Bert Layne Jewelers Watches & Clocks

perfectly and promptly

I took in a Howard Miller wallclock for repair (It had stopped working). I paid a $25 "evaluation" fee up front. I subsequently was notified that it would cost over $490 to repair this clock. The clock repairman explained to me that "the clock is unfixable" and that the "entire mechanism would have to be replaced" I then took it to A-1 clock repair for a 2nd opinion: NO $25 up front fee. I was contacted a few days later--it was a simple fix. And the cost? $30! The clock is running beautifully. $490 (and an up front charge of $25 for "evaluation") vs. $30. It's rather obvious that the clock was not evaluated initially. As for the $25 up-front fee: I'll just chalk that up as a learning experience.

The clock repairman was efficient and helpful. Service included adjustments and lubrication. The movement was removed from the clock case for the lubrication. He had many years of repair experience and spoke highly of his employer. This is a good company to deal with.

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Provided the estimate which was high. My general impression of the place was not good.

They did a good job, and it was a really complex job, too.

Excellent.

I purchased a grandfather clock and after about a year and a half i could hear a clicking and one of the weights was not keeping in line with the others as it dropped. They came out and cleaned and adjusted the clock, told me if it need to be overhauled it would be around 400 dollars. (I paid them 160.00 for the service call and they said if i overhauled it they would deduct that from the price). the clock continued to click and stopped chiming, when I called they came back out, the service mans name is Eli, he had just been there three weeks before and when he looked at the clock he acted as if he had never seen it before , even stating, "this clock is really clean". he said he could not see anything wrong so i said please take it and have it overhauled. they took the clock overhauled it and brought it back. I was on a business trip when eli returned, he was extremely rude to my wife almost did not put the clock back and once it was installed, the exact same thing happened a week later. It stopped chiming and continued to fail. The owner finally came out three weeks later took the clock for 6 weeks and brought it back. what was suppose to cost me 400 ended up costing me 1000.00 and it was as if they were holding my clock for ransom. to this day my clock still has that click when the weight drops but I cannot find anyone else and i will never call them again. do not let these people into your house.

After refurbishing the movement, Mr. Layne didn't reinstall the movement properly. It was hanging from the end of the mounting screw, leaning forward. I noticed the problem and corrected it. He then readjusted the clock. But he is a professional and should have seen the problem for himself. The case was setting on the floor, leaning forward. Mr. Layne said it needed shimming in front but that he hadn't brought along his case with shims. My wife asked it he could come back and level it and he ignored her. He at least should have explained why he wasn't willing to do that.

With busy schedules on both sides it took a week or so to find a date good for both sides. Eli completed the repair in no time and we couldn't be happier. It's good to know there's someone close by who can maintain this lovely clock for my mother. I would heartily recommend to anyone.