It’s a dangerous world out there, especially if you happen to be a wrist watch.
Alright, so maybe it’s not that dramatic, but there certainly are many things that can negatively affect the performance of your timepiece. We hope this list of the 5 things you need to look out for when dealing with a broken watch gives you some insight and “timely” advice to help diagnose your malfunctioning timekeeper.
Common Issues with Watches
1: Dead Battery
Dead batteries are the most common reason for a watch to stop working. Not all watches have batteries, but for those that do, you can expect them to last 1–1.5 years with a new timepiece and around a year if your watch is a replacement.
Have you noticed your watch skipping time and counting in two-second increments rather than one second at a time?
This is a common indicator that your battery is running low and needs to be replaced soon. Battery replacements start at just $19 and are done in-store while you wait — usually in about 10 minutes.
2: Water Damage
Another common reason for a watch not to work as it should is water damage. There are risks to wearing a watch in the water, especially ones that are not rated as water resistant or waterproof.
A single drop of water in the movement of a watch could ruin it. If a watch’s seal is broken, the gaskets may need replacing, and the repairs can intensify depending on the watch’s condition. Our technicians perform complete water resistance testing and gasket replacement in-house to restore your watch’s seal.
To avoid water damage, we recommend removing your watch before swimming or showering unless it’s specifically rated for water exposure.
3: Extreme Temperatures
Not only can water damage your watch, but so can extreme temperatures. The temperatures that are considered “extreme” for each watch brand is different, so it is important to look up the recommendations for your particular watch.
Although watches with quartz and automatic movements can be affected by extreme temperatures, the effects are most pronounced in mechanical watches, whose internal workings expand and contract depending upon the temperature, causing them to “gain time” in frigid weather and “lose time” in hot weather.
4: Impact Damage
We use our hands every day, and if you’re like us, so do our watches! With the wear and tear of everyday life, it can be expected to have an impact on your timepieces. Most often, the wear on watches is minimal, but whether it be from work, play, or even a simple accident or drop, impacts can scratch or break the cases of watches or affect the internal mechanisms of a timepiece.
This results in inconsistent or inaccurate timekeeping, and in some events, a watch that stops ticking altogether. In these cases, it’s recommended to have the watch examined by a professional watch technician who can assess both the cosmetic and functional needs. Common impact repairs include crystal replacement, case polishing, and hand and marker realignment.
5: Manufacturer Error
One of the most beautiful things about analog or traditional timepieces is that their anatomy is complex and meticulously designed, built to harness the elusive construct of time itself. This inherent complexity is often the greatest source of awe for anyone who has seen the internal workings of a watch, but it can also be the Achilles’ heel.
This is because as brilliant as watchmakers are, they are as human as you are, and mistakes can happen. In the event of an undiagnosable problem with your timepiece, you can generally contact the manufacturer or bring it to an experienced watch repair shop in St. Louis for a diagnosis and next steps.
Bonus: Lacks Pressure Testing
6: Missing Pressure Test
Did you know that the very act of getting your watch repaired can potentially cause issues with it if you miss this one step?
A critical step in the watch repair process that is often overlooked is a pressure test, which is the two-step process of testing the seals of the watch in a dry and wet setting to assure that the watch retains its original water resistance.
If this is not done, or done by someone who isn’t a certified watch technician with the proper equipment and training, it could result in debris, such as moisture or dust getting into the watch. This is why it is essential to get a pressure test performed by a certified watch technician whenever you have batteries changed or perform any alterations that involve removing the caseback. Pressure tests are quick and inexpensive — but skipping one can cost you a lot more down the road.
Troubleshooting Common Watch Issues: Diagnose and Resolve
As you’ve read, from a dead battery, to water damage, extreme temperatures, impacts, and simple human error upon assembly, there are a lot of possible reasons for a malfunctioning watch. Luckily though, there are even more reasons to be optimistic, as for every problem that arises exists someone to help you find a solution.
Wondering how much your repair might cost? Check out our guide on how much watch repair should cost for a detailed pricing breakdown.
If you want to find out exactly why your watch stopped working, walk into any of our three St. Louis locations for a free inspection and estimate — no appointment needed.
Creve Coeur — 11483 Olive Blvd | (314) 513-8455 | Mon–Sat 9am–5pm
Des Peres — West County Center | Mon–Thu 11am–7pm, Fri–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 11am–6pm
Chesterfield — Inside Dierbergs | Mon–Sat 10am–5pm
Every repair is completed in-house by our own technicians — your watch never leaves our shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common reason a watch stops working?
A dead battery is the most common cause. Most quartz watch batteries last 1–1.5 years. If your watch is skipping seconds or running in two-second increments, the battery is likely low and needs replacing.
Can water damage a watch even if it’s water resistant?
Yes. Water resistance ratings degrade over time as gaskets wear out. A watch that was once water resistant may no longer be after years of use or after a battery change that didn’t include a pressure test. We recommend having seals tested annually if you regularly expose your watch to water.
What is a pressure test and why does it matter?
A pressure test checks that your watch’s case is properly sealed after a repair — particularly after a battery change or any service that involves removing the caseback. Skipping it can allow moisture or dust into the movement. Watch Technicians performs pressure tests in-house on every applicable repair.
How do I know if my watch has impact damage?
Signs of impact damage include a cracked or scratched crystal, a loose crown, inconsistent timekeeping, or a watch that stops intermittently. Bring it in for a free inspection — our technicians can assess both cosmetic and functional damage on the spot.
How much does watch repair cost in St. Louis?
Battery replacements start at $19. Crystal replacements, movement overhauls, and other repairs vary by watch type and brand. See our full watch repair cost guide for a detailed breakdown, or stop in for a free estimate.