Repair Services
For generations, Grand Central Watch has specialized in luxury watch repair, vintage restoration, authentication, and ongoing timepiece care. Our team services a wide range of modern, vintage, and heirloom watches from our workshop inside Grand Central Terminal.
Wondering whether we can help? Bring your watch to our Grand Central Terminal shop for an in-person review, or submit a repair contact request online. Our team will review the information provided and let you know whether we may be able to assist, along with the appropriate next steps for bringing or mailing the watch to us.
REPAIR SERVICES
How the Repair Process Works
Choose How You Would Like to Begin
Visit us in person, mail your watch using our printable repair form, or contact us first if you would like to ask whether we may be able to help before visiting or shipping your timepiece.
Visit, Mail In, or Contact Us
Bring your watch to our Grand Central Terminal location, mail it using our repair form, or contact us first if you would like to ask whether we may be able to assist.
Physical Inspection
Once we receive the watch, our team physically inspects it before confirming service recommendations, pricing, parts availability, or timing.
Review & Approve Your Estimate
After inspection, we provide the recommended service, estimated pricing, and expected timeframe for your review and approval.
Submit Your Deposit
Once the estimate is approved, a 50% deposit is required before the authorized repair work can begin.
Service & Testing
Our workshop performs the authorized service and completes the necessary testing and inspection before the watch is released.
Pickup or Return Shipping
Once service is complete, we will arrange pickup at Grand Central Watch or return shipping for mail-in clients.
Physical Inspection Is Required
Initial questions by phone, email, or the contact form can help determine whether we may be able to assist, but final service recommendations, pricing, parts availability, and completion timing require physical inspection of the watch.
Evaluation Fees
An evaluation fee of $45–$275 may apply if a repair estimate is declined. The amount depends on the type of watch, service requested, and complexity of the evaluation.
Repair Deposit
After a repair estimate is approved, a 50% deposit is required before service begins.
Expected Turnaround
Most approved services require approximately 1–9 weeks, depending on service requirements, parts availability, movement complexity, and required testing.
Our Services
Vintage Restoration
Careful service and restoration for vintage, antique, and heirloom timepieces.
Modern Watch Repair
Complete service for luxury mechanical, automatic, chronograph, and quartz watches.
Battery Replacement
Quick-turnaround battery replacement for quartz timepieces.
Watch Appraisal
Authentication, identifying details, documentation, and written certification.
Bands & Straps
Watch straps, bracelet sizing, fitting, installation, and custom strap options.
Mail-In Service
Repair support for clients who are unable to visit our Grand Central Terminal location.
Vintage Restoration
Grand Central Watch specializes in the service and restoration of vintage timepieces. In business for nearly 75 years, we have procured an extensive inventory of long-discontinued original watch parts.
We have revived thousands of heirloom pieces, helping preserve their longevity and their place in family history for years to come.
We also offer a keepsake Heritage Book to accompany select heirloom restorations. These custom books may include photographs of the watch throughout the restoration process, details on the history of the timepiece, and the family history of ownership.
Vintage restoration begins at $995 and up.
Modern Watch Repair
Grand Central Watch has a team of master watchmakers operating in a state-of-the-art workshop equipped with the technology necessary to properly service luxury timepieces.
We are prepared to assist with a wide range of watch service needs. Below are common services and starting prices. Final pricing is provided after physical evaluation.
Starting prices are provided as general guidance and do not represent a final estimate. Required parts, movement condition, case construction, complications, prior repair work, and restoration requirements may affect the final cost. A 50% deposit is required after an estimate is approved and before service begins.
What Is a Complete Movement Service?
A complete movement service generally includes disassembly, cleaning, inspection, lubrication, reassembly, regulation, replacement of approved worn components when necessary, and final performance testing. The exact work performed depends on the construction and condition of the timepiece.
Cosmetic Restoration & Originality
Case refinishing, bracelet refinishing, dial work, hand restoration, and replacement of visible components are discussed separately and performed only with client authorization. For vintage watches, preserving original finishes and components may be recommended.
Additional Services
Battery Replacement
Grand Central Watch offers quick-turnaround battery service for quartz watches. Battery replacement services start at $15. Please note that battery replacement alone does not restore or guarantee water resistance.
Watch Appraisal
A comprehensive watch appraisal is a valuable service for any collector. Required by most major insurance companies, it also helps confirm that your watch is authentic. Our appraisal services include a thorough inspection of the watch, documentation of relevant identifying information, and a Counterfeit Buster scan. You will receive written certification of our findings. Appraisal services start at $125.
Bands & Straps
We stock an extensive selection of watch straps in a variety of colors, materials, and dimensions. If we do not have exactly what you need, we also offer custom straps crafted to your specifications.
Jewelry Repair
Grand Central Watch also offers full-service jewelry repair, including bracelet, necklace, and ring sizing, chain soldering, clasp replacement, precious stone resetting, and pearl restringing.
Please contact us at centralwatchrepair@gmail.com or 212-685-1689 for further information.
Brands We Service
Below are many of the watch brands we service. Please note that we do not currently service smart watches.
Audemars Piguet
Baume & Mercier
Breguet
Breitling
Buccellati
Bulgari
Bulova
Cartier
Chopard
Chronoswiss
Croton
Dunhill
Ebel
Elgin
Hamilton
Hermès
Heuer
Illinois
IWC
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Montblanc
Omega
Panerai
Patek Philippe
Piaget
Pierce
Roger Dubuis
Rolex
Seiko
TAG Heuer
Tourneau
Tudor
Tutima
Vacheron Constantin
Van Cleef & Arpels
Waldan Watches
Waltham
Wittnauer
Zodiac
Some modern, highly specialized, or proprietary models may require factory service. Our team will evaluate your timepiece and advise you on the best available service options.
If you do not see your brand listed, that does not necessarily mean we cannot help.
Contact us before visiting or mailing your watch if you would like to ask whether we may be able to assist.
Mail-In Service
Grand Central Watch offers mail-in service for clients who are unable to visit us in person. Download and complete our repair form, include it with your watch, and follow the mailing instructions provided on the form.
Not sure whether we can help before you ship?
Contact us first by phone, email, or through our contact form. Our team can answer preliminary questions before you decide whether to visit or mail in your watch.
Mail Your Watch for Service
Complete the printable repair form and include it with your watch. The form gives our team the information needed to identify your timepiece, understand the issue, and contact you after the watch has been received and physically evaluated.
Before You Send Your Watch
Please complete the repair form and include it with your watch. If you are unsure whether the requested service is something we handle, contact us before shipping and we will be happy to answer preliminary questions.
Unless specifically requested, please do not include original presentation boxes, warranty cards, papers, or unrelated accessories.
Helpful Information to Include
- Watch brand and model, if known
- Reference or serial number, if available
- A clear description of the issue
- Recent damage or known service history
- Your full name and contact information
- A completed copy of the repair form
Understand Our Warranty
Warranty coverage depends on the type and extent of service authorized. The details below are intended to help distinguish complete service from limited or maintenance-only work.
Complete Service
Complete movement services performed by Grand Central Watch include a 24-month limited service warranty covering the work performed and parts installed by our workshop.
Partial Repairs
Partial repairs address only the specific work authorized by the client. Because the complete movement has not been serviced, partial repairs do not include a warranty covering the overall operation or continued running of the watch.
Battery & Water Resistance
Battery replacement alone does not restore or guarantee water resistance. Water resistance depends on the condition of the case, crown, crystal, gaskets, and other components. Testing or additional service may be recommended.
Warranty Exclusions
Warranty coverage does not extend to accidental damage, impact, moisture intrusion, misuse, magnetization, normal wear, external components, or work performed by another repair provider after our service.
If Your Watch Needs Another Look
Although uncommon, repair comebacks do happen. Watches are complex instruments, and a timepiece may occasionally require a follow-up adjustment after it returns to regular wear. A comeback does not necessarily indicate a serious problem; sometimes the watch simply needs to be inspected and adjusted again.
If your watch develops a concern that may relate to service performed by Grand Central Watch during the applicable warranty period, please contact us. We will be happy to take another look, review the prior repair, and determine whether the concern falls within warranty coverage.
Please include your previous invoice or repair number if available, along with a description of what the watch is doing. To protect potential warranty coverage, please do not have another repair provider open, alter, or work on the watch before we inspect it.
Final warranty coverage is determined by the authorized service and will be outlined in the applicable service documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to contact you before visiting the store?
No. You may bring your watch directly to our Grand Central Terminal location for an in-person review. If you would like to ask whether we may be able to help before making the trip, you are welcome to contact us first.
Can I ask whether you may be able to help before I visit or mail my watch?
Yes. You can contact us by phone, email, or through our contact form with information about your watch and the service you are looking for. We can answer preliminary questions, but the watch must still be physically inspected before final recommendations, pricing, parts availability, or timing can be confirmed.
Can you provide a final diagnosis or estimate before seeing the watch?
No. Photos and descriptions may help us answer preliminary questions, but the watch must be physically inspected before service recommendations, pricing, parts availability, and an estimated completion timeframe can be confirmed.
How do I mail my watch in for service?
Download and complete our mail-in repair form, include it with your watch, and follow the mailing instructions provided on the form. If you are unsure whether we can assist, contact us before shipping.
When is the repair deposit required?
After your watch has been physically inspected and you approve the repair estimate, a 50% deposit is required before the authorized service begins.
How much is the evaluation fee?
An evaluation fee of $45–$275 may apply if an estimate is declined. The amount depends on the watch, requested service, and complexity of the evaluation.
How long will my repair take?
Most approved services require approximately 1–9 weeks. Timing depends on service requirements, parts availability, movement complexity, restoration needs, and testing. A more specific timeframe can be provided after physical inspection.
Do you offer while-you-wait service?
Some batteries, strap installations, bracelet sizing, and minor adjustments may be completed quickly, depending on the watch and workshop availability. More involved work requires evaluation and intake.
Can you source discontinued vintage parts?
Grand Central Watch maintains an extensive inventory of vintage and discontinued components. Availability varies by watch and cannot be confirmed until the timepiece has been physically evaluated.
Do you service every model from the brands listed?
Not necessarily. Some proprietary, highly specialized, or modern models may require factory service. Our team will advise you after reviewing the watch.
Will my watch remain water-resistant?
Water resistance must be evaluated and tested separately. Battery replacement or limited repair alone does not guarantee water resistance.
What should I do if my watch has an issue after service?
Please contact us before taking the watch to another repair provider. We will be happy to review the prior service and inspect the watch again. Include your previous invoice or repair number if available and describe the issue you are experiencing.
Should I send the original box and papers?
Generally, no. Please do not include original presentation boxes, papers, or unrelated accessories unless our team specifically requests them.
Wondering Whether We Can Help?
Visit us in person, mail your watch using our repair form, or contact us first if you would like to ask whether we may be able to assist before you come in or ship your timepiece.
