Longines Customer Service — Expert Guide

Overview: brand background and where to start

Longines, founded in 1832 and headquartered in Saint‑Imier (Canton of Bern, Switzerland), is a long‑established Swiss watchmaker and a member of the Swatch Group. If you own a Longines watch and need service, the single most reliable starting point is the brand’s official website (https://www.longines.com), which maintains the up‑to‑date list of authorized dealers, after‑sales / service centers and localized contact methods for every country.

Longines sells watches in 150+ countries and maintains a global after‑sales network of brand boutiques and authorized service centers. Because warranty, parts and water‑resistance certification depend on repair provenance and parts provenance, contacting an authorized Longines service center (listed on the website) or the retailer that sold the watch is the recommended first step for accurate diagnostics, estimates and preservation of value.

Warranty: scope, duration and documentation

Longines issues an international warranty that covers manufacturing defects for a fixed period from the date of original purchase; the standard international warranty period for Longines watches is two years. To make a warranty claim you must present the completed warranty card or an invoice showing the date and the authorized retailer’s stamp; without this documentation repairs may be charged as out‑of‑warranty.

Typical warranty exclusions include normal wear and tear (scratches on case and bracelet), damage to straps (leather, textile and rubber), accidental damage, loss or theft, and damage resulting from improper use (e.g., crown left unscrewed when exposed to water). Water‑resistance failure is covered only if the service history and the watch’s use comply with the manufacturer’s instructions and the sealed warranty conditions—so always retain the stamped warranty card and any service receipts.

Service process: how to prepare and what to expect

Before you send a watch for service, record the serial/reference numbers (usually on the caseback), take dated photos of the watch (condition and any visible defects), and ensure any original warranty card and proof of purchase are included. Contact the Longines service center (via the website’s Service Centers locator) to obtain a repair authorization number (RMA) or appointment; this avoids delays and ensures parts availability checks are performed before shipment.

Turnaround times depend on the job: a battery replacement and pressure test typically takes 5–14 business days; a full quartz movement repair or basic mechanical service normally requires 4–8 weeks; complex mechanical overhauls or parts replacements (e.g., rare vintage calibers or chronograph modules) can take 6–12+ weeks. Always ship with insurance for the full retail or declared value and use a tracked, signed delivery method—the service center will provide shipping instructions if you are mailing the watch.

Packing and documentation checklist

• Include the stamped warranty card or original sales invoice (date and retailer) and state the problem in writing.
• Photograph the watch (front, caseback, crown, clasp) and include photos with the parcel; note the serial/reference numbers.
• Remove non‑original accessories; pack watch in a padded box and use a double box with at least 3–5 cm of cushioning; insure for full declared value.
• Request an RMA or service order number from Longines before shipping and retain courier tracking and proof of posting.

Authorized service vs independent watchmakers

Sending your Longines to an authorized Longines Service Center ensures factory technical bulletins are followed, genuine Longines parts are used, and the work is recorded on official service history—important for resale value and water‑resistance guarantees. Authorized work typically includes written estimates, parts traceability and a service warranty (commonly 12–24 months on the repair itself).

Independent watchmakers can offer lower prices and faster turnarounds for routine tasks, but they may not use original Longines parts or document work in a way that preserves the manufacturer warranty. For vintage Longines where parts are unobtainable, an experienced independent watchmaker may be appropriate; for modern models, official service is generally the safest route to preserve function and value.

Costs, maintenance intervals and practical savings

Costs vary by region and model complexity. Typical market ranges (approximate, region‑dependent) are: battery replacement and pressure test $60–$120; basic quartz repair $150–$350; complete mechanical service/overhaul $300–$900; replacement sapphire crystal $80–$350; polishing and bracelet refurbishment $100–$300. Longines will provide an itemized estimate before proceeding for any work outside routine battery changes.

Recommended maintenance intervals: mechanical movements every 4–6 years (more often with heavy daily wear or exposure to sports), battery replacement for quartz every 18–30 months, and a water‑resistance check after any battery change or annually for regular swimmers/divers. To reduce expense, maintain the watch (avoid impacts, hot saunas, unnecessary crown manipulation), buy from authorized retailers to preserve the warranty, and compare quotes from local authorized service centers—prices can differ across countries due to VAT and labor rates.

Typical cost ranges (guideline)

• Battery change + pressure test: $60–$120 (USD) or €50–€100 (EUR)
• Quartz movement repair/partial service: $150–$350 / €130–€320
• Mechanical complete service (ETA‑based Longines calibers): $300–$900 / €260–€800
• Crystal replacement, pushers, gaskets and polishing: additional $80–$400 depending on parts and finish

For precise contact details, authorized service addresses and localized pricing, always consult the official Longines website (https://www.longines.com) and use the “Service Centers” or “Contact” pages to get the correct phone number, mailing address and service form for your country. If you are in doubt, the retailer who sold the watch or a local Longines boutique can open a service order for you and advise on expected costs and timelines.