How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Rolex Watch?
Written By: Vahid Moradi
Eventually, every watch needs some sort of fashion jewelry repair or service. Whether this jewelry repair is a necessity based on the age of the luxury watch or type of luxury watch brand, the complexities of the mechanisms, or even an unfortunate accident, pre-owned Rolex watches do break down. If you want to preserve the life of your luxury timepiece, it's essential that you find a Rolex watch repair that you can trust.
Don't let this scare you! Your Rolex collection is well-made and handcrafted, ensuring durability that can, and should, last you a lifetime. When it comes to the life of your Rolex, repairs are just a normal part of upkeep, and you can trust that hands over a Rolex service center repairman.
As with any piece of machinery, inevitably, certain watch parts begin to wear out, meaning that the older your Rolex gets, the more prone it is to wearing down. Learning how to repair a watch or how to repair a scratched watch face early on can help you maintain its condition for the future. This is one of the reasons Rolex, and every brand, recommends regular Rolex maintenance and watch service appointments to keep your watch running smoothly. Just like cleanings, and band replacements, having your Rolex repaired is a simple process.
Typically, the internal mechanisms are what require the attention of a skilled watchmaker, but exterior pieces like the winding crown, lugs, and case can all fall into disrepair. You may even need to repair a Rolex watch band, depending on its material. While the needs of your specific repair will dictate the exact price of your watch service, typically, the usual Rolex service cost falls somewhere in the range of $1000 to $1500, with the average tune-up running somewhere in the $800 range.
The good news is that your Rolex can be easily repaired at a relatively reasonable cost, provided the issue is not catastrophic. Especially compared to how much a Rolex is worth, a Rolex repair is an effective way to ensure that your luxury timepiece lasts as long as it was originally intended, so there is no need to go searching for new watches.
Below we will break down some of the more common repair services for your Rolex timepiece, the price of those services, and what goes into each one to give you a better idea of what this Rolex repair service entails. While these figures are not exact quotes, they will give you a better gauge of what to expect when going in for your Rolex service appointment or repair, whether you have a Rolex Submariner, Rolex Daytona, or a Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch.
THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF ROLEX REPAIR
So, you now know that it's best to use the expertise of a master watchmaker with a service guarantee for complete service on your Rolex wristwatch. Let's look at the different types of watch repair services that tune up the Rolex watch anatomy.
The Complete Overhaul - This watch repair service is relatively self-explanatory and includes a complete watch servicing of your Rolex timepiece. Everything from how to clean a Rolex watch, which involves deep cleaning of the crystal face, to a tightening of the internal mechanisms, a full overhaul can take time, but it is well worth it. Many times you can send your luxury watch in via mail to a certified technician so as not to be bothered with dropping the watch off in person. A full overhaul repair typically runs about $800 and is great for fixing minor issues while also preventing larger ones from taking root.
Repairing A Broken Band - While bands are made to be replaced at home, fixing a broken band can be another story altogether. Some bands, especially those made from leather, can wear and snap over time. If a band has a certain sentimental value, you may want to have it repaired rather than replaced outright. Occasionally the pins that connect the watchband to the lugs of the watch also need to be changed, proving to be a slightly more complex fix than can be completed at home.
Winding Crown Replacement - The winding crown is a pivotal piece in the larger makeup of your watch. Not only does the crown ensure that you can adjust the time and wind of your watch, but it also helps to keep your case watertight.
Replacing The Sapphire Crystal Out - While deep cleanings (which can be done at home or with master watchmakers like those at CJ Charles) can take care of many smudges and minor nicks, deeper gouges in the crystal face of your vintage Rolex require a more intense repair. It is imperative to have the damaged crystal replaced as quickly as possible once you identify it as anything greater than a surface scratch. If you are able to get the crystal replaced before any powdered glass gets into the mechanisms of the watch face, you might be able to prevent the watch from needing a complete service.
THE COSTLY REASONS YOU SHOULDN'T TRY TO REPAIR A ROLEX YOURSELF
When it comes to the cost of repairing a vintage Rolex watch, you may be tempted to try and fix it yourself. Sure, it's a pricey endeavor to have your Rolex watch professionally fixed but trying to do it yourself could prove even more costly. Whether it's replacing Rolex parts, changing a bracelet band, replacing a sapphire crystal, etc., Rolex servicing done by a professional ensures that your timeless Rolex stays looking as good as new. Using the expertise of a master watchmaker to complete a Rolex service procedure gives you the peace of mind that your valuable timepiece is taken care of.
One of the most common things that can go wrong if you attempt to fix your watch yourself is voiding the warranty. Rolex guarantees their watches via a warranty period of five years after the initial purchase for professional Rolex servicing. Attempting to fix the watch yourself or taking it to an unauthorized source for repair could make the warranty null and void.
No matter how confident you are in your ability to repair your watch, it is far better to spend the money and have it professionally repaired to ensure that your watch is protected. Visit CJ Charles for your next Rolex watch repair service.
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Written By: Vahid Moradi
Vahid Moradi’s lifelong passion, dedication, and commitment for the jewelry industry led him to become the respected owner of CJ Charles Jewelers in 1988. From that moment, Moradi’s single focus in business was to become recognized as the pinnacle of value and world-class quality in the his Community. Over 34 years later, CJ Charles continues to grow and thrive as a successful, family-owned business that consistently provides exceptional service to all their clientele.