| Q= Are you
being asked to ship your watch to a home, or a legitimate commercial
establishment? If in doubt, you can use this Google Mapping Tool to
find out.
Click Google Maps HERE |
A=
OFT is located in a brick and block commercial building which actually was
used as a Post Office at one time. All walls are masonry, barred
windows, double steel reinforced entryway, concrete reinforced jambs.
We're serious about safeguarding your
property. |
| Q= What level of
insurance is provided for customer's property? Is the insurance
specifically written for jewelry which may belong to someone other than the
homeowner? How much insurance is there, and how broad is the exposure for
loss? |
A= Old
Father Time, (OFT), is insured by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co. Jewelers
Mutual is the leading insurer to the jewelry and watch repair industry. As
Policyholders of Jewelers Mutual, we're also members of the Jeweler's
Vigilance Committee which is the industry's largest "watchdog" for standards
and practices for security measures within the industry. |
| Q= What type of
formal training has the repairer had in watchmaking? |
A= OFT's
watchmakers have been trained by Bulova Watchmaking School Trainers, The School
of Horology, the AWI, the Omega Training Facility and WOSTEP's Swiss Master
Watchmakers. |
| Q= Are there
burglary protection AND fire suppression devices in place with a 24-Hour,
365 monitoring station by a licensed security firm? |
A= OFT's
facility is equipped with electronic intrusion detection motion sensors with wireless
backup and fire detection and suppression equipment. Our central
monitoring company is nation-wide. Also, at least 2 individuals
in the shop are Virginia Concealed Carry License
holders. |
| Q= Are customers'
items locked in an industry rated safe while not on the bench under a
watchmakers supervision? |
A= Always!
OFT uses a TL-30, Glass Relocking, Burglary and Fire Resistant Jeweler's
Safe, weighing just under 3,000 pounds. |
| Q= Is the
company
licensed to conduct business in their state? |
A= OFT
is incorporated in the state of Delaware and Virginia. Our business license
is displayed prominently at our front door. |
| Q= Hobby
organizations and collector's groups aside, what professional affiliations
does the person have to validate their ability in the craft and to stay
abreast of new technologies? |
A= OFT
affiliations include (but are not limited to) The American
Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute, (AWCI), The British Horological Institute
(BHI), the Horological Association of Virginia, (HAV), The Society for
Professional Watchmakers, The American Horological Institute, the Tri-City
Watchmaker's Guild, and the Chronometer Club. We're also GIA Certified
Gemologists and Certified Personal Property Appraisers. |
| Q= Does the
repairer accept payment forms with fraud protection, such as American
Express? |
A= OFT
accepts American Express, VISA, Discover, and Master Card. An American
Express Merchant account is much more difficult to obtain because of their
extensive fraud prevention practices. |
| Q= Is there a
written repair warranty on parts and labor clearly stating inclusions
and exclusions? For what period of time? |
A= OFT's
written warranty can be viewed at this link which appears on every repair
related page within the site:
Watch Repair Warranty |
| Q= Is the
repair estimate written of verbal? |
A=
After OFT thoroughly evaluates your repair item, we provide a written
service order by email or postal mail. It includes detailed information
about the repairs required, as well as optional suggestions such as cosmetic
restorations and accessories. |
| Q= What shipping
methods are used for insured jewelry? |
A= OFT
uses Federal Express Jeweler's Security Services for all jewelry shipments.
This enables us to provide coverage for packages up to $25,000 in value for
overnight or 2nd day service. Unfortunately, the days of putting a
customer's watch in a USPS Priority Mail box, are over. Shipping jewelry with the US Post Office by any means other than
"Registered, Insured" is not recommended. |
