If you would like a cost indication before sending your watch to us, please get in touch. We are happy to provide guidance based on the make and model of your timepiece.
Watch Repairs
From £400 (including VAT)
This covers the majority of standard servicing work.
Chronographs and complex complications: typically £400–£600, depending on specification and condition.
What’s Included in a Standard Service:
- Complete movement disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, and regulation
- Ultrasonic cleaning of case and bracelet
- Light refinishing of case and bracelet (if required)
- Replacement of all necessary seals and gaskets
- Water resistance testing
- 12-month service guarantee
Mechanical watches are precision instruments and require periodic servicing to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and accuracy. Over time, lubricants degrade and components experience natural wear. Without routine maintenance, this can lead to reduced accuracy and unnecessary strain on the movement.
We recommend servicing most mechanical watches every 4–5 years. Many watches are only submitted for service once they stop running or suffer accidental damage — however, preventative maintenance is significantly more cost-effective and helps preserve the integrity of the movement.
Restoration Services
At Simon Freese Watchmakers, restoration is approached with precision, restraint, and respect for originality. Our objective is not to make a watch appear “new,” but to return it to the finest possible condition while preserving its character, provenance, and long-term value.
A successful restoration is built on collaboration. Clear dialogue between client and watchmaker ensures that expectations are aligned and that every intervention is deliberate, appropriate, and sympathetic to the watch’s history.
To achieve this standard, we consider the following principles essential:
Our Restoration Process
1. Initial Consultation
A detailed discussion to define the desired outcome and establish a clear, itemised programme of work.
2. Comprehensive Assessment
Close examination of the movement, case, dial, and bracelet to determine feasibility and scope.
3. Time Without Compromise
Restoration cannot be rushed. Adequate time is allocated to ensure each stage is completed to the highest standard.
4. Movement Overhaul
Complete disassembly of the movement, meticulous cleaning, and replacement or fabrication of worn components where necessary.
5. Preservation of Character
Careful consideration of aesthetic details to enhance condition without diminishing originality or historical integrity.
6. Sensitive Case & Bracelet Work
Refinishing is undertaken only at the client’s request and only where it will not adversely affect value or authenticity.
7. Extended Testing
Post-restoration testing to verify mechanical tolerances, reliability, and performance stability.
8. Transparent Costing
Clear agreement on costs, reflecting the time, craftsmanship, and value added through the restoration process.
Case and bracelet Refurbishment
We provide a comprehensive case and bracelet refurbishment service, carried out with precision and respect for the original factory finish.
Our work includes:
Professional refinishing of polished and brushed surfaces
Restoration of sharp lines and case geometry
Specialist case lapping for accurate starburst and radial finishes
Bracelet refinishing to restore consistency and definition
All refinishing is performed with careful attention to preserving the integrity and proportions of the case, ensuring the watch retains its character and value.
For further details or to arrange an assessment, please visit the ‘Book a Repair’ page to get in touch.
Time Scales
Due to the detailed and often complex nature of restoration work, typical turnaround times are approximately two to three months.
This allows for:
Careful progression through each stage of the restoration process
Consideration of our existing workshop schedule
Sourcing, manufacturing, or fabricating specialist parts where required
Each project is approached without compromise, and sufficient time is allocated to ensure the highest standard of workmanship.
If you have specific timing requirements, please do get in touch. We will always endeavour to accommodate where possible and provide clear guidance from the outset.
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