Skagen is a watch company that is a subsidiary of Fossil. These contemporary looking timepieces are known for their simplistic design and affordability. There repair services are handled by Fossil and are generally considered fairly easy watches to work on. Below I will share where to get a Skagen fixed, warranty info, and how the Skagen watch repair near me works.
Skagen Watch Repair Near Me – Find a Repair Shop
The map below covers “Skagen Watch Repair Near Me”…
Skagen falls under the Fossil brand which means when you deal with an authorized service center you are actually dealing with Fossil. This makes the process more sound and efficient as the Fossil brand is much larger.
If you are looking for repair work on a Skagen, ideally you want an authorized service center to do the repair. First let’s talk about what constitutes unauthorized service…
Unauthorized Skagen Watch Repairs
Your local watch repair shop or jeweler may be able to handle a repair on your Skagen timepiece. Their ability to do the repair does not mean they are authorized by Skagen to do it. This becomes an important distinction when you need to make a claim on your warranty.
If you have an unauthorized service done to your watch, your Skagen warranty automatically gets voided. There is an exception they call out in the warranty which is a strap replacement or link adjustment. For simple services like that you don’t need an authorized shop.
So why does anyone go to an unauthorized service center like a watch repair shop?
Simply put, local repair shops are faster and more customer service oriented. You will likely speak to a technician directly and possibly get your watch back the same day. If your warranty is expired anywhere or perhaps you didn’t pay a lot of money for the watch, perhaps a local shop visit isn’t that big of a deal.
Now on the other hand if a warranty is of concern you will want to seek an authorized repair center. Typically for this type of service you mail in your watch, communicate electronically, and wait 2 to 4 weeks for the repair work.
How Long is My Skagen Warranty?
Skagen watches have a two year limited warranty. This covers manufacturer defects and craftsmanship. Essentially if anything is wrong that is their fault, your warranty will cover it. That means there is no charge for the repair. Anything like wear and tear and issues from normal use are not covered by the warranty.
The warranty also specifically calls out there is no coverage on the battery, straps, band, and crystal. Those are parts that tend to get damaged from every day use and banging around.
Another major point on the warranty is what constitutes an authorized repair. If servicing or repair by any person not authorized, except for mesh band or link band adjustment, the warranty is voided. You can read the Skagen warranty here.
Skagen Watch Battery Replacement
If your Skagen has a battery you should replace it every one to three years. You should never leave a dead battery in your watch, it can leak and cause internal damage. When you notice issues like your watch losing time, you should aim to replace the batteries.
A battery swap on most of these watches is pretty straight forward. They have button cell batteries and you can use a standard repair kit to open the case up. The basic tools you will need are a holder, case knife, mini screw driver, and tweezers. Bear in mind, changing your own battery will void the warranty.
Different battery brands may have alternate sizes you can check a conversion chart here.
If you have a waterproof timepiece, you should let a professional service handle the battery swap. After they swap the battery they will reseal the case and give it a water seal test.
Skagen Watch Crystal Replacement
Skagen watches are considered a low to mid grade watch. Therefore they often contain a crystal this is on the less expensive side. The crystal is the watch glass that protects the dial and hands. Most commonly Skagen uses plastic or mineral glass as a crystal. These materials are prone to scratching, but not shattering. If the scratch isn’t to deep, you may be able to buff it out yourself. A deep scratch requires a crystal replacement service which you should let a pro technician do.
Replacing the Band
This is one of repairs you can do yourself or have any shop do and not need to worry about your warranty. Most Skagen watches can have their bands or straps popped off with a simple spring pen tool.
Another good thing about these timepieces is that many 3rd party band and strap makers have universal bands that will fit perfectly. This means you aren’t limited to only the Skagen brand and you can pretty much have a lot choice for a new band or strap. My only advice would be to go simple, as that’s the beauty of a Skagen it’s simple design.
Resizing the Band or Strap
Band and Strap resizing is one of the most commonly requested repairs at any watch shop. If you take your watch back to the pace you purchased it from, many will resize it for free. The trouble with some Skagen watches is a metal mesh band can’t be resized. They need to be replaced by either longer or shorter mesh bands.
For leather, rubber, and fabric straps new holes can be punched increase or decrease the circumference. Eventually though you run out of material to work with. The easiest watches to resize are watches with links. Here you can add or remove links based on your needs.
Crown and Stem Repairs
The crown is the knob that lets you change the time and watch functions. The stem is the internal pin that connects the crown to the internal movement mechanism. Crown and stem damage can be tricky and complicated. A bent crown may just need the pin straightened out. However if the pin is badly damaged it needs to be replaced. Even worse is when the pin pushes to far inside the watch and damages the movement.
If you have an issue with your crown, you should have it looked at by a pro technician.
Repairs to the Movement
The movement is the internal mechanism and all of the components that make your timepiece work. Any repair work done on the movement should be done by a professional. Given the cost of a Skagen I am not it would be worth a movement overhaul or major movement work. However if you live your timepiece who am I to say what is worth the cost. The price will be determined by type of movement your watch has.
Authorized Skagen Repairs
A Skagen store or authorized service center is the only place that can honor your warranty. You may also be able to try visiting a Fossil store since the own the Skagen brand. At an authorized service center they can do any repair work you need. If your watch is under warranty and the issue is covered you will not be charged. On the other hand, ff the issue is not covered you will get an estimate for the cost of the work. If you are not happy with the estimate you can have them send the watch back to you.
You can find a Skagen store here.
Mailing in Your Watch to an Authorized Service Center
First you will be required to complete an online form. You will then prompted to answer some questions regarding your make and model of watch. When you send away your watch it takes about 2 to 4 weeks for the repair to be done. It really depends on the issue and how bust the service center is.
Any work they do for you they will provide a guarantee on it for 12 months from the date you receive it back. If you think the issue you are having is covered under warranty make sure to include the warranty information when you send in the watch. You will need the receipt with the original purchase date, the price you piad, and the model number of the watch.
Here is where you start the process for mailing in your Skagen.
Tips For Sending Your Watch Away
Before you mail away your timepiece consider the following below:
- Write a note on an index card that describes the problem in detail.
- Estimate the watches value and write it on the index card.
- Write your name, number, address, and email on the index card
- Insure the package for at least the value you estimated
- Include your warranty information if you are making a warranty claim
- Wrap the watch securely to protect it in transit
- Follow all directions from the Skagen/Fossil on their site
Can you Repair a Skagen Watch On Your Own?
Skagen’s are fairly straight forward to operate on. They are mostly quartz watches and don’t have complex movements. While you of course can do your own work, it is never what I advise. More often then not you will do more harm then good. Given that these are low to mid grade watches though you aren;t taking that big of a financial risk by trying to fix it yourself. At a minimum you should consider a basic watch repair kit before you get started.
Other Resources
Here are some other resources to consider for Skagen’s
Skagen Watches
Skagen Denmark have had a rise up since about 2012 when they were bought by Fossil. They have become popular amongst minimalists and contemporaries alike. While these are not considered luxury watches, they are nice looking and don’t break you in the bank. The same can be said about repair work and replacement parts for them. One of the things I like about Skagen is that the stipulate that band resizing doesn’t void your warranty. Not many watch makers say that except for maybe Timex. This is what I have learned from the Skagen watch repair near me.
