Kensington Timepieces provides independent watch services and is not affiliated with, authorized, sponsored, endorsed or licensed by Rolex SA or any other watch manufacturer. All third-party trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Our build slots are flat-rate reservations for workshop time dedicated to customization, assembly or servicing at the client’s request.
Our work is performed independently of the manufacturers referenced.
The official service menu
Five clearly defined services, from movement care
to refinishing and precious-metal finishing.
The watches we work on
From multimillion-dollar off-catalog pieces to thoughtfully chosen $500 Chinese-made watches, we approach every commission with the same care and attention to detail.
The requested work, movement, parts availability and service scope are reviewed before booking.
Movement & exterior care
Start with a service level. The watch, any additional work and the final scope are confirmed before booking.
01 / Essential service
$350USD
Full movement service only. Testing and exterior work are excluded.
Estimated 2–4 weeks
Inquire about SignatureShare the model, movement if known and the work needed. Further work or parts are discussed separately.
02 / Service & testing
$400USD
The Signature service, with water-resistance testing.
Estimated 2–4 weeks
Inquire about PremiereTesting is specific to the watch and its condition. A test is not a blanket guarantee of suitability for water exposure.
03 / Mechanical & exterior
$480USD
Servicing, testing and attention to the exterior.
Estimated 3–5 weeks
Inquire about UltimateRefinishing is agreed around the piece and the desired result. Precious-metal plating and additional work are quoted separately.
Prices in USD. GMT movements use non-chronograph pricing. Additional parts, plating, shipping and applicable taxes are confirmed separately. Read service information.
The Ultimate service / In detail
Workshop photographs of the watches and their surfaces. Select any image to look closer.
01 / Case, bezel & bracelet
02 / Bracelet surfaces
The Kensington workshop
An open movement, careful handling and the caseback press. Scroll to explore these workshop details at your own pace.
Precious-metal finishing
Approximate plating thickness: 5–6 microns. Select a movement type to compare the service price.
Most comprehensive
$800USD
Electroplating, full cosmetic restoration and complete movement service in one defined package.
Estimated turnaround · 3–5 weeks
Inquire about Ultimate for Precious MetalsThree-hand price comprises $350 movement service + $450 plating upgrade. Chronograph price comprises $650 movement service + $450 plating upgrade. Ceramic coating is not listed in this package.
À la carte
For a watch whose condition you are happy with, when the existing PVD finish is to be corrected or upgraded.
Estimated turnaround · 2–4 weeks
Choose watch condition
Inquire about electroplatingWatches requiring significant refinishing, dent removal or cosmetic correction may incur additional charges. Scope is confirmed before work is booked.
At a glance
Included work is shown explicitly. Unlisted additional work is discussed separately.
Scroll horizontally to compare all five services.
| Included work | Signature | Premiere | Ultimate | Precious Metals | Electroplating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full movement service | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
| Water-resistance testing | — | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
| Exterior refinishing | — | — | Yes | Case & bracelet | Quote if needed |
| Regulation expressly included | Not listed | Not listed | Yes | Yes | — |
| Ceramic coating | — | — | Yes | Not listed | — |
| Approx. 5–6 microns plating | — | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| Estimated turnaround | 2–4 weeks | 2–4 weeks | 3–5 weeks | 3–5 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
“Not listed” preserves the official menu’s stated scope without assuming additional inclusions. Estimates vary with workload and watch complexity; current timing is confirmed before booking. Testing does not imply a permanent waterproof guarantee or a particular depth rating.
For an arranged service
Once shipping arrangements are confirmed, complete one form per watch, print it and include it with the watch. Fill in the PDF or complete it by hand.
Unsure which service fits?