Events & AwardsJan 21, 2026
Jewelers Mutual’s ‘Conversations’ Retreat Returns to Discuss AIThe third edition will be held in Half Moon Bay, California, in April.
IndependentsJun 28, 2016
Column: Upping Your Game, and Profits, with Watch Repairs
In part one of a multi-part column, Dan Gendron, C.M.H., teaches jewelers how to replace a customer’s watch battery in a manner that sets them apart from the competition.
Dan Gendron is a sixth generation watchmaker, working in the trade for more than 47 years. He is the author of “It’s TIME to Make MORE Money with Watch Repairs” and “Simplified Mechanical Watch Repair for Profit.” Reach him at talktothewatchguy@gmail.com.
We speak to many jewelers who are unaware of the profit potential available with watch repairs in their store. Something as simple and mundane as changing a watch battery--correctly, mind you--can yield thousands of dollars more for your store each year.
If it’s just the price of the battery service that sets you apart from the guy down the block, why should a customer come to you for that service? But, if you replace a battery in a professional, excellent and caring way, customers will be glad to give you the higher price, if they are getting more value.
In most jewelry stores, six out of 10 customers walking in the door are there for a watch battery replacement. It is just a few degrees difference between excellence and mediocrity. You and your staff should know how to perform a watch battery service professionally. It’s not difficult; it just takes a few more moments than “slapping in a battery,” and the rewards--both monetary and prestige--for your store are great.
When a customer hands you a watch for a battery, don’t immediately open the back and start flipping out the old battery. You should have a watch battery pulse tester (a device that is available on eBay, Amazon or at your friendly local watch materials distributor) to determine if the battery is indeed dead or if there could be another problem with the watch.
Let the customer know that you are checking the old battery first. As a matter of fact, it’s a good idea to do this on the counter, in front of the customer.
If the battery is, in fact, dead, still don’t open the watch right away. Instead, take time to inspect the timepiece. Is the crown worn or missing? Is the crystal scratched? Is the band in need of repair or replacement? Each of these conditions is an opportunity for an add-on sale.
When the pizza shop takes your order, don’t they ask if you want a 2-liter bottle of soda with that? They do this as standard operating procedure because it works. You should be doing this, too.
Now it’s time to open the watch to replace the battery. Even though it’s a relatively simple task, use your loupe to do the job properly, because not seeing what you are doing inside a watch can be perilous. Besides, it gives the customer confidence in your
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
abilities if you are tooled-up and look the part.
Place your finger gently over the coil (the fine copper wire) of the movement. This will protect it from a slip with a tweezers. If you cut one of those copper coils, the entire movement is ruined and will have to be replaced--at your expense.
Before putting the back back on the watch, be sure that the gaskets are in good shape (not dried out or stretched out) and replace them as necessary. It’s a small investment to have the customer know you care about their watch. Also, place a small amount of silicone around the gasket to restore the water resistance of the watch. (Note: This is water resistance, not waterproof.)
Next, take a toothbrush and some alcohol to the case and metal band to clean any foreign matter--or, as the French would say, “fromage de corps”--and then wipe the case and metal band with a polishing cloth. The look in the eye of your customer when they see their watch is shiny again is worth the 20 extra seconds this takes.
Don’t forget to set the watch to the correct time before you hand it back to the customer.
Now you can charge $15, $20, $25 or more for an item that costs you less than $1, and know that the value you add to this simple service will be appreciated by the customer and is something of which you can be proud.
In coming weeks, we will be discussing these processes in more detail, as well as other simple and profitable repairs you can achieve in your store.
Dan Gendron is a sixth generation watchmaker, working in the trade for more than 47 years. He is the author of It's TIME to Make MORE Money with Watch Repairs and Simplified Mechanical Watch Repair for Profit, as well as a 12-part educational video series, A Course in Profits with Watch Repairs. To buy copies of his books and videos email him at talktothewatchguy@gmail.com.
Place your finger gently over the coil (the fine copper wire) of the movement. This will protect it from a slip with a tweezers. If you cut one of those copper coils, the entire movement is ruined and will have to be replaced--at your expense.
When the pizza shop takes your order, don’t they ask if you want a 2-liter bottle of soda with that? They do this as standard operating procedure because it works. You should be doing this (when you change watch batteries), too.Before you remove the old battery, use your loupe to determine the pole of the up side of the battery (positive or negative.) Determine the battery number with which to replace it, and be sure that you have the battery in the same direction as the one you removed. Place the new battery in the watch and determine if this makes the watch tick.
Before putting the back back on the watch, be sure that the gaskets are in good shape (not dried out or stretched out) and replace them as necessary. It’s a small investment to have the customer know you care about their watch. Also, place a small amount of silicone around the gasket to restore the water resistance of the watch. (Note: This is water resistance, not waterproof.)
Next, take a toothbrush and some alcohol to the case and metal band to clean any foreign matter--or, as the French would say, “fromage de corps”--and then wipe the case and metal band with a polishing cloth. The look in the eye of your customer when they see their watch is shiny again is worth the 20 extra seconds this takes.
Don’t forget to set the watch to the correct time before you hand it back to the customer.
Now you can charge $15, $20, $25 or more for an item that costs you less than $1, and know that the value you add to this simple service will be appreciated by the customer and is something of which you can be proud.
In coming weeks, we will be discussing these processes in more detail, as well as other simple and profitable repairs you can achieve in your store.
Dan Gendron is a sixth generation watchmaker, working in the trade for more than 47 years. He is the author of It's TIME to Make MORE Money with Watch Repairs and Simplified Mechanical Watch Repair for Profit, as well as a 12-part educational video series, A Course in Profits with Watch Repairs. To buy copies of his books and videos email him at talktothewatchguy@gmail.com.
More on Independents
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 20, 2026
These Are the 5 Finalists for the David Yurman Gem Awards GrantThe grant is in its first year and was created to recognize an exceptional fine jewelry designer whose star is on the rise.
ColumnistsJan 20, 2026
First-Party Data Is the Most Valuable Asset Jewelers Have in 2026Data built on trust, not tracking, will be key to success going forward, as the era of “borrowed attention” ends, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsJan 20, 2026
Borsheims Hires New Assistant Facilities ManagerHeath Yarges brings two decades of experience to the role.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJan 16, 2026
Remembering Pete Yantzer for His Contributions and His Kindness Pete’s boundless curiosity extended beyond diamond cut and he was always eager to share his knowledge with others, no matter the topic.
FinancialsJan 16, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Shine in Q3Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati, and Vhernier had another successful holiday season, Richemont reported this week.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsJan 16, 2026
Diane Lane's Brooch Buzzes at the 2026 Golden GlobesOur Piece of the Week is Lagos’ “Bee” brooch that was seen on the red carpet for the first time on Sunday.
CrimeJan 15, 2026
D.C. Rapper ‘Taliban Glizzy’ Sentenced to 18+ Years for Jewelry Store RobberiesTrevor Jonathan Wright led a crew in a string of armed robberies targeting South Asian-owned jewelry stores on the East Coast.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
