Joe was very knowledgeable about my vintage watch, He checked to make sure it was running properly and he installed a new band with a quick release connector that fit perfectly,I could not be happier with service I received, I would recommend him to repair any time piece that you have. read more

My daughter has two watches in need of repair. One the clasp needed to be fixed and other the glass casing. I relied on Yelp to help me find a watch repair place and was not disappointed. Walking in I felt I stepped back in time. There were so many watches and clocks from years ago. The gentlemen looked at the watches and honestly shared one watch would cost more to repair than it was worth and was able to fix the clasp and replace the battery in minutes. I definately will return the next time I need a watch repaired. read more

Dropped my watch and the back popped off so I took it here and he fixed it on the spot for a very reasonable price.

I've been coming here about every two years to get my watch battery replaced. The rate for this service is fine and the person working was able to do it right away so I didn't have to come back. My watch did end up with some condensation inside it that was making the glass hazy, but this luckily cleared up after a few days. This business isn't someplace that needs a lot of customer service, but I feel they could be more hospitable. read more

Rarely do I find myself needing to have a watch fixed, because my watch has lasted for well over 20 years, but today was not my day. :( I just looked up watch repair and "Forgotten Times" was the first one that popped up and it was very close to home. What a wonderful experience!! Joe was so nice. He took my watch to the back and cleaned it out and my beloved peanuts watch was back to it's orginal glory!! What a God sent.... I would highly recommend them. Thanks Joe!! You have truly touched my heart with your kindness. read more

I've been going to Forgotten Times for at LEAST 34 years and have recommended them to many people as well as a jeweler I worked for in the past. They are always kind, helpful and fair. If you haven't asked for their help with all of your watch and clock needs, stop in with your repair(s) and you'll wonder why you waited so long! read more

Great local shop, wonderful service and very fair pricing. Helped me identify and decide what to do with a number of inherited watches (that had little to no sentimental value) as well as scrap gold. Looking forward to being a loyal customer for years to come. read more

Thorough, fair and careful appraisals from Joe. Take your gold, jewelry and watches here

The hands on the clock in my curio cabinet fell off when I replaced the battery. It's a pretty cheap clock, but I didn't want to send it to a landfill. I brought it in to Forgotten Times and 15 minutes later it's working perfectly! Will definitely return! read more

Joe and Frank are always welcoming, honest, and knowledgeable in their handling of your vintage or new timepiece. I am always happy to bring them a troubled watch as they will get it operational either while I wait or for pickup later. Their shop has also been very responsible in handling customers during Covid. read more

If you have a fine watch that needs repair or just a routine overhaul, Forgotten Times is THE place to go. The small staff are craftsmen and as a result their repairs and service take time. They typically have a 2-3 month backlog before they will be able to work on your watch. Some people look at that as a negative. I see it as quite the opposite -- watch enthusiasts around the Chicago area have discovered that these guys take pride in their work. As a result, they have plenty of work. They will treat your fine timepiece as if it were their very own. I can't say enough good things about these guys. (No, I do not have a vested interest.) read more

I have known Joe for many years here. One of the best. You get what you pay for in watch repair. Trust them with anything. You will not be disappointed. Be patient. read more

I brought in five of my wife's watches that needed a combination of new batteries, a strap, and miscellaneous repairs. Everything was done in one day. One watch was dead, so he swapped out the good band with a different watch that needed a new band. This is the sign of an honest business. The price for the batteries and repairs was fair. I will definitely be back for all my watch repair needs. read more

Definitely not coming back or recommending this place for a watch battery replacement. Was going to be in the neighborhood and found this place online. Stopped in and asked for 2 battery replacements for my watches. The guy grabbed my watches and said he'll be right back. I didn't even have a chance to ask how much. It took about 10 min and then the guy asked for $40. What?!? $40 for watch batteries?? I've been to shop like these and they usually charge from $5 - $10 per watch. If these guys are hurting for cash maybe they should try a different business. read more

This is an excellent place for watch repair. I've had two of my MK watches fixed here (new batteries, new crystal and links taken out) at a fair price and without any issues. This will continue to be my go-to for any future watch repairs. read more

I have been meaning to write this review for a long while. After my grandfather passed I received his everyday watch, which was nothing special and in very rough shape. I brought it in for a new Crystal and servicing. When I got it back the thing looked brand new. Blemishes I figured I'd have to live with were gone and the thing looked like it could have been put in a display case and marked as new. Very happy with the service and they actually buffed out (or polished or whatever they did to fix) a scratch I put in the new crystal a couple weeks later. read more

I recently purchased an old watch and it has been running really fast ever since I got it. I stopped in today to get it looked at and was amazed by the honesty and helpfulness by the guys there. Not only did they take the time to understand my issue, they thoroughly explained what the problem was. They then told me that I should order a specific battery on line as it would be much cheaper than going thru them and that should fix my problem. He wrote down the name of the battery that I should get and told me thanks for coming in. Great customer service with integrity. I will go back for any further purchases! read more

Ive known Joe for near 20 years. He and Frank provide excellent work and fair prices. Watchmakers and repair of mechanical watches is becoming a lost art. You will not be disappointed dealing with this business. read more

Went in today with a battery operated wall clock that I have for over forty years that stopped working. Frank couldn't have been nicer and told me he was going to try and adjust the hands of the clock. This required him to remove the screws and realign the hands. He told me that if it didn't work I would have to leave it there for further analysis. The adjustment he did worked and wouldn't charge me anything for what he did. Honest, friendly and very knowledgeable. Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for watch or clock repairs. read more

They buy, sell and repair pre-owned, vintage and pocket watches. Their skill and knowledge are A+. And they are honest and provide good friendly customer services. You will never be disappointed. read more

Throughout the years, Joe has repaired many of my fine timepieces . He is the best in the business. The prices are fair and the workmanship is not only superb but guaranteed. I would never take a watch to anyone but him. read more

went in with 2 watches. one wasn't working at all and the other watch's night light wasn't working. told the guy this and he said they could only fix them if it was a battery issue. if it was more than a battery issue, i'd have to contact the manufacturer. this is a watch repair place and they can only fix it if it's a bad battery?? that was disappointing to hear. they took the watches in back and the watch with the night light issue was fixed with a new battery. the other one wasn't a battery issue, so i was out of luck with that one. they charged me $17(!) for the one battery. i was expecting it to be half that cost. i would not go back, as i think that's much too expensive for a battery. on the positive side, i will say they were friendly. yelp let me down with the positive reviews this time. i need to add- my watch had a bunch of condensation after the fact. it was not this way when i brought it there and i hadn't had that issue, previously. i brought it back 2 days later and they did replace the battery again and blew out the water but made excuses about the seal could be old (and they didn't have any seals...again, i thought this was a watch repair place!). honestly, i wish i had not gone here in the first place. i felt i was overcharged for a battery and then i had condensation issues after they handled my watch that i didn't have before. it's been a waste of time and money and i hope they didn't ruin my watch with this condensation issue. it's been a couple of weeks and the condensation issue has not returned, thank god. read more

I've had two experiences with Joe at Forgotten Times, once to have a watch bracelet adjusted and another time to fix a lume pip that had fallen out of a diver's watch bezel. Both times the work was done quickly, and expertly - at very reasonable prices. Excellent experience and I will only go here for any watch repair. read more