Welcome to Margolis Watch Co.
Bespoke renovations for vintage timepieces
Welcome
to the past
Are you in pursuit of more than just a luxurious timepiece? At Margolis Watch Co, you can rediscover the value and sentiment held within the classic watches that might have adorned your family's history. We invite you to discover the art of bespoke watch renovation.
Elevate Heritage to Elegance
We take your vintage or antique timepieces and transform them into exquisite, high-quality, fine watches ready to live a new life in the modern world. Our aim is to merge the captivating stories of the past with the elegance of the present, delivering more than just a watch – we revive a legacy.
Much more than just restoration
Our watch renovations embody a far more comprehensive approach to standard watch restoration, yielding what we define as a brand-new timepiece. Even with remaining elements from the original watch, like engravings or the authentic dial, the renovated watch benefits from the reliability, precision and readiness to meet the modern world, akin to a new timepiece. Additionally, we stand behind our work with a 5-year warranty.
Everything Matters. Every detail, new and old, inside and out.
MOVEMENT FUNCTIONALITY
Our master horologist dedicates himself to the fine art of reconstructing watch movements from the ground up. Working from the original parts with unparalleled skill and precision, he undertakes the meticulous restoring or, often, the recreation of irreplaceable components. Balances are re-sprung, jewels replaced, and pivots renewed, ensuring seamless and reliable functionality. Our commitment is to elevate each timepiece, achieving and often surpassing the esteemed COSC standards for timekeeping.
INTERNAL DECORATION
The finished watch movement is a testament to aesthetic perfection as much as it is to mechanical precision. Every component is exquisitely finished using time-honoured techniques such as chamfering, black polishing, and snailing, reflecting the pinnacle of watchmaking tradition. Many components will undergo electroplating using gold or rhodium to enhance both the visual appeal and longevity of parts. This meticulous attention to both form and function ensures the watch movement is as beautiful as it is reliable.
WATCH CASE AESTHETICS
We meticulously return the watch exterior to its original splendour, all while honouring its storied past. For instance, we might preserve the dial’s authentic patina, ensuring it reflects its heritage, whilst a gold case might be meticulously polished to its pristine condition. Acrylic glass is upgraded to sapphire crystal. Furthermore, we often replace standard case backs with hand-made exhibition backs, inviting you to admire the intricate beauty and complex craftsmanship of your watch’s inner workings.
Spotlight Watch
We keep a detailed photo diary of each watch we work on. And every few months we aim to present a spotlight watch that we have recently restored in order to showcase our work.
This is a stunning Longines chronograph from 1937 we recently completed. Images are provided with our client's kind permission, although they wish to remain anonymous. Follow the story.
Meet The Horologist
My name is David Margolis. My fascination with horology began at the age of eight when I disassembled my father’s watch (without permission). Although it didn't go entirely to plan, my father, in the end, was kind and supportive and it marked the beginning of a lifelong obsession with timepieces. I honed my craft through dedicated mentorship and continuous self-study, immersing myself in the world of classical watchmaking. My atelier, filled with traditional tools and equipment sourced globally, some dating back over a century, is a testament to my dedication. Located in a small room in a Georgian house in Brentford, London, it doubles as my personal museum of watchmaking. Here, I devote every possible moment to my craft, hoping that my deep-seated passion for horology is evident in every timepiece I work on.
How To Enquire
One of the most frequent inquiries we receive concerns the cost and duration of our watch restoration process. The truth is, both are highly dependent on the specific watch and the extent of work required. Typically, projects take between ten months to a year, with costs ranging from £5,000 to £12,000. However, these figures can vary significantly. Some intricate restorations have spanned three years yet incurred less expense, while others have been expedited at a higher cost.
Annually, we aim to select ten projects from all our inquiries. We respond to everyone, but we prioritise communications that align with our expertise. We also hold a special place for bereaved clients, responding with utmost speed and sensitivity. As a family-run business, we extend our compassion and understanding in every interaction.
To propose your watch for restoration, please send photographs and any pertinent details to david@margoliswatch.co.uk. The history and narrative of your watch are invaluable to us and often influence our decision to undertake a project. Your confidentiality is paramount, particularly for those in the public eye.
Before reaching out, please note:
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We specialise in mechanical watches and do not work on modern battery-operated timepieces.
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Our interest primarily lies in watches crafted between 1900 and 1970.
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We respectfully decline projects on extremely rare or collectible watches where our work might detract from their historical value.
Upon contacting us and our mutual agreement to explore further, we welcome you to visit our workshop with your watch for an initial consultation. We’ll retain the watch for approximately a month for a comprehensive evaluation, followed by a guaranteed quotation. Upon completion, your ‘reborn’ watch will be accompanied by a 5-year warranty, with servicing recommended every five years — preferably at our workshop to ensure the highest standard of care for your unique timepiece.