Had a watch that's was a relatives that hadn't worked over 10 years. Had taken it to other places…read morethat said it was unfixable. On-time managed to fix it and sort it and I could not be happier. They only charged the price of a battery change as they were able to fix it without replacing the whole mechanism. Fantastic service and I would fully recommend them and such a reasonable price compared to other places!

This is a shop inside the historic Cardiff Market. An old Victorian building that remains a good…read moresource of produce from local traders. As you enter the market you will be greeted by the same smell of fresh fish that has filled my childhood memories of this place. They sell a wide variety of inexpensive (as well as some expensive) watches to suit all watch-purchasing-related requirements. As well as this they service your watch if there's any kind of an issue. It doesn't have to be one you bought from them, either. There aren't many services of this kind around the city centre of Cardiff, so they could easily up their prices, but they remain a cheap, friendly, professional service to sort out whatever it is that's wrong with your watch. As with all the traders in the old Cardiff Market, On Time is an expert in its field, so they will be able to offer expert advice and guidance that you know you can trust.

If you find yourself in Cardiff, I'd recommend visiting the market (also known as Central Market)!…read moreIt's been around since the 1700s, and in the same Victorian-style building - with a big glass roof - for over 100 years. There's *a lot* to look at and take in, so heads-up if you're a person that gets overstimulated by noise (because that's what the market is: organized chaos of vendors selling anything and everything from coffee to clothing to walking sticks to fish). We enjoyed a bunch of food that we brought to the low, bar-style seating on the first floor, including... Tukka Tuk (5) - first floor, 219 - 223: Indian street food by a multi-award winning chef. And, yeah, believe the hype. This was one of the best things we ate in Wales (and it was vegan!). We did the Build A Bowl and chose 1) half pilav rice and half plain chips topped with 2) coconut dal and 3) cauli kemp. It was rich, creamy, and an absolute explosion of flavor! I regret sharing this with my partner, so - PRO TIP - get your own. Pierogi (4) - first floor, 213 - 217: Polish pierogis. These fresh dumplings prepared daily using their family's special recipe are DELICIOUS. We tried the vegan ones, which at the time were roasted buckwheat with onion and mushroom sauce. So, so good. There's usually five-ish flavors to choose from, and I think they come in two portions (small with four pierogies; large with seven pierogies). Cardiff Bakestones (4) - ground floor, 161 - 165: Known for their Welsh cakes (which are kind of like a scone or a biscuit; softer and slightly sweet, they're baked round with a crinkly edge. Cardiff Bakestones has LOTS of different flavors (like salted caramel, nutella, lemon curd, chocolate chip, etc.) and also vegan and gluten-free options. Definitely get a couple more than you think you're gonna want, because *trust me* you're going to want another right after the one you've just eaten!

Cardiff Market/Marchnad Caerdydd is kind of like our flea markets and we check it out last…read moreWednesday. I bought a teeshirt and Gord bought a couple of stones and a faggot (a savory meatball made from minced pork offal [heart, liver, and fatty belly meat], wrapped in caul fat and baked or stewed in gravy). Cardiff Market (also known as Central Market) is an impressive Victorian structure which offers a unique shopping experience in the heart of a modern, bustling city. Under one great glass roof you will find a wealth of products ranging from pots and pans to bread and butter, and from nuts and bolts to rock and roll. Cardiff Market has been trading in one form or another since the 1700's.

Need a watch repaired, links removed, battery replaced or just in the market for some jewelry, then…read moreNash's has the lot. A goldsmith that has a very large range of stock, well presented and some expert recommendations for gifts or purchase a gift voucher. As well as selling many types of jewelry Nash's has a workshop to create rings to specification with gemstone setting and cleaning available. Engagement ring purchases are a common choice and Nash's has the expertise to set many types and designs of ring. The shop is full of designer watches from rotary, sekonda, citron and smart as well as other brands.

If you need to get a key cut in the city centre area, Timpson is your obvious choice. This little…read moreshop, tucked away near the 'back' entrance to the Indoor Market (on St Mary Street), has been around for years. They not only offer quick key cutting while you wait, but can also do shoe repairs, locker repairs, passport photos, car key programming, engraving services (for pet tags, trophies, etc), jewellery and watch repairs, and a locksmiths service for homes, businesses and vehicles if you get locked out! It's also open earlier than most shops - from 8.30am onwards - which is handy. There's another branch of Timpson on Queen Street if you're over the other side of town (up near Capitol Centre, near Queen Street Station end of the road)..

I've already said that Brownings on Albany Road is a fantastic place to get your keys cut or your…read moreshoes mended and it's run by a lovely, lovely man. However, I don't visit Albany Road very often anymore, so I'm more likely to get that kind of thing done while I'm in town, and Timpson is the best place to do that. While slightly more expensive, the service is just as good, although it can get pretty busy in there on weekends. The store is really tiny too, so it can get really cramped. Their watch repairs in particular are excellent, with batteries that last much longer than those I've had replaced in other stores. They also sell funky keys in different colours and patterns, which it's really handy for me, as I seem to have a ridiculous number of keys, and spend ages at the door trying each one.

A family run business which has been in Whitchurch village for as long as I can remember. They…read morestock a selection of watches, clocks, and gold and silver jewellery, which tend to be more suitable for the older market. I have used the repair service provided by Holloways on numerous occasions, be it simply to have a battery put into a watch or to have clasps fitted on jewellery. We have also used it to have our Cuckoo Clock repaired and on all occasions they have provided a fast and efficient service.

Jonathan David is a top end jewellers that supply everything from diamond and platinum jewellery…read morethrough to designer watches. But that's not to say that they are entirely conventional, and don't carry the fun stuff too. They also sell an interesting and comprehensive range of affordable silver, gemstone and quality glass jewellery, sourcing their stock from some home-grown designers as well as from further afield. In fact, Jonathan David cover all of their bases by augmenting their products and services with a pre-owned range, but this is mainly confined to jewellery containing precious stones, such as diamond engagement rings, as well as watches... essentially things that are subject to standard evaluations, where market price can be estimated accurately. This is a family run business with outlets in Wellfield Road in Roath as well as St Mary Street in the centre of town. The St Mary Street outlet carries much of the pre-owned jewellery, so if you are looking for an engagement ring, then this is where you need to head to. In addition, somewhat logically, jewellery and watch repairs take place here as well... this is where the repair and valuation team are based. Again, if you are looking to trade something in, or simply need a valuation for insurance purposes then a visit to the St Mary Street outlet is advisable, although the Wellfield Road store will happily deal with all of your enquiries.

Jonathan David is more of a traditional jewellery store, a place where your posh grandmother would…read morefeel right at home. I love its old-world style furnishings and decor, which complement the fine offering of sparkly jewels. Apparently, this store has been a site of a jewellers since 1896, making it the oldest store of its kind in the city. The selection is varied and there's something to suit all tastes and budgets, including new ranges from Pandora, Victorinox and Kit Heath, as well as a stunning selection of pre-owned jewellery. I'm not a massive jewellery fan - I have a few treasured pieces - but I think I know a fine jewellers when I see one, and it's apparent Jonathan David carries beautiful adornments for both men and women, in addition to offering services like engraving and watch repair.

I love Swatch watches so they'd never get a bad review from me. They offer something a lot…read moredifferent from other watch brands out there and are pretty good value for money too. This shop has too many watches too choose from and I must have tried on 5 so far. They don't just do the plastic types either you know! Luckily they are always nice to me.

The swatch shop has been a somewhat iconic little Cardiff shop for many years. I used to walk past…read moreit, meet people by it, ignore it and yet it remained a constant. It's a cute little space that sells, would you believe it. swatches. I had always completely disregarded it until I went in recently to buy a gift for someone. The staff were really lovely and beyond informative, they helped me pick out something really perfect. I'd never bought a watch in my life so I was grateful for all the help I received. Come Christmas time I'll make sure I don't forget it.