Watch and Jewelry Repair in San Mateo, CA
Our jewelers fix watches and jewelry right here in the store at 316 W Sailer Dr. Bring in a watch that stopped, a ring that no longer fits, a chain that snapped or a stone that feels loose, and we will look at it with you before any work starts.
Repair prices and turnaround
| Repair | Typical price | Usual turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Watch battery (standard) | $10 to $25 | Under 15 minutes, while you wait |
| Watch band or link adjustment | Quoted in store | Usually while you wait |
| Watch crystal, crown or stem | Quoted after inspection | Usually leave it for the day |
| Watch overhaul or vintage restoration | Quoted after evaluation | Timeline given at evaluation |
| Ring sizing, simple gold or silver band | $20 to $75 | 1 to 2 business days, sometimes same day |
| Ring sizing, stone-set or platinum | Higher, quoted first | Longer, timeline given first |
| Prong re-tipping or replacement | Quoted after inspection | Quoted after inspection |
| Chain solder and clasp repair | Quoted after inspection | Often same day |
| Cleaning and polishing | Quoted in store | Often while you wait |
Prices depend on your metal, the size of the change and the condition of the piece. You get a written or verbal quote before we begin, and you can say no.
Watch repair
Most of the watch problems people bring us are small ones. A dead battery, a bracelet that is too loose, a scratched crystal. We handle those here. Bigger jobs, like a movement that runs fast or a watch that will not wind, start with an evaluation so we can give you a real estimate.
Watch battery replacement
We swap the battery, check that the watch runs and tell you the price before we open it. Most standard batteries take under 15 minutes. Watches with water resistance need their case seal checked after opening, and some need a longer visit. Luxury watches with special batteries can cost more.
Watch band and bracelet adjustment
Metal bracelets need links removed or added. Leather and rubber straps can be swapped for a new one. Most band work is done while you wait. Bring the watch and wear it, so we can fit it to your wrist.
Crystal, crown and stem replacement
A cracked crystal, a crown that spins freely or a stem that snapped usually means leaving the watch for the day.
Movement repair and full overhaul
An overhaul means taking the movement apart, cleaning it, oiling it and regulating it so it keeps time. Mechanical watches generally benefit from this on a schedule the maker recommends. We evaluate first, then give you a price and a timeline.
Which watch brands do we work on?
We work on everyday quartz watches, fashion watches, vintage pieces and many luxury brands, including Omega and TAG Heuer. For a Rolex or another brand you want sent to the factory, call us before you bring it in and we will tell you honestly whether we are the right shop.
Ring sizing and reshaping
Ring size changes with temperature, weight, pregnancy, age and swollen knuckles. A ring that spins or leaves a dent has stopped fitting, and sizing it is usually cheaper than losing it.
How ring sizing works
Sizing down means removing a small section of the band and joining it back. Sizing up adds metal, then solders and polishes the seam so you cannot see it. We measure your finger in store, or match a ring that already fits.
Which rings can be sized?
Most gold, platinum and silver rings can be. Full eternity bands, tension settings and tungsten or titanium rings are difficult or impossible to size, and we will tell you before you pay for anything. Stone-set bands cost more, since stones may need to come out and go back in.
Not sure of your size?
Check our guide on how to find your ring size at home, or stop in and we will measure for free.
If the ring is an engagement ring, see our engagement rings and wedding bands for matching pieces.
Prong repair: re-tipping and replacement
Prongs are the small metal claws that hold a diamond or gemstone. They wear down with daily use. When they fail, the stone can fall out.
How to tell your prongs need attention
- The stone rattles or moves when you tap the ring
- A prong snags on clothing or hair
- A prong looks flat, thin or shorter than the others
- You can see a gap between the claw and the stone
Re-tipping or replacement: which one?
Re-tipping adds a small bead of metal to a worn prong tip and reshapes it. It fits when the base of the prong is still strong. Replacement rebuilds a prong that is bent, cracked, thin at the base or missing. We use laser welding for precise work, and it keeps heat away from the stone. Re-tipping is the gentler choice for antique and delicate settings.
How often should prongs be checked?
For a ring you wear every day, have the prongs checked every 6 to 12 months. A jeweler can often spot wear long before the stone feels loose.
Chain, clasp and earring repair
A broken chain is one of the most common repairs. We solder separated links so the join is strong and clean, and we replace clasps with a matching style: lobster, spring ring, box or toggle. We also fix bent or loose earring posts and replace earring backs.
Most chain and clasp work is finished the same day. Bring the broken piece and any loose parts, even tiny ones.
Stone tightening, cleaning and rhodium plating
Stone tightening
If a stone feels loose or has shifted, we check the prongs, channels and bezel and secure whatever is moving. Do it before travel and before events when you want the ring at its best.
Cleaning and polishing
Professional cleaning removes the film of lotion and skin oil that dulls diamonds. Polishing restores the shine of the metal.
Rhodium plating for white gold
White gold is usually coated with rhodium, a bright white metal. Over time the coating wears and the piece looks yellowish or dull. Re-plating restores the white finish.
What does my piece need?
| What you notice | Likely fix | Where to read |
|---|---|---|
| Watch stopped or runs slow | Battery, or movement service | Watch repair |
| Bracelet slides over your hand | Link removal | Watch band adjustment |
| Ring spins or pinches | Ring sizing | Ring sizing |
| Stone rattles | Prong check, tightening | Prong repair |
| Chain broke | Solder, new clasp | Chain repair |
| White gold looks yellow | Rhodium plating | Cleaning and plating |
| Earring will not stay on | New back or post | Chain, clasp and earring repair |
How a repair works here
- Walk in or call. Bring the piece and, if you can, any loose parts.
- We inspect it with you and explain what is wrong.
- You get a quote and a timeline before any work starts.
- We repair it in house, and we check it before you pick it up.
- You collect it, with care tips for next time.
We work on pieces bought from Maaz Jewelers and pieces bought anywhere else, including family heirlooms. If you are thinking of replacing instead of repairing, browse the shop, rings or bands.
FAQs About Jewelry & Watch Repair
How much does ring resizing cost?
For a simple gold or silver band, resizing usually costs about $20 to $75 here. Stone-set bands cost more because stones may need to be removed and reset, and platinum costs more than gold. We quote the price before any work begins.
How long does ring resizing take?
Can you resize any ring?
Most rings, yes. Full eternity bands, tension settings and tungsten or titanium rings are difficult or impossible to size. We check each ring before quoting.
How much does watch battery replacement cost?
A standard watch battery usually costs $10 to $25. Luxury watches with special batteries cost more, and water-resistant cases that need resealing add to the price. We quote before we open the watch.
How long does watch battery replacement take?
Most take under 15 minutes while you wait. An unusual battery or a case reseal can mean coming back later the same day.
What is prong re-tipping?
It adds a small amount of metal to a worn prong tip using laser welding, which restores the grip on the stone. It is gentler than full prong replacement and suits antique or delicate settings.
Can you fix a jewelry piece I did not buy from you?
Yes. We repair pieces from any store, and family heirlooms.
Is there a charge for an estimate?
We tell you the cost before we begin, so you can decide whether to go ahead.
Where can I get my watch battery changed near me?
We change watch batteries at 316 W Sailer Dr in San Mateo, and walk-ins are welcome. Call (650) 315-2525 if you want to check we have your battery size first.
Do you repair watches while I wait?
Battery changes and most band adjustments, yes. Crystal and crown repairs usually mean leaving the watch for the day. Overhauls and vintage restorations need an evaluation first.
