TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
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
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
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
Brought to you by
DESERT DIAMONDS: The Newest Trend in Natural Diamond JewelryFrom sunlit whites to smoky whiskeys, introduce your clients to extraordinary diamonds in colors as unique as their love.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2025
Hill Management Group Hired to Help Atlanta Jewelry ShowHill Management Group will oversee, market, and produce next year’s spring show.
AuctionsOct 24, 2025
Bonhams Under New Ownership, Top Executives ReplacedLondon-based investment firm Pemberton Asset Management acquired the auction house for an undisclosed amount.
GradingOct 24, 2025
DMIA to Hold Diamond Testing Instrument DemoThe workshop will give attendees the chance to try out and ask questions about three different diamond verification instruments.
CrimeOct 24, 2025
Video Emerges of Louvre Jewelry Robbers Fleeing the Scene The footage shows two of the jewelry heist suspects descending from the second floor of the museum and then escaping via scooter.
CollectionsOct 24, 2025
Piece of the Week: Wyld Box Jewelry’s ‘Ray of Light’ EarringsFounder and designer Rosanna Fiedler looked to a vintage Cartier clutch when designing the sunlight-inspired drop earrings.
FinancialsOct 23, 2025
Jewelry Sales Resilient Despite Struggles at LVMH, KeringThe luxury conglomerates faced a challenging Q3 amid geopolitical and economic tensions.
SourcingOct 23, 2025
Petra Diamonds Turns to Shareholders to Raise Capital The struggling diamond mining company, which owns the historic Cullinan mine, has launched a rights issue to raise about $25 million.
