Watch Repair Service in London & Across the UK
Martin Oliva is London's trusted watch repair specialist and Master Jeweller. With decades of hands-on experience and a workshop at the heart of South Woodford, we restore, service, and repair timepieces of every kind — from everyday quartz watches to the world's most prestigious luxury brands. Every repair is carried out with the same precision, transparency, and care that defines everything we do.
Expert Care for Every Timepiece
At Martin Oliva, watch repair is not a side service — it is a core part of our craft. Our specialist has the training and tools to work on mechanical, automatic, quartz, and vintage watches, treating every piece with the care it deserves.
From a simple battery change to a full movement overhaul, each job is assessed individually and carried out to the highest standard. We offer transparent pricing and keep you informed at every step, so you always know exactly what is happening with your watch.
Drop in to our South Woodford studio or take advantage of our nationwide postal watch repair service — we service customers across London and throughout the UK. All watchwork is backed by a 12-month guarantee.
Brands We Service
Our workshop has expertise across a wide range of prestigious watch brands. Below is a selection of the makes we regularly service and repair.
Our Watch Repair Services
From a routine battery change to a complete movement overhaul, we offer a full range of professional watch repair and restoration services.
Complete movement disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, fresh lubrication, regulation on a professional timegrapher, and reassembly to manufacturer standards.
All quartz battery types replaced using the correct specification cell. Water resistance re-tested after every case opening.
Sapphire, mineral, and acrylic crystals sourced and fitted. Scratch polishing of existing crystals also available.
Broken or stripped crowns, stems, and keyless works repaired or replaced, restoring full winding and time-setting functionality.
Bracelet resizing, link removal, spring bar replacement, and fitting of new leather, rubber, NATO, or metal straps.
Professional pressure testing equipment used to verify water resistance ratings and reseal gaskets where required.
Professional polishing and brushing to restore the original factory finish of the case, lugs, and bracelet.
Repair of winding mechanisms, quickset date, chronograph pushers, and other complications to restore full function.
Sympathetic restoration of antique and vintage timepieces, preserving originality while returning full working condition.
Full Service & Movement Overhaul
A full service is the most comprehensive form of watch maintenance and is recommended every 3 to 5 years for mechanical and automatic watches. Over time, lubricating oils dry out, particles accumulate on components, and parts experience wear — all of which affect accuracy and can cause long-term damage if left unaddressed.
What is included
- Complete disassembly of the movement
- Ultrasonic cleaning of every component
- Inspection and replacement of worn parts
- Fresh lubrication at all friction points
- Regulation and timing on a timegrapher
- Case cleaning, crystal check, resealing
- Water resistance test where applicable
When to service your watch
- Every 3–5 years for mechanical & automatic
- Watch gaining or losing time noticeably
- Watch has stopped and will not restart
- Crown feels stiff or does not wind smoothly
- Moisture has entered the case
- Watch not serviced in over 5 years
- Preparing a watch for sale or gifting
Every overhauled watch leaves our workshop performing to manufacturer specification, backed by our 12-month service guarantee.
Crystal, Glass & Case Restoration
A scratched or cracked crystal dramatically affects the appearance and integrity of any watch. We replace watch glasses across all three primary types — sapphire (hardest, used on most luxury watches), mineral glass (durable mid-range), and acrylic / Hesalite (used on vintage pieces, often polishable to remove scratches).
Crystal & Glass
- Sapphire crystal replacement
- Mineral glass replacement
- Acrylic crystal replacement or polishing
- Cyclops lens replacement on Rolex & others
Case & Bezel
- Bezel replacement & insert fitting
- Case polishing (mirror or satin finish)
- Bracelet polishing & brushing
- Pusher & crown tube replacement
Bracelet & Strap Services
The bracelet or strap is one of the most handled and most visible elements of any watch — and one of the easiest ways to transform a timepiece. We offer a full range of bracelet and strap services, from a quick link removal to fitting an entirely new strap.
Bracelet Work
- Bracelet resizing — link removal or addition
- Clasp & folding buckle repair or replacement
- Spring bar replacement
- Bracelet polishing and brushing
Strap Fitting
- Leather straps — all lug widths
- Rubber & silicone straps
- NATO & nylon straps
- Mesh & Milanese bracelets
We stock a wide selection of quality replacement straps and can source specific bracelet components for most major brands. Not sure what suits your watch? Our specialist is happy to advise.
Vintage & Luxury Watch Restoration
Restoring a vintage watch requires not only technical skill but a deep respect for originality. Our specialist approaches every vintage piece with care, sourcing period-correct parts where possible and applying only the minimum intervention needed to return the watch to working order.
We regularly work on vintage Rolex, Omega, Longines, Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC, and Zenith timepieces, with a particular appreciation for movements from the 1940s through to the 1980s. For modern luxury watches, we service brands including Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, Breitling, and Cartier — carried out with manufacturer-approved techniques and, where required, genuine or OEM-grade parts.
All restoration work is photographed and documented, giving you a complete record of the condition of your timepiece before and after service.
Nationwide Postal Watch Repair Service
Can't visit us in South Woodford? No problem. We offer a fully insured UK-wide postal watch repair service, making it easy for customers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to access our expertise.
- Contact us with a description of the issue and we will provide a preliminary quote
- Pack your watch securely and send it via Royal Mail Special Delivery (fully insured)
- We assess the watch, confirm the final quote, and proceed once approved
- Your watch is returned by tracked, insured delivery — free of charge
Every watch sent to us is handled with the utmost care and kept in a secure, insured environment throughout the entire process. For high-value pieces, we are happy to arrange a mutually convenient courier collection.
Visit Our South Woodford Studio
Our workshop and studio is located in South Woodford, East London — easily accessible from the Central line. We welcome walk-in enquiries and are happy to assess your watch at no charge before providing a quote.
For more complex repairs or restorations, we recommend booking an appointment so we can dedicate proper time to understanding your requirements and inspecting the piece in detail.
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Tel: +44 208 530 0382 WhatsApp: +44 756 545 5568
Email: studio@martinoliva.co.uk
