Can a damaged watch be repaired

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 17, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Can Watches be Repaired? [Are Watches Worth Repairing?]

The short answer is that in most cases, yes, watches can be repaired, But whether or not it is actually worth repairing a watchrepairing is a completely different question. And thats exactly what well get to the bottom of in this article.

Are watches worth repairing? It depends

There are two ways to answer this question: the first is from a financial standpoint. In other words, is it worth having the watch repaired, or does it make more sense from a financial standpoint to just buy a new watch? The second is whether or not the watch has an affection value so that the cost of repairing doesnt really matter because you want the exact same watch. Perhaps it is an heirloom or perhaps you plan on passing it on to your child one day.

Its impossible to say an exact number of how much it costs to service a watch as it varies depending on a large number of factors. The most important factors that affect the cost of servicing a watch are:

The brand of the watch
How expensive the watch is
How complicated the movement is
The condition of the movement
Whether the watch is damaged or broken in any way
What has broken

This primarily relates to watches with mechanical movements but also includes digital ones. However, when it comes to digital watches, theres usually no debate. Digital watches tend to be cheap and it is rarely worth repairing them. In most cases, people just buy a new watch when their digital watch has broken. But with that said, most watches can be repaired, including digital ones. But whether it is worth it or not is a different story. But as a general rule, its usually not worth repairing digital watches from a financial standpoint. That is as long as you dont have an expensive digital watch.

When it comes to mechanical watches, the cost of servicing and repairing a watch depends on numerous factors. Service and repair are different. Repairs always include a service, but not the other way around. That is unless theres just something visual about the watch that has broken and can be fixed relatively easily. But if something inside the watch has broken, for example, the watch has stopped or something is loose inside the watch, the movement will be disassembled, the broken parts replaced, the movement serviced, and then reassembled again.

At its core, a watch service includes disassembling the movement, cleaning the movement, replacing damaged or worn-out parts, reassembling the movement, and lubricating it.

So if we only talk about servicing a watch, that is one thing. But if we talk about things that may have broken inside the watch, the cost will naturally be higher as parts will need to be replaced. If there are other things about the watch that have broken, for example, the bracelet, and case, its also a different story. This is because, depending on the part, and depending on the brand, the cost for replacement items apart from movement parts, can vary a lot in cost.

The cost span for servicing a watch is generally between 200 dollars to 10.000 dollars.
The cost span for repairing a watch can range from anywhere from 200 dollars to more than 50.000 dollars

Of course, the higher span for both service and repair is for the most expensive watches that generally cost a few hundred thousand dollars, such as Richard Mille watches. In other words, its not applicable to most people.

Most watches cost around 400 to 900 dollars to service. This includes the cost of servicing brands like Omega, Rolex, TAG Heuer, and other entry-level and mid-tier luxury brands. Seiko watches and other more affordable timepieces usually cost no more than a few hundred dollars to service.

This is the cost of a standard service so if your watch is damaged and needs repair, it may require new parts which will add to the cost of a standard service. How much depends on the brand you have and what needs to be repaired.

The type of movement

The type of movement your watch has will affect the cost of servicing and repairing it. A watch with a generic movement that is relatively easy to work on doesnt require as much expertise to service. Therefore, more watchmakers are able to work on it. Moreover, a less complex movement will be easier to service and thus take less time. As a result, it will also decrease the price of the service.

On the contrary, more complex and advanced movements will cost more to service. For example, a watch with a chronograph complication or even more advanced complications like annual calendars, perpetual calendars, etc. will increase the cost of servicing the watch. This is because they contain more parts, take more time to service, and require more expertise to service.

Are Watches Worth Repairing?

If you have a watch with an affection value, then yes, the watch is likely worth repairing. But if you only ask this question from a financial standpoint, then it depends.

In general, expensive watches are always worth repairing. For watches that cost less than 1000, its not certain that you will get back your money if you repair them. In some cases, it might, but it depends on the condition of the watch and how damaged it is.

But its still important to know that in most cases, most watches can be repaired, regardless of the condition it is in. But the worse shape and condition it is in, the more expensive it will be to repair it.

If you have, lets say a Rolex or an Omega that has stopped, then it is likely worth repairing it. But if you have a Seiko watch that has broken, then the cost of repairing the watch may be as much as the value of the watch. In this case, you have to consider whether or not it is worth it for you to repair the watch or not.

Estimate the cost of repair and the watchs value

The best way for you to estimate whether or not it is worth repairing your watch is by getting a cost estimate for the repair and then comparing the cost of the reparation with the watchs value when repaired. If the cost of repair costs more than the watch is worth, most people will choose not to repair their watch unless it has personal affection value.

To get a cost estimate, visit a specialized watchmaker. They will assess the condition of the watch and what needs to be done to it. They will then provide you with a cost estimate of how much it will cost to repair it.

Once you have gotten this, go to sites like ebay.com, Chrono24.com, and other sites and get a rough idea of the value of the watch. Now that you know the value of your watch (once repaired), it is up to you to decide whether or not you want to proceed with the repair or not.

Complicated and advanced watch repairs

The techniques, machines, and methods used for manufacturing and repairing watches have been dramatically improved over the years. Today, watchmakers are able to take on some very complicated watch repairs with the help of the right machines and tools. But just because it is possible doesnt mean it is worth it.

But for expensive luxury watches, its generally worth it to perform these repairs even if your watch has been seriously damaged. For example, if you have dropped the watch on the ground and it now has some serious dents, it can actually be repaired. And watchmakers are able to do this without heavily polishing the watch and completely changing the shape of the watch. Laser-welding is one such method that has become more and more common in recent years for the repair of large dents and damages on watch cases. Previously, you would need to polish these damaged parts heavily which meant removing a lot of material and giving the watch a different shape. Very deep scratches and dents would still be visible. In other cases, you would have to replace the part, which naturally costs a lot if its an expensive watch.

As such, laser welding can be used to restore watches to their original condition thanks to an experienced watchmaker and with the help of the right equipment. This is just one of many examples of how even the most damaged watches can be restored to their former glory.

Replacement of parts

If certain parts of the watch are so damaged that they need to be replaced, then the watchmaker will suggest it to you. In most cases, it is more worth repairing it than replacing the part especially for expensive watches- but if the part is damaged beyond repair, it will need to be replaced. Replacement of parts is much more common for more affordable watches than expensive ones for obvious reasons.

For example, if a movement in an affordable watch is heavily damaged, it may be deemed that it is more appropriate to replace the movement with a new one rather than service and replace all the damaged parts. The more expensive the watch is, the less common this is.

But the point is that yes, a watch can be repaired, even if it is heavily damaged. In most cases, watches can be repaired by experienced and professional watchmakers. But that doesnt always mean that it is worth it from a financial standpoint. In general, the more the watch costs, the more it will cost to service it. At the same time, theres often no point in repairing the most affordable watches as it is cheaper to just replace them than to have them repaired.

How to Fix Water Damage on Your Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is a revolutionary device, providing notifications, fitness tracking, apps and more right at your wrist. Its an incredibly handy tool that can make life easier in many ways. However, its important to remember that the Apple Watch is a delicate electronic device and needs to be properly cared for to maintain its optimal performance. One of the most important things to keep in mind is water damage repair.

Water damage can occur if the Apple Watch gets wet or submerged in liquid, resulting in significant damage to the devices circuitry. The good news is that thee are some steps you can take to help protect your watch from water damage and to repair any water-related issues that may arise.

The first step is prevention. Make sure you alays follow the care instructions provided by Apple for your specific model of Apple Watch including avoiding submerging it in water or exposing it to extreme temperatures. Also, check for any signs of liquid inside the watch periodically and look out for any visible scratches or discoloration on its surface.

If your watch does becme exposed to water, immediately turn it off and disconnect any charging cords connected to it. Then remove the band and place it in a bowl filled with uncooked rice or silica gel packets as these are known desiccants which absorb moisture from electronic devices. Leave your watch submerged overnight as this will help draw out any remaining moisture from inside the devices internal components.

Once you have done this, you shoud then attempt a hard reset on your watch by pressing and holding down both the side button and Digital Crown until you see an Apple logo appear onscreen (or until you hear two distinct tones for older models). This should clear out any remaining water from inside the speaker cavity of your watch as well as resetting its operating system back to normal settings.

If these steps do not work, then unfortunately your only recourse would be to take it into an Apple Store so they can assess the extent of any water damage and whether repairs are necessary or not. However, even if repairs are required, they should be able to provide them at minimal cost (if covered uder warranty) or with a reasonable fee depending on what type of coverage plan you purchased with your device (such as AppleCare+).

In conclusion, while its impossible to completely prevent all instances of water damage with an electronic device like an Apple Watch; taking some simple precautions such as regularly checking for signs of liquid inside the device or promptly drying off any excess moisture after use can go a long way towards protecting it from costly repairs in case something does happen unexpectedly.

Can Water Damage to an Apple Watch Be Repaired?

Yes, water damage on an Apple Watch can be fixed. However, it is a difficult repair and requires disassembling and cleaning the device with at least 91% isopropyl alcohol. It is important to be careful when disassembling the watch and scrub all parts with a toothbrush. After the cleaning process is complete, you should put the pieces back togethr properly and test to make sure everything is working correctly. With patience and care, water damage on an Apple Watch can be fixed successfully.

Source: bestbuy.com

Fixing an Apple Watch After Water Damage

To fix your Apple Watch after it has been exposed to water, fist press and hold the Digital Crown on the side of your Apple Watch until the display says Unlocked. This will play a series of tones to clear any water that may remain in the speaker. Once this is done, you can use your display as normal. If your Apple Watch has watchOS 8 or earlier, you will need to rotate the Digital Crown instead of pressing it.

Cost of Repairing Apple Devices with Water Damage

Unfortunately, Apple does not cover water damage repair for iPhone undr either the Apple One-Year Warranty or the AppleCare Protection Plan. If you choose to replace your device, you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $180 depending on the model of your iPhone. However, if you are enrolled in AppleCare+, then the cost to repair any water damage would be limited to a maximum of $79.

Fixing a Water Damaged Apple Watch That Wont Turn On

If your Apple Watch has been water damaged and wont turn on, the first thing to try is a forced restart. To do this, press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for around 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo. If that doesnt work, you should try charging your watch for at leat 2 hours. Make sure to follow the proper charging instructions here: Check your battery and charge your Apple Watch Apple Support.

If these steps still dont help, you may need to take your watch in to an Apple Store or authorized repair center for further examination. Theyll be able to check if any internal damage has occurred from the water exposure and suggest further steps from there.

Does Putting an Apple Watch in Rice Help with Water Damage?

Putting your Apple Watch in rice can be a viable option for drying out a wet device, however it is not always the most effective. Rice is a natural desiccant, meaning it absorbs moisture from its surroundings. Therefore, if you submerge your wet Apple Watch in a bowl of uncooked rice for 3-4 days, it shold help to absorb some of the moisture from the watch. However, this method is not always 100% reliable and there is no guarantee that it will work.

A more reliable option would be to use silica gel packets or specialized electronics drying kits. These products contain desiccants which are specifically designed to draw moisture away from electronics, making them more effective than regular rice at drying out your device. Although these products will cost more than just buying some uncooked rice, they have a higher success rate and may be worth investing in if your Apple Watch is really wet.

Can a Waterlogged Watch Be Repaired?

Yes, a waterlogged watch can be fixed. The best and most reliable way to fix a waterlogged watch is to take it to a professional repair shop. At the repair shop, a technician will take apart the watch completely and carefully dry out all of the moisture from the dial, crystal, movement, and any other inner parts with a lamp heat. Once they have dried it out completely, they will put the watch back together and give it back to you.

Water Resistance of Apple Watch

The Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8 and SE (2020/2022) are all water-resistant to up to 50 metres for a maximum of 30 minutes. When swimming or taking part in other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth, it is recommended that you use a waterproof case. Note that Apple Watch cannot be used for scuba diving, waterskiing or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth.

Signs of Water Damage on an Apple Watch

Water damage on Apple Watch can present itself in a few different ways. The most obvious sign is water spots, streaks, or foggy moisture on the display screen. This means that water or other liquid has seeped underneath the screen and though to other internal parts of the watch, creating serious damage. Other signs of water damage include corrosion around the ports and buttons, discoloration of the case or band, and any evidence of moisture inside the watch case itself. If you suspect that your Apple Watch has been exposed to water, its important to act quickly. Shut down your device immediately and contact a professional for repair or replacement.

Is Water Damage Covered by Apple Watch Warranty?

No, standard Apple warranty does not cover water damage to your Apple Watch. If you would like coverage for accidental water damage, you can choose to purchase AppleCare+ whch provides up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage, each subject to a service fee. Please note that even with this extended coverage, liquid damage is not always repairable and out-of-warranty service may be the only option.

How Long Does It Take for an Apple Watch to Dry Out?

It is important to allow your Apple Watch to completely dry out before using it again. To do this, gently dry the watch with a soft, lint-free cloth, and then shake the watch to force out any remaining liquids. After that, leave the watch to dry for at least 24 hours before attempting to use it again. This will ensure that all moisture is completely gone and that you can use your Apple Watch safely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Apple Watch is a great device for staying connected, tracking fitness goals, and accessing important information quickly. The watch is both stylish and functional, proviing users with an easy way to access notifications, use apps, and pay for purchases. Additionally, the Apple Watch has water-resistant technology that offers protection against accidental liquid spills. Additionally, if water damage does occur on your Apple Watch, it can be repaired with 91% isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush or by pressing and holding the Digital Crown until the display says Unlocked. In sum, the Apple Watch is a great device for staying connected in style.