At Gabriel Jewelers we know how much you rely on your watch to get you through your day – and keep you on track and on time! When your watch starts to slow down a bit, or stops all together, that can be a sign that your battery is dying and it’s time to replace it. What if a battery doesn’t fix the problem? Well then, the issue could be mechanical and if that is the case our expert watchmaker will diagnose the problem and give you an estimate.
A watchmaker is someone who repairs and services watches and clocks. It is really a lost art and these skilled craftsmen are hard to come by – but we are very fortunate to have one of the best working with us. If you have an old pocket watch or other family keepsake watch that you’d like to have restored that can certainly be done, and done at a fair price.
Here are some of the watch services we offer at Gabriel Jewelers:
Battery Replacement
You should never try to change a watch battery on your own. If you do not have training, and the right tools, you run the risk of permanently damaging the back of your watch. While trying to pry the back off you could scratch or dent the back – and even make it less water resistant. When you bring your watch to Gabriel Jewelers for a new battery you will be treated to fast and reliable service performed by trained professionals.
Watch Band Replacement and Sizing
If you watch band is looking a little tired and worn, you should stop by our store and we can replace the old band and fit your watch with a brand new one. We can also size your watch band while you wait so it fits just the way you like it – it only takes a few minutes and you’ll be good to go!
Cleaning
Most people wear their watch every day but not everyone realizes that they need to have their watch cleaned to keep it looking new and in good working order. There are two types of watch cleanings. One is a cosmetic cleaning, sometimes referred to as a “boil out.” This is where the movement is removed and the outer casing and band are thoroughly cleaned. If you have a metal band this is really great because the dirt and debris that get trapped between links, and cause them to break, is removed. The other is an internal cleaning of the movement that must be done by our watchmaker.
Crystal Replacement
Most watch crystals (the clear covering that covers the dial) are made of plastic, mineral, or sapphire. The sapphire crystal is found on fine watches and is the most scratch resistant of the three. Sometimes the crystal is just a little scratched and in some cases we are able to just buff the scratches out – but if we can’t then we can definitely replace it.
Gaskets and Pressure Testing
If you rely on the fact that your watch is water resistant, then you’ll want to make sure that you have the gaskets replaced every year. Gaskets can break down over time, which can leave your movement vulnerable to moisture. This is a very inexpensive investment to ensure your movement stays nice and dry. If you use your watch for diving or other underwater activities, it is also important to have your watch pressure checked anytime the back is removed, or if it’s been awhile since the last test was done.
Repair Movement
If you have a wind-up watch or a watch with an automatic (self-winding) movement that stops working or isn’t keeping accurate time despite your attempts to keep it running, then you should have it looked at by our watchmaker. We will let you know what needs to be repaired and give you an estimate before doing any work. When a new battery doesn’t get your quartz movement watch running again, then it may be time for some work on the movement. Again, we’ll let you know what needs to be done and how much it will cost.
At Gabriel Jewelers our watchmaker is qualified to work on any watch. We service modern or vintage watches and nearly every luxury brand, including Rolex, Omega, Rado, Movado,Tag Heuer, Patek Philippe, Chopard, Bulova Accutron, Tissot, Cartier, Breitling, Longines, Baume & Marcier, and many more.