Watch repair technician polishing and restoring a scratched watch case

Your Watch Deserves Better: Expert Watch Repair Services for Every Timepiece

Written by: Jolanda Munroe

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Published on

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Time to read 4 min

Why Watch Repair and Daily Servicing Matter

Let’s face it , your watch works hard. Whether it’s ticking away during boardroom meetings or tagging along on weekend hikes, it deserves some TLC. Regular servicing doesn’t just fix issues; it prevents them.

Mechanical watches should be serviced every 3–5 years. Quartz? Every 2–3. Without it, lubrication dries up, dust seeps in, and accuracy suffers. The gaskets that protect your watch from moisture can degrade over time, leading to water damage that may not be visible until it’s too late.

A well-maintained watch doesn’t just perform better , it holds its value, functions longer, and often looks newer. Think of it as a small investment that safeguards a much bigger one.

At JD Watches NY, we go beyond quick fixes. We restore watches to their best selves , and help keep them there.

Scratches, Scuffs, and Surface Wear: Can They Be Fixed?

Absolutely. Scratches are inevitable, especially on cases, bezels, and crystals. But that doesn’t mean they’re permanent.

Services We Offer:

  • Crystal replacement or polishing (sapphire, mineral, acrylic)

  • Case refinishing to remove minor to moderate scratches

  • Bezel cleaning, rebrushing, and restoration

Whether it’s a vintage Omega with character or a shiny Cartier that got a bit too close to your keys we make it look like new again. And in cases where full polishing isn’t recommended (like for vintage models where value is linked to originality), we advise carefully to preserve the watch’s story.

Pro Tip: Avoid polishing your luxury watch at home improper techniques can reduce value, blur engravings, or damage finishes permanently reducing the resale value of your luxury watch

Battery Issues? Here's What You Need to Know

A dead battery doesn’t mean the end for your favorite timepiece. But removing it is wrong? That might.

Common Battery Services:

  • Battery replacement with resealing for water resistance

  • Pressure testing for dive watches

  • Terminal and circuit board inspection

Signs Your Watch Battery Needs Help:

  • Second hand jumps in 4-second intervals (end-of-life indicator)

  • Digital screen is blank or fading

  • Backlight or functions not responding

Some luxury watches use special batteries or custom gaskets that require professional handling. That’s why our team uses only manufacturer-approved tools to open and close your case , ensuring a perfect seal every time.

Attempting to change a battery without the right tools can lead to cracked backs, warped gaskets, and even shorted circuits. It’s not worth the risk.

Video :Expert Watch Repair at JD Watches

Bands, Bracelets, and Straps: Small Part, Big Impact

Whether it’s leather, metal, rubber, or NATO  your watch strap isn’t just a detail. It’s part of your look.

Band Services at JD Watches NY:

  • Link resizing and pin replacements

  • Leather band conditioning and replacement

  • Deployant clasp repair and ultrasonic cleaning

Strap swaps for customizations

We also help match straps to vintage models and luxury timepieces so you never compromise on style or structural integrity. A good strap not only enhances comfort , it also protects the lugs and ensures the case wears evenly.

Want a seasonal change? 
Try swapping leather for rubber in summer months, or going NATO for a sporty edge.

Tip: If your watch isn’t water-resistant, avoid even casual handwashing with it on. If it is, still get the seals checked annually.

Signs Your Watch Needs Servicing

When was the last time you thought about getting your watch serviced? Many people only search for watch repair after their timepiece has already developed a major issue but the truth is, early signs are easy to spot if you know what to look for.

Here are warning signs that your watch may need professional servicing soon:

  • Loss or Gain of Time: If your watch is consistently running fast or slow, even by a few minutes each day, it’s a strong indicator that the movement needs cleaning, lubrication, or adjustment.

  • Resistance While Winding or Setting: Feeling unusual stiffness or grinding when you wind the crown or set the time? That friction could mean internal components are wearing out.

  • Stuttering or Stopping Second Hand: If the second hand jumps irregularly or stops and starts, it’s often a sign of a low battery (for quartz watches) or deeper mechanical issues.

  • Moisture or Fogging Inside the Crystal: Water resistance isn’t forever. If you notice condensation inside the glass, it’s critical to seek immediate watch repair services , moisture can destroy delicate internal mechanisms fast.

  • Reduced Power Reserve: A mechanical watch should maintain a certain power reserve when fully wound. If your watch runs out of energy sooner than it used to, it's a red flag that servicing is overdue.

At JD Watches NY, we believe preventive care is the best care. If you notice any of these symptoms, don't wait until a small problem becomes a major repair. Bring your timepiece to our experts and experience why luxury collectors and everyday wearers alike trust us when searching for reliable watch repairs.

Even if your watch seems to be running fine, experts recommend a full service every 3–5 years for mechanical watches and 2–3 years for quartz watches to prevent costly future repairs.

Luxury Watch Maintenance Tips: Make Your Timepiece Last

Luxury watches are investments. And like any investment, they require upkeep.

How to Maintain a Luxury Watch:

  • Service mechanical watches every 3–5 years

  • Avoid magnetic fields (yes, even your phone and laptop speakers)

  • Clean with a soft microfiber cloth weekly

  • Store in a cool, dry place preferably in a watch box or winder

  • Never change the date between 9 PM and 3 AM (seriously it can damage the gears)

Storage Advice: Use a watch box with dividers or a winder for automatic pieces. Avoid humid areas like bathrooms, and never leave watches near a heater or window.

How We Bring Your Watch Back to Life

At JD Watches NY, we believe that every timepiece tells a story and our job is to help it keep telling it. Whether you're bringing us a luxury chronograph, a sentimental heirloom, or your daily-wear favorite, our repair process is designed to be transparent, efficient, and handled with care at every stage. Here’s how we make it happen:

  1. Bring or ship your watch to our shop.

  2. We evaluate and share a clear estimate.

  3. Our expert technicians work their magic.

  4. You get it back with a performance guarantee and a smile.

We Service Most Major Brands:
From Rolex and Omega to Seiko, IWC, Cartier, and beyond , we’ve seen (and fixed) them all.

Have a question?

Give us a call on : Prefer to chat? Call our shop directly on (212) 354-3186

Fill Out Our Contact Form: Short on time? Just fill out our quick form, and we’ll reach out to you with all the details you need.

Stop By Our Shop: Bring your watch, ask questions, and experience our hospitality firsthand. We love talking watches.