Contact Us

American Timekeeper

PO Box #1 - Darien Center, NY 14040

(585) 547-9989





The FAQs


Do you give estimates?

Of course, but we have to see the watch first, or at least focused, well-lighted photos instead.  

What is your turnaround time?

Roughly 2 to 3 weeks, depending on whether parts can be found, or if we have to fabricate them. 

Do you work on wristwatches?

We do not.  We specialize in American-made pocket watches from the late 1800s and early 1900s. 

We also do not work on sewing machines, electric clocks, antique firearms, quartz watches, marine components, anything Swiss, or that neon bar sign you found at a garage sale. 

Do you work on clocks?

We can if it's small enough to ship, such as a carriage or travel clock. The skill set is much the same for clocks but requires larger tooling, bigger ultrasonic tanks, and special clamps to hold the movement during reassembly, so we usually recommend someone who specializes in them.

How much will it cost to fix my watch?

Most of the prices are listed on the  Services page, but once your watch gets on the bench we will write you with a rough idea. Unless the piece is rare or has sentimental value, there is a financial cut-off point for every timepiece, because not every watch is worth repairing. If yours is close to crossing that line we will have a conversation about how far you wish to take the restoration.  

Implied Warranties

Guarantees of a precise length are a little silly when it comes to antique watches, given how delicate they are and the fact that we cannot control their safety during shipping or after the customer receives it, but if your watch fails in a reasonable amount of time in the very rare event that we missed something we will of course make it right. Such an implied warranty is void if :

  • You drop your watch onto anything harder than a pillow.
  • You stick anything into the gear train, like a toothpick or screwdriver.
  • You open the back and spray the movement with oil or WD-40.
  • You let your grandkids or your dog play with it.
  • You shake it violently for any reason (see dog).
  • You magnetize it while attempting to de-magnetize it.
  • You remove it from the case or separate the plates just to see the gears in action.

Yes, all these things have happened shortly after the customer received the watch back, causing further damage and requiring a return trip for more work and a second invoice. 

The Disclaimers

1.  An invoice will be sent along with photos when the work is completed and prompt payment is appreciated. A reminder will be sent after 10 days and another after 20 days. If payment is not received after 30 days the piece will be considered abandoned and may be sold to recoup costs.

2.  We reserve the right to refuse any watch that will likely turn into a money pit or one that will end up being a disappointment for both parties. We may also refuse any customer who is exceptionally rude or makes unreasonable demands, such as skeletonizing movements.

3.  We believe in the preservation of our history and keeping American-made heirlooms here at home in America. We are strongly against those individuals who part out watches and melt gold cases for profit, so we will refuse service to any customer openly engaging in or knowingly giving patronage to anybody doing either of those disgusting things.

4.  The photos posted here on the website are protected by intellectual property rights, and may not be uploaded or copied. Any photos of the finished piece sent as a courtesy will have our copyright and watermark on them to discourage piracy.

Privacy Policy

All customer information - name, location, mailing and email addresses, phone numbers, payment methods, and collecting preferences - is held in the strictest confidence.

Nothing will get shared with anyone else without your prior written or verbal consent. 


ASK  before sending anything, if only to verify that we're not on vacation, flat on our backs with the pig flu, or so far behind that we're not accepting further work.

Do NOT ship your watch with a chain, fob, or strap attached. It can scratch the crystal or the case, and it adds to the boxed weight, costing more in shipping in both directions.

Do NOT ship your watch packed in confetti, sawdust, or shredded paper because someone has to sweep up that stuff after it spews all over the clean floor in the shop.

Don't ask how much it will cost to restore your watch if you didn't send us any photos.


Include a note inside the box with your contact info if you're a first-time customer.