The 5 Trusted Shops for the Best Watch Repair in Melbourne
A mechanical watch can stop keeping accurate time for dozens of reasons. The hands move slowly, or they do not move at all, and there is no way to tell what is actually wrong without opening the watch and testing it properly.
Most repairers identify the most visibly worn part, replace it, and return the watch to running. But if the root cause was not found, the watch fails altogether soon enough, and the repair quote is now three times what it was the first time.
That pattern is common and almost entirely determined by who you hand the watch to in the first place. That is why we researched Melbourne’s watch repair market to find the repairers who actually diagnose before they fix. Here is what we found.
How much does it cost to get a watch repaired in Melbourne?
It costs at least $20 to fix a watch in Melbourne. This is just an estimated cost. The actual cost will depend on the kind of watch repair, the kind of watch, and more.
1. The Watch Lab Repair Centre
Address: SUITE 514 LEVEL 5/343 Little Collins St
Contact Details: +61479078880
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
The Watch Lab Repair Centre is the shop for luxury watch repair in Melbourne. They combine hands-on repair work with a showroom carrying authenticated pieces from Rolex, Omega, and Cartier.
They are most popular for their custom diamond fitment service. We loved browsing through their selection of high-quality diamonds. For that custom fit, their technicians take proper measurements of the watch before suggesting an appropriate diamond.
As far as repairs go, the parts they use here are 100% original. We like that they don’t use fakes or cheap alternative parts.
Watch collectors we spoke to appreciate that they fully strip the watch, ultrasonically clean it, and give it back in even better condition.
Customers also value the smooth battery replacements and reseals. They place a new sealed gasket around the back of the watch every time.
We think their pressure test is a nice final touch to keep out leaks for those who wear their watches in and out of the water.
That said, a few people have complained about the glass replacements. For the most part, their techs do a great job replacing the glass, but others have said that sometimes a few stray marks are left behind.
a massive 5 star review for being so helpful!
“I have to give these guys a massive 5 star review for being so helpful! I bought a strap for my Apple Watch and it was way too big and brought it to them to remove a 2 links.
They removed it and I wasn’t sure it was the right sizing for my wrist and went back and they happily added a link to the watch again for me. It was then too big and I discussed potentially removing the added link again and they were more than happy to do so! Huge thank you the all the guys in the watch lab repair and sorry for being so annoying!! Cannot recommend them enough!!”
- Amy Conneely Google Reviews
Good work the watch lab repair centre👌
“Got my Seiko watch repaired at The Watch Lab Repair centre , and they did an amazing job! The staff was friendly, explained everything clearly, and fixed it quickly. My watch looks and works like new. Highly recommend them! Good work the watch lab repair centre👌”
- Gaming With Sanky Google Reviews
2. David East Jewellers and Watch Repairers
Address: Suite 503/227 Collins St
Contact Details: +61396546333
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 2:30 PM
Battery replacement watch Melbourne customers seem to find their way to David East Jewellers once they discover that battery repairs start from $20. They work with the lithium, kinetic, and solar batteries.
We love that they use brands like Renata, Maxell, and Seiko. These are quality lithium cells rather than the generic alternatives some cheaper services default to.
As far as other repairs go, customers we interviewed appreciate the high level of repair work. Several people we spoke with raved about their precise dial repair and expert matching leather band replacements.
Others told us their oil & lubricating work has helped their old watches stay looking new. Their hand replacement and demagnetization also contribute to their expert watch revivals.
The range of brands they work with, using genuine replacement parts, is extensive too. We like that they work with luxury brands like Omega and Rolex, as well as everyday names like Fossil and Casio.
However, the catch here is that David East operates on appointments only with no walk-ins.
The result was beautiful
“Jarrod at David East Jewellers was terrific to interact with. I had a major repair required on an engagement ring that had sentimental value. He talked me through the options to repair and recommended the best one for my ring. The result was beautiful and the cost reasonable compared to other jewellers. I can’t recommend them highly enough.”
- Caroline Ruddick Google Reviews
very reasonable price, thanks so much
“I took my 35 year old Rip Curl watch in for repair. We discovered it (surprisingly) had a Swiss movement in it. Jarrod managed to source and install a replacement Swiss movement for a very reasonable price, thanks so much :)”
- Matthew Sculley Google Reviews
3. Melbourne Watch Repairs
Address: Level 10/92-94 Elizabeth St
Contact Details: +61407311197
Operating Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday, Friday – 11 AM to 3 PM
Melbourne Watch Repairs has spent 30+ years working on Swiss watches. Their Swiss watch repair in Melbourne follows a thorough five-step process.
To start, they fully dismantle the watch, clean off any grime, and then inspect it.
People we interviewed said their techs found problems with their watch gear, explained the issue, and replaced each damaged piece with authentic parts.
After the damage is sorted, their watch technicians lubricate each piece with oil before reassembling. Customers appreciate how they don’t drown the parts in oil, but put just enough to get their watches working again.
Their final quality check is what sets the service apart: testing automatic winding, accuracy, and verifying water resistance. The meticulous ultrasonic cleaning and polishing leave timepieces looking as good as they perform.
Each watch is also covered by a 12-month guarantee. This gives many people peace of mind and confidence in their repair work.
Our only issue? Melbourne Watch Repair isn’t the best for other watches outside of Swiss brands.
Wonderful service
“Wonderful service. Absolute fair pricing.
I have been there few times for service, repair, battery replacement and watchband adjustments. Totally recommend them since it is not easy to find reliable and resourceful watchmaker if you are new in Melbourne.”
- Nathalie Zamani Google Reviews
Thanks guys, much appreciated
“Took both my Rolexes in for a service, repair and band adjustment. Wonderful service and fair pricing. Highly experienced repairers and very trustworthy. Thanks guys, much appreciated.”
- Angela Trz’an Google Reviews
4. MigiTech Watch and Glasses Repair
Address: level 3 301/125 Swanston St
Contact Details: +61399430140
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 3 PM
MigiTech sounds like a phone repair company, but their focus is actually on premium watch brands. They treat pieces from Tag Heuer, Rado, Longines, Breitling, Tissot, Rolex, and Raymond Weil with genuine care.
Their battery service is very customer-friendly. People we interviewed appreciate that they’ll swap out batteries for any brand. We like that they suggest a tune-up alongside it, but they never push the extra cost.
Watch collectors appreciate their quartz conversion option because it’s a smart solution for older watches.
Similar to how app developers update software integration to keep programs running reliably, MigiTech updates mechanical or electronic movements with regulated quartz systems. They do it all without altering the original face, hands, or casing.
Even smaller jobs, such as stem and crown fixes, band adjustments, or lubrication work, are well executed. People we spoke to appreciate that they source parts carefully and prioritize quality.
That said, the crystal replacement is a sticking point for some. While the glass itself is always authentic, the wait times can stretch longer than advertised. A few customers we talked to mentioned being told two weeks and waiting closer to a month.
Professional & affordable watch repairers
“Migitech are the most knowledgeable, professional & affordable watch repairers I’ve encountered. Had many watches serviced & repaired with them over the years. Ive found them to be honest and reasonably priced. They also do pre-purchase watch inspections for vintage & used pieces.’
- Craig Hill, Google Reviews
Level of service and knowledge was exceptional
“Migitech has just completed servicing and repairs to 3 of my watches. The level of service and knowledge was exceptional. Second to none! Just simple things of polishing the watch as part of the service put a smile on my face in seeing them new again. I highly recommend Migitech and look forward in dealing with them again. Tony”
- Tony, Google Reviews
5. Bob Shao Watchmaker
Address: 100 Russell St
Contact Details: +61396501274
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 3 PM
In a city full of watch repair shops, Bob Shao operates as a one-man operation out of a shopfront that barely announces itself from the street.
He is a highly experienced watchmaker in Melbourne who has been doing this long enough that most of his work arrives through word of mouth.
A few people we spoke to told us that they’ve brought in nearly dead mechanical watches and walked out with watches working as good as new.
We like how Bob looks at every watch, identifies the issue, and has it running right. The prices he offers are also more reasonable than those of other watch repairers we’ve visited.
Others we interviewed appreciate that he takes care of watches that carry more sentimental weight than monetary value, like they are his own.
He seems to understand better than most that people are not always handing over a watch. Sometimes they are handing over something they are not willing to lose.
However, Bob has no current website. This could be annoying for anyone trying to confirm if he handles their type of watch before making the trip.
What a fantastic experience!
“What a fantastic experience! Although I only needed a battery replacement he was fantastic! Did it right there and then super fast and charged me such a reasonable price (I was expecting to be ridiculously overcharged as most Melbourne services are) I don’t often leave reviews but I was so pleasantly surprised by the speed, friendliness and reliability of this watch repair that I felt compelled!”
- Allira Smith Google Reviews
he did a great job
“I recently asked Bob to repair an old Datex watch mid to late 60s, he did a great job runs perfectly and keeps perfect time. All done at a modest affordable price, he is now restoring a Seiko 5 late 60s-early 70s can’t wait to see the result.”
- Peter Fatouros Google Reviews