How to ask to service your knock off watches?

Your favorite replica watch has stopped working. Now you're worried about finding a watchsmith who will fix it without judging you or turning you away.

For a high-end super clone¹, an independent watchsmith² is your best bet; just be honest that it's a replica. For a cheap knock-off, it is almost always more cost-effective to simply replace the watch or its movement rather than pay for a repair.

This is a question I get all the time from my clients. A replica watch is a mechanical item, and like any machine, it can sometimes need a service. The thought of walking into a repair shop with a fake can be stressful. But after more than a decade in this business, I can tell you it's much simpler than you think. You just need to know what kind of watch you have and how to approach the situation. Let's break it down.

Is your knock off watch even worth repairing?

Your watch is broken, but you don't want to spend more on the repair than the watch is worth. You're stuck, unsure if fixing it is a smart financial move.

A cheap knock-off ($100-$250) is not worth repairing; a new one costs less. A super clone is an investment, and a repair ($80-$200) is absolutely worth it. Always check your seller's warranty policy³, as they may cover part of the cost.

Before you even look for a watchsmith, you need to answer one simple question. What did you buy? The answer completely changes the math.

The Cheap Knock-Off Dilemma

If you have a lower-end replica, the kind you might find for under $250, it probably has a basic movement like an Asian 2813. Trust me, brother, repairing this is not a good idea. In the United States, even the simplest watch service will cost you at least $80. That could be almost the entire value of the watch itself. You could buy a brand new 2813 movement for about $30 to $50 and have it swapped. But honestly, your best option is usually just to buy a new watch. Unless the watch has some special sentimental value⁴, don't throw good money after bad.

The Super Clone Investment

If you have a super clone from a top factory, the situation is completely different. These watches have sophisticated and reliable clone movements that are designed to be serviced, just like the real thing. A standard service or repair might cost you between $80 and $200, which is a worthwhile expense to protect a high-value item. Before you do anything, you should also contact your seller. A good dealer, like myself, will often have an after-sales policy⁵ and may even help cover a portion of the repair cost⁶ for my clients.

Will a local watchsmith refuse to fix your replica?

You're ready to get your watch fixed but you're scared of being rejected. The fear of that awkward conversation with a watchsmith is stopping you from even trying.

No, most independent watchsmiths will gladly fix your replica. Their main concern is not your watch's authenticity, but rather getting scammed. Be upfront that it's a replica, and they will see you as an honest customer needing a paid service.

Many clients worry that a watchsmith will have some high moral objection to working on a replica. Believe me, brother, that is rarely the case. You just need to know who to ask.

Do not, under any circumstances, take your replica to an authorized dealer (like a Rolex or Omega boutique). They will not touch it. Instead, you need to find a local, independent watchsmith. These are small business owners. Their job is to repair watches for money.

The main reason they might hesitate is out of fear for their own business. Some dishonest people have tried to pass off a replica as genuine, and then blame the watchsmith for "damaging" their "authentic" watch in an attempt to extort them. This is their real fear. So, you need to remove that fear immediately. Walk in confidently, put the watch on the counter, and be direct. Say something like, "Hi, I have a high-quality replica watch here that needs a service. I know exactly what it is. Could you give me a quote?" By being honest, you show them you are a straightforward customer, not a scammer. In my experience, 9 out of 10 will be happy to take your money and do the job.

What if you can't find anyone to repair it locally?

You've called every shop in your area, and nobody is willing to help. You feel stuck with a beautiful but broken watch and think you have no options left.

If you can't find a local watchsmith, contact me or your original seller immediately. A reputable dealer will either connect you with a trusted, replica-friendly watchsmith or arrange for you to ship the watch back to China for an expert repair.

Sometimes, you might live in an area with very few independent watchsmiths, and you strike out. Don't worry, you are not out of options. This is where having a good relationship with your dealer is crucial. If you are one of my clients, your first step should be to message me directly.

First, I maintain a list of trusted, replica-friendly watchsmiths in various countries, including the USA. I can likely refer you to an expert who I know does great work and is happy to work on these specific movements.

If that's not an option, there is always the final safety net: sending the watch back to China for repair. This process takes more time due to international shipping, but it guarantees the job is done by technicians who are specialists in these clone movements. They have access to all the correct parts and can often fix issues that a local watchsmith might struggle with. This is part of my commitment to my customers. A sale isn't over once I ship the watch; I am here to support you for the life of the watch.

Conclusion

Fixing a super clone is straightforward. Be honest with a local independent watchsmith, and they will likely help. If not, a good dealer like me will always have your back.