A Skagen model 233XLTTN came into Ross Watch Repairs not working. A new battery did not bring the watch back to life, which told us the fault was with the quartz movement rather than the battery itself.
For this type of quartz repair, replacing the complete movement is often quicker, more reliable and more cost-effective than attempting to rebuild a worn or failed movement component by component. In this case, the watch required a 1M12 quartz movement with the date positioned at 6 o’clock.
We supplied and fitted the replacement movement, rebuilt the watch and completed the repair within one week.
The Fault: Skagen Watch Not Responding to a New Battery
When a quartz watch stops, a battery replacement is usually the first check. If the watch still does not respond with a known-good battery fitted, the movement itself may have failed.
That was the case with this Skagen. The watch was not responding to a battery, so a movement replacement was the sensible repair route.
This is an important distinction because a watch that has stopped is not always a simple battery job. Testing the watch properly avoids repeatedly fitting batteries to a movement that is no longer functioning.
Why Quartz Movement Replacement Can Be Better Than Rebuilding
Quartz movements are generally compact, modular and comparatively inexpensive compared with mechanical movements. Where a suitable replacement is available, fitting a complete movement can often be:
- Faster than rebuilding the existing movement
- More economical for the customer
- More reliable than repairing multiple worn electronic or mechanical components
- A good way to retain the original case, dial, hands and strap
For this Skagen, replacing the movement was the most practical way to restore the watch to working order.
You can read more about this kind of work on our watch service and overhaul page.
The 1M12 Movement and Date at 6 O’Clock
The movement fitted to this watch is a 1M12 quartz movement with the date display positioned at 6 o’clock.
The date position is important when sourcing a replacement. A movement with a differently positioned date wheel would not align correctly with the date aperture in the dial.
How the Skagen Movement Was Replaced
Once the correct movement had been sourced, the repair involved removing the dial and hands from the failed movement, transferring them to the new movement, aligning the hands correctly, checking the date operation and rebuilding the watch.
Hand alignment is particularly important after a movement replacement. The hour, minute and seconds hands must clear one another and sit correctly over the dial without touching.
Our article on watch hand and marker repairs explains more about hand fitting and alignment.
One-Week Turnaround
The complete repair was turned around within a week. That included sourcing the correct replacement movement, fitting it, rebuilding the watch and carrying out the final functional checks.
For many quartz watches, this is one of the advantages of movement replacement: the repair can often be completed relatively quickly once the correct calibre is available.
A Brief History of Skagen Watches
Skagen has been associated with minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired watch design since 1989. The brand was founded by Henrik and Charlotte Jorst, who brought Danish design influences into a range of slim, cleanly styled watches.
The company takes its name from Skagen, the town at the northern tip of Denmark. Over the years, the brand became known for simple dials, lightweight cases, mesh bracelets and understated styling.
Skagen’s own About Us page describes the brand as being built around functional simplicity, Scandinavian design and Danish-inspired aesthetics.
Skagen later became part of Fossil Group, but its watches have continued to retain the clean, minimalist design language that made the brand distinctive.
Can Older Skagen Watches Still Be Repaired?
Yes, in many cases.
One of the advantages of many quartz watches is that the movement can sometimes be replaced even when the original movement has failed. That can allow the owner to keep the original case, dial, hands and bracelet or strap rather than replacing the entire watch.
Typical Skagen repairs can include:
- Battery replacement
- Quartz movement replacement
- Hand repairs and realignment
- Glass replacement
- Bracelet and mesh strap repairs
- Crown and stem repairs
You can find more information on our dedicated Skagen watch repairs page.
Skagen Watch Repair in London
If your Skagen has stopped working and a battery does not solve the problem, bring it to Ross Watch Repairs for a free assessment.
We can check whether the existing movement can be repaired or whether replacement is the better option.
No appointment is required. Visit our London Bridge workshop at The Shard or our Canary Wharf branch.
Ross Watch Repairs – The Shard
Unit 6, The Shard Retail Arcade
London Bridge Street
London SE1 9SG
Ross Watch Repairs – Canary Wharf
Unit 4B, Cabot Place Shopping Centre
Canary Wharf
London E14 4QT
Customers outside London can also use our UK postal watch repair service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Skagen still not working after a battery change?
If a known-good battery does not make the watch run, the quartz movement may have failed. The watch needs to be tested to confirm whether movement repair or replacement is required.
Is it better to repair or replace a quartz movement?
Where a compatible replacement is available, replacing a failed quartz movement can often be faster, more economical and more reliable than rebuilding the original movement.
What movement was fitted to this Skagen 233XLTTN?
A 1M12 quartz movement with the date positioned at 6 o’clock was fitted.
How long did this Skagen repair take?
The repair was completed within one week, including sourcing and fitting the replacement movement.
Can I post my Skagen watch to you?
Yes. Customers throughout the UK can use our postal watch repair service. Contact us with the model and fault before sending the watch.
Free Skagen Watch Repair Assessment
If your Skagen has stopped, will not respond to a new battery or needs a movement replacement, contact Ross Watch Repairs for a free assessment.
Ross Watch Repairs is an independent watch repair company and is not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Skagen or Fossil Group.
