Balance of TimeVAIL, ARIZONAFrom a fresh battery to a well-loved mechanical watch, understanding the work comes first. Here is a guide to pricing, with an individual estimate before any repair begins.
Tell me about your watch
Every project begins with a conversation. Full Mechanical Watch Service is $300 per watch for accepted straightforward time-only watches. Optional polishing and additional labor are discussed and approved separately. Request an assessment to discuss your watch.
Includes a standard battery, installation, and basic condition and function checks. Additional diagnosis or repair requires your approval; both fees are not automatically charged. If the watch needs further repair, we discuss the options first and credit the $35 toward approved repair work.
For a watch that needs investigation beyond a battery replacement. Each watch is assessed separately. Includes assessment and recommended next steps; repairs are separate. Payable at drop-off and credited in full toward an approved repair for that watch. If no repair proceeds, the fee covers the diagnostic labor.
For problems beyond the battery. Repair or movement replacement depends on the watch, diagnosis, and availability of suitable parts.
For accepted, straightforward time-only watches. Includes complete disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, reassembly, and timing checks. Replacement parts and additional repairs are quoted separately and require approval before work begins. Chronographs and complex watches receive individual estimates.
Available only after a suitability assessment and separate owner consent. Polishing can change an original finish, especially on vintage watches, and may be declined to preserve the watch’s character.
Extra work outside the Full Mechanical Watch Service scope is billed at $75 per hour in 30-minute increments ($37.50 per 30 minutes). The extra scope and spending limit require approval before work begins. Tasks included in the Full Mechanical Watch Service are not charged again as additional labor. Parts are quoted separately.
Includes initial identification where possible, a condition assessment, and recommended next steps. The $50 per watch assessment fee is credited toward approved repair work for that watch. This is the same diagnostic assessment, not an additional fee. Repairs are quoted separately. Identification is not a formal appraisal or authentication.
For deeper research into a watch’s model, movement, or history. Billed in 30-minute increments, with an agreed spending limit before research begins. Includes a short summary of findings and sources. Research fees are separate and are not credited toward repairs. Definitive identification or a complete history cannot be guaranteed.
Battery service exceptions: unusual cases, corrosion, rechargeable cells, and additional repairs require a separate estimate. Water-resistance testing is not included. Extended diagnostic work is quoted separately.
The $300 full service price applies to accepted straightforward time-only watches; other work is estimated individually. Condition, case access, movement complexity, and parts availability affect the final cost. Any applicable tax or shipping is identified in your estimate. Select projects are accepted; specialized work may be referred to another provider.
Send photos and describe what you have noticed. We will discuss whether an evaluation makes sense.
Any evaluation fee is agreed first. You receive a repair estimate before deciding whether to proceed.
No repair work begins without your approval. If additional work is needed, we discuss it first.
Straightforward battery replacements are typically ready within 24 hours. While-you-wait service may be available in approximately 20 minutes when the workbench schedule allows. Please check availability first.
Repair and servicing timelines are confirmed after evaluation and depend on the work and parts required.
The $50 diagnostic evaluation fee for each watch is due at drop-off. The remaining repair balance is due at collection, with applicable credits deducted.
A deposit is required for ordered parts. The amount is agreed with you before an order is placed.
For 90 days from collection, service workmanship and defects in batteries supplied by Balance of Time are covered. Contact us at (520) 308-7670 if a concern arises. Covered problems are inspected and corrected at no charge.
Coverage applies to the work performed, not unrelated faults, wear in components not serviced, accidental damage, misuse, or water damage. It does not promise a particular battery life, modern-watch accuracy, or water resistance.
A photo and a few details are a good place to begin.