I don't usually write negative reviews but this guy takes the cake. We selected Clockworks (Jim the owner) to fix our grandmother clock because of the positive comments on his site and we feel taken advantage of. In January, this guy came to our house and took our clock apart before telling my wife it would costs $500 + $80 for his trip to my home (we are less than 5 miles from his shop). The entire job took maybe about 2 hours (and 20 minutes to get it off the wall). He did not replace any parts, but only oiled the clock, tightened a few things, and put it back together. So that means he charged me a little over $200 per hour to fix the clock. At the end, he said the bill was $600 (not $500 + $80, but $600). When I questioned him, he simply said he is the best in Richmond. In the end, it sounds the same as it did when it was working. He did wipe down the face of the clock to a certain degree, but the pendulum is full of prints. At that price, I would have expected all of it to be sparkling and no finger prints! Had I known his service would be so overly priced beforehand, I would have gone somewhere else. Well the clock stopped chiming again a month later and I called Jim back to see if he guaranteed his work. He said he appreciated our comments (my wife wrote a review on his facebook page also so obviously being sarcastic) and that we could come into his store and he would tell us how to fix the clock. When I asked again if he guaranteed his work, he again told me how he was rated the best in Richmond. That's not what I asked Mr. Jim - I wanted to know if you guaranteed your work. He would not come to the house again and he continued to talk in circles and not give clear answers. From the reviews, I'm guessing he might be good for smaller clocks/watches or he is paying people to write good reviews, because I can't see how anyone would say our experience was anything short of rude. Don't understand how this place stays in business. We've decided to write off the expense and caulk this up to a huge mistake. I'm only writing this review to prevent this from happening to others. Hope this helps. read more

Mr Ahmed is a miracle worker. I brought in two watches that I thought were lost causes - one was my wife's, which I wanted repaired in time for Christmas to surprise her; the other, I watch I've carried around for 15 years that I've never been able to get fixed anywhere. My wife's watch was missing its second hand, which was floating around on the face, but Mr Ahmed spotted what was wrong straight away, and had it fixed in the time it took me to go to the ATM across the road and get cash (no cards here - just cash and checks). He's fast, but only because he knows what he's doing at a level that would baffle your average watchsmiths - there's a reason he's known as the best in the country! I wish I'd stuck around, though, because Mr Ahmed will talk you through what he's doing as he works - and it's a fascinating masterclass in this most precise of crafts. But by the time I'd come back in the shop - a spectacle in itself, although he knows where everything is in this tiny, bursting-at-the-seams curiosity shop - he had already moved onto replacing the battery. A new battery, and a watch that had been restored to its former glory - and all for only $80 or so. My old watch posed a bit more of a problem, but Mr Ahmed persevered, and got it working again, too - after trying two or three different approaches. I think he relished the challenge, and it was quite something to see an expert at work - there are heritage museums that would charge money for such a show, but here it's all part of the service. Unbelievably, this particular 'lost cause' was restored to its functioning best once again in a matter of minutes - something that I think surprised Mr Ahmed as much as it did me. But, like I said, the man is a miracle worker - and this particular miracle only cost me $40. Time is precious, and I can't think of anyone better to entrust my beloved timepieces to than Jim Ahmed. His legendary reputation is 100% justified. read more

A few weeks ago I took a relatively new mechanical watch in for a cleaning and servicing, as well as to replace the crown to a correct size. I got it back about four weeks later, but a week after, the crown came off when I was trying to wind it. The only thing it had been doing was being on my wrist in very light conditions, as I work in an office building at a cubicle. Mind you, I took this watch to Iraq with me on two deployments. I took it back to Jim and he said I would need a new crown and stem, and he said he would only charge me for the parts. A few more weeks later, I was called and told it would be $90. I asked why it was so much, because a crown and stem is usually fairly inexpensive. He said the stem had broken off in the winding mechanism. I asked how that happened, and was told that, "accidents happen." He would not elaborate beyond that. In the shop I noticed the crown was much harder to wind, and the explanation I got was that it had a gasket on it because it was a "dust proof" crown. I accepted this answer, but that night I saw that the crown was not on the stem how it should be. The crown looked canted on the stem, like it had been screwed on incorrectly. I took it to another jeweler who took the crown and stem off and showed me that it had been soldered together. Instead of finding a correct crown, Jim soldered an incorrect or broken one onto a stem that was too short. I expect quality work when I take my good watches to a watchmaker, not something that I could have done in my garage. I also expected him to honor his work warranty and not charge for labor when he said he would not. I will not be returning again. read more

Timepiece Recommendation............ In this age of the Internet, mass produced products and impersonal service, we often lose sight of the importance of in-person quality service. If you value your timepiece, whether it's a family heirloom, a treasured watch, a grandfather clock or, have a need for a simple battery replacement for your vehicle's key fob, Mr. Jim Ahmed, owner / proprietor / one man show of The Clockworks on Patterson Avenue, is the only choice for you! Mr. Ahmed is an accomplished and expert horologist, trained in Canada, and after thirty-two years, remains a permanent fixture in Richmond, Virginia. How lucky for our fair city to have such an exceptional specialty establishment with its own skillful and accommodating owner. Personally, I would not go anywhere else! Never hesitate in approaching this kindly, soft-spoken expert with any timepiece issue you may encounter, regardless of the size or worth of your item! You will never be disappointed, for he aims to please the customer by his exacting standards. I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Jim Ahmed. He is rated the "Best in the World." There is a good reason for this! He is adept in solving any timepiece issue. He is fair. He is honest. He is an asset to the commercial life of Richmond. read more

Mr. Ahmed is spectacular! That's the only way to put it. I had taken my watch to one of these quick-y watch battery places after my regular jeweler informed me that they didn't change batteries in house any more. The replaced battery worked for awhile but then the next replacement did not last long and after two more trips to the quick-y place, they said the movement had to be bad and that repairs would be several hundred dollars for my 30 year old Movado watch. I am so glad that I found Clockworks and Mr. Ahmed. He took my watch back off and found all the things they did wrong at the quick-y place, including wrong battery, bending wires that were to hold battery in a direction that instead was shorting the battery out, lots of dirt, etc. Well, after his careful attention, cleaning, moving small pieces back in place, and the right battery, my watch is now working! I really thought that this watch, which has high sentimental value for me, was going to become just a jewelry piece. Thank you Mr. Ahmed. Also, for those out there reading this, don't repeat my mistake - take your watch to an expert instead of one of those quick-y watch battery places. read more

In March of 2018 I broke the two crystal covers on my old gold hunting case pocket watch. I took it to a Richmond jeweler friend with NYC watch repair connections to fix after Jim Ahmed and other Richmond watch repair people didn't have the required crystal parts to do the work. After 6 months of waiting on NYC watch repair people to replace the 2 crystal faces, I told my jeweler friend to have them return my watch. She personally took it back to NYC to try to locate any watch repair shops to do the job, but with no success. She apologized to me and returned to watch to me. Since I have known Jim Ahmed of Clockworks for 20+ years and since he has repaired several shelf clocks and coach clocks and a grandfather clock successfully with reasonable charges, I pleaded with him to try to fashion proper crystals. He promised nothing since it was an old, fragile piece and temperamental as are all old timepieces. He fixed it in ten days to its former condition and I could not be more appreciative of his talents and willingness to accept this arduous task. As you can tell, I am very sentimental over my gold timepieces. -- BRW read more

First off, pay NO attention to a couple bad reviews as they OBVIOUSLY have an axe to grind with Jim! I have been doing computer work for Jim for the last 10 years and he in kind takes care of my watches as they are both diving watches and to even change a battery in one yourself you risk compromising the integrity of the waterproof seal so I have Jim the Clockman do it. I am chiming in with my review as I have seen nothing but professionalism, kindness, and a wealth of knowledge shown by Jim over the years and to let a couple of cranky, disgruntled, and overemotional people come to yelp to bad mouth him would be an injustice! Now, I have seen Jim do work on others' clocks, timepieces, watches, etc and after the customers leave he can give me the complete synopsis of what he worked on and his decisions on why or not working on it. He is an encyclopedia of knowledge in his field and a Master of technique! IF you find bad reviews helpful look at the ulterior motives of the reviewer doing so too! Thanks, Richard K read more

Clockworks is where authenticity meets quality. You can tell it from the moment you walk up, the man in the shop has spent a lifetime mastering something most people don't even know exists anymore. Clock and watch repair is a dying art, and it's genuinely reassuring to know there are people still doing it with his level of care and expertise. Shops like Clockworks are getting harder and harder to find. This shop has the kind of character you just will not find at a chain. Not only is Jim skilled, but he has a special way of making you feel welcomed the very moment you walk up. I feel privileged seeing him work on stuff in front of me, which he is notorious for. It's not to show off-it's the natural confidence of someone who has mastered their craft, doing what they do effortlessly. To even have a glimpse into that world is something. It shows how meticulous the work really is. Needless to say, if you have a timepiece that means something to you, bring it here. You'll leave knowing it was in the right hands. read more

What a wonderful place! For all your timepiece needs, I highly recommend The Clockworks. The owner, Mr. Jim Ahmed, is wonderful! He is approachable, friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough. He doesn't rush the work; he works efficiently and patiently. I had no doubt he would take very good care of my watch. And he did! So happy with his work. My watch needed a new battery and links added. He is so good at what he does that he recognized a manufacturer's issue with my watch, one that I don't think any of the other watch places would have realized, after installing the new battery. Just like that, he fixed it. I didn't wait long at all for him to do all he needed to do to make my watch good as new. His pricing is fair, too. He only accepts cash and check. I found out that he also does house calls (e.g. grandfather clocks). Store hours: Monday-Friday (9:30 AM - 4:30 PM) Saturday (10 AM - 2 PM) Mr. Ahmed is a true craftsman, a bona fide expert in horology. A gem and an amazing discovery. Thank you, Mr. Ahmed! read more

I took 6 watches in to Clockworks this morning that needed battery replacements and a watch that needed a new watchband, I met the owner, Jim Ahmed, and discussed what I was there for with him. I am particular, and do not like my watches getting scratched and nicked and he assured me that would not happen here. He spoke the truth. This man is an absolute Master Craftsman and knows everything there is to know about watches and clocks. He replaced the battery in 5 watches, replaced the watchband on the watch requiring one, and let me know that one of the watches was not going to run anymore, so it was not worth trying to replace the battery. He did all this work while I was there and watching. He even gave me a few pointers and lessons. This man is first class and his work is also. If you are like me, and want your watch unscratched or not defaced in any way, this is the place to go. I highly recommend Clockworks. Jim Ahmed is the best ! read more

Our grandfather clock amazingly kept perfect time and chimed beautifully without any required repairs or maintenance for 32 years. The clock, however, did not like its move to our new residence! It would not respond to its routine winding, so when the ticking and chiming stopped we knew we needed to find someone who made house calls for grandfather clocks. A friend recommended Jim, and we were delighted we had only a few days to wait for him to arrive at our home. The man truly lives up to his promise that he is the "No.1 clock expert in the country... and maybe the world!" Our clock had a complete examination, and within a few hours was certainly fine-tuned, oiled, leveled with the floor, shined and finally ticking and chiming and moon-dial set to perfection. Your grandfather clock will be in superior care with charming Jim. In the future we will have Jim repair any needs for our clocks or watches. Susan B. read more

I purchased a Junghans banjo clock of unknown age (pre-1945 or post German reunification) from Clockworks and was delighted with it for several years. The balance wheel assembly failed, not unexpected for a used clock. Jim told me he was unable to repair it because parts for a vintage German clock would not be available in Richmond. I found two parts on German eBay that Jim said was the same as the part on my clock, one looking as old as mine and a second in better shape. I ordered the better of the two, and brought the part and my clock to Jim for the repair. He also inspected, cleaned and serviced the movement. The clock is now running better than before. What I appreciated is that he would not accept the clock for service without knowing that it could be fixed, and that he would not just replace the part without a complete service, because he stands behind the service he provides. read more

Jim Ahmed operates a unique small business. Independent clock/watch repair shops are rapidly becoming a thing of the past and upon entering his shop on Patterson Avenue, my thoughts returned to days of my youth and an old watch repair shop with what seemed like hundreds of ticking clocks. I enjoyed especially when my Dad would take me to Mr. Stump's shop around noon--the bells and whistles went on and on--each chiming out the 12 hours. Jim's shop reminded me fondly of that experience. Most importantly, Jim is good at what he does and very open and honest about what he can and cannot do. He repaired a watch of some value for me at a cost worthy of note. He explained each detail as to what he had done and why it would last a long time. I recommend him highly--even if one just stops by and chats with someone who represents an experience of the past. read more

i moved to richmond 25 years ago with my family's canfeild and brothers, baltimore, circa 1875 mantel clock, extremely heavy....i had shopped around, but was looking for an artesian & when i walked into jim's cluttered shop, i knew i was dealing with a "maestro"....latter, i brought in the family grandfather clock made by richard hornsby, liverpool, circa 1800, with moon dial.....jim restored both clocks to perfection over the years, i have run into many elderlies from windsor farms who complained that jim was too expensive....after living in spain, itally & buenos aires & having been brought up around antique clocks, he is the best clocksmith in who's hands i have put these family treasures. if you don't understand or appreciate good workmanship & a penny pincher, jim is not your man..... wgbhill read more

When the mainspring broke in a mantle clock that had been in the family since the 1800s, I removed the works and went to Mr. Ahmed who identified the maker and date of manufacture with only a glance. Long story short, he replaced the main spring; I took the works home and reassembled the clock but couldn't keep it running. He told me to bring it back, and then spent an hour and half or more making adjustments and minor parts replacements so that an admittedly heavily-worn clockworks would keep time again. He's a one-of-a-kind when it comes to timepiece repair, an old-schooler with experience and intuitiveness to make it keep time again. I couldn't recommend him more forcefully. If it can be fixed, Jim Ahmed can fix it. (It chimed again even as I was typing this.) read more

I have known Jim for a long time. Other day, I took my watch to him since it was slowing down. He took one look at it and said the battery was weak. He replaced the battery, but the watch still did not work. He opened the watch and first thing he did was to check the battery. The battery was fully charged. Then he looked closely with his magnifying glass and found some trace of battery leakage from last battery. He thoroughly cleaned it the seat of the battery, put the battery back in its place and close the bottom. The watch started and is still ticking. He is master of his art, one of a kind. Not only that he replaced the battery in my watch, he neatly fixed a broken slider on my leather jacket zipper. That was a bonus. read more