Watch Almanac

Independent watchmaker

A & B Watch Repair

Chicago Loop watchmaker handling battery swaps, full movement overhauls, crystal replacement and vintage repair on Rolex, Omega, Seiko and more.

A & B Watch Repair sits in the Chicago Loop at 29 E Madison St, offering the full range of in-house watch work: battery replacement, crystal swaps, bracelet sizing, case and bracelet polishing, pressure testing and complete movement overhauls. The shop takes on vintage pieces as well as modern watches, and lists Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, Breitling, Cartier and Seiko among the brands it regularly services.

The shop says it is an authorized service center for Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, Breitling and Cartier, though that status is the shop's own claim and worth confirming directly if it matters for a warranty repair. Beyond those five, the team also works on a broader list of luxury and everyday brands, from Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet to Seiko, Citizen and Hamilton, making it a reasonable stop whether the job is a simple battery change or a full restoration involving dial refinishing and crown or stem repair.

Water resistance testing and resealing is part of the standard offering, which matters for anyone who wears a diver or takes a watch near water regularly. Bracelet and strap adjustments, including re-pinning and clasp repairs, are handled on-site too.

The shop keeps regular weekday hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on weekends. It's a short walk from most Loop office buildings, which makes it convenient to drop off a watch during a workday.

Services

  • Battery replacement
  • Full service and overhaul
  • Vintage watch repair
  • Case and bracelet polishing
  • Crystal replacement
  • Bracelet sizing
  • Water resistance testing

Brands and credentials

Says it is authorized for
Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, Breitling, Cartier
Brands serviced
Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, Breitling, Cartier, Seiko

From the shop's own website, not checked with the brands. Confirm an authorization with the brand before sending in a watch under warranty.

Questions

Does A & B Watch Repair do battery replacements?
Yes, they offer battery replacement and testing, including checking accuracy and resealing to maintain water resistance.
Can they service a vintage Rolex or Omega?
Yes, vintage repair is listed among their services, and Rolex and Omega are both brands they regularly work on.
Is A & B Watch Repair an authorized Rolex service center?
The shop states on its own site that it is authorized for Rolex, Omega, TAG Heuer, Breitling and Cartier, but this is their own claim and should be confirmed directly if authorization status matters to you.
What are their hours?
They're open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Saturday and Sunday.
Do they do water resistance testing?
Yes, pressure testing and resealing to factory standards is part of their standard service, useful for dive watches or daily wear exposed to moisture.

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