Watch Repairs and Servicing

Current Service Lead Times

At Laings we understand that luxury timepieces are incredible feats of engineering, however, it’s important to remember that they do need regular maintenance to stand the test of time and remain in the best condition possible. We have a state-of-the-art Watch Workshop on-site at our Glasgow city centre head office, as well as our watch clinic which is based in our George Street, Edinburgh store.

Ian Anderson, our Rolex accredited watchmaker, is a member of the British Horological Institute with over 35 years' experience. Ian is accredited by many of the major luxury watch houses including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier and TAG Heuer. Having trained in Switzerland, directly with Patek Philippe and Rolex, he undertakes accreditations every three years to ensure the upkeep of the essential brand standards that allow Laings to host one of only two Rolex authorised workshops in Glasgow. Ian personally completes the majority of our repairs and services from start to finish in our Glasgow Workshop to ensure that your timepiece is serviced to the highest possible standard.

Based at our Edinburgh store in George Street, the Watch Clinic is unique to Laings Edinburgh. Here you can transform the aesthetics of your beautiful timepiece by fitting on a new watch strap from our extensive collection or by ordering bracelets and straps straight from the Swiss watch brand. If your watch needs a little more maintenance, you can also send your watch in for a Battery & Water Test, or a complete service to ensure your timepiece is restored to the best possible condition.

While it may seem like a simple battery replacement or service, due to the incredible mechanisms that are hidden within every watch case it is a complex and time-consuming process, which is why it is so important to have your timepiece taken care of by a trustworthy, qualified team.

Our in-house watchmakers will replace your battery and re-seal your watch, following 5 steps:

  • Replace the old battery, making sure it hasn't leaked and damaged the movement
  • Examine the general condition of the movement
  • Renew all the sealing gaskets on the glass, crown and watch back, as well as pusher seals for chronograph models where required
  • Test the watch's water-resistance to brand specification, using specialist equipment
  • Check timekeeping and adjust if required.

Servicing your timepiece can certainly be costly, but essential to ensure the good health of your watch, knowing it will return on your wrist in the best possible condition definitely makes it worthwhile. A watch service involves the following procedures:

  • Check the case and the bracelet or strap
  • Detach the bracelet, open the case and remove the stem, crown, seals and movement
  • Reset the stem and crown and check the winding mechanism
  • Examine the working of the hands, calendar functions and rotor (if fitted)
  • Inspect and adjust the escapement
  • Fully disassemble the watch case and inspect the movement and component parts
  • Replace any worn or damaged parts
  • Clean all parts in specialist chemical baths using automated cleaning machines
  • Reassemble the movement, checking and making fine adjustments in line with brand specifications
  • Lubricate the movement if using 4/5 fine oils and greases and double-check the escapement
  • De-magnetise, regulate and check the timing of the movement to brand standards using specialist Swiss timing equipment
  • Refit the dial and hands and clean the case and bracelet using ultrasound technology
  • Replace case seals where necessary and restore the movement to the case
  • Double-check timekeeping and adjust where required using timing equipment

Following these procedures, your timepiece is then tested on a wrist simulator for between three and four-and-a-half hours to make sure the automatic winding system is running smoothly. The watch's power reserve is then tested statically for 24 hours, dial down, and the rate is checked until the power has run down in the dial-up position.

Watch batteries and watch servicing are guaranteed up to 24 months, subject to the brand.

Our expertise in the art of watchmaking means that watch repairs can be entirely tailored to the needs of your timepiece to ensure the promised longevity of Swiss horology. If you would like to discuss your watch repair and servicing needs our team are on-hand to give you trustworthy, professional advice. Find your closest store here.