The best watch repair services in Canberra

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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.

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!"

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."

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."

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."

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."

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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Visited AJs yesterday. Fantastic service! The woman there ‘fixed’ my watch in about 2 minutes as it wasn’t really broken, the second hand had just stuck under one of the luminous indication ‘blobs’ as a result of being dropped.
She refused to take any money for this service.
I went there after seeing all the recommendations on this site.
GREAT COMPANY, I will go there again if I ever need to 🙂

I went searching for this topic as I wanted to put in a plug for AJ’s in the Bailey Arcade. We’ve always used them, it’s a several-generation Polish family-owned business. Anyway, almost 2 years ago I bought a very flash Skagen watch in the US. Damn thing was just a smidge tight and tehre were no extra links in the box so I took it to them thinking it’d be a quick and simple job.

It wasn’t! Sourcing a link for this particular watch proved to be a difficult task, but they kept at-it, chasing the Skagen reps as they turned over on a regular basis and are sometimes sketchy about returning calls. But yesterday I got the call, they’d got the link and it was ready! Some adjustments in-store to have it fit my arm and it was good to go. I was expecting a sizeable bill, on account of the many calls, faxes and emails they’d been doing to get that link.

Nope. $10. And, they’d put in a new battery as the watch had sat there for 2 years. Holy dooley. Now that is what I call service

BTW, they have some very interesting watches there which are labelled for kids and teens, by a brand called Cactus. They look a lot like Swatches and vary from $30 to $50. I got one during a visit to check up on my Skagen, and have to say, I like it better than the Skagen! If you’re looking for some fun and interesting watches, check them out.

evenflow said :

I didn’t have the best experience with AJ’s. A high quality watch went in for a service, though after I got it back I noticed there were large dust particles on the front face and also on the back (clear backing) of the watch. I requested they get rid of the crap on the front dial, which they did for no charge, though more showed up on the back. For $150, I would have expected slightly higher quality service…

Just quietly, $150 for a service for a “high quality” watch is extremely cheap.

I had an Omega Seamaster that I had serviced, it was the best part of $500, I sent the watch away so about $50 of that would be postage. I sold the watch and still managed to make a tidy profit from it.

I didn’t have the best experience with AJ’s. A high quality watch went in for a service, though after I got it back I noticed there were large dust particles on the front face and also on the back (clear backing) of the watch. I requested they get rid of the crap on the front dial, which they did for no charge, though more showed up on the back. For $150, I would have expected slightly higher quality service…

Thanks so much guys. I had heard of the people in the Bailey Arcade (I go to the hairdresser downstairs) but am so grateful to get all of your recommendations. I will take it in next time I’m due for a haircut.

Quality, timely service that is 🙂

Another solid vote for AJ’s. Had many dealings with then and they have always provided quality, timely (excuse the poor pun). Picking my new Roamer watch up off them soon and will be the only place I take it to get serviced.

Little & Son Horologists
112/1 Braybrooke Street
Bruce ACT 2617
(02) 6162 1877

AJs did a great job on my Tissot. I wouldn’t take it elsewhere.

The shop at Bailey arcade has been looking after my Longines watch for over 10 years,, ie Batteries.
I was recommended by a larger Jewelry store to have them do the job. Always been very pleased and would not take my watch anywhere else now.

I am sure they would love to work on a real time piece. They have beautiful clocks as well.

AJs is good. Polish family run it. Did my dad’s Rolex.

As per the above – very honest appraissal of what is required

There is a great watch repair place in Baileys Arcade in the city. I think it’s called AJs. I’m sure they’re in the yellow pages if you wanted to call for a quote.

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