A fine watch is one of the few things you own that genuinely improves with the right care. Serviced regularly by a skilled watchmaker, a quality timepiece can last a lifetime — and then some. Left too long without attention, even the most precise Swiss movement can wear prematurely, lose accuracy, or fail altogether.
At Franco Jewellers on Collins Street, Melbourne, our dedicated in-house watchmaker specialises in the service and repair of luxury Swiss timepieces. This is not a drop-off-and-post-away service, and it is not a generalist repair counter. Your watch is assessed, serviced, and returned by a qualified watchmaker who works exclusively from our Collins Street boutique — someone whose sole focus is the precision care your timepiece deserves.
Swiss Watch Repairs and Servicing — Our Specialisation
Not every watch repairer is equipped to work on luxury Swiss movements. The tolerances involved, the availability of genuine parts, and the technical knowledge required to service high-end mechanical and automatic watches correctly sets specialist watchmakers apart from general repairers.
Our watchmaker is qualified to service and repair a range of prestigious Swiss brands, including Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, and other luxury timepieces. Whether your watch has stopped, is running fast or slow, requires a full service overhaul, or needs a specific component replaced, your piece will be handled with the precision and respect it warrants.
Complete Watch Services We Offer
Full service and overhaul: A complete strip-down of the movement, ultrasonic cleaning of all components, inspection for wear, replacement of any worn parts with genuine components, reassembly, lubrication, regulation, and timing tests. This is the comprehensive service your watch needs every three to five years to maintain accuracy and longevity.
Mechanical and automatic watch repair: Diagnosis and repair of movement faults, worn components, mainspring issues, rotor problems, and escapement irregularities. Our watchmaker works with both vintage and contemporary mechanical movements.
Battery replacement: Quartz watch battery replacement using the correct cell for your specific model, with proper case resealing to maintain water resistance integrity. Battery replacements that compromise the water resistance seal are a common — and avoidable — mistake. We do not cut corners here.
Water resistance testing and resealing: Pressure testing to manufacturer specifications, with resealing where required. Essential after any battery replacement or case opening, and recommended annually for watches regularly worn near water.
Crystal and glass replacement: Replacement of scratched, cracked, or damaged watch crystals using appropriate sapphire, mineral, or acrylic crystal matched to your model.
Bracelet, strap, and clasp repairs: Repair or replacement of metal bracelets, leather straps, rubber straps, and clasp mechanisms. We can source replacement straps for most luxury watch brands.
Polishing and case refinishing: Professional polishing and refinishing of watch cases and bracelets to restore the original finish. We advise carefully on when polishing is appropriate — over-polishing can reduce the value of a collector’s piece, and we will always discuss this with you before proceeding.
Vintage watch restoration: Sympathetic restoration of vintage timepieces, with a focus on maintaining originality and function. If you have an inherited watch that hasn’t run in years, bring it in for an assessment before assuming it’s beyond repair.
Why Have Your Watch Serviced by Franco Jewellers?
Melbourne has no shortage of watch repair options. What it has fewer of is watchmakers operating within an established, trusted luxury jewellery environment — with the history, infrastructure, and client relationships that entails.
Franco Jewellers has been part of Melbourne’s Collins Street since 1968. In that time, we have built our reputation on one principle: the people who bring us their most treasured possessions deserve to know exactly who is caring for them. That applies to a custom engagement ring, and it applies equally to a Rolex that has been in your family for thirty years.
Our watchmaker works exclusively from our boutique. Your watch does not leave the building to be assessed by someone you have never met. Silvana or Daniela can speak to you directly about what the assessment has found, what work is recommended, and what the cost will be — before any work begins. There are no surprises on collection, and there is no pressure to approve repairs beyond what your watch genuinely needs.
The Collins Street boutique setting also means your watch is held securely in our 9th floor premises throughout the process. We provide a written receipt and condition report when you leave your watch with us, and it remains fully insured in our care until you collect it.
Luxury Watch Brands We Service
Our watchmaker is qualified and experienced in servicing and repairing the following brands, among others:
Rolex — Omega — TAG Heuer — Breitling — IWC — Longines — Tissot — Seiko — Citizen — Rado — and other Swiss mechanical and quartz movements.
If you are unsure whether we can service your specific watch, call us on (03) 9564 7755 or bring it in for an obligation-free assessment. We will tell you honestly whether it is something we can handle in-house, or whether it requires a brand-authorised service centre.
How the Watch Repair Process Works
Bringing your watch to Franco Jewellers for service is a straightforward process, and we are happy to guide you through it.
Assessment: Bring your watch into our boutique at Suite 904, 220 Collins Street. Our watchmaker will examine it and provide an assessment of its condition, the work recommended, and an accurate quote. There is no charge for this initial assessment.
Approval: We present the assessment findings and quote to you clearly — either in person or by phone — before any work begins. You decide what to proceed with. We will never commence repairs without your written approval.
Servicing: All work is carried out in-house by our watchmaker. For full service overhauls, you can expect a turnaround of two to four weeks depending on current workshop load and parts availability. Simpler repairs such as battery replacements and strap changes can often be completed while you wait or within a few days.
Collection: When your watch is ready, we contact you to arrange collection. On pick-up, we walk you through the work completed and provide guidance on the appropriate service interval for your specific timepiece going forward.
What Our Customers Have to Say
Frequently Asked Questions About Watch Repairs in Melbourne
How often should a luxury watch be serviced?
Most Swiss watch manufacturers recommend a full service overhaul every three to five years for mechanical and automatic watches. Quartz watches generally require less frequent servicing, though annual battery checks and water resistance testing are advisable for watches worn regularly near water.
How much does watch servicing cost in Melbourne?
Service costs vary depending on the brand, movement type, and work required. A battery replacement is a straightforward, lower-cost service. A full overhaul of a complex mechanical movement involves significantly more time and expertise. We provide an accurate, obligation-free quote after assessing your watch — there are no surprises.
Can you service a watch that’s still under manufacturer warranty?
Servicing a watch under manufacturer warranty at a non-authorised repairer can void that warranty. We recommend checking your warranty terms before proceeding. If your watch is within warranty and has a fault, we are happy to advise you on whether a warranty service through the brand is the more appropriate path.
Do I need an appointment to bring my watch in?
Walk-ins are welcome Monday to Saturday between 11am and 4pm. For a dedicated conversation about a complex service or vintage restoration, booking an appointment ensures you have uninterrupted time with us. Call (03) 9564 7755, email franco@franco.com.au, or book online.
Is my watch insured while it’s in your care?
Yes. All timepieces left with us are fully insured and held securely in our Collins Street boutique throughout the service process. We provide a written receipt and condition report on drop-off.
Book a Watch Assessment at Our Collins Street Boutique
If your watch needs attention — or if it is simply due for a routine service — bring it in to Franco Jewellers for an obligation-free assessment. Our watchmaker will examine it, explain what it needs, and provide a clear quote before any work begins.
Franco Jewellers is located at Suite 904, Manchester Unity Building, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne — on the 9th floor of one of Melbourne’s most iconic heritage buildings. We are accessible via public transport, with Flinders Street Station a short walk away and multiple tram routes running directly along Collins Street.
Walk-ins are welcome Monday to Saturday, 11am–4pm. Sunday visits are by appointment only. Call us on (03) 9564 7755 or email franco@franco.com.au to arrange a time.
We also offer expert jewellery repairs and remodelling services for rings, necklaces, earrings, and heirloom pieces — all carried out in-house by our master jeweller with 25+ years of experience.
Contact Information:
📍 Melbourne CBD Showroom (by appointment)
📞 Call: (03) 9650 5133
📧 Email: enquiries@franco.com.au
