What maintenance does your watch need?
A watch that runs well is not necessarily in good technical condition. And not every problem requires a complete maintenance service. I examine the movement, discuss the options and advise you on an approach that suits its technical condition and your expectations.
Othrys - Je horloge verdient tijd
Workshop in Westbroek — by appointment only. You receive a quotation before work begins. Work starts only after your approval.
Request advice or a quotation · Ask your question via WhatsApp
All services and deliveries are subject to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy .
Services and starting prices
- Maintenance services
- Inspections & diagnosis
- Repairs & restoration
- Crystal replacement
- Polishing & finishing
- Battery Replacement
Maintenance services
A maintenance service begins with careful dismantling and cleaning of the movement. Components are assessed for wear and damage. During assembly, suitable lubricants are applied in the right places. I then check accuracy, power reserve and the relevant functions, among other things. The measurements are assessed in the light of the movement’s age, type and condition.
| Movement | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Hand-wound | €350 |
| Automatic with date | €450 |
| Mechanical chronograph | €600 |
| Quartz without date | €300 |
| Quartz with date | €350 |
| Automatic without date | €400 |
All amounts include VAT and exclude any required parts. These are starting prices. Vintage movements, unusual complications, wear or additional work may result in a higher price. You receive a suitable quotation before the work begins; work starts only after your approval.
Wear or limitations can remain in an older movement. That is why I discuss what is technically achievable and what the work will cost before starting.
Read about the quality checks · Explore completed projects
Existing testing facility: water-resistance testing up to a maximum of 10 bar, where technically applicable. Water resistance is a condition at the time of testing; the options depend on the watch and the condition of its case and seals.
Inspections & diagnosis
Visual inspection — €35
I open the watch and assess the visible condition of the movement. I look for signs of contamination, aged lubrication, damage or wear that can be recognised without dismantling the movement. You receive my advice on possible next steps. If I subsequently carry out a maintenance service on the same watch, €35 is credited towards that service.
Extended technical inspection — €85
In addition to the visual assessment, I measure the movement in six positions and check the power reserve. Where technically applicable, I assess rate variation, amplitude and beat error. During an observation period of approximately 72 hours, I follow its operation in a way appropriate to the movement type. You receive a summary of the findings and technical advice. If I subsequently carry out a maintenance service on the same watch, €50 is credited towards that service.
Limits applying to both inspections
- An inspection without complete dismantling cannot rule out hidden wear.
- A 72-hour observation period does not mean the watch has a 72-hour power reserve.
- An inspection alone does not provide a general guarantee of future operation.
- Opening and closing the watch does not itself provide a new confirmation of water resistance.
Inspections are standalone services. At most one inspection credit applies per watch, and only when a subsequent maintenance service is carried out on that same watch.
All inspection prices include VAT.
Repairs & restoration
Sometimes a watch is more than mechanics — it is a memory, an emotion or an heirloom.
Whether the problem is a damaged crown, a loose hand or a movement that has stopped completely, each fault is carefully examined first.
Possible work:
-
Replacement of the crown, stem or pushers
-
Repair of moisture or impact damage
-
Servicing or replacement of the balance, gears or pallet fork
-
Restoration of vintage movements (by agreement)
Price: by quotation, following assessment and discussion.
I work with respect for originality — no unnecessary replacement or excessive polishing.
Where parts are no longer available, I look for suitable alternatives or repair them by hand.
Sometimes a specific problem can be repaired without maintaining the entire movement. I recommend this only when it is technically responsible; other components then remain outside the agreed work. A targeted repair is not a substitute for necessary maintenance.
Crystal replacement
Scratches or cracks in the crystal affect not only its appearance, but also the watch’s seal.
I always replace crystals with attention to the original appearance and fit.
Options:
-
Polishing a plexiglass (acrylic) crystal — € 45
-
Labour for crystal replacement (excluding materials) — € 65
-
Material cost (crystal) — on request
Each replacement includes:
-
Cleaning the case
-
Inspecting the seating
-
Replacing the gasket
-
Water-resistance testing (where applicable)
I charge the purchase cost for crystals, as I do not hold a large stock and material costs can vary.
After measuring the crystal I determine the correct size and purchase cost, which I then communicate clearly before starting the work.
Polishing & finishing
A watch can look good on the inside and the outside.
Polishing is precision work: it should restore the shine without losing the watch’s character.
Treatments:
-
Light case refresh (polishing only): € 45
-
Complete case refinish (sanding, polishing and refinishing): € 145
-
Sports or tool watch with a complex finish: € 245
Polishing is carried out only when the material and condition allow it.
Original lines, facets and brushed finishes are preserved where possible.
Battery replacement
A simple battery replacement can prevent considerable trouble.
Options:
-
Battery replacement (basic check): from € 15
-
Battery replacement + water-resistance test: € 30
-
Water-resistance test: € 25
During each battery replacement, I check the condition of the gaskets, pushers and case closure.
Worn rings or gaskets are replaced.
Personal craftsmanship, clear agreements
A visual inspection costs €35 and an extended technical inspection costs €85. If a maintenance service is subsequently carried out on the same watch, €35 or €50 respectively is credited, with a maximum of one inspection credit per watch.
Quality comes before speed. Every watch receives the time and care appropriate to its movement.
What happens during a maintenance service?
01
Dismantling the movement
The movement is carefully taken apart.
02
Cleaning the components
The components are sorted and carefully cleaned.
03
Inspecting for wear
Components are assessed for wear and damage.
04
Assembly and lubrication
The movement is rebuilt and lubricated in the appropriate places.
05
Measurements and adjustment
Measurements help assess operation and accuracy.
06
Extended testing and final checks
Operation and relevant functions are checked over an extended period, in a way appropriate to the movement.