Sandra LawsAre you searching for the best watch repair in San Diego? I know it’s not easy to hand over a watch that’s important to you.
There are plenty of options, from trusted boutiques to local jewellery store, but not all of them give your watch the same attention.
That’s why I did some research to find the best places for you. Take a look at my top picks and choose the shop that will bring your favorite watch back to life.
How much does a watch repair cost in San Diego?
Watch repair in San Diego typically costs $15 to over $1,000, depending on the type of repair and the watch brand. Basic services are inexpensive, while complete overhauls for luxury Swiss watches cost significantly more.
| Service | Estimated Cost |
| Battery Replacement | $15 – $30 (up to $50+ with water testing) |
| Band Sizing | From $20 |
| Crystal Glass Replacement | From $45 |
| Ultrasonic Cleaning | From $50 |
| Water Pressure Testing | From $50 |
| Pre-1960 / Standard Automatic Overhaul | From $275 |
| Chronograph Overhaul | From $550 |
| Tag Heuer / Omega Overhaul | From $375 |
| Rolex Overhaul | From $650 |
| High-End Swiss Overhaul | $1,000 – $2,350+ |
1. D’s Time Service
Website: http://dstimeservice.com/
Address: 861 Sixth Ave
Contact: (619) 696-9464
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Weekends by Appointment)
D’s Time Service is known for luxury watch repairs because of its skilled team. The watchmakers have CW21 certification, and the head watchmaker is WOSTEP-trained. They use trusted standards for each repair.
The team uses only genuine parts and tests water resistance after each repair. Complete overhauls come with a two-year warranty. They also offer insured mail-in repairs, so customers across the country can use their service.
A customer I spoke with shared a vintage watch restoration that highlighted the care and attention to detail in every repair. The team actually works to protect valuable watches and keeps clients updated during the process.
However, major overhauls usually take two to three weeks to complete. Complex repairs are not available for same-day service, so it’s best to plan ahead.
My watch came back looking brand new
So happy and thankful I found this place! Tom fixed my date just after I got some water in it when the screw wasn’t tightened down. His attention to detail and network of outside repair counterparts is impeccable. My watch came back looking brand new, better than it has looked in years. I was so happy that I brought in my dad’s vintage Rolex in for a cleaning and was just as happy with the results. Very reasonable, communicative, and kind. Will definitely be back! Thanks again!
- Lilly Bean | Google Review
Incredibly informative and transparent about the whole process
I absolutely recommend anyone looking for a place to repair or service their watch to come here. I went here to get a service done on my Tudor day-date. Tom was incredibly informative and transparent about the whole process. Along with that, he made a point to come in on off hours so that I could pick up the watch when it was done. I will be going back to Tom in the future with any of my timepieces that need a service!
- Max Thacker | Google Review
2. Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry & Engagement Rings Store
Website: https://www.leohamel.com/
Address: 1851 San Diego Ave
Contact: (619) 299-1500
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry & Engagement Rings Store, all watch repairs are done in our own workshop. Our Swiss-trained Master Watchmaker handles each repair, so your valuable watch never leaves trusted hands.
The team works on many luxury Swiss and German brands, including Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. They use genuine manufacturer parts when available and share care tips to help your watch last longer.
Plus, free estimates and warranty coverage make the process easier to manage. The on-site service also gives owners more confidence since repairs stay with the same skilled team.
Still, vintage repairs may need more skill and time, while some specialized services can cost more than standard repairs for some luxury watches.
Extremely professional and very knowledgeable
For many years now, LISA Hamel at Leo Hamel has been a resource for my jewelry and watches. Her knowledge is vast and her attention to detail is complete. But even more important is her honest care for her clients and customers. It instills a confidence that makes jewelry decisions easy. At my last visit, Jennifer helped me with a repair on both my watch and A pair of earrings. She was extremely professional and very knowledgeable. I always recommend Leo Hamel and Lisa and Jennifer to my friends and family for their jewelry needs.
- Jennifer Bonasia | Google Review
The service here is world class
In my family, whenever we have need of anything from a watch repair/service to a special gift for others (or to treat ourselves), we come to Leo Hamel.
The service here is world class, prices are exceptionally fair, and the people are incredible and knowledgeable.
Ask to speak with Teri and you’ll be in amazing hands!
- Sean Kipperman | Google Review
3. A Gunalp Horologist Fine Watch & Clock Shop
Website: https://www.sandiegowatchmaker.com/
Address: 2350 San Diego Avenue
Contact: (619) 296-3638
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
A Gunalp Horologist Fine Watch & Clock Shop is known for expert watch repairs and attentive service. The shop is run by a certified horologist with over 45 years of experience in Europe and the United States.
All services are done on-site and meet factory standards. We use original parts whenever possible. Our team carefully works on complex timepieces, including tourbillons, perpetual calendars, and vintage pocket watches.
Before work begins, customers receive a free estimate, making the repair process easier to plan. The shop’s direct parts access also helps support reliable service for valuable watches.
One thing to keep in mind is that some repairs may be declined when they fall outside the shop’s expertise. Some customers also wish there were more explanation when a repair is declined.
My go-to for watch and clock repair happy with it
Asim is my go-to for watch and clock repair, and 80% of my watches have been bought directly from him. He often has inventory behind the counter that is exactly what I, or my wife, are looking for.
- Noah Christian steve white | Google Review
The wait time is very efficient
By far the best Watch repair shop in San Diego , the Gentlemen at the shop have been doing this for over 35 years at the very same location and they treat you like royalty ! The prices are also great and the wait time is very efficient. Look no further than this shop if you need any of your watches or clocks repaired.
- Kagan T. | Google Review
4. About Time
Website: https://sandiegotimezone.com/
Address: 1429 University Avenue
Contact: (619) 955-5959
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
About Time has served San Diego watch owners since 1996, offering trusted repairs for battery changes and full overhauls. Every repair stays on-site with their own horologists, helping protect valuable timepieces throughout the process.
The shop works with many luxury Swiss brands and offers fast, while-you-wait battery replacements for everyday watches. You can ask for a free estimate before any repair starts, so you know what to expect.
In addition, most services include warranty coverage. Rolex and TAG Heuer overhauls even receive longer labor protection.
Mail-in repairs are available too, giving customers a simple option when visiting the shop is not convenient.
Still, complete servicing usually takes two to three weeks, so larger repairs may require patience before your watch returns.
Great service, great guy, an expert watch repair
We were in town for the weekend, and the battery of my Cartier watch died. Since it can’t go just anywhere, we did some research and found About Time. The battery was replaced, expertly and quickly, in about 10 minutes, in plain view, right in front of the store. He also had some very interesting older watches and new watches for sale. Great service, great guy, an expert watch repair. I highly recommend.
- Sarah Gondell | Google Review
My watch fixed in about 30 seconds
Couldn’t recommend this place more! I was looking for a watch repair shop in the area and About Time had good reviews so I gave it a shot. Mo was super friendly and had my watch fixed in about 30 seconds. I’m definitely bringing my watches here in the future and would highly recommend him to anyone else.
- N. William | Google Review
5. Robere’s Jewelry – Jewelry Store & Watch Repair In San Diego
Website: https://roberes.com/
Address: 12925 El Camino Real
Contact: (858) 509-1111
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Robere’s Jewelry has been a family-owned repair shop in San Diego since 1981, offering watch owners a trusted place for service. Their technicians work on-site in a dedicated area to handle repairs.
The shop repairs quartz watches and luxury brands such as Omega and Cartier. Services include movement overhauls, pressure testing, and bracelet sizing.
Every repair starts with a free inspection, so customers know what their watch needs. Many common repairs are finished on-site in about an hour, making Robere’s a convenient option for fast service.
Keep in mind that some repair quotes might be higher than at other shops, and a few battery replacements may not last as long as expected.
They did so in just one day
I had the BEST experience with Robere’s – both professionally and personally! Not only were they able to make a challenging repair on my watch that other jewelers were unable to do, but they did so in just one day! I cannot recommend Robere’s more highly!!
- Kim Field | Google Review
They are extremely efficient and reliable !
We are so lucky to have Roberes jewelry in our neighborhood. Not only is their selection of jewelry incredible, but their customer service is outstanding. When I need a watch or jewelry fixed or adjusted, they are extremely efficient and reliable ! Amazing service !
- Heather H | Google Review
