
FAQs
Here are some FAQs about Oxford Clock and Watch Repairs.
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If you have a specific question you would like to ask,
please do not hesitate to contact us by either phone:
or email: neville@ocwr.co.uk
Repairing timepieces can take a long time – especially when you learn that there are fewer and fewer craftsmen and craftswomen around to do the repairs (as noted in this article here).
Clocks generally take between 6–12 weeks (depending of how complex the repair is).
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Watches take approximately 2 weeks to service.
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We can often replace your watch battery while you wait.
While we aim to repair every timepiece that comes into the workshop, there are rare occasions when their age and condition mean that they have come to the end of their useful life.
What once may have been a wonderful time-keeper in its day – age, wear and tear (and sometimes previous repairers!) ... and the lack of available parts ... mean that some clocks and watches can never be returned to being 100% reliable. They are antiques and – while we make every effort to return them to a good working order – their age and condition quite often mean that they will have little quirks and anomalies that come with anything that has lived a long life.
Sometimes we may need to see a clock or watch a few times to get on top of these quirks, but this is quite normal in the clock and watch trade and is part and parcel of owning such characterful antiques.
Where possible we use the best quality parts available. We will always aim to use branded parts – however these can sometimes be unavailable or obsolete. In this case we will source generic parts from trusted suppliers.
We also have a large selection of parts in stock and on occasion we make bespoke clock and watch parts.
If you think your clock or watch needs a service, just contact us and bring it along and we'll take a look.
Click here to find out about the servicing process.
We can only collect larger clocks that are difficult to transport yourself. There is a minimum charge of £30.00* for this service.
For everything else we would ask that you bring your timepiece along to the workshop – every hour spent away collecting clocks means an hour less spent in the workshop and this causes delays in repairs.
*Collections within Oxford ring-road:
With the traffic situation meaning journeys going into and out of Oxford are taking so much longer than before, we are now limiting visits to clocks within the ring-road so the time from your enquiry and collection will be more than in previous years. Also the collection and delivery charge may be more than our usual fee to allow for this increase in travel time.
You can make an appointment by:
telephone
as we are so busy at the moment we can't always get to the phone or answer all of our messages so an email is often a better option.
We have suspended online bookings at the moment due to the volume of work we have in.
You can see a rough idea of costs on our price list but these prices are just a guide. We can give you a firm quote once we have seen your timepiece.
We usually give you a timeframe for how long we expect the repair to take – this is usually the minimum time we hope to have the work complete, however occasionally they do take a little longer.
You will be given a ticket receipt when you drop your timepiece off with us – if you call or email us, quoting the name and ticket number listed, we can find out whether your item is ready for you.
We are very proud and confident of our workmanship and all work is guaranteed.
The work we have carried out on clocks is guaranteed for two years,
the work carried out on watches is guaranteed for one year.
Please note that we guarantee the service carried out on your item – any other, additional work not listed on our service list (click here) is not covered under your guarantee.
Please also note that the guarantee is not transferrable if you were to sell on an item that has had a repair carried out by us.
We are very proud and confident of our workmanship and all work is guaranteed.
The work we have carried out on clocks is guaranteed for two years,
the work carried out on watches is guaranteed for one year.
Please note that we guarantee the service carried out on your item – any other, additional work not listed on our service list (click here) is not covered under your guarantee.
Please also note that the guarantee is not transferrable if you were to sell on an item that has had a repair carried out by us.
Recently a few customers have requested to use our bathroom facilities – please note that this is our home so we are not able to invite you indoors, however public toilets are available in Woodstock, Eynsham and Witney.
