Full service
Complete disassembly, cleaning, lubrication and timing to spec for vintage and modern movements.
- Ultrasonic cleaning in four baths
- Fresh oils at every pivot
- Timed in six positions
From $290
Servicing mechanical watches since 1978
Servicing mechanical watches since 1978
One bench, one watchmaker, a loupe and forty years of it. Your watch is worked on by the person you handed it to.
1978Bench opened in the Loop
40 yearswith a loupe at the same bench
12 monthswarranty on every service
What happens to your watch
Every watch is opened, measured and timed by the same hands. We keep the parts, the notes and the pace to ourselves.
Restoration
Dial refinishing, case refinishing and sourcing of period-correct parts.
- Lume and hand restoration
- Crystal and gasket replacement
- Original parts where they exist
Quoted per watch
Appraisal
Written valuations for insurance and estate, with photographs and movement details.
- Signed and dated report
- Serial and reference research
- Accepted by major insurers
From $75
The workshop
A single bench in a quiet office above Wabash Avenue. The window faces north for even light, and the radio is always turned low.
There are no assistants and no assembly line. The watchmaker you meet at the counter is the one who opens the case, and the same person closes it again.
A watch doesn't need to be rushed. It needs to be understood.
The price list
Prices are starting points. Every watch is examined before a firm quote is given.
Movement service, time-only$290
Disassembly, cleaning, lubrication and regulation.Movement service, chronograph$450
Additional work on the chronograph mechanism.Crystal replacementFrom $60
Acrylic, mineral or sapphire, with new gasket.Water resistance test$45
Pressure test and gasket renewal.Dial refinishingFrom $380
Restoration of vintage dials, quoted per piece.Case refinishingFrom $120
Polishing and re-brushing to original finish.Strap fitting$25
Leather and steel straps, sizing and installation.Written appraisal$75
For insurance or estate, per watch.Most services take three to five weeks. We will call you before beginning any work beyond the original quote.
How a service works
Bring it in
Book a time, hand over the watch and tell us what you have noticed.
We examine it
We open the case and take a written condition report with photographs.
You approve
A firm quote arrives by phone or email. Nothing begins without a yes.
Collect and wear
We time the watch in front of you and give it a one-year warranty.
He opened my grandfather's watch and told me exactly what forty years of wear looked like. It has kept better time since than it did when new.Daniel R., Evanston
Honest quote, honest timeline, and a written report I still keep in the box.Mira S., Oak Park
I've taken watches to three shops. This is the only one that showed me the parts he replaced.Thomas W.
Book an appointment
Appointments are forty minutes. Bring the watch, any papers you have, and a few questions.
222 S. Wabash Avenue, Suite 810, Chicago, IL 60604(312) 555-0116
bench@gearhartwatch.example
| Tue–Fri | 10 am – 5:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 10 am – 3 pm |
| Sun–Mon | Closed |