Movado Customer Service & Repairs — Expert Guide

Overview: Movado warranty, history, and official support

Movado was founded in 1881 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and remains known for precision quartz and automatic movements as well as the Museum Watch (design by Nathan George Horwitt, 1947). For owners seeking repair or service, the first authoritative source is Movado’s official support channels at movado.com (Support / Customer Service) — this portal lists warranty terms, authorized service centers, and the brand’s repair submission instructions.

Movado provides a limited international warranty that, as of 2024, covers defects in materials and workmanship for 2 years from the date of retail purchase. The warranty typically does not cover normal wear and tear, batteries, crystal scratches caused by impact, straps/bracelets, or water damage from misuse. For anything outside warranty coverage, Movado’s authorized service centers will provide a written estimate before performing repairs.

How to prepare and submit a Movado for repair

Before sending a watch in, collect three items: the original proof of purchase (retailer receipt or e‑receipt), the warranty card (if supplied), and the watch’s serial/reference number (usually engraved on the caseback). If you do not have the original box or papers, a clear photograph of the watch’s front and caseback speeds identification. Use the online Movado service request form at movado.com/support to start the process — this creates a ticket number you should keep for tracking.

Packaging and shipping: use a rigid box with at least 2 inches (5 cm) of protective padding, place the watch in a small padded container inside the box, and insure the shipment for the watch’s retail value. Movado and authorized centers will normally require a physical shipment — overnight options exist but are more costly. Keep copies of tracking and insurance receipts. If you want in-person service, use Movado’s authorized retailer locator on movado.com to find local service points; unofficial local watchmakers can perform repairs but will void official warranty coverage.

Checklist: What to include when sending a watch

• Proof of purchase (receipt, invoice) and warranty card — required to validate warranty claims.
• Completed service request form or a printed service ticket number from movado.com/support.
• Description of the problem (e.g., “stopped running,” “loses 20+ seconds/day,” “water ingress”), preferred contact method, and return shipping address.
• Photos of the watch (front and back) and any visible damage; remove personal engravings or accessories not required for service.
• Insurance and tracking documentation for your records — insure for replacement value when shipping.

Common Movado repairs, realistic turnaround times and price ranges

Movado watches are predominantly quartz; common authorized repairs include battery replacement, crystal replacement, case refinishing, strap/bracelet replacement, movement repair or replacement, and water-resistance restoration (pressure test and gasket replacement). Typical turnaround times depend on the repair complexity: battery and gasket replacements often return in 7–14 business days; movement overhauls or parts replacements typically take 3–6 weeks; rare-component sourcing for discontinued models can extend the timeline to 8–12 weeks.

Price ranges vary by region and model. Expect approximate costs (U.S. retail estimates, 2024): battery and water-resistance check $40–$90; crystal replacement $80–$250; factory strap or bracelet replacement $75–$350 depending on material; quartz movement replacement $150–$450; full mechanical overhaul $400–$1,200 for automatic calibers. These are typical retail-authorized estimates — independent watchmakers can be less or more depending on parts and warranty implications.

Common repair price examples

• Battery + reseal + pressure test: $40–$90 (quartz Movado simple models).
• Crystal replacement (mineral or sapphire): $80–$250 depending on sapphire size and finishing.
• Movement diagnosis + service (quartz): $150–$450; (mechanical/automatic overhaul): $400–$1,200.
• Bracelet/strap replacement (factory): $75–$350; aftermarket straps vary $20–$200.

Authorized service vs third-party repair — risks, parts, and resale value

Using Movado authorized service centers preserves the factory warranty and ensures genuine Movado parts and testing procedures (including water-resistance certification in bars/ATM). Authorized repairs are documented and typically increase buyer confidence at resale; a serviced watch with factory service receipts can command a higher secondary-market value than one with unknown repair history.

Third-party watchmakers can perform high-quality work and may save money, but using non-authorized repair services may void remaining factory warranty and can introduce non-genuine components. For vintage or discontinued Movado models (older than ~15–30 years), OEM parts may be scarce; in those cases, a conservative third-party specialist with expertise in vintage Swiss movements can be the pragmatic choice — but insist on a written parts warranty and clear documentation of the work done.

Practical tips, contact reference, and final recommendations

If you need immediate assistance, use Movado’s official support page at movado.com/support to submit requests and track tickets. Keep all service receipts and the original proof of purchase in a safe place — these documents are often required for warranty validation. For collectors, schedule routine maintenance every 3–5 years for mechanical movements and every 5–7 years for quartz owners who want longevity, even if the watch appears to run fine.

Finally, document the watch condition with photos before sending it off, insure the shipment at full replacement value, and request an itemized estimate in writing before any non-warranty work is performed. Following these steps will minimize surprises and protect the long-term value and performance of your Movado timepiece.