Frequently Asked Questions
Will The Watch Bench let me know when my watch has been received?
Once booked into our system, we will notify you of your watch’s safe arrival.
We will examine it for its faults and ensure that it matches your order.
Please remember to include your name and order number with your watch. When watches arrive without a name or order number, they cannot be processed in the usual way and are sent directly to the workshop for identification using the supplied photos. This process can sometimes take longer than the actual repair!
What if my watch requires further work?
We have a No Fix - No Fee guarantee.
If your watch requires more repairs than you initially requested or expected, we will contact you immediately to inform you of the situation and any additional costs involved.
If you decide to proceed with the necessary repairs, we will upgrade your service accordingly. However, if you choose not to proceed and would like your watch returned, we will gladly return it to you at no cost, along with a full refund.
Read more about our No Fix - No Fee Guarantee
How do I know my watch is safe with The Watch Bench?
Our workshop is insured by one of the UK’s leading jewellery insurers.
You can be safe in the knowledge that your watch will be insured and stored in a certified safe when not on the bench.
We will keep you fully informed on the progress of your repair, and you can chat with us at any time.
Here are our contact details
How long will it take to repair my watch?
We aim to complete your selected service within 10 working days but this may be longer if we have to order parts.
We will keep you fully informed on the progress of your repair and you can chat with us at any time.
Here are our contact details.
How long will my new watch battery last?
On average watch batteries last around 3 years.
We use only Swiss-made batteries in our repairs.
Sometimes if a battery replacement fails, this could be down to faults other than the battery and the watch may require a service.
How is my watch returned, and what insurance is included?
Standard watches
Standard watches are returned using Royal Mail Tracked 48.
This is a tracked service and is included in our prices.
£75 compensation is included as standard.
Luxury watches
Luxury watches are returned using Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1 pm.
This is a fully tracked, signed-for service and is included in our prices.
£750 compensation is included as standard.
If your watch is of higher value and you would like the compensation increased to £2,500, just let us know.
The additional Royal Mail charge is £10
We pass this on at cost
We will issue a separate invoice for the upgrade before dispatch
For higher-value watches, we will always contact you as a matter of courtesy to ask whether you’d like to upgrade the return insurance.
Who is responsible if the watch is lost on return?
While your watch is with us, it is fully insured under our workshop insurance
Once dispatched, responsibility transfers to Royal Mail, in line with the service used and the compensation level selected
How should I send my watch to you?
We recommend sending your watch to us using a tracked service.
For higher-value watches, we strongly recommend Royal Mail Special Delivery with compensation commensurate with the watch's value.
If you’re unsure which option is best, just get in touch, and we’ll be happy to advise.