VINTAGE WATCH RESTORATION
Vintage watches deserve specialist care that understands their unique character, history, and value. At SwissMade, our watchmakers bring over 200 years of combined experience to every vintage restoration, treating each timepiece with the respect and expertise it deserves. From Art Deco dress watches to iconic 1960s sports chronographs, we deliver sympathetic restorations that preserve originality while ensuring reliable daily performance. Based in Hatton Garden since 1985, we've earned the trust of collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts across the UK.
Why SwissMade for Vintage Restoration?
- Free detailed diagnostics and estimate
- Comprehensive 2-year warranty
- Sympathetic restoration preserving originality
- Specialist vintage parts supplier network
- 4 decades of craftsmanship excellence
All vintage restorations are backed by our comprehensive 2-year warranty so you can trust your treasured timepiece is in the safest hands.
Start Your Restoration
Vintage Specialists
- 200+ years combined experience
- Specialist parts network
- Discontinued calibre expertise
2-Year Warranty
- Double the industry standard
- Quality guaranteed
- Complete peace of mind
Free Insured Shipping
- Up to £25,000 coverage
- Secure nationwide service
- Track every step online
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What our customers say
Our Vintage Restoration Services
Vintage Movement Service
From £195
Complete disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, inspection, and reassembly of your vintage movement. Worn parts are carefully sourced and replaced, with fresh lubricants applied throughout. Timing is regulated to the best achievable accuracy for the calibre.
Free EstimateVintage Case Refinishing
From £85
Professional case and bracelet refinishing that removes scratches and wear while preserving the original finish and proportions. We understand the difference between a collector-grade restoration and a fashion polish — your watch's character is always respected.
Free EstimateVintage Dial Restoration
From £150
Expert dial restoration for faded, damaged, or deteriorated dials. We can restore original printing, re-lume hands and indices, and repair lacquer damage while maintaining the authentic character of your vintage piece.
Free EstimateComplete Vintage Restoration
Price on Application
A comprehensive restoration covering movement, case, dial, and bracelet. Every component is assessed, restored, or sympathetically replaced. The ultimate service for collectors seeking to bring a vintage timepiece back to its best while preserving its soul.
Free EstimateTypes of Vintage We Service
1920s–1940s Art Deco
Elegant rectangular and tonneau cases, enamel dials, hand-wound movements from the golden age of watchmaking design.
1940s–1950s Military
Robust field watches, pilot chronographs, and military-issued timepieces built for reliability in demanding conditions.
1950s–1960s Golden Era
The birth of iconic sports watches — early Submariners, Speedmasters, and Polerouters that defined modern horology.
1960s–1970s Tool Watches
Purpose-built dive watches, GMT complications, and chronographs from the era when watches were essential professional instruments.
1970s–1980s Quartz Era
Early quartz movements, LED and LCD digital watches, and the mechanical survivors that weathered the quartz revolution.
Pocket Watches
Antique pocket watches from all eras — lever escapements, cylinder movements, and precision railway-grade timekeepers.
Our Vintage Restoration Process
Expert care for your vintage timepiece in 6 steps
1. Free Collection & Insurance
Request your free postage pack online. Your vintage watch is fully insured up to £25,000 from the moment it leaves your hands. Track your timepiece every step through our secure online portal.
2. Condition Assessment
Our vintage specialists photograph, examine, and assess your watch in detail. You'll receive a comprehensive condition report and restoration estimate — we only proceed with your approval.
3. Parts Sourcing
We draw on our specialist supplier network to source genuine or period-correct parts for your specific calibre and reference. This process ensures authenticity is maintained throughout.
4. Sympathetic Restoration
Your watch is carefully restored by our vintage specialists. Every decision balances functionality with preserving the original character, patina, and collector value of your timepiece.
5. Testing & Regulation
Your restored watch undergoes timing regulation, function testing, and water resistance checks where applicable. Vintage movements are timed to the best achievable accuracy for the calibre.
6. Return & Warranty
After final quality control, your restored vintage watch is returned via insured courier. Every restoration is backed by our comprehensive 2-year warranty.
Average turnaround 10 - 14 weeks
Brands We Service
Official London Service Centre for Luxury Watch Brands
SwissMade is an Official UK Service Centre for Omega, TAG Heuer, Cartier, Baume & Mercier, Longines, Tissot, Hamilton, Certina, Ebel, and Fortis. All luxury watch repairs and servicing are carried out using genuine manufacturer-supplied parts with Swiss-level precision and certified expertise.
London's Vintage Watch Restoration Specialists
Vintage watches present unique challenges that require specialist knowledge, patience, and access to the right parts. At SwissMade, we've been restoring vintage timepieces from our Hatton Garden workshop since 1985, building relationships with specialist suppliers worldwide and developing expertise in discontinued calibres that few workshops can match.
Our approach is always sympathetic — we preserve original dials, maintain authentic patina, and replace only what's necessary to ensure reliable performance. We understand that a vintage watch's imperfections often contribute to its character and value, and our restorations reflect that philosophy.
With over 75,000 watches restored and a team boasting 200+ years of combined experience, we've earned the trust of collectors, auction houses, and enthusiasts who demand the highest standard of vintage care. Every restoration is backed by our 2-year warranty — double the industry standard.
Frequently asked questions
What types of vintage watches can SwissMade restore?
We restore vintage watches from all eras and manufacturers — from 1920s Art Deco dress watches through to 1980s quartz-era pieces, including pocket watches. Our team has particular expertise in vintage Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, and other prestigious Swiss brands. Whether your watch needs a simple service or a comprehensive restoration, our vintage specialists have the experience and parts network to handle it.
How much does vintage watch restoration cost?
Costs vary depending on the scope of work required:
- Vintage Movement Service — from £195
- Vintage Case Refinishing — from £85
- Vintage Dial Restoration — from £150
- Complete Vintage Restoration — Price on Application
Every restoration begins with a free, detailed condition assessment and estimate. We only proceed with your approval, so there are never any surprises.
How long does vintage watch restoration take?
Most vintage restorations take 10–14 weeks, depending on the complexity of work and parts availability. Sourcing genuine or period-correct parts for discontinued calibres can sometimes extend this timeline. We keep you informed at every stage and will always let you know if we anticipate any delays.
Will restoration affect my vintage watch's value?
Our sympathetic approach is specifically designed to protect and often enhance your watch's value. We preserve original dials, maintain authentic patina, and use period-correct parts wherever possible. For collector-grade pieces, we'll discuss every decision with you before proceeding. A properly serviced vintage watch with a documented service history from a reputable workshop like SwissMade is typically worth more than an unserviced example.
Can I visit your London workshop for a consultation?
Absolutely! We welcome visitors to our Hatton Garden workshop Monday to Friday, 9am–5:30pm. Bring your vintage watch in for a free initial assessment and we can discuss the best restoration approach in person. Our address is SwissMade Ltd, 21-22 Arundel House, 43 Kirby Street, London, EC1N 8TE. Nearest stations: Chancery Lane (3 min walk) and Farringdon (5 min walk).
Find us
Visit Our Hatton Garden Workshop
Address
SwissMade Ltd21-22 Arundel House
43 Kirby Street
London EC1N 8TE
Opening hours
- Mon to Fri
- 9:00am to 5:30pm
- Saturday
- By appointment
- Sunday
- Closed
Getting here
- Chancery Lane (Central line), 3 min walk
- Farringdon (Underground and rail), 5 min walk
