I sent my vintage Submariner to an authorized service center. It came back mechanically perfect, but there was a deep gouge across the original matte dial. The service center denied responsibility, claiming “the dial was fragile.” I filed an insurance claim for the $5,000 reduction in value. Denied. “Damage caused by repair, restoration, or retouching is excluded.”
Key Takeaways
- The “Workmanship” Exclusion: Almost every property insurance policy excludes damage caused by the process of repairing, refinishing, or working on the item.
- You Can’t Insure Incompetence: Insurance covers accidents (dropping it). It does not cover a watchmaker slipping with a screwdriver.
- The Watchmaker’s Insurance: You must file a claim against the watchmaker’s liability insurance (Shopkeepers Policy). Your personal insurance won’t pay.
- “Bailee” Coverage: If the watchmaker loses the watch (theft/fire at their shop), your policy might cover it, but damage during the work is the gap.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Property Not Covered / Excluded Causes of Loss.”
Policy language: “We will not pay for loss or damage caused by… processing, renovating, or repairing.”
If the damage happens while they are working on it, it falls under this exclusion.
The logic: You chose the vendor. If they mess up, that is a contract dispute between you and the vendor, not an insurable peril.
The Investigation (My Analysis of the Loophole)
Is there any way to get paid?
Jewelers Mutual
- The Policy: Standard exclusion applies.
- The Exception: If the watchmaker drops it on the floor (accidental damage), it might be covered. If they scratch it while polishing, denied.
The Watchmaker’s Liability
- The Real Target: You need to demand the watchmaker’s insurance info. They have “Bailee’s Customer” coverage.
- The Struggle: They will fight you. They will say “Pre-existing condition.”
Wax Insurance
- The Hope: I’ve heard anecdotal reports of Wax helping with these claims if it results in a “Total Loss” of the part, but the policy wording still excludes workmanship.
[IMAGE: Macro shot of a vintage watch dial with a fresh, bright scratch across the text]
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Personal Watch Insurance | Watchmaker’s Insurance |
| Watchmaker drops watch | Likely Covered (Accident) | Covered |
| Watchmaker scratches dial | Denied (Workmanship) | Covered (if they admit fault) |
| Watchmaker loses watch | Covered | Covered |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- “Before” Photos are Critical: Never send a watch for service without taking high-res macro photos of the dial and case. This is your only proof.
- Inspect Immediately: Do not peel the stickers off or leave the shop until you inspect the work. Once you walk out, they can say you did it.
- Demand Their Insurance: If they refuse to pay, send a certified letter demanding their insurance carrier info.
- Credit Card Dispute: If you paid for the service with a credit card, dispute the charge for “Service not as described/Damaged item.” It gives you leverage.
FAQ
What if Rolex Service Center does it?
Rolex is notorious for forcing you to replace parts. If they damage a vintage dial, they will offer to replace it with a modern service dial. To a collector, this destroys the value. Insurance rarely covers the “loss of vintage value.”
Does “Agreed Value” help here?
No. The exclusion overrides the value.
Can I buy “Service Insurance”?
No. You rely on the reputation of the watchmaker.