As far as I can tell, this is a one-man operation that has been at this location for decades. You aren't walking in to a traditional repair shop; this is an old school, paper work order, cash only type place. I brought in a cuckoo clock that had its winding chain slip from the gear. Within 2 days, it was working just like new, and the owner sent me on my way with a recommendation on how to avoid the issue in the future. Expect an efficient repair experience from someone who is rarely stumped by a mechanical problem. I had zero issues with the gentleman's temperament primarily because I read the room on how he has run his business for decades. read more

Very helpful and quick to repair. My watch battery was corroded so it needed a circuit replacement. Bill (employee/owner) took the time to show me the corroded battery before replacing and quoted me an up front price. I see some folks complaining about not giving a price over the phone - well what do you expect? Without knowing the situation or the exact model/issue how can one? That's like asking a plumber to quote you a price over the phone. Unless it's a water heater replacement or something - they don't give you one or say it's estimate only. Anyway - the watch was ready for pickup. Some said this store is not kind or impatient but Bill gladly took time explaining to me the issue (even though he already did), how to prevent it, and we chattered for a brief moment. He wished me a good day and I did the same and we parted ways. Couple other things to note. He does require you knock before letting you in and if you have business there you're fine to stay in the store. It's small so don't expect to wander about. I understand this - it's not a shop to walk around in or glance at items (I'm sure you can inquire about purchasing things in the window), and it's a one person run operation - so he doesn't have time to chatter or watch who is walking around or possibly shoplifting. Second, he asks for cash. Some say "Makes me wonder if it's fraud or he's not reporting to the IRS!" Okay tax auditor... since NOW you care about taxes all the sudden. Running a credit card line is not FREE, and if it's a self owned/small business, he may prefer cash. Also - many places upcharge for credit card. If you're concerned about a contract or something signed ahead of time, maybe go to a jeweler or a different shop that will put it on a card and you can sign a contract ahead of time to cover any damages once the repair begins. Know your vendor, people. read more

Very bad experience. Gave a Tiffany Paloma Picasso quartz alarm clock for new battery and repair of alarm function. Never received a call for pick-up. When I called weeks later, was told it was ready. Charged $90. Back of clock was very badly scratched. Seems like correct tools were not used and it really spoiled the appearance of the clock. Alarm is still not working properly. Of course payment was in cash, so that's money down the drain. Plus a clock that came back much worse than before. Cannot recommend at all. read more

I had a good fast experience. The only different bit is the store is one at a time service because the shop is small and I think the owner has a health concerns. But brought an old Nixon and Movado watch For a battery replacement which I actually had trouble at some shops getting a replacement. He had it in stock and got my watches back to me in under a house for a reasonable price. The store says no pics but it's super cool. There hundreds of clocks everywhere. Lots of cuckoo clocks, grandfather clocks etc. Getting work like this, I always make sure I support local long term businesses like this. He does great work. read more

Timekeepers - Store front - Watch Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The owner is old school, which I appreciate for these types of things. He fixed my watches within 20 minutes, so very timely. Cash only

I needed to have a clock fixed and found Timekeepers in the neighborhood. The gentleman who greeted me was kind and friendly. We had a nice chat about the store and my clock. I asked him "how much would it be to fix my battery-operated clock?" He replied, "Not much" Hmmmm, I thought. How much really could it be to clean my clock. Like a fool I walked out without an estimate. Upon picking up the piece, I was charged $38 for a battery-operated, nothing-fancy piece. I asked what entailed the charge and he stated, cleaning my clock. Pitty the fool who got her clock cleaned. read more

I have been at the store several times. However, the last time I felt he did not fix certain things. I tried to tell him about it, and he was very rude, not listening to me. Very stubborn!! It is not the way to treat customers read more

Came in to get a few links removed on a new watch after my girlfriend told me he does the service for $10 (she came in a week prior). He then charges me $18 for the same service and when I bring up that I was told he did it for $10 he claimed he had no idea what I was talking about. Not coming back simply due to the dishonesty. What a bum. read more

Had a friend recommend this place after he got a watch fitted for $12. Owner made us wait outside for several minutes before letting us in. Upon letting us in, asked for $15 after getting the watch refitted. When asked about the price that my friend received, he responded that he didn't know what I was referring to. $15 seems to still be a pretty fair asking pricing for this though so if you can put up with the less than stellar customer experience and slight vibes of racism, be my guest. Also - it's cash only. read more

Stopped in to have batteries swapped in a couple of my Timex digital watches. I usually do myself but I discovered one of them was too complicated for me to open. Brought in on a Friday morning the gentleman running the store offered to have them ready in 20 minutes. I was busy so I picked up the next day. When I came back I brought in a 3rd Timex watch I found in my drawer that also needed a battery so he changed it while I waited. He also replaced a missing latch on the band for another Timex watch I had. He only charged me $45 for everything. It used to be easy to go to Sears or Walmart and have the staff change batteries but Sears closed most of their stores in 2022 & none of my area Walmart's have a staffed jewelry counter that can handle swapping watch batteries anymore. Great to find a small independent shop which still provides service. The store also has an amazing collection of antique clocks of all types for sale Feels like you are walking into a museum when you go inside. read more

RUN THE OTHER WAY!!! ZERO STARS! I wish I had read the many negative Yelp reviews of this store before I went there. My horrific experience was very similar to others listed. Last April I brought my late husband's antique army watch to Timekeepers for a simple repair after the small piece on the top that sets the watch broke off. I told the shopkeeper my husband had died recently and that the watch is a precious, sentimental item. $165 and four months of pure frustration later, it was by far the worst retail experience I have ever had. Timekeepers not only overcharged me for the part and the watch never ran right after that, but the shopkeeper also fraudulently claimed to have done a "cleaning and lubrication" for another $80 without calling me beforehand to get my permission or give an estimate. After that the watch still didn't run right, so finally I took it downtown to a reputable jeweler. He opened the back of it and showed me the rust and green gunk (metal corrosion) falling out, exclaiming "This watch hasn't been cleaned in 20 years!" When I returned to the store with a friend to seek a refund, the shopkeeper was completely defensive and aggressive and wouldn't let me finish a sentence. A large and imposing figure, he became increasingly loud and menacing, approaching us waving his arms shouting "Get Out!! Get Out!!" At one point he closed the shop door with me still inside, his huge arm and hand a few inches from my face. I was terrified for my safety and feared assault. I screamed at him to open the door, which he finally did, and I ran out. I believe this business is committing fraud, possibly on many levels since it is cash only and appears to have a policy of no receipts. The rudeness, lack of professionalism, hostility, and demented behavior of this shopkeeper towards customers are all signs that THIS ESTABLISHMENT SHOULD NOT BE IN BUSINESS. read more

Owner will know what's up with ur watch and often has it fixed in less than 24-48 hours, or on the spot. He's trustworthy and rather sweet. Carol Hitchie Chicago read more

Very professional and quick! Went in to get the strap adjusted on my new metal watch and he was able to do it on the spot.

I've been here a few times now. However, the owner could not be more rude and unprofessional. He will let you into the store, then make a call and start personal discussions with other people while you stand there and wait. Today I had gone in and stood there for 15 minutes until he came over and just kicked me out saying "I'm busy get out" and then let another person in on my way out! Presumably to also just stand there. read more

Sometimes it takes a bit longer than one would like, but the gent is always working alone.

Timekeepers delivers outstanding value for watch repairs. Low cost, high quality, and timely. Pun intended. read more

I stopped by to get a battery swapped and the owner, Bill, was kind enough to come out to my car (very covid safe, mask and all) take the watch, swap the battery and bring it back out in less than 10 mins. He even repaired the strap after noticing some loose pieces. Easy $20 job. 100% would recommend and go back. read more

Very friendly and professional business. Repaired my father-in-laws watch on the spot.

The old owner who repaired clocks was an awesome fellow and cared about his customers sentimental belongings His employee who now runs the shop since the owner became sick is a thief. Don't trust your belonging to them! They have thousands of dollars worth of my families clocks and I've given detailed lists of what they are, colors, country of origin and the "employee" refuses to look and says get lost! he's very defensive and angry! something very shady is going on! be aware! read more

Guy doesn't stand by what he fixes. Charged me $175 to fix a small clock and it stopped keeping the wrong time right off the bat and said he won't fix . Also brought in a simple watch repair and he told me to get my mom a cheap battery operated watch. She's 80 and doesn't need an expensive watch. Guys a jag off and very rude. read more

Quick and friendly service. Fairly priced. No frills shop. Came here on a whim after reading Yelp reviews and left incredibly pleased. Highly recommend this shop if you need your battery replaced. read more

I went to this place today to get a battery for a small toy airplane he charge me $13 for 10 seconds worth of work. he only takes cash no credit and no change I have 4 more watches that I need to get repaired thought about giving him the business Because you seemed friendly but I just can't a for $13 for a battery to put into a small toy airplane I don't consider myself cheap in any way shape form or fashion but this was highway robbery read more

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A true craftsman. An encyclopedia of knowledge of his craft. And wit with humor.

I had a watch that needed the battery replaced. My realtor, Lyn Harie, recommended I go to Timekeepers. It cost me $15, which is cheaper than buying a new watch. I'm glad I went. The customer service was great. He was quick and helpful. NOTE: He only accepts cash. read more

This cash only place is an old school hold over for this neighborhood, so is the guy who runs it. No over the phone pricing No cards No funny business What you can expect it is to stand in a small foyer while you listen to a steady stream of ticing clocks and a knowledgeable shop keeper who will tell you and bands, clasps, springs and whatever else makes watches/clocks go tick. I wish there were room to sit while you waited or debit/credit was accepted, but with a 15 min wait you don't need to get too comfortable. 15 mins and 10 bucks later the nooka watch was back in business. read more

Timekeepers - Cash only - Watch Repair Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went back 2.5 years later for a fresh battery to find Bill, the owner, just as efficient and gracious. Since the entryway is tiny, make sure to call first so you're not standing outside in the cold. Only 1 customer can be in the shop at a given time so social distancing is maintained. read more

This place will take apart your watch and keep the insides and replace with cheaper parts!!

I've been here twice to resize 2 steel watch bracelets & am heading over there shortly for a third. He did a nice job both times, one of which required removing a jammed screw, & was fun to talk to. read more

I did not have a good experience, the owner wouldn't get up off his lazy ass to check to see if he had a part I really needed for a clock. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone to get their clock fixed, the owner doesn't seem to care much about his business since there are so many broken, unrepaired clocks on the walls. read more

Pretty much the worst customer service I've ever encountered, and I wasn't even a customer yet. I contacted this place to have an heirloom thermometer/barometer/hygrometer checked and calibrated for my wife, who had inherited it from her late father. She planned to use it to monitor the environment where she kept her musical instruments, but primarily because it had great sentimental value, she wanted to make sure it was well-maintained and in good working order. That's what's actually the most important aspect, obviously. However, on the phone I barely got out that I wanted to have it checked and, if necessary, calibrated or repaired (since it is analog, and that can be readily done by a competent craftsman), when the business owner who I was talking to cut me off and said, "Get rid of it and get a new one. Those little parts wear out." Obviously, the reason I would be using his services would be to repair or replace any required parts, but I probably only needed to have it checked to make sure it was calibrated correctly, since it still actually works apparently fine and has been in a controlled environment of a private library for many years. I attempted to explain that, but the extremely rude and contemptuous person I was speaking to kept cutting me off and talking over me, then told me, "I don't have time for you, I have a customer," upon which he hung up on me as I was still talking. So, I called him back, he answered, and I asked him if that was his normal customer service practice, to not even listen to a customer who is trying to actually give him business. And, again, he talks over me, cuts me off, and says, "Are you the guy who just called me. I don't have time for you, I have a customer, I said." Ironically, I had previously sent a friend to his shop to have an expensive watch repaired, and it turned out all it needed was a new battery, which cost her $14. So, that's why I had decided to give him my business, since my friend was happy with that. Unfortunately, after this abysmal experience with just even attempting to talk to him and being treated as poorly as I've ever been treated by a business, he just lost a potential customer who would have brought him a lot of business, both personal and for professional practices, as well as a great deal of recommendations that I would have sent his way if I was satisfied with the service and quality of any work he did for me. (I'm known by my friends and acquaintances as "the guy who knows someone" for just about any fix or project they need, so when I say "a great deal" it means dozens of customers). Not to mention, I actually have a good number of very expensive antique clocks, watches, and other analog dial devices that my father is giving me that I will need to have serviced. So, good job, Timekeepers, I'll be taking all of that business elsewhere, to one of your competitors. read more

An interesting tidbit about this place...they do not sell anything in the windows. None of it, nothing is for sale :) My friend has a very hard time with this, and everytime we walk/drive by...he exclaims "I just can't believe they sit in a storefront with all these antique clocks, and don't sell any of them." It really bothers him, so I thought it might be useful to note... Strictly a repair place, just so y'all know! read more

I took a clock in that was my Grandmother's who had just passed. It wasn't an expensive antique, it was a windup clock made in Germany. I always loved the ornate hands on it. One of her friends had wound it to much and it wasn't working. I took it to this place. The clock guy said he could have it done in a couple weeks. It turned into 3 months, then another 3 months. I went in with a mindset that I was going to get it back whether it was done or not. Well, he said it was done. He converted it from a windup to a battery, he added a chime and had switched the hands and the pendulem!!! I was pissed! He said he did not switch out parts and then handed me a box of ornate hands and said to pick out some and he'd change them. He also gave me a catalog to look through as well! I was like WTF? I just wanted the damn clock and get the hell out of there! He didn't know what he had done with the original parts! SO for the longest time every damn time it chimed I would get very angry and pissed off all over again at this guy. I finally released the anger and learned a huge lesson about where NOT to take clocks to be repaired. Do not take your clocks in for this man to even touch them! The watch guy seemed to be a bit more responsible, but NOT the clock dude! read more

Called in to ask about a battery change to get pricing. The guy responds with "I don't know you need to come in." I ask him if it matters about the type of watch (designer/off brand) he quickly replies "hun, I don't know. I'm here Monday thru Friday 8-4. Okay. Thanks byeeee." And hangs up. Hey jerk. Terrible customer service! I have 8 watches that need new batteries and repairs. I'll go elsewhere. Lighten up!!! Jeez!!!! DONT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THIS STORE!!!!! read more

Although they have an interesting selection of vintage clocks, and they were johnny on the spot when it came to changing the battery on my citizen eco drive watch, I am not happy with this place. First their charge was $65 for the battery change - not uncommon with this watch. Within 10 days the watch face appeared cloudy and moist. Within 3 weeks, there was a weird brown spot that now I know was rust. Apparently now the internal mechanisms had rusted. The second hand fell off. OMG! Now what? I took it back and after a week the prognosis was this: "I" should have had all the gaskets checked as this watch is now 7 years old and this is something that should be done. Hello, that's why I brought my watch in - I don't know how to repair it myself!! Why didn't he suggest this in the first place?? Although this did not happen the last time I had the battery changed, as the other place knew how to properly vacuum seal the water resistant watch. I just think they didn't do a good job and hence all the moisture. "Oh well, lady, I can "repair" your watch for another $90." Golly, I should have known better, huh? I snapped up my little trusty watch and took it to another place - reviews will come later - and hope that I have found a better repair service that is interested in retaining customers. read more

There's no reason to go here, the guy is sloppy and I think not quite right in the head. Father Time will do a much better job. If you do go here, take a picture of your item before giving it to him so if he damages it or gives you back someone else's parts you can prove your case. I brought in a cuckoo clock that needed a minor repair -- the hour hand wasn't going around. He looked at the clock and said it also needed oiling and cleaning, and that I should call back for an estimate in a couple days. I did, and he'd already done all the work -- he didn't wait for me to approve the estimate. That was ok because the estimate was reasonable, but still. When I came to pick up the clock, it had a huge crack in the roof. I'm 100% certain it wasn't there when I dropped it off. He agreed to glue it. When I came back to pick it up, it was glued but the crack was still super visible and I had to take it to Father Time for a better repair job. He gave me $30 off but was not at all apologetic for damaging it. When I got home I realized he'd given me back the wrong weights, and the chime on the clock no longer worked! I took it back to Father Time and they got the chime working. I went back to him and he had no idea which weights it came in with, and got angry. He started yelling at me to get the f*ck out of his store. It took two more trips to get him to give me back the original weights. read more

$13 for a watch battery replaced in less than 5 minutes! Cash only Open until 4pm on Saturday. Across from a great coffee shop. I'll definitely come back here as long as I live in the area. read more

Sad to report my poor experience at this shop. $120 spent on 4 visits over a few months. Was never able keep my watch running more than 3 days on time. Last time I brought it back, he accused me of breaking the watch each of the previous times. Refused to refund any portion of my money. I said my only recourse is letting the public know about his poor service and attitude. His response was, "I wish I could write a review on you." Haha. Also, the hours are terrible and he only accepts cash (probably to avoid dealing with dissatisfied customers). Look elsewhere for watch service. read more

We have been bringing our watches & clocks here for years. It's best to come when you're not in a rush, because there are often solving-the-country's-problems big discussions (or baseball evaluations if you're so inclined). He does my grandma's gold watch as well as fixing the cheap clock movements. If it takes longer than we'd like we figure there's a wait for parts. read more

The owner is a nice guy, and he replaced my watch battery while I waited. However, I was surprised by the $20 charge, which is twice what I have paid elsewhere in the 8 years I have owned the watch (my fault for not asking prior to the repair). I have had no problems with the watch post-replacement. FYI- Frank's Jewelry & Watch Repair on Clark charged $10 for the same job, and will also replace while you wait. read more

I was trying to get a watch band for $15 I told the owner I would pay him 20. I needed a receipt because it's work items. The owner of the shop came back with the old band and told me he would not provide me with a receipt told me to come back later! This is probably the worst experience I've ever had! read more