Policies & IssuesJul 20, 2026
Tariffs on Brazil to Increase But Rough Gemstones ExemptThe new tariff, imposed after a Trump administration study, is 25 percent and will stack on top of existing tariffs.
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
CollectionsJul 20, 2026
Vhernier Transforms ‘Freccia’ Collection Into High JewelryThe collection from 2014 has been reinterpreted into high jewelry with its signature triangular-shaped elements.
MajorsJul 20, 2026
Krista Collins Walters Promoted to Publisher of InstoreShe will also take on the role of vice president of jewelry for SmartWork Media, a newly created position.
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.
Events & AwardsJul 20, 2026
TJS Accepting Speaker Proposals for 2027 EventOrganizers are looking for presentations on topics like manufacturing, technology and research, bench work, gemstones, and sustainability.
Weekly QuizJul 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 17, 2026
HOWL Taps Shailene Woodley for ‘Home Sweet Home’ CampaignWoodley is seen in the campaign wearing our Piece of the Week, the “Frida” collar featuring 13 pieces of hand-carved Venetian glass.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
U.K. Woman Pays £5 for £15K Diamond Ring at Car Boot SaleA WeBuyVintage jewelry expert uncovered how much the flea market find was actually worth.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
SourcingJul 17, 2026
Diamond Dealer Jeff Pancis Pens MemoirThe founder of natural colored diamond wholesaler Pancis Gems shares stories from his five decades in the industry.
Events & AwardsJul 17, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
EditorsJul 16, 2026
Q&A: Guzema’s Co-Owners On Its US Expansion, 10-Year AnniversaryValeriya Guzema and Mariana Lenha look back on the last decade and discuss the Ukrainian brand’s first U.S. store.
SourcingJul 16, 2026
Ekati to Close, Leaving Canada With One Diamond Mine The diamond mine, which opened nearly 30 years ago in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is expected to shut down by mid-August.
FinancialsJul 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Soar for the Seventh Quarter in a RowJewelry sales for the company, which owns Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vhernier, and Buccellati, rose 21 percent in the first quarter.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program Certifies First Advanced Apprentice GraduateThe graduate, Grace Barden, credited the program with helping her secure a job as a bench jeweler.
Events & AwardsJul 16, 2026
Jewelers of Louisiana to Host 80th ConventionThe event, scheduled for next month in New Orleans, will include dinner, a custom jewelry design contest, and education sessions.
SourcingJul 15, 2026
1,305-Carat Diamond Recovered from Mine in BotswanaThe yet-to-be named stone is the 10th diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats to come out of Lucara’s Karowe mine.
FinancialsJul 15, 2026
Watches of Switzerland’s US Sales Jump 18%, Declines to Comment on Sale Report The watch and jewelry retailer had a strong fiscal year despite what its CEO described as a “complex operating backdrop.”
Events & AwardsJul 15, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
CollectionsJul 15, 2026
Pomellato’s New High Jewelry Is LiberatingBold color, expressive gem-setting, and sculptural form define the three chapters that make up “Stile Libero.”
ColumnistsJul 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: What Today’s Jewelry Consumer Is Telling Us Rising revenue does not automatically mean a healthy business, particularly in the current economic landscape, Smith writes.
TrendsJul 14, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Shoulder Dusters These long, fluid drop earrings are sure to catch the eye.
CrimeJul 14, 2026
Man Charged in $1M Jewelry Store Heist Lands on FBI Most Wanted ListAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged with robbing a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and is the only one still at large.
Events & AwardsJul 14, 2026
Conference on Mining, Sustainability Kicks Off in NYCInitiatives in Art and Culture is hosting its 16th annual Gold and Diamond Conference, with the theme of “Resilience.”
Lab-GrownJul 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Changes Her Mind on Lab-Grown DiamondsThe designer, who once said she’d never sell lab-grown diamonds, debuted two capsule collections designed to be fun and easy to wear.
SourcingJul 13, 2026
De Beers Announces Potential Layoffs, 2-Year Production Pause at VenetiaThe diamond miner and marketer is undergoing another round of cost-cutting measures ahead of its sale by Anglo American.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
Registration Opens for JIS Fall 2026 ShowThe annual trade-only buying event is slated for Oct. 16-19 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Events & AwardsJul 13, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026AGTA also has announced the lineup of judges for the colored gemstone cutting and jewelry design contest’s various categories.
