Finding the best watchmaker in your town is more complex than it may seem. In today’s world, there are significantly fewer watchmakers than there used to be, incredibly independent and highly skilled ones. Moreover, watchmakers earn less money than one might think. ZipRecruiter states, “As of Jan 28, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Watchmaker in the United States is $27.44 per hour. ZipRecruiter sees hourly wages as high as $43.03 and as low as $20.19.” This situation has led to a need for more skilled watchmakers in some parts of the world.
I have asked jewelers and people with many watches who prefer to service their watches and online review platforms to see how people rate them online. If you want to search for your watchmaker, you can read this article, “How to find the best watchmaker.”
The list is compiled from three sources: Google, American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI), and Yelp.com.
When I looked at the watch repair places in each state, I double-checked their reputation and if they were still in the business. Feel free to contact me at info@valueyourwatch.com with any discrepancies or if you would like me to add your watchmakers in your state.
Some watchmakers have AWCI Certification, which means they are good watchmakers and have the skills to perform quality repairs. Below, you can see the AWCI Certification, which can be found on AWCI’s website.
- CW21: Certified Watchmaker for the twenty-first century.
- CMW21: Certified Master Watchmaker for the twenty-first century.
- CC21: Certified Clockmaker for the twenty-first century.
- CMC21: Certified Master Clockmaker for the twenty-first century.
- FAWCI: Fellow of the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute*
- Older certifications included:
- CW: Certified Watchmaker
- CMW: Certified Master Watchmaker
- CC: Certified Clockmaker
- CMC: Certified Master Clockmaker
- CEWT: Certified Electronic Watch Technician
- CMEW: Certified Master Electronic Watchmaker
- FAWI: Fellow of the American Watchmakers Institute*
How do I know the watchmaker is reputable?
Choosing a watchmaker who can fix your watch quickly and at a reasonable price is akin to finding gold in a river. It requires patience, but it isn’t impossible. When selecting a watchmaker, ensure they provide you with a report detailing how well the watch keeps time, along with any other pertinent information you should be aware of. Sometimes, the watchmaker will inform you immediately that the watch does not need an overhaul (complete service) but only requires some regulation and a bit of oil.
Remember that not all watchmakers have access to original parts, which can lead to delays when you might need a specific part for your watch. For example, Rolex no longer supplies parts to non-in-house watchmakers. Audemars Piguet is also very strict about who they distribute parts to in the USA. There are only a few companies with access to these parts.
Hublot Big Bang 44 Carbon Fiber $22K MSRP “Carbon Bang” Complete 301.QX.1724.GR
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Hublot Big Bang 44 Original Steel Blue Boxes Alligator Leather 301.SX.7170.LR
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Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 Unico Titanium $22K MSRP Red Rubber 45mm 414.NI.1123.RX
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Hublot Classic Fusion Orlinski Blue Ceramic 40 mm Blue Dial 2022 Papers WARRANTY
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Breitling Navitimer Montbrillant Datora 43 mm Silver Dial SERVICED Boxes A21330
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Breitling Super Chronomat B01 44 Black Dial $10K MSRP Boxes Bracelet AB0136
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How much does a watchmaker charge?
They charge based on the watch’s complications. If it’s only a battery change, you might pay only $10, but if it’s a mechanical chronograph watch like the Omega Speedmaster, you might pay around $300-400. Basic mechanical movements cost around $200.