Great shop! I dropped by this morning for some help with my watch bracelet. The fixed a loose pin and took a half link out to size it better. While waiting I got to look through their great selection of watches and received a great history lesson on some brands that I was unfamiliar with. I would shop here over a boutique store any day, certainly if you're looking for something on the dressier side or just a unique piece. If my watch ever needs major service or if I'm in the market for a new watch or strap, I know I'll come straight to Father Time. read more

I had a vintage 70s Accutron Spaceview I rec'd when I graduated from college. But I lost it some time in the 80s. Jim at Father Time was able to find an exact duplicate that replaced that one I lost. I have been taking it to them faithfully ever since and it runs like a top even after 50 years. Jim and his staff are professioonal, honest and the best I have found if you have a question or a need. Thanks again to Father Time read more

The Doctor has been a steady customer of Jim's over the years for watches and clocks and I have purchased antique jewelry from here. Some of the pieces are very lovely but you do have to be careful when purchasing some of the necklaces as the circumference can be small. Price-wise, FTA can be on high side for some of the watches and jewelry, but if you are into antique or rare finds for watches, this is the place to go. They also do a great job on cleaning and restoring clocks. The Doctor is a collector of clocks of all types, so it is time to service them, this is where they go. For what he spent on the purchase of these clocks, me and The Doctor want to make sure they are going someplace FTA also has other collectables such as buttons, electronics, sheet music and furniture if you are not into watches and jewelry. read more

Well this is the 1st time using Father Time since I hear them being advertised on classical music radio 98.7. I was familiar with them before because I used to be into antiquing and Belmont avenue had a lot more antique shops in the mid to late 90s. Anyways the reason why I came here is because I had a Bradford clock that I bought in 2008 which was made out of real oak wood the case or the frame. It had been service both to Bradford as well from another competitor called a Chicago clock company. Unfortunately I was not happy with Bradford clock because they use a German quartz movement called a Hermele. Bradford clocks proclaims that they are us made in regards only to their case which is real wood they use I bought an solid oak wood one and paid $300 back then in 2008 but unfortunately Hermele quartz movement made in Germany even though it's battery powered had faults of chiming the wrong time in Westminster chime. I ended up taking it to Chicago clock company and Clarendon hills and they put another kind of movement and got rid of that homily although I spent $200 for this Japanese one that had Christmas carols Westminster chime every 30 minutes and Westminster time every quarter of an hour as well as some other music it plays. Unfortunately it needed service again not because of the movement but because surprisingly the oak wood frame or case cracked when a Merry maid came over to clean our house for the first time I was not so happy. Usually after Thanksgiving I would set the clock to play the Christmas carols. When I took it into father time in which I spoke to I believe James he had mentioned that he could fix it the frame and he thought that the movement was broken it was like oh no I don't think so because I just fixed that movement with Chicago clock company and I had brought the batteries and it was still ticking and attacking including the movement of the pendulum. All he needed was to repair the case back because it really cracked but I'm surprised cuz it fell from the wall to the floor I don't know what the maid was doing. The reason why the four stars is he did a professional job putting it together and he finished it before Christmas which I gave him praise for the four stars. Why not five stars is because although it was the frame I think it was a bit too pricey almost as much as the clock I paid for Bradford original despite having it served so many times since 2008. But I do recommend coming here. read more

Father Time Antiques - My Bradford Holy oaks clock which he fix the case made of real solid oak wood not veneer - Antiques Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Waited several months for scheduled home repair. Serviceman said tall clock definitely did not need cleaning and made repair. Clock stopped working in less than an hour. When I called to ask if the repair man could return, I was told he could not and that the clock would need to be brought into shop for a cleaning for a charge over $1000 and that it would be several months before they could get the clock and months after that for the work to be completed. I contacted a local antique dealer to ask who they used for servicing their antiques. I used there recommended source. Repair done in home for less money than Father Time. Told clock did not need cleaning. That was three months ago. Clock keeping perfect time. Repair service hard to find, but the effort is worth it to avoid Father Time. read more

I LOVE FATHER TIME! Jim, the owner, is smart, funny and generous. I often go into the shop JUST to see Jim ... but never leave empty handed. Father Time has the MOST UNIQUE treasures I've ever seen & the prices are completely reasonable. Also - I'm a fan of a certain style of antique jewelry ... and Jim has my number and contacts me when he gets items he thinks would be 'up my alley'. I consider Father Time like family. I'm NOT kidding. If you like cool antiques ... get over there! Hi Jim . Wish I didn't have to leave Chicago ... but every time i visit, expect to see me read more

$30 to take two links off a watch, which took all but 5 minutes. I get that they probably don't have a lot of business so have to make all the money where they can, but what a rip off! Please call direct to arrange the supposed refund you've proposed in your reply. You have my number from the intake form i filled out. otherwise your response is utterly bs read more

This establishment has been remarkable for their excellent service, their timeliness, and their wonderful personalities! They have repaired our grandfather clock, they have been always available to answer any questions and helped us when we have inadvertently messed up. We will always use them-they are so perfect with their work Helen M. read more

Amazing place. Cool stuff. Of you love clocks you have to go here. It's like a museum where you can buy stuff. There is no much to see. And they seem nice and helpful. read more

Classic watches, clocks and other antiques. I picked up a tidy little style that had been completely restored, and when the TSA scanners demagnetized it a couple of weeks later they took care of it for free. read more

Father Time Antiques - My classic find, now with an alligator strap - Antiques Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Don't waste your money! Father Time Antique will ask you for an exorbitant amount of money to do the same job most of other clock repair shop can do for a fraction of it. Even worse than that, I had to bring my clock back multiple times to fix things they screwed up themselves! ... And with their "all sales are final" clause, forget to have any leverage after they did the work. read more

Ok so they have a great selection of time pieces and service watches. I went there to sell a watch. Actually two, gold authentic, watches. On eBay the watches ran between $2500-$4000 each. I wasn't expecting that much for each in all honesty I would have probably sold both for $1000. I got offered $600 and managed to haggle up to $800. If you're selling something don't come here unless you want to get low balled hard and offered less than scrap value. read more

After reviewing yelp I brought my clock into this shop with some trepidation. I expected to get a high estimate and indeed, did I ever. While the shop is really interesting, the fact that a small little family shop has such a glitzy professional commercial probably should be the first hint -- much too late night TV infomercial for my taste. However what I *did not* expect what as out right incorrect assessment (I'd even go further and say it was dishonest) review of what my clock needed and the cost of repair. I own a small collection of antique interesting clocks, most are 50-75 years old and are for the most part unique or interesting in various odd ball ways. Recently I purchased a clock that was more interesting than outright special; a clock that's sometimes called a "waterwheel clock". it's a beaut, about a foot and a half high and features a Ferris wheel that large metal balls fall into and then drive the wheel through their weight. You put about 8 or 9 on a track above the clock and they roll into the Ferris Wheel baskets and then it drops them into a tray underneath the clock. Unfortunately the Ferris wheel was a little off kilter and the clock was running a little slow. I brought it into Father Time for a review and the "pitch man" from the commercial took a look at it. While I ran out to the car to get the tray full of metal balls (these things are heavy) he supposedly examined and then pronounced the slew of problems when I returned. The clock had been run many years and at some point the oil had evaporated causing the gear shafts (sorry, I'm not a professional clock guy so I'm sure I'm using wrong terminology) to grind the round holes they went into until they were more oval shaped. It would require drilling out of all of the holes and placement of a grommet type thing as well as some diamond paste grinding of parts to return them to their original condition. Only one issue. This is a reproduction that was just manufactured. I'm sure it has some run time... like days.... certainly not the years they claimed that would cause this damage. They wanted a fee that was about 3 times the cost of the clock. Absolutely ludicrous. The guys obviously didn't even really look at it (they were asking me if I wanted the brass shined up but noted the pretty patina that the clock had acquired over the years -- so obviously the reproduction was good enough to fool them on first pass that this was really an old clock and they just gave me the standard old-clock-all-the-things-we-can-repair-speech). I asked if they'd be willing to just adjust the wheel and gears and they told me no, it was either all or nothing. Absolute rip off. I'm sure these guys do good work, and I'm sure they're master watch people -- but just like when you go into a car place and they have you replace everything, the question really should be "is it necessary" to do all this work to make it run right. Disappointed and will be looking for someone a little more honest for future repair work. read more

Not only a rip off but a dangerous place to bring your cherished antiques for repair. I spent $800 on repairing my grandmother's old watch at Father Time. Shortly afterwards it broke. I brought it to David Lampert on Oak Street where he said it needed a "total overhaul" and he fixed it for under $120. Father Time also screwed up my grandmothers very rare, valuable and cherished antique singing bird box. The repair man made it sound wheezy which had never been a problem before. Shortly after I paid for it (big mistake) I asked the owner if he could take the spot off the top. He turned around and used a steel wool brush on it, removing the gold finish below where the spot was. I was stunned and asked him to fix it (another big mistake). When I came back to get it he had rubbed off the gold across the entirety of the top of the singing bird box to try to even it out. I will never forget my horrible experience that I had at Father Time. If the same owner is still there steer clear becuase he is unscrupulous. I hope he sells the business if he hasn't already. I should note that my experience happened in '98. read more

I recently brought my grandfather's pocket watch into father time antiques for repair... I had initially brought it to a local watch repair shop in my neighborhood, but they recommended that I bring it to father time antiques. When I brought the pocket watch in for repair, I was immediately impressed with the knowledge of the gentleman who assisted me. He was familiar with the manufacturer and told me approximately what year the watch was made and some interesting insights about the design of the watch... I definitely felt it was my own antiques roadshow experience! Despite the watch had not been used in probably 40 years, they were able to repair, clean and polish it... Now it works perfectly. I would very highly recommend father time antiques for anyone looking to repair a family treasure. Like some of the other reviews mentioned on this page, father time antiques is not cheap, but I definitely feel they provide value for the money. These guys are definitely experts, and they were very friendly and helpful. An added bonus is the shop is also a retail store, with numerous unique antiques that you'll enjoy. Even if you're not in the need of a watch repair man, consider checking out the retail shop. read more

Tick Tock, Tick Tock. Yes, it is a hynotic sound that can inspire a whole spectrum of responses/reactions, derived from memories or possibly state of mind. The seeker of solace may find it. The aggravated mind may grow more agitated. Nevertheless, the sound itself is a relic and someday it will go the way of the dinosaur or the pony express. Reading an old story to my God-daughter, she asks inquisitively, "What's a tick-tock?" - presumably never having heard one. Similarly, once at a borrowed old cabin, she reacted with great alarm to the sound of a COFFEE PERCULATOR. In her young life, she had NEVER heard either of these sounds, once as familiar as birds singing in the morning. But I digress and appreciate your tribute to Father Time. But to the best of Segways, I prefer Segues... read more

I needed to change the battery in my Invicta that was "re-gifted" to me about a year ago. I took a ride on my motocycleta, and they changed my battery in under 10 minutes, which saved me from braving an impending rain-storm/tsunami. Moreover, when I had a question about one of the watches, the owner (I presume?) was very friendly and polite. He was more than willing to show me watches/answer questions even when I indicated I had no plans to purchase anything. I can't speak for their selection as I rarely visit antique watch stores or their restoration work, but everything went very well for me! read more

Easily the rudest store I have ever been in. They wanted $495.00 to fix a clock. I found a place in Skokie that would do it for $175.00. It isn't even the price. So be it. That is their price. That is what they feel their time is worth. Just shop around. The owner, I assume, was an arrogant prick. Just rude. Plain rude. Like he was doing me a favor even having his door open to the public. I would never suggest this place to anyone. I asked how much one of their watches cost and it was like he was upset that I would even think about asking such a question. DO NOT SHOP HERE. read more

Came in looking to explore the inventory I'd seen online. Connected with Jim via email before arriving, and when I showed up he patiently walked me through every part of the process. Everything from how a mechanical watch operates to a frank discussion of the investment return I could expect in different brands and products. Low/no pressure sales tactics, just pride in the products and confidence in the work. Selected something special, and will be bringing friends with a discerning eye here in the future. read more

They did a great job on my antique clock. Accomodating staff and very knowledgeable. Bit on the pricey side, but you get what u pay for. Would recommend then for antique clock and watch repair. read more

Thieves, and absolute cowards. I gave them a very special watch to repair. I called back after not hearing from them for more than 4 weeks and they informed me that my they had been broken into and my watch was stolen. They told me that they were not liable and I needed to claim the watch on my homeowners insurance. Had I not called them when I did, I don't know if they would have ever called me. My "stolen" watch was valued for more than $3,000. In the end I received NOTHING. I wouldn't trust Jim with a pack of gum. read more

These guys are most fantastic! I went to a military history expo in Louisville, KY one weekend and was intent on buying a WWII German watch. When I finally found a broken Helvetia pocket watch conversion I liked I called the shop and the owner, Jim, gave me his personal cell phone number and told me to text him some pics. He gave me his opinion and warned me it could cost a few bucks to restore but that I wouldn't get hurt or be sorry. I am most pleased with the restoration they did. He was right, it was a little costly BUT he stayed within his estimate and YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! The watch is in great shape now and I have a graph to prove it's ticking along like it should instead of the one they gave me when they tested it on the machine when I first brought the watch in. Before the restoration the dots looked like ants at a picnic, they were EVERYWHERE and the watch was not keeping time. Now it is running as good as the day it was made 80 years ago. These guys are running a reputable and trustworthy business and I thank them for their service. I am proud that I brought a piece of history back to life and that alone was worth the price of the restore, the fact that it looks awesome on my wrist is an added bonus and now I have an heirloom I can pass down within my family for generations. If you have something you really care about fixing these are your guys! Money is like time - it's always there and it's always slipping away but the memories it can create make it all worthwhile. A memorable experience and I will be back! Thanks for everything! read more

I recently brought a pair of eyeglass frames I damaged to the store where I was hopeful they'd be able to repair. I was there for no more than five minutes and they were done and ready to go. Excellent staff! read more

I took in my great grandparent's mantle clock for repair in October and was told it would take 14-16 weeks to restore. Unfortunately it was 20 weeks and I had to call for a status update after the promised by date came and went. The gentleman who assisted me when I first brought in the clock was very knowledgeable and helped me learn a lot about the clock and its history. The restoration, while expensive, was well done and I am very pleased with the end product. I would return to this business again. read more

I inherited a 19th century pocket watch badly in need of a tune up. Further, the front cover would not clasp shut because the metal had worn down over time. During a brief visit home a few months ago, I swing by FTA to have them look at it. I received a nice tutorial about how pocket watches work and an eyeball estimate of the watch's value. The team explained exactly what needed to be done and why, how it would be done, and when I could expect it. I currently live outside Chicago and FTA assured me it would be sent with the utmost care and arrive to me safely. Five weeks later, the watch arrived safe and sound. It works perfectly, the front lid closes, and the FTA team polished it to a shine it hasn't had in decades. I am very impressed - though not surprised, based on other reviews - with the work and service of the FTA team. This kind of craftsmanship an guarantee of quality work is becoming rare. It's great to know this place still holds up - kind of like their time pieces! read more

I dropped off my antique coo-coo clock for their assistance. I left my clock with them to receive a price quote for the work. Their price quote was way way way too high, so I came back the next day to pick up my clock. But one of their staff apparently dropped my clock on the floor and did not tell me. The back part of the wooden roof-top of my clock was cracked-off... like they had dropped it on the floor. Their staff politely did not tell me about their accident when I picked up my clock. I found the damage when I got home. This is horrible ! read more

Visited Father Time Antiques to ask for information about the repair of a vintage watch. The collection of amazing watches/antiques made walking in the door like visiting a museum. Unfortunately, the feedback we received on having the watch repaired was a) may not be possible, and b) will cost $600 or more. Since the watch cost less than half of that, we decided to wait and look for a more reasonable estimate. Eventually we found another business that was willing and able to repair the watch, along with 4 other vintage watches, for a total of $300 for all 5. read more

They repaired a 1950's Soviet-made chronograph for me, which I wasn't sure was even going to be possible. The quality of the repair was beyond my expectations. As other reviews have stated, they aren't cheap, but the service is top-notch, and well worth it for anything valuable. read more

I purchased a Diamond Ring from Father Time Antiques for my anniversary. Everybody was very friendly and personable. My wife was in there earlier to fix my son's watch and fell in love with the ring she saw which is why I came back and purchased it. My only regret is that I wish I had asked more questions about what v52 and G-H mean, etc. since I am not a diamond expert and I wish I knew more about what I had purchased. I have no idea what diamonds rings are even worth. I looked around and saw some great looking watches too that were really old but looked really great. I think I will go back there and check out those watches again. I though customer service was very good. read more

FTA did an amazing job restoring my grandfather's Hamilton watch from the 1950's. It was expensive but well worth it. They are true experts, with master watchmakers who excel in the field. I highly recommend them, without reservation. read more

As the other reviews have shown, this place is truly enchanting to visit. I went in to inquire about an antique pocket watch repair. The staff was extremely friendly and wanted to know how I came to acquire the watch. With a pleasant earnestness they told me some history about the company who made my watch and some technical and historical attributes about my particular movement. I was clearly new to antique watches but there was not a hint of snobbery in their tone! The downside to this place is their reputation to be "pricey." Despite my pleasant encounter with the staff, their estimate to fix my watch was outrageous. (For details sake, they wanted $750 to fix a watch I had bought for less than $100. After looking around on the internet and calling other Chicago-area watch-smiths, I found a watch-smith who did the repair for $125). I'm well aware that the business they're in is rare and extremely small. Compounded with a brick and mortar store in a major city cannot help to have lower prices. However, it is what it is: pricey. But check it out. Father Time really is wonderful. read more

I recently went into FTA for the second time to look at the vintage watches. I have been looking for a watch with some character and These watches definitely have that. The gentleman I spoke with seemed knowledgable and his recommendation for what I was looking for was a 50s era Omega watch. He said that they had one but it must have been sold. I went online and found what I was looking for. The clerk at FTA told me what to watch out for when buying a used watch and even went into detail on a machine they use to make sure the watches work. Leaving me with the impression I should bring a watch a may buy into them. Obviously paying for their time and work. When I called them to schedule an appointment the same person I spoke with the day before was nothing but rude and said he will not be vetting anyone else's purchases. I said I must've misunderstood our previous conversation. This man came off rude and elitist. He handed me to the owner or boss who said they could look at the watches. I am definitely not someone who can afford to buy one of their 5k watches but I am someone supports local business and had every intention of buying a 1500-2500 watch. I also planned on bringing in my moms clock and referred a friend. That will not be happening now. I cannot recommend this place simply from the customer service experience. Very disappointed. read more

Father Time owner's extensive knowledge of antique and contemporary time pieces is outright impressive, down to every detail of a historic mechanism. His two repairmen are meticulous - lots of experience and surgical precision. But what I find to be an extra guarantee of the workmanship is the pride they take in their work.The only way they will repair a piece is the right way - no shortcuts, "discount" craftsmanship, material substitutes, or cutting corners. I know - I had several items fixed at Father Time. When I read the pricing complaints, all I can think of is "why have a Rembrandt when you can have a poster thereof." Father Time's is a highly specialized craft and you pay for expertize and quality.Of course you can always have things done cheaper - the quality level is how you get your discount. read more

It was my husbands 60th birthday and I wanted a special gift in the Arts and Craft style he loves so much. I found the perfect clock at Father Time. The owner was so patient with me while I was shopping. His knowledge of clocks and watches was astounding. He took a lot of time with me, making sure all my questions were answered and that I was comfortable with my decision to purchase a 1920's time punch clock. It is truely a one of a kind gift. (I tease my kids that they will need to "punch in" when they come home at night.) My husband loved the clock. Thanks, Father Time, I'll be back soon for that watch I saw in the case! read more

Had an amazing selection of old watches. I even saw some 50's Omega Autos. Really beautiful selection. If you want to spend some money on a nice watch timeless piece, go here. read more

Walked into FTA yesterday. It was a sunny sunday afternoon. The street was quiet and filled with laziness. My first impression of the store was that they have a lot of clocks. Upon further examination, they have quite a collection of vintage watches. I looked thru the cases and found lots of Omega, Bulova, Rolex, Longines...etc. They also had a nice collection of vintage poket watches like Illinois, Elgin, Halmilton, Waltham...etc. These watches were all serviced. The person helping us was very knowledgeble and friendly. I can see myself coming back jsut to chat about watches. They do a bulk of business in watch repair. The pricing on the watches were fair. Not sure about the repair cost. read more

Great place has all the antique clocks your heart desires. The antique clocks in the store are all original and restored to excellent condition. The prices are moderate for what you are getting. The owner and all helpers are very polite. Fun place to go! read more

I changed the battery in my invicta at Father Time Antiques and i can give them 5 stars.Very professional,very happy i chose this place.I will always comback here for my watch needs .Good job! read more

I had a beautiful antique kitchen clock refurbished and repaired so it would run and chime properly. Two years later, it stopped running when it got caught in a cloud of plaster dust during a remodeling project elsewhere in my house! The folks at Father Time diagnosed the problem, cleaned and reconditioned the clock...and later made an actual HOUSE CALL when the clock stopped ten days later. (Turned out it was on a surface that wasn't level, and they added shims that solved the problem.) Their shop is filled with beautiful, unusual antique clocks and is fascinating just to visit! I couldn't recommend them highly enough! read more

Father Time restored a 1953-54, 17-jewel Altus that my father had bought at the PX in flight school and had given to me 15 years ago. The restoration was expensive, about $1,500, but the first place I took it to had it for months and couldn't find the parts for it. Another place took one look and wouldn't even try. Did I mention that I'd left the watch in the pocket of a pair of trousers that I ran through the washing machine? Yeah, that kind of repair. They opened it up, showed me the parts damaged by being sent through the washer, and showed me a few other things that had to be replaced due to 50 years of wear. They also told me exactly what kind of movement it had (can't remember which one, but it was an ébauche of some kind). A few weeks later, the work was done and it runs better than it did before its unfortunate accident. That was 2-3 years ago. More recently, they restored my father's Omega tuning fork watch, a gift from my mother to my father in 1973. Again, expensive (around $1,500), and they said that they'd essentially have to find another watch with the same movement and cannibalize it for parts. From a financial standpoint, it wasn't worth it, they said. I could buy a more valuable tuning fork watch for the same money. But my mother and father are gone now, and when you're talking about something that was a gift from one person you loved to another, different rules apply. So I asked them to fix it anyway, which they did, and it works perfectly. My third item is an awesome Omega Speedmaster reduced, which I bought from the store. It's quite beautiful. In mint condition. It was running a little fast, but they readjusted it, got it to within about 10 seconds a day (adjusting these watches is a little tricky because they can run a little faster or slower depending on your activity level). Next time I was in town, I asked them to adjust it again, which they graciously did at no charge. Now it's losing about two seconds a day, which is well within specs, which would be within 5-6 seconds a day. I've whiled away many an hour in the store and found the folks to be friendly, endlessly patient and endlessly knowledgable. They seem to really love what they are doing. And the next time I buy a vintage watch, I'll get it from them. I might get something at a lower price on eBay, but I trust Father Time. read more