Frequently asked questions

Watchmakers Bench Studio is the browser-based edition of Watchmakers Bench. It brings customer jobs, personal projects, parts, service checklists, measurements, photos, documents and workshop planning into one workspace. You choose which available modules to show, so the app can fit the way you work.

No desktop app or local helper is required for the web edition. Open app.watchmakersbench.com in a supported browser and follow the account steps shown. To start your workshop, select a folder, allow the browser to access it and set your workshop passphrase.

The workshop currently requires desktop Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on Windows or macOS, with support for selecting and writing to your workshop folder. The browser must be allowed to access that folder. Safari, Firefox, phones and tablets are not currently supported for workshop use.

Not as a guaranteed offline service. Local files do not mean that account access, a fresh browser session or every app function will work without an internet connection. Keep independent backups and readable copies of essential records. The native Apple apps have a different offline workflow.

Customer records, jobs, parts, workshop settings and attachments are stored in the encrypted workshop folder you select. They are decrypted in the browser while the workshop is unlocked. Normal workshop use does not automatically upload those files to our account database or support service.

Yes. You can choose a folder managed by iCloud Drive, OneDrive or another compatible file service. That provider may synchronize the encrypted files under its own terms. This is file synchronization, not a guarantee of safe simultaneous editing, automatic conflict resolution or a multi-user workshop. Keep separate backups and avoid editing the same workshop on multiple computers at once.

No. Your login password controls account access. Your separate workshop passphrase unlocks the encrypted local files. We do not receive or store that passphrase. Resetting your account password cannot recover a forgotten workshop passphrase or decrypt the workshop.

Online services handle account authentication, access and licence information, necessary technical request data and support messages you choose to send. Optional public-reference searches can send your search text. Workshop records and attachments are not automatically included in feedback. Any online feature that publishes workshop information needs separate, clear disclosure before you choose to use it.

Keep current, separate backups and verify that important records and attachments can be restored. A copy on the same disk does not protect against losing that disk, and a synchronized folder is not a substitute for an independent backup. Reports, PDFs and other exports may be readable files and need separate protection.

No. Account deletion removes online account access, not files in your selected folder, exports, backups or copies in a file service. Continued unlocking and export after account loss are not guaranteed, so keep independent backups and readable exports before closing an account.

Modules are groups of related tools, such as Customer jobs, Personal jobs, Parts, Planning and Price Book. You can show the tools you need and hide others. Hiding a module does not itself delete its records. At least one of Customer jobs and Personal jobs must remain active.

Yes. You can start with one of the built-in service templates or create a checklist that matches your own workshop routine. Record completed and remaining steps with the job, alongside notes, measurements, parts and other supporting information.

Yes. You can prepare supported PDF reports and documents from a job and review them before sharing. Customer emails open as drafts in your own mail application, or can be copied for webmail; they are not sent automatically. Exported documents and sent messages are separate copies outside the encrypted workshop folder.

The Schedule & Planning module brings those dates into one calendar. Connect a planned handover or follow-up to the relevant job and keep general workshop tasks alongside it, rather than maintaining a separate planning list.

FREE includes Customer jobs, Personal jobs, Parts, and Labels & QR Codes, with up to three active jobs across your account. PRO supports unlimited active jobs and includes all ten core modules, with the possibility to add more. Customer portal and other online services are not included in this core-toolkit comparison. See the Pricing page and the terms shown in the app for the applicable offer.

The browser app and native Apple apps are separate products with separate access and purchase arrangements. Do not assume that an App Store subscription unlocks the browser app, or that a browser plan includes the Apple apps. Any explicit bundle or offer must say so before purchase.

Use Send feedback in Settings or email info@watchmakersbench.com. Include the app version and a description of the problem. Do not include passwords, your workshop passphrase or unnecessary customer information.

Watchmakers Bench is a workshop management app for watchmakers. It covers customer jobs, owned restoration projects, parts, photos, service progress, Timegrapher readings, costs and history.

It is intended for independent watchmakers, small workshops, restorers and experienced hobbyists. You can use it for customer repairs, watches restored for resale, or both.

No. You can create and manage customers, jobs, restoration items, parts, photos and service records on iPhone. The Mac version shows the same records in a wider layout.

Watchmakers Bench is currently designed for iPhone and Mac. A dedicated iPad experience is not part of the current release.

The app is available in English, Swedish, German, French and Italian. It follows the selected app language on your Apple device.

Most workshop records are stored locally and remain available while you are offline. An internet connection is needed for services such as current exchange rates, App Store purchases and some support features. A transfer needs whatever connection or storage method you choose for the backup file.

Customer Service covers customer-owned watches, approvals, communication and handover. Restoration & Sales covers items you own, their costs, listing, sale and result. The workspaces are separate because their records and final steps are different.

You can connect the job to a customer and watch, record intake details, status, requested work, approvals, notes, parts, photos, measurements, service progress, costs, customer updates and handover information. Earlier jobs are available from the customer record.

You can follow an item from purchase through inspection, service, documentation, listing, sale and handover. Purchase price, parts, fees, sales price, delivery method, profit and ROI can be kept with the item and used in its financial result.

Yes. Service steps, notes and used parts can be recorded on the job or item. Timegrapher readings can be saved before and after service.

Yes. Parts can include stock information, supplier details, purchase price, notes and compatible movements. Parts used on a job or restoration can be assigned to that record and included in its cost.

Yes. Add photos of the movement, case, damage, serial numbers, parts and completed work to the relevant job or item.

Yes. The app can display workshop figures in your selected currency and use saved exchange rates when conversion is needed. Online rates are refreshed when available. Currency conversion is intended as a practical workshop overview and does not replace accounting, tax or financial advice.

Watchmakers Bench can prepare customer updates and PDF reports from the job record. You review the material before sharing it.

Your app database is stored locally on each device. Watchmakers Bench does not automatically sync the database, and the developer cannot view it. A backup leaves the app only when you create one and save or share the file somewhere you choose.

No. Records remain on the device where they are created. You decide when to move selected records with Nearby Transfer or use Transfer & Backup for Today’s Work and complete library files.

Nearby Transfer sends a selected customer job, restoration item, customer or part directly between a nearby iPhone and Mac. Related customers, images and supporting work data follow the selected record.

The receiving device shows what arrived before you accept it. If the same record is already there, you can keep the local version or replace it with the incoming one.

Use Nearby Transfer for a selected record. Use Today’s Work for records and images created or changed that day; newer work already on the receiving device is kept.

Use a complete library file for backup, recovery or an exact copy of the source library. A complete import replaces the target library and creates a safety backup first. Use a complete library transfer when the destination must match the source exactly.

No. The developer does not have access to the app database stored on your device or to backup files kept in locations you control. Information is only received if you choose to send it, for example in a support email or an exported file.

No. Watchmakers Bench does not show third-party advertising, sell your data, use third-party advertising trackers or track you across other companies' apps and websites.

Yes. Complete library and Today’s Work files are created on your device and saved where you choose, including Files, iCloud Drive, compatible external storage or USB. Imports are processed on the receiving device. The developer does not receive the file.

Large image libraries use device storage and make backup files larger. Available space and the speed of the transfer method affect how long a backup takes to create, move and import. The app shows progress while images are added or processed.

Choose a monthly or annual subscription when you start. Eligible new subscribers can receive a 14-day free trial. Before you confirm, the App Store shows your eligibility, trial length and the amount charged after the trial.

Monthly and annual subscription options may be available. Prices are set and displayed by Apple's App Store in your local currency and can vary by country or region. The exact current price is always shown before you confirm a purchase.

Yes. Use the same Apple Account on your supported devices. If an active purchase is not recognised automatically, the Restore Purchases option asks the App Store to check that account again.

You can still view a summary and export your records. An active subscription is required to continue using paid features.

Payments and subscription management are handled by Apple. Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled in your App Store account. Refund requests are also reviewed by Apple under its current App Store policies.

For app, purchase or privacy questions, contact webmaster@mainspringone.app. Please do not include customer records, private photos or other sensitive workshop data unless it is necessary for your support request.