Vintage Watch Restoration
We bring back pieces from the 70s and earlier with parts sourcing and careful handwork.
Vintage watch restoration means taking a watch that's stopped, damaged, or worn and making it work and look like it should again. We handle everything from the 1940s Hamiltons to 1970s Seikos. We start by opening it up, cleaning out decades of dirt and oil, replacing worn parts, and getting the movement running true. Most of what we do is detective work, figuring out what's broken and what can be saved.
New York's humidity and salt air are hard on old watches. We see a lot of cases where the dial has faded or the crown has corroded. We source replacement parts from the right era when we need them, and we refinish dials carefully so they look original. The work takes time because we're not rushing through it. Some restorations take weeks.
When you pick up your watch, it keeps time, the hands move smoothly, and it looks like someone cared for it. You get a written report of what we found and what we did. Most customers wear their restored watch every day after that. It's the difference between a stopped watch and one that works.
What's included: Complete disassembly and inspection of the movement; Cleaning and refinishing of internal parts; Replacement of worn gaskets, springs, and seals; Dial and case restoration as needed; Written restoration report with before and after notes.
Vintage Watch Restoration — FAQ
How long does vintage watch restoration usually take?
Most restorations take two to four weeks depending on what we find inside. If we need to source a specific part, it can run longer. We'll give you a timeline when we inspect your watch.
Will my watch look brand new after restoration?
No, and that's not the goal. We restore it to working condition and clean it up, but we keep the character and patina. A vintage watch should look like it has a story.
What if my watch is really old or rare?
We work on watches from the 1920s onward. If it's a rare model, we take extra care sourcing the right parts. Bring it in and we'll tell you what we can do and what it will cost.