1. Fill out the Assessment request on the Assessment page. Please include information and pictures of the dial side and movement side (inside the case back). I will respond within 24-72 hours with further details. Not sure how to open your watch case? Watch this quick video guide. There are 5 basic types of cases and this steps through each one. If you don't have a case opener, a dull knife will work. 2. Pay the $75 assessment fee. This is credited in full toward your invoice if you proceed. 3. Ship your watch securely — bubble wrap inside a cardboard box, insured. I recommend USPS Priority Mail. 4. I complete the assessment and return a detailed estimate within a couple of days of receiving the watch. 5. Approve the estimate by email. Work begins after approval and receipt of the 50% deposit. 6. I keep you updated with photos throughout the restoration. 7. Your watch ships back insured via USPS Priority Mail with a movement fact card and 6-month workmanship warranty.

Watch Servicing & Pricing

Pricing
*** All repair prices are labor only unless specified— replacement parts billed at cost.
  • Assessment Fee: $75 (non-refundable · credited toward invoice if you proceed)
  • Full Service (clean, oil & adjust):
$250 (7–15 jewels) $275 (16–17 jewels) $300 (18+ jewels)
  • Simple Repairs — $25 each: click / click spring, cannon pinion adjustment, setting lever / stem adjustment
  • Complex Repairs — $45 each: mainspring replacement, balance staff repair / replacement, hairspring service, balance jewel replacement, dial / hands refinish
  • Crystal Replacement: $60 ( includes White's Optical Qualilty Watch Crystal)
  • Case Polish & Lubrication: $50
  • Dynamic Poising: $75 (this takes several hours)
  • Custom Chain: $30–$60 (pending material) Parts are sourced to match the manufacturer, model, and grade. Primary source is eBay (NOS — New Old Stock), typically arriving in 7–10 days. Overseas sourcing may take up to 3 weeks.

*** Free acrylic display stand and storage box included with every restoration
  • Skeleton pocket watch case (open-face, gold-tone or silver-tone)
  • Display stand / dome
  • Shadow box / display case
  • Watch chain / fob — specify color, material, length, and weight
  • Gift box / presentation packaging
Optional Add-Ons - Happy to discuss!
Servicing & Lubrication Includes
Movement (the watch mechanism): Complete breakdown, precleaning in lighter fluid, inspection under magnification, a 3-stage ultrasonic cleaning of all parts with L&R watch cleaning products, then heated drying · inspection of jewels and pivot holes (before and after cleaning) · mainspring evaluation (if smaller than twice the size of the pocket watch, I recommend replacing) · oiling with Möbius lubricants · dial cleaning (enamel dial with denture cleaner, or light cleaning with distilled water if painted) · regulation to 3 positions (dial-up, dial-down, and pendant/crown up) and timegrapher verification. A note on regulation and accuracy: I will strive to get the movement as accurate as possible across 3 positions as part of the normal service — to within 30 seconds between horizontal and vertical positions. If accuracy beyond 3 positions is required, additional pricing for Dynamic Poising ($75) may apply. Case (and chain if included): Light cleaning, stem and sleeve adjustment, and recommendation for crystal replacement.
The Process
  • PayPal: @PeteArrobio
  • Venmo: @Pete-Arrobio
  • Check: Payable to Pete Arrobio
Payment Options
Estimate & Payment 1. A non-refundable assessment fee of $75.00 is required prior to shipping the watch. This fee will be credited in full toward the final invoice if the client approves the estimate and proceeds with repair. In the rare case that a movement cannot be repaired, the fee is retained and the watch will be returned to the client at no additional shipping charge. 2. This estimate is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. 3. Final invoice may vary if additional issues are discovered during repair. Client will be notified before any additional work proceeds. 4. Work will not begin until written client approval and deposit are received. 5. 50% deposit is required upon approval; remaining balance is due upon completion before the watch is returned. Shipping 6. Watch will be returned via USPS Priority Mail and insured. Parts 7. Parts are sourced to match the manufacturer, model, and grade of the movement. Primary source is eBay (“New Old Stock” or NOS and period-correct parts), typically arriving in 7–10 days. Overseas sourcing (Switzerland, England, France, etc.) may take up to 3 weeks. 8. Aviator Watch Restoration makes no guarantee of parts availability. If a required part cannot be sourced, the client will be notified and the repair scope adjusted accordingly.
Condition of Watch Received 9. Client acknowledges that antique and vintage movements may contain pre-existing wear, hairline cracks, weakened components, or brittleness not detectable prior to disassembly. Aviator Watch Restoration will notify the client before proceeding with any work beyond the original scope. 10. Aviator Watch Restoration is not responsible for pre-existing damage or hidden defects that become apparent only upon disassembly. Limited Warranty 11. Aviator Watch Restoration warrants all service and repair work for 6 months from the date the watch is returned to the client. This warranty covers defects in workmanship only. 12. The warranty does not cover damage resulting from accidental drops, impacts, water exposure, mishandling, unauthorized repair or adjustment by a third party, or normal wear and tear. 13. To make a warranty claim, contact pete@aviatorwatchrestoration.com within the 6-month period with a description of the issue. Limitation of Liability 14. Aviator Watch Restoration’s total liability shall not exceed the total value of the repair estimate. Pete Arrobio is not responsible for loss or damage occurring during transit by third-party carriers. Clients are encouraged to insure shipments sent to Aviator Watch Restoration accordingly. Unclaimed Watches 15. If payment is not received within 30 days of the final invoice date, Aviator Watch Restoration reserves the right to charge a storage fee of $50.00 per month until the balance is paid and the watch is claimed. 16. Watches not claimed or paid for within 90 days of the invoice date may be considered abandoned. Aviator Watch Restoration reserves the right to pursue recovery of costs associated with unclaimed property. Disclosure: I am not a professional watchmaker! This is a hobby and I am continuing to learn. If I make mistakes, I will pay for any components that I damage. I will be up front with the work that I can and cannot do (hence the reason for the prescreening). Thank you for your business! - Pete, Aviator Watch Restoration

Terms & Conditions

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