it done right.

This is a major concern and even applies to the big watch manufacturers. When I worked at Cartier and Rolex this was a constant issue.

On the lighter side, however, there are independent watchmakers popping up here and there...and you have found one of them here! I have acquired all the proper training, skills, and equipment to make all manner of repairs (including hand-tooled parts when necessary). And now you have the ability to take advantage of my expertise without the middleman (or over-riding focus on the bottom line). I'm fascinated with watches, I love what I do, and I look forward to serving you in all of your watch repair needs.

Please contact me with any questions or servicing issues at gallaghermail@yahoo.com or call (207) 221-5821

I will be glad to help you in any way I can. Watch Photos and Videos