Frequently Asked Questions on Luxury Watch Repair
What Is A Movement Service?
Over time, every watch movement experiences natural wear. Oils dry out, lubrication breaks down, and microscopic debris can affect accuracy and performance. A full movement service (overhaul) restores the watch by completely disassembling the mechanism, cleaning each component, replacing worn parts, re-lubricating the movement, and reassembling it to manufacturer standards. Regular servicing helps prevent larger, more expensive issues down the road and keeps your timepiece performing reliably. Most luxury watch manufacturers recommend a movement service every 5-10 years to keep your watch running smoothly.
What Is Included With a Basic Battery Service?
Our basic battery service is a comprehensive procedure designed to ensure your watch is powered correctly and protected from the elements. It includes:
- Installation of a fresh, high-quality battery
- A full consumption test to confirm the movement is drawing power within manufacturer specifications
- Replacement of all accessible case gaskets, when applicable
- A full water-resistance resealing and pressure test to verify proper sealing
- A 1-year guarantee on the water-resistant seal, provided the watch has not been opened or serviced elsewhere after our work**
While the consumption test is a highly reliable indicator of movement health, it does not involve disassembling the movement. Because of this, we cannot fully guarantee that the watch will not require a movement service in the near future — certain internal issues can only be confirmed once the movement is taken apart and inspected during a full overhaul.
This service restores proper power, reinforces your watch’s water-resistant protection, and ensures your timepiece is performing within expected parameters.
What types of watches do you repair?
We service a wide range of luxury and everyday timepieces, including quartz, automatic, mechanical, and vintage models. Our technicians are certified and trained to use genuine manufacturer parts whenever available.
Do you use genuine replacement parts?
Yes. We use genuine manufacturer parts whenever available. If a part is discontinued or no longer produced, our team will discuss
high-quality alternatives with you before proceeding.
How long does a typical watch repair take?
Repair timelines depend on the type of movement, the complexity of the service, and the availability of any required parts. At Glezer-Kraus, we prioritize exceptional quality of workmanship over speed, ensuring every timepiece receives the level of care it deserves.
Typical turnaround times are as follows:
- Basic Battery Service: Usually completed within 3–4 business days.
- Walk-in customers may request a same-day rush service for a $15 rush fee, during which the battery is replaced while the customer waits.
- Quartz Movement Service: Typically completed within 3–4 business weeks, depending on the condition of the movement and the availability of parts.
- Automatic / Mechanical Movement Service: Because these movements contain significantly more components and require more extensive disassembly, lubrication, adjustment, and testing, we typically allow up to 2-3 business months for completion.
Please note that these timeframes are general estimates. Actual turnaround may vary on a case-by-case basis due to part availability, manufacturer sourcing times, or the complexity of the repair. If needed, we are always happy to provide a more specific time estimate upon request. At Glezer-Kraus, your watch is treated with meticulous attention and the utmost respect. We never rush a repair at the expense of quality — our goal is to return your timepiece in its best possible condition, every time.
Why can’t I get full pricing over the phone?
We are always happy to provide starting prices over the phone to give you a general idea of cost. However, every watch is unique, and accurate pricing can only be determined after a proper, hands-on evaluation. Many factors — such as movement condition, gasket integrity, wear on internal components, and water-resistance issues — are not visible from the outside and can only be diagnosed once the watch is opened and tested.
To ensure complete accuracy and transparency, we provide complimentary estimates only after your timepiece has been inspected by our technicians. This allows us to give you a precise quote based on the actual condition of your watch, rather than an approximation that may not reflect its needs.
Our goal is to offer honest, reliable pricing tailored to your specific timepiece — never a guess or a one-size-fits-all number.
I brought my watch in for a battery replacement. Why did I receive a movement service quote?
During a battery replacement, we perform a detailed consumption test to evaluate the movement’s internal health. This test measures how much power the movement is drawing and how efficiently its components are functioning. If the readings fall outside of manufacturer specifications, it indicates that the oils have dried, friction has increased, or internal components are beginning to fail.
A fresh battery cannot correct these issues — it can only mask them temporarily. In many cases, installing a new battery into a compromised movement can actually cause additional strain, forcing weakened parts to work harder and potentially accelerating wear or internal damage. This often results in premature battery drain, inconsistent timekeeping, or complete stoppage shortly after.
We provide a movement service quote only when the diagnostic results show it is absolutely necessary. We never recommend a full overhaul unless the test clearly confirms that the movement requires internal maintenance. This ensures your timepiece continues to perform as intended and protects the long-term integrity of its movement.