Watches are a part of our daily lives. Whether you wear one for style, work, or sentimental reasons, it’s frustrating when something goes wrong. From a dead battery to a foggy screen or loose strap, watch problems are common—but many can be fixed easily.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common watch issues and some simple solutions you can try at home. If the fix seems tricky or doesn’t work, don’t worry—there are professionals nearby who specialize in watch repair in Salem NH and can help you get your timepiece ticking again.
1. Watch Has Stopped Working
One of the most common issues people face is a watch that has stopped working completely. This usually means the battery has died, especially in quartz watches.
What You Can Try:
Check if the watch’s hands move when you adjust the crown (the knob on the side).
If the watch is completely dead, the battery may need to be replaced.
If you’re confident, you can open the back of the watch and replace the battery using the correct type.
However, if your watch is waterproof or expensive, it’s better to visit a professional for a watch battery replacement. Many shops offering watch repair in Salem NH can do this quickly and safely.
2. Time or Date Keeps Changing on Its Own
This can be annoying, especially if you rely on your watch for daily schedules.
What You Can Try:
Make sure the crown is pushed in all the way. If it’s even slightly out, the time or date might shift on its own.
If it continues to happen, there may be a problem with the internal gears. In that case, you’ll need a technician to inspect it.
3. Watch Is Running Fast or Slow
If your watch isn’t keeping accurate time, it could be a sign of a deeper issue.
What You Can Try:
Replace the battery if it’s over a year old.
For mechanical watches, wind the watch fully and see if it starts working normally.
Exposure to strong magnets or temperature changes can also affect timekeeping.
If none of these work, visit a watch repair expert in Salem NH who can check and adjust the watch’s internal movement.
4. Moisture Inside the Watch
Seeing fog or drops of water under your watch’s glass is never a good sign. It usually means the watch isn’t sealed properly.
What You Can Try:
Place the watch in a bowl of uncooked rice or a container with silica gel packets for 24–48 hours to absorb moisture.
Do not use heat like a hairdryer as it may damage the internal parts.
If the watch still looks foggy or you suspect water has damaged the movement, take it to a repair shop immediately.
5. Scratched or Cracked Glass
Scratches on the watch face are common with daily use. A cracked or broken glass, however, needs more attention.
What You Can Try:
For minor scratches, gently rub a small amount of toothpaste or polish with a soft cloth in circles. It won’t remove deep marks, but it may reduce surface scratches.
For cracked or broken glass, replacement is the only option. A trained technician can match the right glass for your watch model.
6. Loose or Broken Watch Strap
A broken strap doesn’t mean the end of your favorite watch. Most straps are easy to replace.
What You Can Try:
Buy a new strap (leather, metal, or silicone) that fits your watch.
Use a small tool or paperclip to push out the spring bars and attach the new strap.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, any watch repair shop in Salem NH can help with strap replacement.
7. Watch Hands Are Not Moving Properly
If the hands of your watch are stuck, overlapping, or moving oddly, it may be a mechanical issue.
What You Can Try:
Reset the watch to see if that corrects the problem.
If the hands are touching or misaligned, it’s best not to force them. This requires special tools and skills to fix.
Visit a technician who can realign the hands without damaging the dial or movement.
8. Battery Draining Too Quickly
If your watch needs a new battery every few weeks or months, there might be a bigger problem than just the battery itself.
What You Can Try:
Make sure you're using the correct battery type for your watch.
A poor-quality battery or incorrect fit can cause rapid drainage.
If changing the battery doesn’t help, the internal circuit could be damaged. A technician can test and repair it if needed.
9. Watch Ticking Loudly
Some watches naturally tick louder than others, especially mechanical ones. But if the sound is new or louder than usual, it might mean something is loose inside.
What You Can Try:
Observe if the sound changes when you move your wrist.
If the ticking is irregular or sounds like something is rattling, take the watch for inspection.
When to Visit a Watch Repair Professional
While some issues can be handled at home, others need the right tools and experience. Trying to fix delicate parts yourself might cause more damage.
If you're unsure, your best option is to visit a trusted shop for watch repair in Salem NH. A professional can:
Replace your battery
Fix mechanical problems
Replace broken glass
Repair water damage
Adjust and clean internal components
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does watch battery replacement cost in Salem NH?
Battery replacement usually costs between $10 and $25, depending on the type of watch and battery. Waterproof or luxury watches may cost more.
Q2: Is it safe to replace a watch battery at home?
Yes, but only if you have the right tools and a steady hand. If not, a local repair shop can do it quickly and safely.
Q3: Why did my watch stop working even after changing the battery?
It could be due to a damaged movement, wrong battery type, or water damage. A technician can test the watch and find the real issue.
Q4: How can I avoid common watch problems?
Keep your watch clean and dry, avoid dropping it, and replace the battery every 1–2 years. Store it in a safe place when not in use.
Conclusion
Watches are built to last, but they still need care. With simple steps, you can fix small problems at home. But for bigger issues, it’s best to get help from professionals who know how to handle delicate watch parts.
If you live nearby and need fast, reliable service, local experts offering watch repair in Salem NH are ready to help. From watch battery replacement to full repairs, they can restore your watch so it keeps ticking for years to come.
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