The Fixery

For years I have trusted the service here for basic wristwatch maintenance. Recently we took in a German «anniversary (400 day) clock» that had been in the family for a long time but had not kept time or even run for quite a while. It now runs and keeps very good time. It is gratifying that in this age of time supplied by internet, quartz, or radio signal, that skilled clock and watch repair still exists. I highly recommend the service here. And I do not consider it overkill to have people with this level of skill replace watch batteries, when one considers how much damage can be done to a wristwatch at a department store or even a jewelry store.

Showed up 30 min before closing to get a battery changed, and the owner got things changed in five minutes, no issues with tool marks, etc. In and out and for under $ 10– great!

I brought two watches in to replace the battery, one of which was a mid-​range Timex heart rate monitor. I waited my turn, was the only person in the shop and received good service — he even set the date/​time on both watches. Swimming a couple days later I noticed water had gotten into the watch. Upon visual inspection it’s evident the back plate had not been properly seated on one side.
I returned to The Fixery without expectations, only hope for a solution; before I finished explaining my situation he pointed to a sign which effectively stated «we do not warranty water resistant watches.» My point to him was he changed my battery hence I would expect any issues relating to water leaking into the watch would not be the result of him but rather a failed part on the watch. He again pointed to the sign and told me he had no responsibility. He asked for the watch said he’d take a look at it (again pointing to the sign). As he went to the back I asked him to look at the watch backing and note that the plate had not been reseated since it would not be visible once the back was off. At that point he returned, gave me the watch and told me to leave. Glancing at him as I was leaving he was smiling and shaking his head. Apparently he didn’t quite make the connection that as a result of his carelessness (and my trust in his competence) I would now have to replace a $ 150 watch — after all, he does have a sign denying accountability (for his work?).
While I wasn’t sure what to expect, denying his responsibility in my situation and refusing me service was a surprise. I didn’t raise my voice, I wasn’t emotional, and I simply was trying to have him acknowledge the watch failed as a result of his service. Perhaps an «oops» let me take a look, an apology, an acknowledgement that the plate was indeed not properly put back on and THEN an acknowledgement that even in situations where he’s at fault, water resistant watches are not covered. Perhaps, in a top tier watch shop the owner might even help me replace/​purchase a new watch at cost or with a price break available only to dealers.
Based on other one star reviews for The Fixery, it’s clear this is not a new issue for him. Whether a mantle clock or inexpensive watch, I recommend taking your watch to someone who takes pride in their work and who values repeat business.

I had a great experience at the fixery. I was quick to be taken care of despite the popularity of the day to get watches fixed. Excellent customer service and great prices.
Will definitely be back and will recommend people here!

Have had battery’s changed here on a few watches and talked about a few repairs.
Owner dissed my watch choices (?!) essentially telling me Seiko Chronograph was crap, Vintage Bulova Accutron was junk, classic Tissot was garbage. I wonder what kind of watch he does like? All these watches are in good working order so ??
That’s kind of a weird attitude.
Also he bent the hell out of the Stainless Steel Band on my Seiko Railroad changing the battery. If he had removed it rather than shoving it out of the way (simply removed the band pin) this wouldn’t have happened.
On a different fully water proof watch I swim with he was not careful with the gasket and looked at me with disdain when I asked him to make sure when the battery was changed that the gasket was OK.
It wasn’t ok but he didn’t seem to think that mattered. I had to go elsewhere to find that out after the watch fogged. Watch is OK but it might not have been had I actually swam in it rather than just showered.
The thing is, for the price he charges (the markup on the battery) more care is in order.
Maybe I have just caught him at bad moments, but he seems like he is tired of his occupation. I think there are better more careful and comparably priced places to get your watch attended to.

Popped in here today to have a watch fixed. Took about 5 minutes and cost $ 4.50. Yay!

I was glad when I found The Fixery because I wanted to support a local business and not have my watch sent away by one of the bigger jewelry stores. Unfortunately, the new battery lasted less than a year, and when I took my watch in to a different store I learned that the battery cannot be replaced because the repair guy at The Fixery had destroyed the place where the watch is opened by scratching it with his tools. I now have to send it to Coach to see if they can replace the back with a new part.
If you have a cheap watch that you want handled quickly and for a little money then this is your place, but take caution if you have a timepiece you care about.

Quick, inexpensive, and friendly. This is where I go for all watch repairs and battery needs

I stepped out of The Fixery today and felt as though I was in Small Town USA 1950-​in a good way.
Super fast service by a very nice man and the price-​egads! Cheap
My 8yo son’s watch is brand new. Not to mention it’s his 2^nd watch in about 6 months, but we won’t get into how crazy digital watches are made these days.
Anyway, «someone» stepped on his watch and the tiny plastic clasp broke.
I was prepared to leave the watch for weeks. However, I dashed in on this –5 degree day, showed the man the problem and within 3 minutes fixed (even better than before) and only $ 4!

The old man who’s always behind the counter at The Fixery has always been kind to me. I’ve been visiting the shop since I got my first watch at the age of 12. Once, I went to have a repair done and came up almost a dollar short when it was time to pay. The old man, seeing my panic, assured me it was okay and gave me my fixed watch.
The most recent repair I had done there did not seem to do as good of a job as was possible. However, this is after many good experiences with the place, and I plan on visiting it again.

This business shows how things must be done in an ideal world. I went there about five years ago (It was the same bearded man who works there today, let us call him the owner), because the mechanism that let me adjust the calendar on my wristwatch stopped working. The owner opened my watch, immediately saw that some little connector was broken and was willing to replace it, but suggested that I save the money and adjust the calendar, when needed, the old-​fashioned way: turning the hour hand back and forth through the 9 – 12 sector, when the hand advances the calendar one day on clockwise movement. The owner was very convincing, and it was clear to me that he knew what he was doing. I had a similar experience with him today, but that is another story.

After reading the other Unilocal reviews, I stopped in here to get my watch battery replaced. I had the same experience as Kat P. – friendly, quick (after a bit of a wait because of the people in front of me in line), and cheap (under $ 10). They were also quick to replace a watch band for the guy in front of me in line. I was happy to find this place.

I went here for a battery replacement on a watch. They were kind, quick (minutes), and cheap (under $ 10, I think).

The problem: an antique shelf clock from my late grandmother has a chime rod broken.
The complication: chime rods (especially old ones) are so specifically calibrated to one another that the entire set must be replaced.
The worry: this watch repair shop in the middle of Highland Park, across from the R.F. Moeller /​Rolex dealer on Cleveland Ave and Ford Pkwy, would overcharge and laugh me out the door.
The surprise: unpretentious man in jeans and beard whom I immediately trust like a doctor quotes me far lower than I think is fair to him, and without even seeing the clock.
The amazing thing: This all happened when I had only gone in to get a new pin for my watchband.
The summary: The Fixery is awesome. No matter how complex or simple your needs may be.