A luxury watch is more than just a timepiece — it’s a delicate blend of engineering, art, and heritage. Whether you've inherited a vintage classic, invested in a modern chronometer, or simply treasure your daily wear timepiece, maintaining its integrity is vital. When it comes time for repairs or servicing, selecting a trusted watch repair specialist can be the difference between preserving value and compromising it.

At Steven Hale Watch Restoration (SHWR), we regularly see the consequences of rushed, improper, or amateur repairs: stripped screws, mismatched parts, over-polished cases, and more. Choosing a professional, reputable watch repair service not only ensures your timepiece remains in peak condition — it safeguards its legacy.

In this guide, we’ll outline what to look for in a trusted repair service, red flags to avoid, and why SHWR is a benchmark for excellence in the UK watch restoration industry.

Why Choosing the Right Watch Repair Service Matters

Watches — especially mechanical ones — are intricate instruments. Inside, hundreds of components work in harmony, often within a few millimetres of space. Poor servicing can lead to:

• Inaccurate timekeeping

• Water ingress

• Damaged or lost parts

• Voided manufacturer warranties

• Decreased resale or collector value

By contrast, professional watch repair ensures:

• Longevity and performance

• Preservation of value

• A record of servicing (provenance)

• Peace of mind for the owner

1. Evaluate the Workshop’s Reputation

Check Credentials and Certifications

Look for watchmakers who are trained and certified. Accreditations from the following are highly regarded:

• British Horological Institute (BHI)

• WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program)

• Brand-specific training (e.g. Omega, Rolex, Cartier)

SHWR’s watchmakers have BHI qualifications and experience with multiple luxury brands, ensuring that each watch is handled with the highest standard of horological expertise.

Look at Reviews and Word of Mouth

Client testimonials, reviews, and long-standing relationships with collectors or auction houses are strong indicators of trustworthiness. A reputable workshop will have:

• Positive online reviews on platforms like Google or Trustpilot

• Endorsements from industry professionals

• A known presence in the watch community

2. Assess the Workshop’s Transparency

Transparency is vital in watch repair. A trusted provider will be open about:

• The work being carried out

• The parts being replaced or retained

• Service charges and timelines

• What to expect post-repair

At SHWR, clients receive detailed service reports, including before-and-after photos, timekeeping results, and documentation of any replaced components. We believe our clients should understand and approve of every step in the process.

3. Ask About Use of Genuine Parts

This is one of the most critical aspects of high-end watch repair. Only genuine, brand-approved parts should be used. Substituting aftermarket or poorly matched components can:

• Compromise performance and durability

• Affect the watch’s originality and value

• Void the manufacturer’s warranty

SHWR is committed to using only genuine or period-correct parts. When parts are no longer available, we fabricate replacements to exact original specifications and document every substitution transparently.

4. Look for In-House Capabilities

Not all watch repair services are created equal. Many send watches to external workshops, increasing risk and reducing control over quality.

A top-tier repair service should offer:

• In-house watchmakers and restorers

• Dedicated case refinishing and polishing equipment

• Ultrasonic and vacuum cleaning systems

• Timing machines and pressure testing equipment

SHWR houses a fully equipped, dedicated restoration workshop in London. Everything — from diagnosis to final testing — is done on-site by our team.

5. Insist on Proper Diagnostics and Testing

Professional repair includes thorough testing at every stage. Ask if the service provider offers:

• Pre- and post-repair timekeeping analysis

• Water resistance testing (dry and wet)

• Magnetism checks and demagnetisation

• Amplitude and beat error readings

At SHWR, we perform full diagnostics before any work begins. Every watch is tested on high-precision Swiss-made timegraphers and, if applicable, pressurised to confirm water resistance.

6. Consider Specialisation and Experience

Luxury and vintage watches require specialist knowledge. A good general repairer may not understand the intricacies of an early Patek Philippe perpetual calendar or the nuances of an Omega Speedmaster calibre.

When choosing a service, ask:

• Does the team specialise in the brands or styles you own?

• Do they have experience with vintage watches, rare complications, or limited editions?

SHWR has experience with all major Swiss brands, English pocket watches, and specialist complications. Our team includes experts in antique restoration, enamel dial repair, and chronograph regulation.

7. Evaluate Communication and Client Care

High-end watch service should be accompanied by high-end customer care. Look for:

• Clear communication at each stage of the repair

• Timely updates and realistic timelines

• Responsiveness to questions or concerns

SHWR prides itself on personal, honest service. Whether you’re a first-time customer or a seasoned collector, we’ll walk you through your options with respect and clarity.

8. Review Service Options and Guarantees

Ask what services the workshop provides. A trusted repair service will offer:

• Full servicing (disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, regulation)

• Case and bracelet restoration

• Dial and hand conservation or re-luming

• Pressure testing and water resistance checks

• Battery changes for quartz watches (where applicable)

• Vintage restoration, including hand-fabrication of obsolete parts

Also, check what guarantee is offered. At SHWR, we provide a 12-month guarantee on all serviced mechanical watches, giving you peace of mind that the work is built to last.

9. Avoid Common Red Flags

Be cautious of repairers who:

• Can’t provide references or examples of past work

• Offer unusually cheap prices

• Use vague descriptions like “cleaned” without detail

• Refuse to return replaced parts

• Pressure you into unnecessary cosmetic restoration

With luxury or vintage watches, haste and savings should never come at the cost of authenticity or long-term performance.

10. Ask to See Their Work

Many reputable workshops are proud to show their restorations. Ask to see:

• Before-and-after case work

• Timekeeping graphs

• Restoration of rare or antique models

SHWR frequently shares our most interesting projects with client permission — not as marketing, but as an open record of quality and care.

Why SHWR is a Trusted Name in Watch Repair

Steven Hale Watch Restoration has become one of the UK’s most respected names in professional horology by adhering to four simple principles:

1. Genuine parts only

2. Sympathetic, accurate restoration

3. Full transparency and reporting

4. Uncompromising attention to detail

Our clients include collectors, auction houses, and private owners who understand that value lies in authenticity and quality workmanship.

Conclusion: Trust is the Foundation of Every Watch Repair

Choosing the right watch repair service is not just about getting your watch fixed — it’s about preserving a legacy. Whether your timepiece is a daily wearer or a family heirloom, it deserves careful, respectful, and expert treatment.

At SHWR, we don’t just repair watches — we protect their future.

If your watch needs service or restoration, or if you simply want a second opinion on past work, contact Steven Hale Watch Restoration today. We're happy to offer honest advice, a full evaluation, and the professional care your watch deserves.