I hate to use this platform for negatives, but BOD has failed me repeatedly, and recommended entirely replacing the movement on a Swiss watch that just needed the battery terminals cleaned. The other guy I just got my watches back from took five minutes to address this issue and found that the battery terminals had been BENT on this and another Swiss watch, which was keeping the battery from connecting properly on either. This is after dropping the first watch off TWICE for WEEKS. I sure am glad I didn't listen to BOD. Replacing the movement would have totaled my watch. A to Z on Harlem saved me hundreds of dollars. It took them five minutes. Cost me $10. F- Absolute ineptitude. read more

I had a really great experience getting a vintage Citizen serviced. It wasn't staying wound as long as it should, and Joseph was able to identify and fix the problem in a more than reasonable time frame. He kept me updated via text and even shared some interesting info about the movement as he researched it. I'll absolutely be coming back! read more

Needed a quick fix on a chain and they did a great job in a short notice. Price was affordable and service was fast and good.

Benches on Division offers a wealth of support instruction and independent construction time. The studio is well equipped well attended and the teachers are its heart and soul. I had the pleasure of learning from Stephanie Brohman. She is not only talented and knowledgeable, she is patient and kind and quietly charismatic. It was apparent that she cares about her students ability to grasp the concepts from start to finish. Whatever project you want to work on, she is most willing to help you reach your goals. I'm thankful to her and grateful I found this place to continue my metal smithing journey. I'd also like to give an honorable mention to Stephan C. for not only his craftsmanship, but his spirit, vision and nod to old world techniques. Jeremiah is a hoot and as solid as the pieces he works with, and he's created an environment and community I'm proud to have taken part. Thank you Benches for all that you do for your students! read more

I've been here a few times for watch-related services and have talked to two different people who were both super nice and helpful. Thanks again to the one who helped remove my bracelet tonight! Glad to have this spot in the neighborhood! read more

I recently took my watch to Benches to get my battery changed out. I was ok with leaving it as the person who fixes watches was out of town. I got a text from them saying it was ready and picked it up with no problem over the weekend. The staff is very nice and will let you know what is wrong with your watch. And they're reasonable in pricing too! read more

All things considered, they may be capable repair and craftsmen. I wouldn't know, as they quoted me three days and $40 to change a watch battery. When asking why the additional cost of my battery the lady responded with it being a luxury watch they charge more. Not willing to pay more money to wait more time, we left and brought my watch to my jeweler Paul Young downtown. He replaced my watch battery in 30min and charged me $20. read more

I can't get over how absolutely amazing this shop is! Not only is it a great place for finding beautiful jewelry and kind people, the metal smithing classes are truly terrific. Jeremiah has done a great job of setting up a fun and engaging space. Stephanie is such a wonderful teacher- she's patient and provides lots of different techniques and applications to really get your creative juices flowing. I've been taking classes at Benches on Division for over a year, and so glad to have found such a wonderful space and a creative outlet. It's fun to wear and gift my jewelry designs-- my favorite is when someone compliments me on my earrings, and I can tell them that I made them myself-- then of course, I tell them all about Benches. read more

I went back to have another battery replaced recently and the service was as helpful, friendly and cost efficient as I had remembered. Dropped off on a Friday and picked up as soon as it was ready a couple days later. I will keep going back! read more

Truly awesome! Finally got around to taking my Shinola watch in for a new battery. All fixed within the same day. Super nice and helpful!

Stephan is the best! He helped loosen my watch so that it would fit me better and was so nice and patient. It only took 10min or less to fix it! read more

I brought three of my bracelets for repairs on one of the Saturdays and was greeted by the lovely Edura. She was able to fix all of my bracelets as if they were brand new! I couldn't even tell where in the chain that was broken. Don't know why I didn't come here sooner! So happy I can wear my bracelets again! Overall, great service and super efficient! Definitely will be coming back for more jewelry repairs in the future. read more

A great business! I took intro class to metal smithing and it was amazing! Stephanie is a really good teacher!

They fixed my watch and the price was reasonable. Easy process of going in, letting them know what I needed, and getting the text when my watch was ready. Easy. read more

I came in and needed a chain fixed as one of the links opened up. They were super helpful and fixed it for free! Super quick and friendly service ! Prices are reasonable for cleaning and fixing. Thank you! read more

The ring that my boyfriend gave me lost one of the diamonds. I don't know where and when I lost it. So I asked my friend the location of the place where her thing was repaired. She gave me this location. It was too far from my house but since I have a car I decided to come here. I told the staff what I needed in my ring. I also told him that I will be back after 2 hours. And I ask him if it will be done in 2 hours. He said yes So I went to the grocery store since I have something to buy. After I grocery shopped I came back here again. The output was really pretty. It looks new. I will definitely be back here again if I need a repair on my accessories. read more

Amazing service and reasonably priced. Excellent work on two watches that were my sister's. They were not that expensive but invaluable to me because I lost her last year. read more

I left a favorite necklace for repair at Benches in December 2021. It was not fine jewelry but I had paid about $100 at a charity event for it. I was told it could cost early $30 to fix the metal parts that were broken. I failed to get a receipt. None was offered. I was told that I would be called when the necklace was ready. I had never dealt with Benches before but it was recommended by a nearby business Beadnik with which I've had a very successful relationship. I called and left a message in late December and the call was not returned. I also emailed and got no response. I also spoke to someone who worked there who offered to look for the jewelry but never got a call back. I would not do business with Benches ever again. read more

I went in to what was formerly "Division Street Watch Co" and was thrilled to learn that what is now "Benches on Division" still offered the exceptional watch battery replacement. A few other jewelers in the area advertised that they provided watch battery replacement -but told me they would need to mail the watch in for service for $80. Benches was able to replace it in 10 minutes and for only $20. Thanks! read more

I love this place! I've brought 3 different pieces of jewelry here to be fixed. The last one they fixed and didn't even charge me. Really sweet! When I first came here, I brought a ring that four other jewelers refused to size because they thought it was too thin. This place didn't hesitate and did a beautiful job sizing my stacking ring. I highly recommend coming here if you're looking for great work and people you can trust! read more

I recently walked here to get a brand new watch resized and had no idea that I had an adjustable clamp. Very cool of these guys to fix it and show me how to open it up in less than 5 minutes - I'll definitely be back in the future! read more

Excellent place for all things jewelry. I have had many watch batteries replaced here and they have always done a great job. They were also able to repair a family heirloom bracelet. I was super nervous about trusting anyone to do it, but they did an excellent job. I highly recommend read more

Great experience here. Walked in for a watch battery issue (warped and could not replace the back of watch after attempt to change the battery myself) and it was fixed within minutes while I waited. Will definitely be returning! read more

I stopped in to have a family heirloom wedding band repaired after the ring became bent out of shape. They repaired it within minutes at no charge. Excellent customer service and will be returning again if I ever need jewelry or watch repair. Highly recommend! read more

The Benches staff is always extremely friendly and has repaired and cleaned a number of different pieces of jewelry for me. They will do their best to accommodate unusual part and piece replacements also. I will continue to go here first for any jewelry maintenance needs that I have. read more

I took in my engagement ring and wedding band to get sized smaller. The band has a very intricate design, and I was warned that it may not exactly match up. Anika did such a fantastic job that I'm beside myself. She even filed down part of the ring that was poking into my skin. I never leave reviews, but I had to give major props to Anika. She got it done faster than I was anticipating, and the price was 100% reasonable. Thank you! read more

This shop is fantastic. They recently repaired a gold ring and a wristwatch for me. Great work, really fast turnaround, and very fair pricing. read more

I see there are lots of happy customers and I am not surprised. I am reiterating what another student said almost 2 years ago. This is a wonderful place to learn. Everything you need to succeed and bolster your creativity, exists here. Jeremiah is still the wonderful teacher and metalsmithing mentor that he was two years ago. The community and environment he has nourished, is a positive place to spend time these days:) read more

Came in to get a lobster lock fixed on my chain. The girl that gritted me took care of it in a split of a second. Did an excellent job. The service fee asked for was minimal. Supper satisfied! read more

Jeremiah was just a great guy to go to for watch repair. I brought in a 60+ year old mechanical watch that he was able to turn back to me within 2 hours. Will be going back in the future. read more

Super helpful and reliable! Helped me out with a. Few basic repairs. good recommendations and affordable!

I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking to get their watches repaired! The staff is friendly, professional, and took great care of all my watches. They followed through with deadlines and even had some of my watches ready sooner than expected. I have had a hard time finding a good repair store in Chicago, and now I will be going here for all my needs. read more

Great place ro learn metal smithing and inexpensive. Great location and lots of classes.

This place is fantastic. I brought in a few rings of mine that had been bent out of shape and unwearable and they fixed them right away while I waited. Very unique and beautiful jewelry featured in the front for less than you would think for original pieces. I'll definitely come back here for any jewelry or metalwork issues that I have. read more

Came to Benches on Division get an earring fixed, which I assumed could be done through soldering. Upon consultation, the staff member told me he had an easier fix which would cost far less money. Was in and out in ten minutes for less than $5! Truly appreciate the honest feedback, friendly attitude, and prompt service! You can tell they are passionate about their business. Would 100% recommend. read more

What great guys! They were able to imaginatively rig my coated gold necklace back together when no one else was able to fix it, all the while teaching my four year old niece what it means to be a metalworker :) read more

Every time I need one of my watches polished, or battery replaced, Benches is the only spot for me. Not only are they affordable, but their service is outstanding. Thanks again to Jeremiah and staff from a very satisfied customer. read more

Not just a watch repair shop!! All of the reviews I read mention repairs - and BoD certainly does repairs - but, Did You Know: it is also a classroom and member studio. I have taken two metal smithing classes at Benches, and it was absolutely terrific. I've taken 'The Complete Metalsmith' twice - it's designed to teach all the basics to someone with no previous experience. You will learn how to use a jeweler's saw; various types of cold connections (putting things together without soldering); how to torch solder(!); how to set stones; how to enamel; and much, much more. It's so much to take in, that several first-timers in my class decided to sign up for another round, and use the class as work time + guided instruction. Jeremiah is an excellent instructor. (Eventually, I learned that he has a Master's in teaching. Aha!) He communicates processes and concepts clearly, and teaches using illustrations, examples, and live demos. No matter what the skill level of students as they are starting out and as they develop throughout the 'semester', he works with each individual to help them meet their skill and project goals. I'm sad that I just had my last class. I can't imagine not being part of the workspace and the Benches community. I plan to continue signing up for workshops or classes, and am considering a membership. Highly recommended! read more

Very helpful and quick! Cash only for watch adjustments/repairs!

I hardly ever take the time to write a review, but I'm so happy with Benches on Division that I had to write this. I have a vintage coat from the 1970s that belonged to my mother, and a metal piece on the one-of-a-kind belt with a fancy metal clasp broke during the winter. I trekked all over Chicago trying to find some place that could re-weld the metal or somehow fix the belt, but each place just referred me somewhere else. I gave up for awhile, but then one day I was walking around my neighborhood and just happened to walk past Benches on Division. After seeing that they are a metal-smithing place, I ran home to get my belt and brought it to them to see if they could fix it. They were extremely honest with me and told me that there were multiple outcomes (good and bad) depending on the metals used in constructing the intricate belt, and they detailed out exactly what they would do to fix it and where in the process things might not go as we hope. I told them to go ahead and just do their best. I just picked my belt up today, and their best ended up being even better than expected. There is no trace to my eye that the belt has had any work on it; it looks as new as it probably did in the 70s! Not only did they fix the metal piece, but they also completely restitched the fabric part and that also looks identical to how it looked before. I couldn't be more pleased with the work of Benches on Division! I am so happy I found them! read more