Where are the best watch repair services in Canberra? Photo: File.
If you’re someone who regularly wears a watch, then you know how frustrating it can be when it begins to break. Being able to keep track of the time is obviously paramount to your day running smoothly, so it’s important that you are able to take your watch into get repaired promptly.
Whether your wristband is fraying or some of the delicate machinery is faulty, a skilled horologist will be able to help you. Luckily, Canberra is home to a number of horology and watch repair specialists, many of which have the skills and expertise necessary to repair higher-end wristwatches.
But where to start looking for one? In this article, we’ll give you a few tips on what to look for in a watch repairman, as well as a helpful guide to some of Canberra’s favourites.
What makes a great watch repair service?
Your timepiece has sentimental value – you don’t want just anyone poking around. We suggest keeping an eye out for the following must-have traits.
- Experience. The best timepiece specialists and watch repair services in Canberra have years of experience fixing, maintaining, and servicing a wide range of quartz and mechanical watches.
- Attention to detail. Watches – especially manual wind and automatic watches – are exceptionally complicated instruments with literally hundreds of tiny pieces working together to keep time accurately. The best watch repair services in Canberra are dedicated to meticulous attention to detail.
- Specialist expertise. If you own a specialist timepiece – whether that be a particular Swiss brand or an old pocket watch – look for a watch repairer that has specialist expertise.
- Reasonable prices. While your price should reflect the care and expertise it takes to have your watch repaired, it shouldn’t cost you more than the watch itself – look for services who are offering reasonable and transparent pricing.
- Quick turnaround. No one wants to wait too long to get their watch back. Ask for an estimate from your watch repairman of how long it will take before you can have your watch returned to you before booking them in, and make sure it works for you and your schedule.
The best watch repair services in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Here are your top picks for watch repair services in Canberra and surrounds. Let’s jump right into it.
Little & Son Horologists
Little and Son Horologists is a Canberra-based watch and clock makers with a specialist focus on the restoration of vintage and antique timepieces. Conveniently located just ten minutes from Canberra’s city centre, the father and son team treat every timepiece with the respect and expert attention it deserves.
As Kyle Langford writes on Google in their review, "Experts at cleaning & repairing your watches & clocks."
Watches of Switzerland
Watches of Switzerland is Australia's leading and largest official boutique retailer of exclusive luxury watches. If your watch is of a particularly high, prestigious quality with brand-specific requirements, such as Rolex, Tag Heuer, Carter or Tudor, then Watches of Switzerland is the place to go. Their on-site watchmaker has over 30 years of experience in repairing and restoring Swiss watches, and can perform services such as battery changes with pressure tests and comprehensive overhauls.
As Christopher Lee writes on Google, "Samir and the team are very knowledgeable and helpful. He guided and educated us on the watches and was well-versed in his knowledge. Totally recommend!"
The Village Jewellers
The Village Jewellers is a traditional jewellery store with an in-house jewellery and watch repair service. Stocking a wide range of both fine and costume jewellery and branded watches, The Village Jewellers is known for its fantastic repairs all performed with the latest modern equipment.
See what happy customer Angie Bennett had to say in their Google review, "Amazing service from a team of dedicated, knowledgeable and genuine staff. I wouldn't go anywhere else."
Aj Watch Repairs
The team behind AJ Watch Repairs strive to ensure each and every timepiece that leaves their workshop complies with original functionality and aesthetic specifications. This particular watch repair service is authorised by Akteo, Alfex, Atlantic, Casio, Grovana, H3, Ickler Brands, and Tacs Swiza, so if your timepiece falls within that group, AJ Watch Repairs could be the best option for you. What’s more, all major repairs come with a 12-month guarantee, giving you peace of mind.
On Google, Callum Thurgar writes, "Ordered a watch strap for my watch, fast fitting and great service, Will see you guys in a few months for a service and polish on this one. Thanks again."
Mister Minit
If your watch needs repairing, Mister Minit offers an array of convenient and thorough services with great rates and fast turnaround. Mister Minit specialises in watch battery and car key battery replacements, pressure testing, worn gaskets and band replacements, and can also perform more detailed repairs such as glass replacement, crown and stem replacement or a full overhaul at selected shops. They also have a range of over 80 different styles and sizes of wrist bands for you to choose from.
As 'Local Guide' Thomas Foster writes in their Google review, "Brilliant service and work on my watch, took less than 30 minutes and charged a very fair rate. Thanks."
If you’re looking for more repair services in Canberra, check out our articles on the best shoe repair services and the best tailoring and alteration services for some helpful information.
Your experience with watch repair services in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback on the best and worst Canberra watch repair specialists.
If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you ever had your watch repaired in Canberra or surrounds? Maybe you had an antique clock restored. Share your experience in the comments section below. Your feedback will help our readers make the right decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send my watch to any watch repair shop?
Usually, yes - any watch repair shop will be able to work on your watch. However, some luxury brands have specialist horologists who will be able to give your watch the particular attention it needs. Check with your brand's information, and talk to the watch repair shop to find out if they are able to work on your watch.
Does my watch need regular maintenance?
It is generally recommended that new watches be serviced every few years, especially if the watch is worn frequently. This is to make sure that the parts are moving properly, which will help prevent wearing and breakage later in life.
Should I just replace my watch?
This depends on the issue. If the watch itself is relatively inexpensive, then you might decide that repairs aren't worth it. However, if the issue is something as simple as a dead battery or a worn band, or the watch is valuable, then it is definitely worth sending it to a repair shop rather than replacing it entirely.
How can I prevent damage to my watch?
There are many ways to prevent damage to your watch. For example, you should avoid exposing it to magnetic fields from radios, speakers and phones, as their waves can interfere with the mechanisms in the watch. You can also look into getting a plastic screen protector for the face in order to prevent scratches on the glass.
Are quartz watches better than automatic ones?
Both quartz and automatic watches are reliable and have the ability to tell fairly accurate time. However, quartz watches are far more accurate. While a good quartz watch may run 20 seconds off per month, a good automatic watch may be off by several minutes in a month.
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