Perhaps you’ve discovered a vintage wristwatch in a box of family heirlooms or come across a beautiful old pocket watch at an antique shop. Or you have obtained a collectable vintage Rolex or Breitling. You give it a wind or a gentle shake—maybe it runs briefly before stopping, or perhaps it seems completely frozen in time with no signs of life. Complications such as the date function or chronograph do not work properly. The natural question is: Can it be repaired?
In most cases, the answer is yes. Many antique and vintage watches simply need a professional service, which involves complete disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, lubrication, and regulation. Other timepieces may need more extensive mechanical restoration, but even watches that appear hopelessly worn can often be revived with the right expertise.
Parts availability can sometimes pose a challenge, especially for lesser-known brands. However, for many respected names—such as Elgin, Hamilton, Waltham, Omega, Longines, Rolex, Breitling, and Bulova—parts are still obtainable through vintage suppliers. For rare or obsolete components, I maintain a small in-house machine shop and can fabricate custom replacements. I also work with trusted outside resources for specialized parts manufacturing, ensuring your watch receives the care it deserves.
That said, not every watch was built with longevity in mind. Some lower-grade designs, such as cylinder escapements, inexpensive pin-pallet movements (Timex for example) or certain mass-produced “disposable” watches, were never intended to be fully serviced. While I’ve had occasional success restoring these, results can vary depending on the extent of wear and available resources.
If you are uncertain about your timepiece, I encourage you to reach out. I’m happy to provide advice by phone or email, including guidance on the potential value of your vintage watch and an estimate of the likely restoration costs. With the proper service, your antique or vintage watch may not only run again but also continue its history as a treasured heirloom for years to come.
If you have any questions, please contact me. I can provide advice over the phone or email. I can also help determine the value of the watch and a rough cost of restoration.
If you would like to have your vintage timepieces repaired, be sure to visit our dedicated pages on Vintage Rolex repair, Vintage Breitling repair, Vintage Omega repair, and Vintage Heuer repair, as well as our guide on how to begin the repair process for your own vintage watch.
