Carlton North, Victoria3 Watch repair specialists near you

Several training programs allow access to the watchmaking industry or to acquire a specialization. After the 3rd grade, the CAP Watchmaking is prepared in 2 years, usually as an apprenticeship. It is recommended to continue preparing for the Brevet des Métiers d'Art Horlogerie (BMA) within a period of 2 years. The higher level (Bac+3) allows you to obtain the DN MADE mention objet or instrument, specialty watchmaking, prepared in 3 years. For adults in professional retraining, it is possible to prepare for the professional title of watchmaker at the Afpa.

The main mission of a watchmaker is to restore various timepieces, that is, to bring them back to life. Thanks to their skills in microtechnology and electronics, they are able to work on both antique watchmaking and modern watch models. When working in a clock shop, a repair center, or a jewelry-watch store, they are often called upon to secure customer relations by providing commercial and advisory services. A complete watchmaker must be able to intervene at all stages of the production of a watch part. Under the direction of the master workshop artisan, the store manager, or under their own orders, they will have to: • Assemble and manually wind small watch parts on a millimetric or submillimetric scale; • Locate micro-mechanism failures and explain them; • Perform high-precision adjustments using appropriate measuring and control equipment; • Clean, solder, or replace defective micro-parts; • Order replacement parts from their suppliers; • Replace batteries or watch straps; • When certain spare parts are no longer available on the market, they manufacture them themselves (machining) according to the original manufacturer's standards and the rules of the art; • Test and verify the proper functioning of surveillance mechanisms at each stage of intervention; • Welcome customers and advise them upon arrival at the store; • Establish a quote for customers who wish to have their watches, clocks, or timepieces repaired.

The advantage of entrusting watch repair to a clockmaker is to ensure that the operation is carried out by the most qualified person. Regardless of the type of watch (mechanical watch, analog watch, second-hand watch, comtoise clock, quartz watch, women's chronograph watch, connected watch, etc.), a clockmaker is equally skilled in the simplest and most complex mechanisms. As the name suggests, a master clockmaker is qualified to repair clocks. The same applies to watches, as well as regulators, wake-up devices and time measurement. This professional neutralizes defective elements, cleans or replaces them to restore the watch to perfect condition. In addition, if you lose your watch, some watchmakers have the ability to reconstruct it with precision.

Due to daily exposure to UV rays, shocks and friction, watches sooner or later require the intervention of a specialized professional in watch repair. The glass deteriorates over time. Fine particles deposit on the dial and hands. As it wears, the leather or precious stone bracelet (diamond, ruby, sapphire, etc.), glass, batteries need to be replaced and the mechanism needs to be inspected. Just like a car that needs a technical check-up in the garage, a watch needs regular maintenance to replace faulty parts and keep it in perfect working order. For all these reasons, it is necessary to resort to a qualified repair service.

Are you looking for the most qualified artisan to repair your antique watch, Swiss watchmaking or your gold clock (yellow gold, rose gold or white gold)? Starofservice directory offers you a list of professionals in this field. Entrust your clocks and chronometers to an expert in the field who is located near your home or workplace.

Each actor (watchmaker, brand) is free to set the price of their services, but it generally ranges between 200 and 500 euros. The price depends on the complexity and finesse of the watch. Thus, the price of a complete revision is generally proportional to the sale price of a new watch. In any case, a simple revision that exceeds the new watch price by 20% is considered very expensive. It is important to consider all the services that may accompany the revision (especially waterproof guarantees or home maintenance). If the watch breaks and needs replacement parts, the price can exceed 20%. The prices of vintage and rare watches can quickly skyrocket.

A good watchmaker is above all someone who knows how to receive and welcome his clients. Watchmakers must remain flexible and provide valuable advice to clients for all types of watches. It is then that a relationship of trust can be established between watchmakers and collectors, knowing that watch enthusiasts will not be easily fooled. To become a professional watchmaker, experience is essential: some watchmakers acquire experience from major brands of worldwide renown (Omega Speedmaster, Cartier watch, Bell Ross, Baume Mercier, etc.), while others benefit from their profession. In addition to the skills and experience required of a watchmaker, the latter must also be a man of faith. No collector likes to be disappointed, so it is crucial to respect deadlines. It is better to visit a watchmaker who needs more time to repair, wind, or adjust a watch with care from the start, rather than to enlist the services of another who will quickly finish a job poorly done. Of course, regardless of the length or brevity of the deadline, you should choose a watchmaker who knows how to respect it. In addition to the above selection criteria, do not forget to know the price of a watch restorer before using their services. The first condition for defining the price is the type of service you use with the watchmaker-jeweler. At the same time, some watchmakers set costs based on the brand and value of the watch, especially if it is a collector's watch. In any case, to avoid being cheated, it is always advised to ask for a free quote, as any good watchmaker should have one.

Are you qualified? What is your experience in the field of watchmaking? Do you have experience repairing devices similar to mine? Do you use quality materials? What is the delivery time? What is your rate?