So, where do you go when you need to get your watch serviced and you want to make sure it's in good hands and you don't get ripped off?
Well, that was the question I posed to my fellow Yelpers, and they directed me to Timekeepers in Encinitas. I grew up in Encinitas, so I knew exactly where they were talking about -- that place on El Camino Real with all the funky clocks outside -- but for some reason had never had a reason to go there before.
My husband's watch, which I spent a pretty penny for as a wedding gift, needed a new battery and a good cleaning of the stainless steel band. It is only four years old, but we had a free service package from Ben Bridge for the first three years for an annual cleaning, service and battery change. Now that coverage has expired, I wanted someone reliable and honest to service it. In addition, my brother just bought me a watch, which needed to be resized to fit my wrist.
On my lunch break the other day, I dropped into Timekeepers. The two guys (I'm assuming brothers?), greeted me along with the three other people who walked in the door the same instant I did... popular place!... good sign! These guys graciously facilitated each customer with new batteries, bands, and answered questions with remarkable speed. It was my turn before I knew it. I explained what I needed, and one of the brothers took care of me on the spot!
Within 10 minutes he had resized my band (twice, because I first thought I needed two rungs taken out, but really I only needed one), replaced the battery in my husband's watch and given it a sonic cleaning. Excellent!
"Great. How much do I owe you?" I asked.
"For you? $5 for the battery," he replied.
(Whaaaaa? Only $5? For all that service? Incredible. Oh shoot, I don't have any cash!)
I pull out my credit card and look at him, "I'm sorry sir, I don't have any cash. Will you accept my bank card?"
"No problem," he says to me, "Just bring it next time."
I reply (in total disbelief), "Oh, I will go to the ATM right now, do you want me to leave the watches here as collateral?"
"Oh, no. Don't leave them here! Just bring $5 next time."
Well, I thanked him profusely, grabbed my watches and smiled at the new line of eager and loyal customers that had formed behind me. I went to the bank, got cash, and returned as quickly as I could to Timekeepers still smiling.
"Here you go!" I said to the man upon my return, handing him my $5 bill. At first he looked at me confused, and then with delayed recognition, he smiled and chuckled at me.
Wow! You just do not find that kind of service anymore in these days of corporate-chain-mega-stores. I am glad to know small family owned businesses of integrity still exist. Thank you Timekeepers, for the service and my renewed faith in the world! Sometimes it's just the little things that make your day. read more