If you're a watch lover, there's probably a good chance that your beloved piece of mechanical finery will need repair at some point. That's especially true if you're the owner of a vintage watch, which will require more frequent attention than modern timepieces. However, with the right help, even a very old watch can be brought back to its original glory. And if you're lucky, it might only need to be serviced every five to 10 years — assuming you don't drop it or run it over with your car, of course.

To ensure the best results, a full watch service is required, and this requires the watch to be opened up and carefully examined. A good horologist will take the watch apart, replace any worn or broken parts and reassemble it so that everything is working as it should be. You can expect to spend around $300 for a full service, Kivel says. And while that might sound pricey, it's still significantly cheaper than replacing the watch altogether.

So where do you find a good watch service near me? Kivel suggests looking for a shop with an open front, and not one that hides the space where the work is done behind a door. "This means that they will be able to tell you exactly what it will cost to fix," he says. If they are reluctant to show you where the work is done, or won't give you a quote upfront, "run for the hills."

Another thing to look for is a shop that has its own workshop. This way, the horologist will be able to work directly with their own experts, and not have to pass it along through an outside vendor. It also means that the horologist will have access to parts specifically sourced for the watch, and can guarantee the best possible outcome from the full service.

In addition to providing a comprehensive watch service, these shops will also be able to provide you with an appraisal for your luxury piece of jewelry. This is a crucial step for anyone thinking about selling their watch or jewelry, as it will ensure that you're getting the fairest price possible.

Whether you need a simple battery change, or want a full watch overhaul, the skilled craftsmen at these shops will be able to bring your watch back to life. So when your watch is ready to be reunited with its leather strap, or you're looking for a way to add a personal touch to your new bracelet, make an appointment at one of these expert watch repair shops.

Located in Midtown Manhattan, this small mom-and-pop shop has some of the best ratings on Yelp for quick and cheap watch repairs. Several reviewers have praised this small, clean spot for its ability to fix watches on the same day they're dropped off.