Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
IndependentsApr 11, 2017
Ask the Watch Guy: Responding to Readers
National Jeweler’s resident Watch Guy, Jess Gendron, answers readers’ questions and comments about watch columns past.
Jess Gendron is a seventh generation watchmaker, having learned by his father Dan Gendron’s side since childhood. He can be reached at talktothewatchguy@gmail.com.
Welcome to another edition of “Ask the Watch Guy.” In this particular column, I will respond to your questions and comments regarding past articles.
Hi Jess,
I enjoyed your article in National Jeweler about proper care of kinetic and solar watches.
I was curious of two things: One, if you charge (money) to recharge a capacitor and two, if you have a suggested amount of time that someone does not keep the watch stored away to prevent this problem.
Thanks!
Allison Leitzel Williams – G.G. A.J.P (GIA)
Thanks for your question.
As to what to charge, that depends on what your service model is (more on this in a future article). For some, the fact that the customer came to you and that you get to use this situation to cement your position as the local authority in the community is enough. I have gotten great feedback from customers online for giving them an education about their watch--education that should have been done at the point of sale. Most people who own these watches know nothing about how the watch works. If you are a mid- to upper-level retailer, I would look at it as a public service that has many benefits and charge nothing.
However, if you are a discount jeweler or you make the majority of retail sales from repairs-- for example, if you do 50 or more batteries per week--you could offer everything the upper level jewelers do and charge a nominal fee of, say, $25 for recharging.
Now, to answer the second part of your question: It depends on how old the capacitor is. Older watches with an old capacitor will need light on a daily basis, but with a newer watch getting a good charge once a week will suffice. The storage capacitor is like any other rechargeable battery; if the storage cap is not fully charged on a very regular basis, the capacitor will develop memory and the cap will not be able to take a full charge. So, in the case of solar or Eco-Drive-type watches, my advice is to give a full charge in bright light once a week.
When it comes to kinetic-type watches, the same advice applies. If the customer does not wear the watch enough to keep it charged, they should consider using a watch winder.
Hi, it's Sam at Berman's Jewelers in Ellicott City, MD. On your advice to reflash (reset
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
the time) the solar watches after charging: If the watch has sweep second hand you must reset the time even if it is correct.
Thank you,
Sam
That’s why I love that fact that watch repairers read these articles! Thanks for the tip.
Jess,
I saw your article. I just wanted to say hello to you and your family. In 2006, I was in your home in New Mexico. I flew from New Jersey and have never regretted that decision. Your mother and father taught me the watch repair business and your father had you show me how to clean and polish a case.
I hope they are well. Please give them my best, let them know my business is thriving and that my oldest son is now in the business.
Sincerely,
Steve Skinner
Skinners Watch Repair
Hi Steve. I do remember you and it’s great to hear from you! My parents are doing well, retired now. Awesome that your son is in the business now too.
Thanks for letting me know how you are doing. If you need help with anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.
In closing, I just wanted to let all my readers know that we are pleased to announce that the free watch battery video as well as the free e-book “The Jewelers Guide to Profitable Watch Repairs” is now available on our website, TimeWorks.biz. Enjoy!
Jess Gendron is a seventh generation watchmaker, having learned by his father Dan Gendron’s side since childhood. Jess Gendron is now the owner of Colorado Timeworks, a watch repair service center in Colorado Springs. He can be reached at talktothewatchguy@gmail.com, and his website is Timeworks.biz.
Thank you,
Sam
That’s why I love that fact that watch repairers read these articles! Thanks for the tip.
Jess,
I saw your article. I just wanted to say hello to you and your family. In 2006, I was in your home in New Mexico. I flew from New Jersey and have never regretted that decision. Your mother and father taught me the watch repair business and your father had you show me how to clean and polish a case.
I hope they are well. Please give them my best, let them know my business is thriving and that my oldest son is now in the business.
Sincerely,
Steve Skinner
Skinners Watch Repair
Hi Steve. I do remember you and it’s great to hear from you! My parents are doing well, retired now. Awesome that your son is in the business now too.
Thanks for letting me know how you are doing. If you need help with anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.
In closing, I just wanted to let all my readers know that we are pleased to announce that the free watch battery video as well as the free e-book “The Jewelers Guide to Profitable Watch Repairs” is now available on our website, TimeWorks.biz. Enjoy!
Jess Gendron is a seventh generation watchmaker, having learned by his father Dan Gendron’s side since childhood. Jess Gendron is now the owner of Colorado Timeworks, a watch repair service center in Colorado Springs. He can be reached at talktothewatchguy@gmail.com, and his website is Timeworks.biz.
More on Independents
The Latest
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
Weekly QuizAug 13, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
Lab-GrownAug 13, 2026
Jean Dousset Opens Third StoreThe lab-grown diamond jewelry brand’s newest boutique is in Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, California.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Eshed-Gemstar on the Painstaking Process of Cutting ‘The Legacy Emerald’The gemstone supplier and manufacturer acquired the remarkable 104-gram Zambian emerald at Gemfields’ auction in May.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Elderly NYC Woman Targeted in Jewelry Swap SchemeTwo suspects offered to trade the woman a “winning” lottery ticket for her jewelry.
SourcingAug 12, 2026
Another Diamond Mine Poised to CloseFinsch has been in business rescue since May, and owner Petra Diamonds said it sees no viable path forward for the mine.
CrimeAug 12, 2026
Jewelry Store Employee Gets 20 Years to Life in Choking Death of BossMichel Patrick DeSalles was sentenced after pleading guilty to the 2017 murder of Omid Gholian, who owned a jewelry store in Manhattan.
MajorsAug 12, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names New SVP of SalesLongtime industry executive Beth Miller has taken on the role.
AuctionsAug 11, 2026
Verdura Unicorn Brooch With Royal Connection Up for Auction The brooch was owned by Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, who served as a lady of the bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II for nearly 50 years.
MajorsAug 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Selects Mattel Exec to Lead Zales, BanterJamie Cygielman will take on the role on Aug. 24.
ColumnistsAug 11, 2026
Creative Connecting: How to Sell Colored Gemstones to Gen ZDuvall O’Steen and Jen Cullen Williams share the best ways to display, present, and explain colored gemstones to younger customers.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2026
NAJA Announces Lineup For 2026 Fall Virtual ConferenceThe mid-year conference for jewelry and watch appraisers will take place Sept. 5-6 on Zoom.
TechnologyAug 10, 2026
Colorado Jeweler Launches Customization Tool He Built HimselfHonest Hands Ring Co. Founder Benjamin Bosworth shared his thoughts on jewelry technology and why AI can never replace the human element.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
QVC Exits Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Names New Interim CEOQVC Group President and CEO David Rawlinson is temporarily being replaced by a familiar face, former QVC CEO Mike George.
CollectionsAug 10, 2026
State Property Puts a Ripple in the ‘The Voyager’ CollectionThe brand also added two one-of-a-kind brown diamond pieces to the “Sanssouci” series of its “Gardens” collection.
MajorsAug 10, 2026
And IJO’s 2026 Vendor of the Year Is … Ostbye took home top vendor honors at the Independent Jewelers Organization’s show, held last month in Kentucky.
Supplier BulletinAug 07, 2026
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsSponsored by Stratus Estate Buyers
