Watch Repair & Service

Jack Donovan has been repairing watches for 42 years

Jack operates Jack Donovan Watch Repair in the Solid Gold store with the help of part-time watchmaker, Deb Charlier-Carr. "We repair all types of watches, from antique and classic spring-wound to battery-powered, including the latest quartz models," Jack explains.

"Just as most people who walk into a jewelry store assume they are talking to a jeweler, they also assume a jeweler can repair watches," says Deb, who happens to be trained both as a jeweler and watchmaker. "The training for each of the areas is very different, and most who do one...don't do the other."

"That's why we have two people here who can do watch repair, and four people who can create and repair jewelry," adds Jack, who has been a watchmaker for 42 years. Even in this day and age when many people buy inexpensive watches, the high quality watch, family heirloom or watch of sentimental value needs to be cleaned, maintained and repaired from time to time. Battery replacement is also a large part of our service. And with so few watchmakers around anymore, we keep plenty busy."

There are 90% fewer watchmakers today than when Jack started in the business after learning the craft at Bradley University's School of Horology in Peoria. "Young people just aren't going into the trade," he says, "although it's a great profession with plenty of opportunity for someone with the interest and aptitude." An 18-year employee of Solid Gold, Deb actually learned the craft at the same school after Gem City College bought it and moved it to Quincy, IL.