Do you charge for estimates?
No, we do not charge for estimates because of the massive price variance for repairs. We do try to be honest with customers and let them know, from a professional view point, when the repair of a clock costs the customer more than the cost of a new clock.
What kind of services do you perform?
We perform all services on watches, clocks, cuckoo clocks, atmos clocks, and some jewelry. When you need a service done, we are the place to go for all around, full service. When we look at a watch for an estimate on repair, we look at what needs to be performed to bring the unit back to as close to 100% working capacity as possible. Because clocks are more difficult to work with, we do generic estimates based off the complexity and model of the clock. We do more thorough inspections of more sensitive clocks, such as atmos, anniversary, and ship’s clocks that could have non-replaceable parts in them. When we give an estimate on a repair, the full repair needs to be performed in order to make the clock operational and assume the warranty.
Do you do partial jobs?
NO, WE DO NOT DO PARTIAL REPAIRS. Some of our competitors do partial repairs on watches and clocks, hence they have lower prices. Usually, when a partial repair is performed, the timepiece will not work properly and the owner will keep coming back over a short period of time, doing more and more work until the watch is back up to running condition. By doing the full repair in the first place, the customer saves themselves time, effort and a headache by not having to worry about their timepiece.
What kind of parts do you use in your repairs?
We ONLY use original parts in the repair of timepieces unless the parts have been discontinued and are unavailable. In a case where the parts are unavailable for watches, we will offer imitation replacement parts except in high end watch brands, such as Rolex and other Swiss watch brands.
What kind of warranty do you give on your work?
With all work major work ( i.e., movement replacement, overhauls, major part replacement) we give a 6 to 12 month warranty. We have come across many other service centers that offer a full year to five year warranties on their work, but, as with most services, this warranty covers labor ONLY. In other words, if the clock breaks down within the period of the warranty due to normal wear and tear, then the warranty is null and void. We have found that we do not need to separate ourselves from the competition by having a long warranty. We provide a reliable, high quality service that our customers love and most of our continental competition can not compete with.
What’s the difference between a watch repair-man and a watchmaker?
The real difference between these two stems from their ability. A repairman can do minor repairs on a timepiece but can not repair high-quality timepieces nor can he or she repair a mechanical timepiece if the parts are discontinued. A watchmaker has enough knowledge and experience that, if needed, a piece can be fabricated if no original pieces are available. Anyone can be a watch repairman with a little bit of training. To be certified as a watchmaker or a clockmaker, an individual needs training, testing, certification by an accredited institution and should have years of experience.
Do you have watchmakers on premises?
Yes, we have three full time watchmakers on premises. All of them have clock-making experience as well.
How much do you charge to repair a clock? What is the average repair for a clock?
The rates to repair a clock vary from clock to clock due to many factors such as complexity, age, condition, severity of damaged parts and availability of replacement parts. Generally speaking, the repair of clock can range anywhere from $150 to $4000 depending on the previously stated factors.
Do you out-source any work?
Roughly 99% of our work is done on premises. We do outsource some special repair work, mostly refinishing of dials and faces, because we do not have the specialized equipment, nor do we have enough of those kinds of repairs to invest into the equipment. All work related to the internal workings of a watch or clock is done on premises.
How often should a mechanical clock or watch be serviced?
Many service centers will tell their customers that their timepiece should be serviced every two to four years with major work being performed every ten to fifteen years. Our store philosophy is, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” Only change the oil your clock every time it needs major services to be performed. Your clock is a lot like your car; and like your car, you wouldn’t put new motor oil into the engine without first draining the old oil, would you?
How difficult is clock repair?
Clock repair is a very difficult trade to master. Many clockmakers start their careers as watchmakers and then move to the clock repair industry to increase their experience and try something more difficult. For someone to become a fully proficient clockmaker takes years, sometimes decades, of experience and even then, they may still come across something they have not before.
How long does it take to repair a clock?
Again, the amount of time it takes to repair a clock varies with the condition of the clock. Generally speaking, a comprehensive clock repair takes about 8-14 hours of time, but there have been situations where we have spent well over 20 hours on a single timepiece because of other minor problems that cause the clock to stop running. The amount of time we need to repair a clock, again, varies depending on how many clocks are currently being worked on. We try to keep the time frame of repairs down to 4-6 weeks, but can last as long as 3-5 months and we will be upfront with a customer as to how long we expect the wait and repair will take.
Do you take trade-ins or buy watches and/or clocks?
Very seldom do we purchase a clock or accept one as a trade-in from a customer. The reason for this is that the market for pre-owned clocks is much smaller than the market for new clocks.
Do you do watch and clock appraisals?
Yes, but we can only provide an appraisal for insurance purposes.
A clock derives its value in three different ways. The first and easiest way to figure the value of the clock is from past (used) selling, availability and condition of the clock. Our clockmakers have years of experience in the field and can, often times, give a rough estimate of the insurance value just from looking at the clock. We can provide a full and complete clock appraisal, with pictures and history, for insurance purposes only.
The second value is the retail value. This is probably the most difficult to gauge because of the indefinite market. We refuse to provide a retail value because if a seller finds the right buyer, the seller could easily get more than the clock is worth. If the seller does not find the right buyer, then they will only get a fraction of the retail worth.
Another value is the sentimental value of the clock. This value can not be gauged because it is the price than the owner of the clock places on the timepiece.