Frequently asked questions

How do I contact you?

What type of watches do you work on?

  • I work on all types of mechanical and quartz watches regardless of make.
  • I’m happy to work on watches that are both vintage and modern.
  • I also work on electrical-mechanical car clocks from the 1950s to 1970s.
  • I don’t work on “hummer” watches, which are a particular type of movement used for a few years in the 1970s.
  • I don’t work on fake watches.

How do I get my watch to you?

  • I much prefer to receive all watches by post but, if you are local to me, you can let me know and we’ll try to meet.
  • Sending watches to me from within UK.
    • For watches with a value under £2500, please use Royal Mail Special Delivery (RMSD).
      • Use “guaranteed by 1pm” and not “guaranteed by 9am” as the earlier one is not really for valuables.
      • You can choose a level of insurance cover at the post office to suit you – the current options are £500, £1000, £2500.
      • Please pack the watch carefully and if you are in any doubt, let me know and I can supply suitable packaging at cost.
      • Send the package and let me know the tracking number and insurance cover on the same day.
      • I will return the watch using RMSD with the same insurance level and supply the tracking number when I send it.
    • For watches with a value over £2500, RMSD will not provide cover and the Royal Mail will be within their rights to decline any claim at all based on their published terms and conditions.
      • I am happy to help with this and provide the insurance cover (at cost of 0.25% of declared value) from my specialist insurers – there are some requirements for this to be acceptable or cover will not be applicable.  I will supply those requirements but they basically relate to packaging which, again, I can supply at cost.  RMSD is still the preferred shipping service but the insurance is provided separately.
  • Sending watches to me from outside of the UK
    • Many people have said they have experienced issues at customs with FedEx so, I would bear that in mind when selecting a courier. UPS seem to have the cheapest courier rates for insurance at approximately 1.2% of the declared value.
    • I am happy to help with the insurance and provide the cover (at cost of 0.25% of declared value) from my specialist insurers – there are some requirements for this to be acceptable or cover will not be applicable.  I will supply those requirements but they basically relate to packaging which, I can supply at cost.  I would need to know the courier you are using and confirm they are acceptable to my insurers.
    • Customs declaration, if outside of the EU. Please, complete the declaration declaring the full value of the watch but with the following added:
      • Check the box “Repair/warranty” or equivalent.
      • Add a note in the description of contents “These items are for repair only and will be returned. They are NOT being imported to UK.

What happens when you receive the watch?

  • It will be booked in to my system and you receive a customer number and a job number.
  • I will review the watch and write a small report that I will make available to you in your customer area.  This is an area that only you and I can see and is password protected.
  • That report will include an estimated price for the work and parts.  Examples of the work involved are shown on this website.
  • You can then accept the work.  If you decide not to go ahead, I will return the watch to you.  There will be a small charge unless you are a repeat customer.
  • After the work is complete, I will provide an updated report and an invoice.
  • All repairs and services are fully guaranteed for 12 months or 18 months depending on the watch.  It is usually the latter.