Jewellers- Why?

[Matheous-2]

Once upon a time, you could confidently take your watch for a new strap or battery, or even a repair.....Now all Main Street jewellers are really not interested- they will reluctantly take your watch and tell you it might be ready within a week or so.....! This seems like a change in policy which I feel is mistaken. If you can do minor things you used to, you might establish a rapport with the customer and find you will get a returning repeat business customer!
What do ABrs think?

[patsyann]

Well I can't fault Hinds Jewellers in Basingstoke. Most times you can walk in and get watch strap repairs and battery replacement either immediately or within an hour.Never a problem and always pleasant staff .

[Matheous-2]

Don't think there's a Hinds in Scotland....

[ubasses]

We are lucky, there is a small watchmakers in the town. He will look at at there and then, tell you what is wrong, the price, and how long it will take if he cannot do it there and then.
Always tests the old battery before replacing it as well.

[roopower]

I take mine to Timpsons, if you have a branch near you.

[Cloverjo]

I wouldn't bother with H Samuels or similar - if they still exist. My local jeweller will change batteries and watch straps there and then.

[Matheous-2]

Cloverjoe -That's about the gist of what we've got HSamuel, Beaverbrook, and to be fair there are one or two in the city centre who are helpful and obliging....It just seems to be the older establishments who would rather sell you a new watch, while sneering at the one you want a new strap for....!

[bookbinder]

I find that stallholders in indoor markets are very quick and efficient with small jobs such as you describe, Matheous.