Refund policy

Service Terms & Important Notice

The Horologist’s Workshop takes great care in the inspection, service, repair, and restoration of every timepiece entrusted to us. Because watches—particularly vintage and previously serviced watches—may contain age-related wear, hidden damage, unavailable components, or prior modifications, the following terms apply to all services.

Estimates & Additional Repairs
Published service prices cover the work specifically described for that service. Replacement parts, fabrication, restoration, and corrective repairs beyond the standard service scope are additional. If additional work is required, we will provide an estimate and obtain your approval before proceeding.

Vintage & Previously Serviced Watches
Older watches may contain worn, corroded, modified, previously repaired, or non-original components that cannot always be identified before disassembly. Additional issues discovered during service will be documented and discussed with you before additional chargeable work is performed.

Parts Availability
Replacement components for vintage and discontinued watches may be limited or unavailable. When original components cannot reasonably be sourced, we may recommend restoration of the existing component, fabrication, a donor component, or another suitable repair method. No such substitution or fabrication will be performed without customer approval.

Originality & Preservation
We strive to preserve original components whenever practical and mechanically appropriate. Replacement, refinishing, polishing, dial work, hand restoration, or other work that could materially alter the appearance or originality of a vintage timepiece will not be performed unless included in the authorized scope of work.

Water Resistance
Replacement of gaskets or seals does not guarantee that a watch is water resistant. Water resistance depends upon the condition and design of the entire case, including the crystal, crown, tube, case back, sealing surfaces, and other components. Vintage watches should not be assumed to be water resistant unless specifically tested and documented as such. Water-resistance test results reflect the condition of the watch at the time of testing and are not a permanent guarantee.

Timekeeping & Performance
Mechanical watches are affected by movement design, age, component condition, position, temperature, activity, power reserve, and other factors. Regulation is performed to achieve the best practical performance appropriate to the individual movement. Unless specifically stated in writing, no particular daily rate, amplitude, power reserve, or manufacturer specification is guaranteed.

Pre-Existing & Latent Conditions
The Horologist’s Workshop is not responsible for pre-existing damage, deterioration, corrosion, material fatigue, previous improper repairs, or latent defects that become apparent during normal disassembly, cleaning, inspection, testing, or service. If continued work presents an unusual risk to the timepiece, we will contact you before proceeding whenever reasonably possible.

Shipping
Customers are responsible for accurately declaring the value of their timepiece and following the provided packaging and shipping instructions. Shipping and insurance terms, limits, exclusions, and claims are subject to the applicable carrier and insurance provider.

Authorization
By submitting a timepiece for service, you authorize The Horologist’s Workshop to perform the purchased service and reasonable diagnostic inspection necessary to evaluate the watch. Work outside the authorized service scope that results in additional charges will not be performed without customer approval.

Our goal is straightforward: preserve the timepiece whenever practical, communicate clearly when unexpected conditions are discovered, and never perform additional chargeable work without your approval.