If you find replacing watch batteries as frustrating as I do, you know that once you find someplace that can do it for a reasonable price and amount of time, you stick with them as long as you can. That's why when the local jeweler announced his retirement and sale of his business on Main Street I felt a double loss. After more than 10 years of confidence that I had the shop I trusted to do it right, and throw in a dust and polish as part of the service, I was not only losing someone reliable, but I would also have to find a new place. The jewelery store was morphing into a clothing boutique. They might sell watches as accessories, but they wouldn't have the tools to do repairs.
I googled "watch batteries," and found a small chain of stores, Time After Time, that advertised battery replacement. The nearest was in Richboro, PA.
I stopped in one morning last week to see what their story was. There were several display cases showing a mix of mid range priced wristers, and a large back room with office and repair area. No one was on the floor to greet customers, suggesting they didn't get many shoppers and didn't need a full time salesperson.
Within a minute a man came out from the work zone and asked how he could help me. He was friendly, but not overly solicitous. I placed the watches on the glass counter and just said, "Batteries." He wasn't surprised, picked them up to see what sizes were needed with knowing hands, and replied, "Ten bucks each. Ten minutes."
Well, I was pleased. Same price as my former battery man, and I wouldn't have to leave them and come back. Eight minutes later he was back with the finished jewelery; clean and shining.
We finished our transaction on credit.
He was the owner and a trained craftsman. So happy to have found him so quickly. Hopefully good for at least another ten. read more