Frequently

Asked Questions

Service & Repair

Pricing & Estimates

Visiting the Shop

Other Questions

  • A complete service is a comprehensive process designed to restore the movement's performance, reliability, and longevity.

    Complete disassembly
    The movement is fully disassembled down to its individual components.

    Detailed inspection
    Each component is carefully examined for wear, damage, or other issues that may affect performance.

    Professional cleaning
    Movement components are thoroughly cleaned using specialized professional watchmaking equipment to remove old lubricants, residue, and contaminants.

    Second inspection
    After cleaning, components are inspected again before reassembly.

    Reassembly & lubrication
    The movement is carefully reassembled and lubricated at the appropriate points using professional watchmaking oils and lubricants.

    Adjustment & regulation
    The movement is adjusted and tested for rate, amplitude, beat, and overall performance.

    Functional testing
    All applicable functions of the watch are checked to ensure proper operation.

    Extended observation
    The completed watch is tested over an extended period and in multiple positions to confirm consistent timekeeping, function, and reliability before being returned to the client.

    If worn or damaged components are discovered, any necessary parts or additional work will be discussed with you before proceeding.

  • We service mechanical, automatic, quartz, and chronograph watches, with a particular focus on vintage timepieces. From routine maintenance to complex repairs and restoration, each watch is evaluated individually based on its condition, movement, and parts availability.

  • Yes. Vintage watch service and repair is one of our specialties. We have extensive experience working with older mechanical movements, including watches for which replacement parts may be difficult or no longer available. Each vintage watch is carefully evaluated to determine the appropriate approach while preserving as much of the original timepiece as possible.

  • Photos and a description of the issue can help us provide an initial assessment, but an accurate diagnosis and estimate generally requires physical inspection of the watch. Once the watch has been evaluated, we will contact you with our recommendations and estimate before proceeding with the work.

  • No. Once your watch has been inspected, we will explain the recommended work and provide an estimate. No repair or service work will begin without your approval.

  • Yes. Our service and repair work is backed by a warranty. Warranty coverage depends on the type of service performed and does not cover damage, misuse, normal wear, or unrelated components.

  • Yes. Battery replacement is available for quartz watches, typically starting at $25. Please complete our Service Request Form first and select Battery Replacement so we can review your request before arranging a drop-off or providing shipping instructions.

    A battery replacement includes installing a new battery and confirming that the watch is operating at the time of replacement. Please note that a new battery cannot correct an underlying problem with the watch. An older or malfunctioning quartz movement may consume excessive power, stop intermittently, or require additional service. For this reason, battery life cannot be guaranteed for a specific number of years.

  • Service costs vary depending on the movement, condition of the watch, and work required. As a general guide:

    Quartz watches start at‍ $585 ‍mechanical/automatic watch service starts at $685 + parts‍ ‍chronograph service starts at $985 + parts and automatic complication chronograph starts at $1200 + parts. Any additional repairs or replacement parts will be included in the estimate and discussed with you before work begins.

  • Yes. There is a $185 evaluation/inspection fee. A proper evaluation may require opening and partially disassembling the watch to inspect the movement and determine the work required. If you approve the recommended service, the $185 evaluation fee is applied toward the cost of the service.

Shipping & Turnaround

  • Yes. Mail-in service is the preferred and most convenient way to have your watch serviced. Please submit a Service Request Form and receive confirmation from us before shipping your watch. Once your request has been reviewed, we will provide you with the appropriate shipping instructions.

  • Wrap your watch securely in protective material and place it inside a sturdy shipping box with sufficient padding to prevent movement during transit. We recommend using a trackable and appropriately insured shipping service. Please do not send your watch until you have received confirmation and shipping instructions from us.

  • Turnaround time varies depending on the watch, the work required, parts availability, and the number of watches already scheduled for service. Once your watch has been inspected, we can provide a better indication of the expected timeframe.

  • If replacement parts are required, we will determine availability and discuss any additional costs with you before proceeding. For vintage and discontinued watches, certain parts can be difficult to source and may extend the turnaround time.

  • Once the work is complete, we will contact you to arrange payment and return shipping. Watches are securely packaged and shipped using a trackable service. [We should ask Jorge exactly how he handles insurance and who pays return shipping before adding anything more specific.]

  • Montoya Watch Service primarily operates by mail. In-person drop-offs or consultations are available by prior arrangement only. After filling out a Service Request Form first. Please contact us before visiting.

  • Yes. In-person drop-offs can be arranged in advance. Please complete our Service Request Form first with information about your watch and the service needed. Once your request has been reviewed, we can arrange a convenient time for drop-off.

    Please note: For security purposes, a copy of a valid photo ID is required before an in-person appointment can be confirmed.

  • We do not offer regular walk-in service. Visits are available by prior arrangement only. Please submit a Service Request Form before visiting so we can review your watch and arrange an appointment if appropriate.

  • Most watches require a proper inspection before the necessary work can be determined, so same-day diagnosis or repair cannot be guaranteed. After receiving your watch, Jorge will evaluate it and contact you with his recommendations and, when applicable, an estimate.

  • In many cases, yes. Parts availability depends on the brand, movement, age, and condition of the watch. Some vintage or discontinued parts may be difficult or impossible to source. Parts availability will be evaluated as part of the service process.

  • We calculate fees based on scope, complexity, and projected resources, then present a transparent proposal.

  • I'd ask Jorge his policy before publishing this one. Some watchmakers absolutely don't want customer-supplied parts, while others will use them with limitations or without warrantying the part.

  • We do not provide monetary appraisals or valuations. We do offer watch authentication for a fee of $195. Authentication involves an examination of the watch to assess its authenticity based on the case, movement, dial, components, and other relevant details.

    Please submit a Service Request if you would like to have a watch authenticated.

  • If you have a watch that needs service but are unsure of the exact model or movement, that's okay. Include clear photographs and any information you have when submitting your Service Request. We can often identify the movement during inspection.

  • For questions about a watch you would like serviced, please use our Service Request Form. This gives us the information needed to review your request efficiently. For general questions unrelated to a service request, please use our Contact page.