Terms & Conditions

1. About us

These services are provided by Elvarinothessaria Ltd, trading as Elvarinothessaria.

2. Scope of these terms

These terms apply to workshop services supplied to consumers unless a separate written agreement states otherwise. They should be read together with the written estimate, job record, repair scope or other service-specific information provided for the particular timepiece. Nothing in these terms excludes rights that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable consumer law.

3. Enquiries and initial information

Descriptions and photographs supplied before inspection help us understand a problem but may not reveal internal wear, hidden corrosion, earlier alterations or unavailable components. An initial discussion is therefore not necessarily a final diagnosis or fixed quotation.

4. Examination and estimates

We may need to open or partially dismantle a timepiece to identify the condition and likely repair route. Where an examination charge applies, it will be explained before chargeable examination begins. Estimates are based on the condition reasonably visible at the time they are prepared.

If later dismantling reveals materially different damage or additional necessary work, we will seek further approval before expanding the agreed scope where reasonably practicable. We are not obliged to carry out additional work solely because it becomes visible during repair.

5. Customer authority

The person instructing us confirms that they are entitled to authorise inspection and repair of the timepiece. Where an item belongs to an estate, organisation, trust or another individual, the instructing person is responsible for having the necessary authority.

6. Parts, originality and substitutions

Older timepieces may require parts that are obsolete, unavailable or no longer produced to the original specification. Where a replacement, adapted component or fabricated service part is proposed, we will consider suitability, safety, function, reversibility and the impact on originality. Exact cosmetic matching cannot always be achieved.

Removed components remain part of the customer's property unless disposal has been agreed, they are exchanged under a supplier condition, or retention is impractical because they are consumable debris. Where practical and requested in advance, replaced identifiable parts can be returned with the timepiece.

7. Restoration and cosmetic work

Mechanical repair does not automatically include polishing, dial refinishing, case alteration or removal of patina. Cosmetic work can permanently change original surfaces and may affect historical or collectible character. Any such work should be separately agreed where it forms part of the service.

8. Timeframes

Completion dates are estimates unless expressly confirmed as fixed in writing. Timing can change because of hidden faults, parts availability, specialist subcontract work, the condition of fragile components or the need for extended testing. We will communicate material delays when reasonably possible.

9. Customer-supplied parts

If we agree to fit a customer-supplied component, we may refuse to use it if inspection shows that it is incompatible, unsafe, materially damaged or likely to compromise the timepiece. We are not responsible for defects inherent in customer-supplied parts, although we remain responsible for the workmanship of fitting them where applicable.

10. Testing and performance

Mechanical watches and clocks are influenced by age, design, position, temperature, power reserve, installation and component condition. We test relevant functions within the practical limits of the workshop, but an old mechanical timepiece may not achieve modern performance standards. Any known limitation identified at completion will be explained.

For clocks, correct performance after transport may depend on levelling, beat, pendulum installation, weights, case stability and local setup. These factors are not necessarily evidence of defective bench work.

11. Water resistance

Water resistance depends on case design, gaskets, crown, crystal, pushers and testing. Unless a specific test and result are stated in the job record, no new or renewed water-resistance guarantee should be inferred from routine opening, battery replacement, servicing or repair.

12. Charges and payment

Charges are based on the approved work and any agreed additions. Payment is due at the time stated on the invoice or collection notice. We may require deposits for special-order parts, extensive restoration or third-party specialist work. Deposits and cancellation treatment will be explained before commitment where they apply.

13. Uncollected items

Customers should collect or arrange return of completed or unrepaired items within a reasonable period after notification. If an item remains uncollected for an extended period, we may issue further written notice and take steps permitted by applicable law to recover storage costs or deal with the item. We will not treat a valuable timepiece as abandoned merely because a short collection delay occurs.

14. Delivery and transport

Where return delivery is arranged, responsibility for packing, carrier selection, insurance and transfer of risk will follow the written arrangement for that job and applicable law. Customers should tell us before dispatch if an item requires unusual handling or if loose components are included.

15. Workmanship concerns

If you believe completed work has a defect, contact us promptly with the symptoms and avoid further intervention by another repairer until we have had a reasonable opportunity to inspect the issue. Any written workmanship guarantee supplied with the job will state its duration, scope and exclusions. Statutory rights remain unaffected.

16. Pre-existing and inherent condition

We are not responsible for deterioration or failure that was already present and could not reasonably have been caused by our work. Fragile dials, aged luminous material, cracked jewels, weakened screws, corrosion and previous modifications can fail during careful disassembly because of their pre-existing condition. Where such a risk is apparent beforehand, we aim to explain it before proceeding.

17. Limitation of liability

Nothing in these terms limits liability where doing so would be unlawful. Subject to that rule, we are responsible for loss that is a foreseeable result of our breach of contract or failure to use reasonable care and skill. We are not responsible for business losses arising from a consumer service or for loss caused by inaccurate instructions, undisclosed defects or unauthorised third-party intervention after handover.

18. Events outside reasonable control

We are not responsible for delay caused by events outside our reasonable control, but we will take reasonable steps to reduce the effect and resume performance when practical.

19. Cancellation

Cancellation rights depend on how and where the contract was formed, whether work has begun at the customer's request, and whether custom parts or services have been committed. Where statutory cancellation rights apply, they are not reduced by these terms. Any job-specific cancellation position will be explained where relevant.

20. Complaints

Complaints should be sent to the contact details above with the job reference, timepiece description and the outcome sought. We will review the workshop record and respond within a reasonable period.

21. Governing law

These terms are governed by the law applicable to the consumer contract and do not deprive a consumer of mandatory protections that apply in their place of residence. Courts with jurisdiction under applicable law may hear disputes.

22. Changes to these terms

We may revise these website terms for future services. The version applying to an existing job is the version incorporated into that agreement unless a lawful written variation is agreed.