Notes and guides
How Much Should a Rolex Service Actually Cost in New York
What authorized dealers charge versus what independent watchmakers charge, and what you're actually paying for.
Harry · 4 min readWhat to Do When You Drop Your Watch and Break the Lug
How lug damage happens, whether it can be fixed, and what a proper repair looks like.
Harry · 4 min readWhy Authorized Dealers Make You Wait a Month for Simple Repairs
The real reason brand boutiques have long turnaround times and what independent shops do differently.
Harry · 4 min readCan a Vintage 1970s Watch Be Restored, and Is It Worth It
What goes into restoring an old mechanical watch, where to find parts, and when restoration makes sense.
Harry · 4 min readHow to Tell If Your Watch Clasp Needs Adjustment or Replacement
Signs your clasp is wearing out, what can be fixed on the spot, and when you need a new one.
Harry · 4 min readCartier Tank Repair: What Breaks Most Often and How to Fix It
Common problems with Tank movements and crystals, and what a proper service includes.
Harry · 4 min readShould You Service Your Rolex at an Authorized Dealer or an Independent Watchmaker
The trade-offs between dealer service and independent shops, including cost, time, and warranty.
Harry · 4 min readWhat Happens During a Full Watch Service
The steps involved in a complete mechanical watch overhaul, from disassembly to timing adjustment.
Harry · 4 min readHow to Find a Good Independent Watchmaker in New York
What to look for in a repair shop, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
Harry · 4 min readWhy Your Watch Stopped Running and What It Will Take to Fix
Common causes of a dead watch, from dead batteries to broken mainsprings, and how each is repaired.
Harry · 4 min readWhen to Replace Your Watch Band and What Your Options Are
Signs your leather strap or metal bracelet is worn out, and how to choose a replacement that fits.
Harry · 5 min readHow Long Should a Watch Repair Take
Realistic timelines for common repairs, why some shops are faster than others, and what slows things down.
Harry · 4 min readCan You Fix a Scratched Watch Crystal, and Should You
The difference between polishing and replacing a crystal, and when each option makes sense.
Harry · 4 min readWhat to Know Before Buying a Vintage Mechanical Watch
How to check if an old watch is worth restoring, what repairs typically cost, and where to find parts.
Harry · 4 min readWhy Authorized Dealer Repairs Cost So Much More Than Independent Shops
The markup structure at brand boutiques, and what you're actually paying for beyond the repair itself.
Harry · 4 min readHow to Care for a Rolex Submariner Between Services
Daily habits that keep your watch running well, when to get it serviced, and what to avoid.
Harry · 4 min readWhat a Fair Price Looks Like for Common Watch Repairs in NYC
Typical costs for battery replacements, band swaps, movement services, and crystal replacements at independent shops.
Harry · 4 min readCan a Broken Watch Crown Be Fixed or Does It Need Replacement
How crowns break, whether they can be repaired, and what a replacement costs.
Harry · 4 min readWhat to Do If Your Watch Is Running Fast or Slow
Why mechanical watches lose accuracy, how timing adjustments work, and when you need a full service.
Harry · 4 min readHow to Store Watches You're Not Wearing to Keep Them Running
Best practices for storing mechanical watches, whether to use a winder, and how to prevent damage.
Harry · 5 min read