Why is watch repair so expensive?
If you consider the skill required to repair a fine timepiece, the price is not expensive at all.
To learn to repair watches is a lifelong learning experience, one that you never really can learn all the way. There are thousands of different models out there with many different mechanisms. That is why many watchmakers specialize in certain areas of the trade. Some will only repair Rolex watches and others may only repair pocket watches.
A watchmaker must know how to get the movement from the case, how to avoid damaging very delicate parts, and how to fix the watch. The watchmaker must know the proper lubricants to use and must also have knowledge of parts and materials required to perform a quality repair. He is expected to be able to fix antique pieces from the 1700's to modern quartz watches.
There is no other profession that I can readily think of that requires so much diversified skill. In addition, a watchmaker must be patient and study the mechanism carefully before acting. Often, other so-called repairmen have treated the movement roughly - forcing parts that are too large into place causing much damage.
In addition, to get a watch to run is one thing; to get it to keep good time is another. It may take hours of adjustment and regulation to get a watch to keep good time in the various positions.
Then consider that in 1970 there were over 30,000 watchmakers in this country. Now it is estimated by the AWI that there are only about 2,500 watchmakers providing different levels of service. Out of the 2,500 it is estimated that only 1,500 practice the watchmaking trade as a fulltime profession.
So when you think that it costs too much to have a watch serviced, think again. For what you receive and the work performed, what you pay is a value that is very much worth the price paid for a quality watch repair by someone who knows what they are doing.
