Watch service in Ulm · battery, strap and overhaul

Flat battery, strap too long or an inherited watch? We do most jobs on site at our shop on Wengengasse, and services of mechanical movements are done by our partner workshop. Here you can find out what we can do for your watch and how to tell when it needs some attention.

Battery change

For quartz watches we usually change the battery straight away while you wait. It normally takes around five minutes, from 10 euros. On request we also check the seal at the same time.

Signs that the battery is running low:

• The watch loses time or stops now and then.
• On many quartz watches the second hand starts jumping several seconds at a time. That is a typical signal of an almost empty battery.
• The date no longer changes properly.

A tip: do not leave a flat battery in the watch for too long. Old batteries can leak and damage the movement. If you are not going to wear a watch for a while, changing the battery in good time is the safe choice.

Strap sizing and replacement

We size metal bracelets precisely to your wrist, right there in the shop. We replace leather and rubber straps and stock common sizes and colours. We keep replacement straps in leather, stainless steel and Milanese mesh, and if you need a particular length or colour, we can order it for you.

How a strap should fit:

• You can slip about one finger between the strap and your wrist.
• The watch does not slide over your wrist bone.
• In the evening, when hands swell slightly, the strap does not pinch.

Leather straps wear over time, especially with water and sweat. A new strap can make an older watch look almost new again.

Water resistance check

Worth doing before summer or a holiday: we check whether your watch is still sealed before it comes into contact with water.

Good to know: seals are made of rubber or plastic and become brittle over the years. A watch that was water resistant when you bought it will not necessarily stay that way forever. It is also sensible to have the water resistance checked after the case has been opened, for example for a battery change. We can replace worn seals and damaged glasses.

Warning signs of moisture getting in:

• condensation or small droplets under the glass
• rust or spots on the dial

If you notice either, bring the watch in as soon as you can, because moisture harms the movement.

Overhauling mechanical watches

Mechanical watches should be serviced every few years. During an overhaul the movement is cleaned, oiled and re-regulated. The oil inside the movement thickens over time and the fine parts then wear faster, so a regular overhaul keeps the watch in good condition for longer.

Services of mechanical movements are done by our partner workshop. We take in your watch and advise you on what is involved. Before we commission anything, you always receive a cost estimate, and work only starts once you agree.

Signs that an overhaul is due:

• The watch runs noticeably fast or slow.
• The power reserve is clearly shorter than it used to be.
• The crown is stiff to pull out or turn.

Valuing and buying old watches

Would you like to know what your old or inherited watch is worth? We will look at it free of charge and give you an honest assessment. Gold cases and precious metals are paid at the daily market price as part of our gold buying service. As required by law, we need a valid ID document for any purchase.

And if you are looking for a new watch: our main brand is Boccia titanium watches, light and kind to sensitive skin, alongside classic quartz models and automatic watches for women and men.

Drop by

Simply bring your watch in. You do not need an appointment for a battery change, strap adjustment or valuation. Battery changes and strap shortening are usually done on the spot, services and larger repairs go to the workshop with a quote first.