From Dinner Table to Watch Repair: My Introduction To WatchCheck.com

Last week, I attended an intimate dinner in New York City to learn more about WatchCheck.com, a new digital platform aiming to revolutionize the servicing of luxury watches. The evening unfolded like many such industry events—fine food, stimulating conversation, and insights into the platform’s ambitions to make watch servicing accessible, easy, and, most importantly, trusted. But the real twist came at dessert.

Instead of the usual sweet finale, a watch roll appeared on each plate. Inside mine: a pre-owned Cartier Tank watch, beautiful but not in working condition. The challenge? Use WatchCheck’s service to get it repaired. The service, complimentary for the select journalists present, offers a rare opportunity to experience the process firsthand—from signing up on the app to shipping the watch with insurance and witnessing its maintenance. While I’ll be sharing my full experience in a follow-up article once the watch is restored, here’s the lowdown on WatchCheck and why it’s generating buzz.

WatchCheck.com: A New Standard in Watch Servicing

Behind every great digital platform are the people who build it, and WatchCheck is no exception. Co-founded by Linden Lazarus, the visionary behind the luxury pre-owned watch site Oliver & Clarke, and Will Haering, CEO of Meridian and a serial tech entrepreneur, WatchCheck stands at the intersection of horology and innovation. What sets it apart is its collaboration with Stoll & Company, one of the most trusted watch service facilities in the United States.

Founded in 1982 by industry veteran Ron Stoll, Stoll & Company has been a go-to for brands and retailers around the globe. With over 40 certified watchmakers and a legacy of servicing more than 3.5 million timepieces, its Ohio-based facility offers unparalleled expertise. This partnership allows WatchCheck to deliver maintenance and repair services for approximately 200 brands and over 38,000 models, from contemporary classics to cherished vintage pieces.

WatchCheck.com’s user experience is designed to be as polished as the timepieces it services. Customers begin by selecting their watch brand and model and then choosing the type of service needed, from a simple case polishing to a full overhaul of a high-complication watch. Once the transaction is confirmed, WatchCheck provides complimentary shipping materials, including pre-paid labels and insurance coverage of up to $35,000, with options to add more for a fee.

According to Lazarus, this eliminates the logistical headaches often associated with luxury watch repair. “One of the most frequent questions I am asked by both novice and seasoned collectors alike is, ‘Who do you use to service your watch?’” he shared. “That led me to the conclusion that there should be an easier way for everyone to have access to watch repairs and refurbishing. With the launch of WatchCheck.com, we are providing the ultimate luxury, white-glove experience for every watch owner.”

The cost of services ranges widely to suit different needs. A basic case polishing starts at around $200, while a full service for high-complication watches can cost upwards of $2,800. But it’s not just about price; it’s about peace of mind. WatchCheck ensures that every aspect of the process—from packaging to repairs—is handled with precision and care.

Behind the scenes, WatchCheck employs intuitive technology to create a “flawless and frustration-free experience,” as Haering describes it. The platform is designed to demystify the process for customers, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with watch maintenance can navigate it with ease.

As someone deeply immersed in the watch industry, I’ve often heard collectors lament the difficulties of finding a trusted service provider for their timepieces. WatchCheck seems poised to fill that gap, offering not just convenience but also confidence in the care of beloved watches.

Stay tuned for my next article, where I’ll share the full story of my experience and of my restored and ticking Cartier Tank.