Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a watch repair cost?
You will not be charged if we can’t get your watch running!
When it comes to watch repairs, the cost can vary depending on factors such as the type of watch, the complexity of the repair, and the service provider.
It's important to weigh the sentimental or monetary value of an old watch when deciding whether to repair it. Ultimately, regular servicing is a worthwhile investment to preserve your watch's performance and longevity.
We suggest you consult reputable watch repair specialists and compare prices and services before making a decision. Ensure that you choose a trusted service provider that offers quality craftsmanship and uses genuine parts. Taking proper care of your timepiece will not only extend its lifespan but also preserve its beauty and functionality for years to come.
At The Watch Bench, we believe in transparency and fairness in our policies, and our goal is to provide you with the best possible customer experience, as such all our prices are published on our website:
Standard Quartz Watch Repair Services
Kinetic, Eco-Drive and Solar Watch Repair Services
Luxury Quartz Watch Repair Services
We will never charge for assessing the work that needs to be done on your watch. Plus, if we can't get it up and running or you decide not to proceed with the repair or servicing, we'll send it back to you at no cost.
Request your free quote today. Our expert team will examine your request and if we can repair your watch, we'll email you a price, normally on the same day.
What locations does The Watch Bench cover?
What locations does The Watch Bench cover
We welcome customers from anywhere in the UK.
Our affordable online watch repair service is the perfect solution for busy people who don't have time to visit a high-street watch repair shop.
How do I contact The Watch Bench?
How do I contact The Watch Bench?
You can contact our customer support by phone: 07926 935202
( 9am-5pm GMT Mon-Fri. )
You can follow and message us on our social accounts or email us on these links :
Or request a free, no obligation watch repair quote.
Where can I read verified reviews for The Watch Bench?
Where can I read verified reviews for The Watch Bench?
We are experienced watch repairers who have been servicing, refurbishing, and selling top-quality pre-owned quartz, kinetic, and solar watches for many years!
Verified reviews are reviews tied to actual transactions customers have made, which is why people trust them – they're based on real customer experience.
Please note: Google Reviews are NOT verified!
Click here to read our verified reviews.
Is it worth fixing an old watch?
Is it worth fixing an old watch?
The decision to repair an old watch depends on its value, significance, and your attachment to it.
If you have an old watch that holds sentimental value or has some historical significance, then it may be worth fixing. However, if the watch has substantial damage, it may be difficult or impossible to repair and the cost of repairing the watch may exceed the value.
If you’d like a Free Quote we’d be happy to advise without any obligation.
What is the difference between quartz, kinetic and solar powered watches?
What is the difference between quartz, kinetic and solar powered watches?
We often get asked for Kinetic, Eco-Drive or Solar watch ‘batteries’, so we thought it might be helpful to provide a little information about the different types of watches we specialise in repairing.
Quartz
Quartz watches work by utilizing the natural quartz crystal's piezoelectric properties.
A small piece of quartz crystal inside the watch vibrates at a precise frequency when an electric current is passed through it. This frequency is incredibly stable, which allows for highly accurate timekeeping. The vibrations are transmitted through a series of gears and levers, which move the hands on the watch face.
They are powered by a small battery that typically lasts for years before needing replacement.
Kinetic
Kinetic watches don't use traditional batteries or manual winding to stay powered.
They use the energy generated from the natural movement of the wearer's wrist and arm to keep accurate time. Inside the watch, there is a rotor that spins as the watch is worn, generating energy that is then transferred to a capacitor. The capacitor stores the energy and powers the watch's quartz movement, ensuring precise timekeeping.
Some kinetic watches feature energy storage indicators that show how much power is left in the capacitor.
Solar & Eco-Drive
Solar and Citizen Eco-Drive watches use small photovoltaic cells, built into the face, to convert light energy into electrical energy that is used to power the watch. The watch's solar cells absorb both natural and artificial light and convert it into electrical energy that is stored in a rechargeable battery. As long as the watch is exposed to light, it will continue to recharge and run.
The recharging efficiency of a rechargeable battery may gradually deteriorate for various reasons, including long-term use. In this case, we can supply a new rechargeable battery.
How do I know if I need a new watch capacitor or rechargable battery?
How do I know if I need a new watch capacitor or rechargeable battery?
All Kinetic, Solar and Eco-Drive watches have a symptom that lets you know when they need to be charged - the second hand begins to skip two seconds for every second it ticks.
Always try to recharge your watch before going through the process of sending it to us.
Kinetic
To charge a kinetic watch, swing it from side to side 300 – 500 times rhythmically at a rate of twice a second. When the second hand starts to move at one-second intervals, wear the watch on your wrist.
If the second hand is still skipping, the watch will probably need the capacitor replaced.
You might consider getting a watch winder to maintain the charge on the capacitor if you are not wearing it regularly.
Solar or Eco-Drive
To recharge a Solar or Eco-Drive watch, place it under an incandescent light bulb.
It will be fully charged in about four hours. Do not expose the watch to direct sunlight or leave it on the dashboard of a car, etc, as the watch temperature becomes extremely high, which may cause a malfunction.
If it is still skipping after 20 minutes, the watch will probably need the rechargeable battery replaced.
Citizen recommends exposing an Eco-Drive to light every day to keep the battery "conditioned" so you can see why a jewellery box is not the best place to keep this type of watch.
Does The Watch Bench offer a watch polishing service?
We polish and refurbish hundreds of watches every year and are experts in our field. We will bring your watch back to its very best removing all but the deepest scratches.
If you have a metal strap or case, we can restore these components with our expert watch polishing service.
Refinishing of metal bracelets and cases entails the buffing and polishing of metal components. This can also include brush finishing to give your watch that authentic look.
Whether your bracelet is satin, matte or mirror finish we will restore your watch as close to the factory finish as possible.
The Watch Bench - watch polishing service
Have a look at our Before and After Gallery to see more examples of our work.
How can I find out if The Watch Bench can repair my watch?
How can I find out if The Watch Bench can repair my watch?
We specialise in Quartz, Kinetic, Solar and Eco-Drive watches.
The simplest way to find out if we can fix your watch is to submit a Free No Obligation Quote request.
We promise we will not contact you other than to send your free quote. (Please check your spam folder for your quote)
Does The Watch Bench have a minimum charge?
Does The Watch Bench have a minimum charge?
You will not be charged if we can’t get your watch running!
We will never charge for assessing the work that needs to be done on your watch.
Plus, if we can't get it up and running or you decide not to proceed with the repair or servicing, we'll send your watch back to you at no cost.
At The Watch Bench, we believe in transparency and fairness in our policies, and our goal is to provide you with the best possible customer experience, as such all our prices are published on our website:
Standard Quartz Watch Repair Services
Does The Watch Bench use genuine parts?
We only use genuine parts unless they are obsolete in which case we will attempt to source the original manufacturer’s recommended substitute.
Does The Watch Bench give a guarantee for watch repairs and servicing?
We offer different warranties with our repair work. For example, replacement batteries have a 12-month warranty and replacement capacitors have a 24-month warranty.
A warranty card will be included with your watch on return.
In the event of a fault covered by our warranty, we will, at our discretion and without cost, repair or replace any spare parts and/or rectify any faults as identified by our team.
All other rights resulting from the faulty execution of our services are expressly excluded.
This warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or accidental or deliberate damage, loss, parts theft, water damage, impact damage, negligence or lack of care as per Watch care information
Our warranty is rendered void if work is carried out on the watch by a third party.
The warranty is with the customer of The Watch Bench and is non-transferable.
Does The Watch Bench give a guarantee for watch sales?
Yes, we do!
Every watch we offer for sale has undertaken our 10 Step Quality Check and comes with a 12 Month Warranty.
If we have fitted a new capacitor it will come with a 24-month warranty.
A warranty card will be included with your watch.
Additionally, we appreciate that sometimes the watch in a photo isn’t what you had hoped for on the wrist and as such all of our watches have at least a 14-day return policy.
Our commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction means that you can shop with confidence and find the perfect watch to add to your collection.
Can The Watch Bench fit my parts?
Can you fit my parts?
Sorry no!
But we’re very competitively priced and would be more than happy to give you a Free No Obligation Quote to carry out your watch repair including using original manufacturer parts if available, and a guarantee.
Does The Watch Bench repair replica watches?
Does The Watch Bench repair replica watches?
We are unable to help with fake or replica watch repairs.
We are aware that counterfeit watches are becoming more convincing. Advances in technology have allowed counterfeiters to create watches that look nearly identical to their genuine counterparts. Some counterfeit watches are so convincing that even seasoned experts struggle to tell them apart from authentic pieces.
If you don’t know if your watch is genuine, you can submit a Free No Obligation Quote request including photos of your watch and one of our team will try to assist.
When do I make my payment?
If you have requested a free no no-obligation quote and wish to proceed, simply follow the link in our email.
If you already know which service/or services you require, add them to your basket and check out.
We will email you requesting photos of your watch.
Why have I been asked to supply watch photos?
Once we receive your photos we will send you a Package and Posting Email with full instructions on what happens next.
If, after assessing the work that needs to be done on your watch, we find we cannot repair it or it needs more work than you ordered, we will contact you immediately.
You will not be charged if we can’t get your watch running!
If for some reason we can't get your watch up and running or you decide not to proceed with the repair or servicing, we'll give you a full refund and send your watch back to you at no cost.
Why have I been asked to supply watch photos?
Why have I been asked to supply photos?
So that we can check that we are able to carry out your watch repair before you send your watch to us.
We also use the photos to identify the model and year of your watch so that we can check the availability of parts.
We need a clear photo of the front and back of your watch.
Try to take them in good light, eg near a window.
For bracelet watches, we find it easiest to hold the open bracelet at a slight angle to get a good image of the back details.
Or try laying your watch open on a surface and turning your phone upside down.
You can either attach your photos in an email to: service@thewatchbench.co.uk
Or you can message them to Tel: 07926 935202
Please remember to include your name and order number.
We will check your watch details and reply with a Package and Postage Email within 24 hours. (Please check your spam folder)
How should I pack my watch to send to The Watch Bench?
How should I pack my watch to send to The Watch Bench?
Please do not send your watch’s original box, as this may not be returned and if the box is damaged in transit we cannot replace it.
We recommend wrapping your watch in a thick layer of bubble wrap. If you don't have bubble wrap rolling it in a plastic bag will provide similar cushioning.
Place the item in a robust container or box. If the container is too large use more bubble wrap or packing to secure the watch firmly in the box.
Enclose your name and order number (This will be at the top of your Order Confirmation Email).
Seal the container securely using sticky tape along all edges and openings and address it clearly as per our Package and Postage Email.
Where shall I send my watch?
Where shall I send my watch for repair?
Please do not send your watch until you have sent photographs and we have replied with an email titled Postage and Packing Instructions. Please check your spam folder.
Why have I been asked to supply watch photos?
Please pack your watch well, do not include any original watch boxes, and add your Name and Order number.
How should I pack my watch to send to The Watch Bench?
Follow the instructions in our Postage and Packing email.
Send your watch to this address:
TWB. 5 The Meadows, Little Neston, Cheshire, CH64 9RQ
We will email you when your watch is with us to confirm receipt and that the service has started.
We aim to complete your selected service within 10 working days.
Your watches will be returned with Royal Mail Tracked 48 - this cost is included in your service.
Will The Watch Bench let me know when my watch has been received?
When we receive your watch we will examine it for its faults and ensure that it matches your order.
Once booked into our system, we will notify you of its safe arrival.