Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: I’m a watchmaker. In our company we also repair and service watches made out of gold. There are watches made for women but also for men. Is it permissible to repair watches that are worn by men, even if they are made gold?
Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,
It is not unlawful to repair a gold watch because your work, in and of itself, is permissible. This is contrary to the action of wearing the watch which would be impermissible and sinful, namely if it is actually made of gold, and not just plated or coated with it.
However, it could be praiseworthy to avoid repairing such a watch—without breach of work contract, nor financial hardship—especially when you are reasonably sure that a man will be wearing it, as opposed to simply having it in his possession, in order to avoid the difference of opinion on the matter.
Please also see: Assisting in sin. and: Are Men Allowed to Wear Rings Made from Gold and Other Materials?
And Allah Most High alone knows best.
wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani