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FAQ

• How much will it cost to repair my watch?

• My watch works fine and I just need the battery replaced for it to work, then why do I need to have the xyz part replaced?

• How do I know I will get my watch back?

• If my local jeweler takes watches in for repair why should I send it to Yellowstone Watch, Inc.?

• My watch was just looked at by someone and they said 'they can't get parts' or 'it can't be repaired' do you think you can fix it?

• How often should my watch be serviced?

• How often should I have the water resistance checked?

• My first battery last 4 years, why didn't the replacement battery last that long?

• How long will my battery last?

• Where do I send my watch for service?

• I need a new band for my Seiko Kinetic, is it available?

• Which watch should I buy?

How much will it cost to repair my watch?

This question is asking for a guess. Why do we say that? Because not being allowed to inspect the watch there is absolutely no way anyone could know what your watch needs to reapir it. So if you want a guess as to the cost let's say $1 million dollars! After all why should we guess low? We might as well guess high since it is just a guess, right?

Seriously, try this. Call your local car mechanic and ask him how much to fix your red car. Do not tell him what is wrong but just that it doesn't run. Guess what he will tell you. Or call you local computer repair place and ask them how much to repair your computer. Again just tell them it isn't working. Can you figure out what the answer is going to be?

Why is asking for a price to repair your watch without allowing us to inspect it unfair? Because each watch is different and has different wear and problems. Because things can happen to a watch that makes it impossible for anyone to factor in all the millions of possibilities and come up with a price.

Take for example these real life examples: First, we had a customer send his watch in and he told us it had a "little" moisture under the crystal. Sure when you look at it you can see some water on the dial. But what is a "little" moisture? Because we all have differing views and knowledge a "little" to one person may be a lot to another. What is a lot to one may be insignificant to someone else. But what really matters is how much is a little to your watch. Well, a liitle to your watch is water on the outside and none inside! Any amount of water inside is a lot. The more there is the worse it is.

Now back to this customers watch, his watch also has a crystal in the case back so you can see inside. Just turning the watch over revealed water dripping on the parts inside and rust everywhere. That is not a little. That is a ruined movement. Now this is an extreme case. Most watches we see that have a "little" moisture in them are not this bad.

But this proves our point. Because customers do not know how to diagnose and repair their own watch they do not know what to look for or how to test and so they cannot convey the proper information to us to allow us to give a price.

Still need another example? Another customer sent us his pocket watch. He stated it was running fine and then just stopped one day. When we got it and opened it the hairspring was tangled in a knot. The way a hairspring is made and operates in a watch there is no way it can tie itself in a knot, bend itself or tangle. So we contacted the customer and he was surprised but then admitted his son must have been messing with his watch and done that.

Again he just did not know what to look for and how to diagnose the problem. Our best guess as to what he would have needed prior to us receiving the watch would have been it needed a cleaning. The cost of which is totally different than what we had to actually do. So making a guess is totally useless.

We have many of these examples we can cite, but the fact is we cannot make an educated guess or give a general price or common price or even a "usual" price. There just is no such thing. Each watch is unique. Your watch is unique to you and your lifestyle. What your watch has gone through is not the same as what someone elses watch has gone through. So what can be wrong with yours is most likely different than someone elses.

This is why we can only give an estimate after we have had the opportunity to examine and inspect your watch. Only then can we know what your watch needs and then give you a price.

My watch works fine and I just need the battery replaced for it to work, then why do I need to have the xyz part replaced? (Insert whatever extra part is needed)

While true your watch may just need a battery to get it working again there can be other problems with your watch that just have not yet gotten bad enough to cause major issues. For instance a crown can stop sealing. It can leak a lot or a very tiny amount. In the case of a large leak it will cause major problems right away. In the case of a tiny leak it may only be enough to start rusting the stem. But let this go and it will contniue to leak. Rust on any metal grows. As the crown continues to leak and the rust grows it will eventually migrate to the movement which then is a major issue.

Additionally if the leak is small it will grow larger over time and more moisture will enter your watch. On any part that needs replacing, if it is left as it is the part will never get better by itself. Rather it will wear more and more and as that happens it can cause wear on other parts. This cascade problem continues until the watch stops running and it requires a major repair to get your watch working again.

So when we get your watch in and find something like this it is better for you and your watch that it be fixed while it is in the shop. A new crown is less expensive than a new movement plus a crown and anything else that is damaged by the leak. But if you choose to decline the new part that is needed your warranty from us is severely affected. In the case of a leaking crown we would not warranty any water resistance and would not even try to pressure test the watch. Why? Because we know there is a problem with your watch and the problem will ruin the work we do shortly and it is not our fault.

We never recommend work that is not needed. However, we may offer optional things such as replacing a scratched crystal.

How do I know I will get my watch back?

Good question. Yellowstone Watch, Inc. has the highest rating the Better Business Bureau awards, an A+. This rating is not given to just any business. In fact check around and see how many of our competitors can claim this rating. So far we have not found a single one. Only an honest company doing business so their customers are well taken care of can receive this rating.

Yellowstone Watch, Inc. is also a member in good standing with the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce. Again, because we are in good standing with the Chamber we conduct business to have happy customers.

Finally, you can contact the Post Falls government and inquire about us. All three of these organizations are happy to talk with you about us. We encourage this as well. Your trust in us is important. We have nothing to hide and want our customers to feel at ease with sending their watches to us for repair knowing we will treat them with respect, kindness and honesty but most of all that we will return their watch.

If my local jeweler takes watches in for repair why should I send it to Yellowstone Watch, Inc.?

Only a handful of jewelers actually repair watches in their store. Many won't touch a watch.

Of those that do take in watches, many only repair watches they sell. Most of the others send them out to watchmakers like us or to 'quick' repair centers.

The quick repair centers do not spend the time to adequately inspect your watch for hidden problems. Therefore they miss many problems. Their main objective is to clean as many watches as they can as fast as they can. Slowing down to do the job right doesn't seem to enter their minds.

We know of one company that advertises $5 - $10 for 'cleaning' or 'overhuals'. When we asked what they do they just swish the movement in some 'cleaning' solution and rinse and dry it. Then ask about their warranty. There is none. If it doesn't work they say send it back and we'll do it again for another $5 or $10!

The only watch we can think of that is worth treating that way is one that is junk and cannot be repaired. Your watch deserves better treatment. There are many reasons for this.

First when the watch is not completely taken apart many hidden problems such as wear on pivots and such aren't found. Then the wear continues and eventually the watch can not be 'fixed' quickly and an expensive repair is in order.

By taking a little extra time the parts can be inspected and if any parts need replacing or repairing it can be done before it gets expensive.

We take adequate time to disassemble your watch carefully and inspect every part for wear and any other problems. If there are any problems we can correct them before it causes extensive damage.

We don't try to clean as many watches as possible in a day. If we only work on one watch in a day that's fine. Your watch is important, you and your watch deserve the extra attention and care we give.

This does take a little time but by doing this we can assure you, your watch is in good condition when it is returned to you. We are not the fastest but we are the best!

My watch was just looked at by someone and they said 'they can't get parts' or 'it can't be repaired' do you think you can fix it?

99% of the time the answer is YES!

What these people are really saying is "I don't want to bother with your watch". This happens all the time.

When the cheap quartz watches first came out almost all watchmakers closed up business. There used to be over 40,000 watchmakers in the U.S., now there are about 500 full time watchmakers in the U.S.

Now cheap watches are still sold but there are more mid to high end watches sold every year and the demand for watchmakers services is very high. So most watchmakers only want to work on certain watches or do certain kinds of repair.

So rather than tell you they don't want to work on your watch they say they can't get the parts or they can't fix it. Of course there are those that don't know how to fix it either.

We fix what others don't want to or can't fix.

How often should my watch be serviced?

The general rule is 1-5 years.

There are many factors which determine how soon your watch needs to be serviced. We'll outline some of the different time frames. Servicing is not the same as having the water resistance checked. See water resistance below.

• YEARLY

   

• Older pocket watches and any wrist watches that are NOT dustproof or water resistant that are used daily.

   

  Since these watches are not sealed they very easily get moisture and dirt/dust inside them. The moisture in the air will find places inside the watch to settle and start corroding the metal parts.

   

  Dust/dirt collect in the oils used to lubricate the movement. If the watch is not cleaned regularly this dust/dirt act like sandpaper on the moving parts and cause excessive wear in a short period of time.

 

• 2 - 3 YEARS

   

• Watches that are dustproof and have general water resistance should be serviced every 2-3 years. These watches are better able to keep moisture and dust/dirt out but eventually they too will get some in no matter how careful you are. Again because they are not sealed very well the oils will dry out in this time and they need to then be cleaned and relubricated.

 

• ABOUT 5 YEARS

   

• Any watch that is water resistant with a number after it. These watches are sealed very well and as long as the water resistance is kept up the moisture and dust/dirt will not be able to accumulate in the movement. The oils will still dry out but it will take longer for this to happen. Actually the oils start to break down at this time more than they dry out. The outcome is the same, no lubrication.

How often should I have the water resistance checked?

Depending on use between every 6 months and no longer than every 18 months!

***Water resistance is NOT a permanent condition!***

• EVERY 6 MONTHS

   

• Any water resistant watch that is subjected to water and chemicals daily. Such as chlorinated pools, salt water or soaps.

   

  The water and chemicals along with temperature changes will dry out the gaskets or in some cases turn the gaskets into a semi-liquid mess. When this happens the gaskets NO LONGER seal the watch and water will enter your watch. It doesn't take very long for water to destroy a watch, and it doesn't take very much water.

   

  Please note that if the gaskets turn to a semi-liquid mess this will get into the movement and stop the watch. This stuff is worse than glue!

   

  It is VERY difficult to remove this gooey mess from each tiny part and tiny hole in the movement. If you let this happen expect an expensive repair on your watch.

   

• EVERY YEAR

   

• Any water resistant watch that is subjected to water and chemicals frequently. Such as chlorinated pools, salt water or soaps.

   

  As mentioned above these enviroments will cause the gaskets to dry out or turn to a semi-liquid mess. It just takes a little longer.

 

• EVERY 18 MONTHS

   

• Any water resistant watch that does not fall into the above categories. As the watch ages, the gaskets which seal the watch become dry and brittle diminishing its water resitant quality. The longer this is let go the less water resistant your watch becomes.

Water resistance is measured at a static or motionless state. As the watch is moved in water, such as from the motion of swimming, pressure is added from velocity. While you may be swimming in a pool at surface level, the watch may be experiencing forces equal to that of 3 bar (100 feet). Diving into a pool can cause forces on the watch in excess of 3 bar. 1 bar is equivalent to 33 feet of water pressure.

Always allow a margin of safety when exposing your watch to moisture. You should never "push the limit" of the degree of water resistance of your timepiece. For example, if the case back of your watch states "Water Resistant 10 Bar", you should only expose the watch to 7 or 8 Bar of pressure. This is especially important as the watch ages and the gaskets dry out.

Be sure the crown is completely pushed in prior to any contact with moisture. If your model is equipped with a screw down crown, be sure it is properly closed. Do not operate the crown or any push button when the watch is wet as this may allow the entrance of moisture.

If at any time, you notice moisture in your timepiece that does not clear in a short period of time, you should send your timepiece in as soon as possible for inspection. From time to time you may notice condensation that appears then goes away after a short period of time. This is a normal occurrence and happens primarily from sudden temperature changes. When there are sudden temperature changes such as entering a cool building from the hot outdoors, or jumping into a pool on a hot day the watch may fog. Also, if you go to the cold outdoors from a warm building, fogging may occur. As long as the fogging clears in a short period of time, there is no need for concern.

Special Note About Jacuzzis and Hot Tubs

The various components used in the manufacture and assembly of your watch expand at various rates. This results in a loss of the sealing capabilities of gaskets, which may allow moisture to enter. In addition, heat from these sources can cause deformation of certain materials leading to mechanical failures. For these reasons, you should remove your watch before entering a hot tub or jacuzzi.

You can determine the level of water resistance of your watch from the markings on the case back. Watches are normally marked as follows:

When we test your watch for water resistance we will let you know if it passed. You will then have the option to have us fix the problem or not.

My first battery last 4 years, why didn't the replacement battery last that long?

As your watch ages, battery changes may become more frequent due to the oils in the movement drying out or dirt entering the watch through aged gaskets which causes more friction, increasing the demands of the motor which drains the battery faster.

To solve this problem the movement needs to be cleaned (our 'Tune-Up' service) or in severe circumstances the movement will need replacement.

How long will my battery last?

Battery life depends on a variety of things including features of your watch such as alarms, lights, the age of your watch and how the watch is used. The average life of a battery is 2 years.

Where do I send my watch for service?

I need a new band for my Seiko Kinetic, is it available?

If your watch is less than a few years old the original band is probably available depending on the model. If your watch is older there is usually a substitute band available. The substitute band will fit your watch but may look slightly different.

In any event we can replace your band with the right band from Seiko.

Which watch should I buy?

That's not an easy question to answer. Mainly it depends on what you like and want. Here is some helpful information to help you decide.

Many of the watches produced today, especially quartz watches use ETA movements. The brand doesn't really matter. Most of the swiss brands are owned by the Swatch group. Swatch also owns ETA so that's why the watches have ETA movements in them regardless of the name on the watch.

The watches you see at the 'Mart' stores whether they have Elgin, Hamilton, Gruen, Waltham, etc. on them are made in Asia. When you buy one of these you are buying the name and the style. Many of these watches have ETA movements in them.

The Elgin Watch company closed it's doors about 1966.

Gruen went out of business about 1974.

Hamilton moved to Asia in 1970, their last american made watch was in 1969.

Waltham closed in 1957. Any watch with these names on them that were made since these dates were made in another country.

Mechanical watches for the most part have ETA movments as well. Rolex and Seiko are a couple of the few companies that still make their own movements.

What you should know about a new watch purchase.

Recently many watch companies (mostly Swatch companies) have stopped selling parts to material houses. They claim this is to stop hobbyists from buying parts. These companies now will only sell to 'qualified' watchmakers or authorized watch retailers.

What this means is now authorized watch retailers are having to get in the watch parts business. Or watchmakers have to go through an enormous amount of red tape to buy parts directly. For instance, to buy parts directly from several Swatch companies we have to apply for seperate accounts, one account for each brand of watch!

To make matters more difficult Swatch companies are notorious for being slow in doing anything. So, applications take forever!!! It also seems that many brands are moving their operations. Some, like Tag Heuer (in 8/04) have been sold. This makes keeping up with everything a time consuming job.

The good news is that through a network of retailers and watchmakers we can purchase almost any part from any brand of watch! This also means that it can take even more time!

Some people have already found out about what we are explaining. There are those that have contacted us saying their watchmaker can't get parts anymore. We can! We will jump through the extra hoops to get your watch fixed.

One of the goals of this change is to try to force consumers to send the watch back to the manufacturer for any repair.

The problem with this!?

• The manufacturers charge 2 - 3 times what we or any other reputable watchmaker charges.

 

• Then on top of that they repair what they want which is not necessarily what you want. It's a take it or leave it attitude.

   

  An example: If you want a new battery and seals installed on your watch, the manufacturer will say 'Sure, but for us to do that we have to do an overhaul!' If the watch doesn't need an overhaul why should you be forced to have it done? Worse yet, why should you be forced to pay for a service you don't want?

   

  BTW, they will want to replace almost every part except the case and caseback! Whether it needs it or not! In other words you are buying a new watch in a used case for a little less than the price of a new watch!

 

• Manufacturers are very slow. It will take months to get your watch back.

Yellowstone Watch, Inc.

Physical: 1001 N. Spokane St. | Post Falls, ID | 83854 | USA

Mailing address: P.O. Box 535 | Post Falls, ID | 83877 | USA

208-262-9425

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Note: If you mail your watch to our physical address it is put in an unsecured mail box and it can get stolen. We decline all responsibility for packages mailed to our physical address through the post office.