• About SJR,  Watch & Jewelry Repair

    Meet the Jewelers – Bee Taylor

    Did you know we have on-site jewelers at both of our stores? Not only do they handle our same-day repairs, but they also tackle some of our most complex and creative jobs too! Today, we want to introduce you to the jeweler at our Hendersonville store: Bee Taylor.

    From the Counter to the Bench


    Bee’s career has always been in the jewelry industry, but she didn’t start out as a jeweler. Instead, she began as a sales associate at a big box store, where she found a love for customer service. By helping her customers solve problems big and small, Bee learned the basics of quartz watch repair and laser welding. But it wasn’t until she inherited her aunt’s wedding set that jewelry design became a true passion.

    Bee’s aunt’s wedding set

    “I guess I kind of got lucky falling into my career path. I knew I wanted to become a jewelry designer before I knew I wanted to be a jeweler.”

    In those well-worn rings, Bee saw the potential for something new to be born. Separating the two pieces, she fashioned the yellow gold band into a pendant and added the stunning pear diamond as its accent. As for the main ring itself, she brought back its original splendor and added a gorgeous trillion cut alexandrite. Not only is alexandrite her favorite, but it’s also the birthstone she shares with her aunt and mother.

    Bee’s finished designs

    Once she started learning about jewelry design, she was hooked. Bee absorbed all the information she could find—everything from independent research to practicing on her own jewelry to watching more experienced jewelers. After years of honing her craft, she knew she wanted to move to the bench full time, providing a better quality product and service than what the big box stores were offering.

    Joining Service Jewelry & Repair


    In 2019, we were lucky enough to bring Bee on board, and her commitment to quality and customer service has continued to grow. To Bee, every piece that lands on her bench is special, and she loves nothing more than bringing back its former glory. When that can’t be done, she’s not one to give up easy.

    “I love taking apart antique jewelry and making something new out of it. I like to be creative and find new solutions to unsolvable problems.”

    Take the piece below, for example. The ring was so lovely, but simply too worn to be properly repaired. Bee’s solution? Turning the magnificent white gold detailing (and the diamond, of course!) into a unique pendant.

    Her talents don’t stop there, though! Bee also creates original designs using state-of-the-art CAD technology. If you’re not familiar with CAD, it’s an awesome design process that starts with a 3D model and finishes with 3D wax printing! It’s at the core of our custom design process and one of the many ways we can bring your ideas to life.

    A selection of Bee’s 3D CAD designs

    Come See Bee at Hendersonville!


    Whether you need your ring retipped (her favorite repair!) or need someone to rescue your favorite piece, Bee is ready to serve you! Come on down today and see what she can do for you.

    Hendersonville Location
    1050 Glenbrook Way, Suite 400
    Hendersonville, TN 37075
    615-826-5338
    Mon-Fri 9:30-6:00
    Sat 9:30-5:00
    Sun CLOSED

  • a pile of scrap metal and gems
    About SJR,  Watch & Jewelry Repair

    Turn Something Old Into Something New!

    One of our favorite ways to serve our customers is custom design. You can come to us with a fully formed design (complete with sketches and reference pictures!) or simply come with an idea—but did you know that you can come with materials too? That’s right—we can take your old, worn out jewelry and make something brand new!

    Gather your scraps


    scrap metal and gems
    Dated fashions, worn-out jewelry, broken scraps and loose stones can make great materials for your new design!

    Taking the center stone from a dated piece of jewelry is probably the most common re-purposing we see, but so many other possibilities exist. Tangled gold chains, broken rings, and earrings featuring tiny accent stones can be repurposed too. Not only is this a great way to recycle materials, but it also can cut down the cost of your new piece! When you bring in your scraps, you can have it appraised by a gemologist to get an approximate idea of how much your materials are worth.

    Approve your design


    3D model of a custom design

    Now for the fun part—designing! Like we mentioned before, this process can be as collaborative as you prefer. If you already know exactly what you want, we will faithfully bring your vision to life. However, if you need some help fleshing out an idea, we do that too!

    At the end of the design phase, you’ll have a 3D model (like the one above) ready for approval. With 360 degree views, you can see your custom design from every angle!

    Enjoy your new treasure


    A real finished product by our design team!

    Once the 3D model is approved, we get to work! At our national repair center, we perform every step of the production process. Not only will you have a truly one-of-a-kind piece, you’ll have something locally made too! In fact, we’ll be showing you this entire process is an upcoming blog post, so be sure to check back soon!

    For now, you can check out our custom design page for a little more information about our main designer and the process. We hope to serve you soon!

  • rolex lying on various strap options
    Designers,  Watch & Jewelry Repair,  Watches

    Choose Your Style: Luxury Everest Bands

    Switching out your watch band is a great way to refresh your favorite timepiece, but not all watch bands are equal. If you’ve invested in a luxury timepiece, why should you settle for an ordinary replacement strap? Instead, we suggest Everest watch bands—the perfect way to pair luxury with luxury.

    Swiss-Made to Perfection


    Tudor watch featuring an Everest curved-end Italian leather band

    Luxury watches like Rolex, Tudor and Panerai are known for their craftsmanship and unrivaled style. But when it comes to attaching a new band, those exact qualities can make a good fit challenging—and that’s where Everest’s custom-fit watch bands come in!

    Everest follows three cornerstones when it comes to creating Swiss-made aftermarket bands:

    1) Aesthetically, the band must keep the essence of the watch.

    2) Quality and attention to detail is of the highest echelon with all of Everest’s products.

    3) The replacement straps must be the most comfortable watch straps available.

    In other words, it’s all about producing a band worthy of its watch. By crafting each band for specific luxury models, Everest ensures that no unsightly gaps will be present between the case and band (a persistent problem with other brands!). Plus, by using only the finest materials, your new band will blend seamlessly with the superior quality of your watch.

    Uniquely Yours


    With so many materials, colors and styles to choose from, Everest makes it easy to express your unique sense of style. Take a look at the options below!

    Vulcanized Rubber


    Rolex Submariner featuring an Everest curved-end, vulcanized rubber band in orange

    Not silicone, thermoplastic, EPDM, HNBR, NBR – Everest uses true Vulcanized Rubber.

    What makes true vulcanized rubber so superior? Where to begin?! With incredible comfort yet amazing durability, it’s a difficult material to beat for an adventurous watch-wearer.

    With vulcanized rubber, you’ll be getting excellent resistance to UV rays, excessive heat and cold, dirt, dust, stretching, tearing, abrasion, chemicals, staining, and water. Plus, Everest’s unique channeling system allows for superlative air flow, keeping excess moisture from building underneath. Even after years of abuse, your rubber Everest band will still be going strong!

    Everest rubber bands support both Tang & Deployment clasps, offer 6 size combinations to perfectly fit your wrist, and a full range of colors to choose from!

    Italian Leather


    Rolex featuring an Everest curved-end, Italian perforated racing leather band with red stitching

    Everest leather straps are crafted from vegetable-tanned Italian leather, a perfect light-weight, hypoallergenic option. Softly molding to your wrist over time, there’s nothing quite like a fine leather strap.

    For Tudor, Rolex and Panerai watches, Everest provides its signature curved-end band which hugs your case perfectly. There is also a steel end link version available for Rolex timepieces, but both options support Tang & Deployment clasps and have several color choices.

    Interwoven Nylon


    Rolex Submariner featuring an Everest nylon band with hypoallergenic red lining

    Another curved-end option for Rolex sport models is Everest’s nylon strap. Featuring a hypoallergenic lining and four color options, these interwoven bands are wonderful light-weight alternatives to your original steel bracelet. Just like the rubber and leather options, these bands are completely flush with your case!

    So, if you’re looking for a luxurious change, why not try an Everest band? Available in-store and online!

    We hope to serve you soon!

  • Education,  Watch & Jewelry Repair,  Watches

    Watch Water Resistance – What does it really mean?

    Watches have come a long way since they were first invented, and one of the most useful improvements is water resistance. After all, water is a vital part of life! However, not all water resistant watches are created equal, and it’s important to understand what your watch can safely handle.

    There Are No “Waterproof” Watches


    It cannot be stressed enough that no watch is truly “waterproof.” Even those made especially for deep sea scuba divers are “water resistant”—and that’s only if they are operated correctly and receive regular maintenance. That’s because no watch stays water resistant forever, and even a drop of water can wreak havoc on the inside of a watch! No matter what type of movement your watch has—mechanical, quartz or purely digital—water is its worst enemy.

    Therefore, if a watch is not stamped “Water Resistant” on its case back or dial, it is highly susceptible to water damage and must be protected from all amounts of liquid at all times. That includes daily scenarios like washing your hands or having the watch on the bathroom counter while you take a hot shower!

    Thankfully, the vast majority of watches today are at least somewhat water resistant, but there are many misconceptions surrounding what the ratings actually mean. Today, we hope to clear those up, so let’s dive in!

    It’s All About Pressure


    Watch water resistance is measured in meters (m), feet (ft), atmosphere (atm), and pressure (bar). The last two units of measurement are clues as to what water resistance actually means: pressure is being measured, not a specific depth.

    Now, that might seem confusing. Why say the watch has 30 meter or 100 feet water resistance if it can’t actually withstand those depths? To understand, we need to think about sea level.

    Most of us have heard the phrases “above sea level” or “below sea level,” which are simply referring to elevation in relation to the ocean. Elevation is important because the atmosphere around us changes as we descend below or ascend above the sea.

    Sea Level = 1 ATM or 1 bar

    At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is 1 ATM or 1 bar. As you travel higher, atmospheric pressure decreases, but the opposite is true when descending into water. In fact, the changes underwater are much more dramatic, because water is much more dense than air.

    Let’s say you make it to the very top of Mount Everest, which is 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level. Way up there, the atmospheric pressure is 0.333 ATM. Yet, descending just 10 meters (33 feet) below water brings the pressure up to 2 ATM!

    For every 10 meters you go underwater, atmospheric pressure increases by 1 ATM or 1 bar.

    So, when a watch is rated with a specific number of feet or meters, it’s not actually referring to depth, but rather the pressure typically experienced at that depth. Why is that distinction important? To find out, we need to look at how watches are assigned their ratings.

    Pressure Testing


    Once a watch is completely assembled, it’s not actually plunged into the sea to measure its water resistance. In fact, most are never tested in water at all! Instead, the watch is subjected to highly controlled air pressure to see how much it can withstand. This is basically a safer simulation of submersion.

    No matter which rating the watch receives, understand that it was determined under factory conditions. The watch was tested brand new, under steady temperatures, and was kept completely still. This is very different from the conditions in a pool or even in your shower.

    The simple motion of your arm moving through the water—to say nothing of the impact from diving or jumping into a pool—multiplies the pressure your watch is subjected to. The same is true of a high-powered shower head or even the kitchen faucet. That’s why you can’t take “30 meter water resistance” literally.

    With that in mind, let’s see what you can safely do at your watch’s water resistance rating.

    Water Resistant


    The case back of a ladies Movado watch that is stamped water resistant.
    This elegant Movado watch is stamped “water resistant” with no specific rating – available here!

    When you come across a watch with the “water resistant” stamp but no rating, you should try to protect it from moisture as much as possible. Unless the manufacturer offers a specific rating elsewhere, there’s no way to know for certain how much it can handle. Nonetheless, it should be able to withstand hand washing or a brief dash through the rain, but it should never be submerged.

    Indeed, to be on the safe side, it would best to remove the watch before doing the dishes or taking a hike in a heavy downpour. You might even consider keeping it out of the bathroom too, as steam can sometimes make its way inside the watch and cause damage.

    In some ways, you can think of these watches as pieces of fine, delicate jewelry—after all, you wouldn’t wear your pearls in the shower or wash the car wearing your opal ring. If there’s no water resistance rating, always play it safe.

    30m – 100ft – 3ATM – 3 bar


    The case back of a ladies Coach watch with 3ATM water resistance
    This pre-owned ladies Coach watch is rated 3ATM – available here!

    These four water resistance ratings are very common, and they all mean the same thing: this watch is “splash resistant.” That means it should be able to withstand splashes of water from washing your hands, walking in the rain or watering your garden, but it should never be submerged in water or worn in the shower.

    50m – 160ft – 5ATM – 5 bar


    The case back of a ladies Citizen watch with 50m water resistance
    This ladies Citizen watch is rated 5 bar – available here!

    These ratings indicate a little more water resistance than the ones above. You might think of these watches as being “super splash resistant,” as they are probably safe to wear in the shower or during a prolonged, fierce downpour. However, they still should not be purposefully submerged in water. Even though the watch would probably survive an accidentally dip into the sink, we recommend being safe rather than sorry.

    100m – 330ft – 10ATM – 10 bar


    The case back of a Tag Heuer Link automatic watch with 100m water resistance
    This pre-owned Tag Heuer Link watch is rated 100m and features a screw-down crown for extra protection – available here!

    If you’re looking for a watch you can submerge in water, start at this rating. Here, you can safely swim or snorkel, plus all the activities listed above without worrying! However, these watches might not be able to handle diving off a diving board and are definitely not safe for serious scuba diving. If you plan on doing either of those things, you’ll need to go at least one step up in water resistance.

    200m – 660ft – 20ATM – 20 bar


    A Citizen diver watch with 200m water resistance
    This men’s diver’s watch by Citizen features 200m water resistance – available here!

    Watches with these ratings are your entry level dive watches or for those who just want some extra peace of mind while swimming. They can better withstand the impact of diving off a diving board and can be worn safely at deeper depths. However, we would still recommend going up another level if you actually plan on doing deep sea scuba diving. Again, always be safe rather than sorry—especially if you love your watch!

    300m – 1000ft – 30ATM – 30 bar


    A Rolex Submariner with 300m water resistance
    Check out this pre-owned Rolex Submariner, featuring 300m water resistance – available here!

    Here, you’re safely within professional scuba diving territory, but many people opt for this rating just to swim or surf! The higher the water resistance rating, the more peace of mind you can have doing the activities you enjoy. In fact, professional dive watches can have water resistance ratings over 2000m! How’s that for peace of mind?

    Vulnerable Points of Entry


    A diagram showing where the crown and buttons/pushers are on a watch.
    You should never operate the crown or buttons in or near water

    There are two main challenges when it comes to making a watch water resistant: there must be a way to set the watch and a way to open it. Both of these necessities provide points of entry for water.

    Crown & Buttons


    The vast majority of timepieces have at least one crown, which is typically used to set the watch, and some feature a few buttons (sometimes called pushers). Never operate the crown or buttons in or near water.

    Pulling out the crown provides a direct path into the heart of your watch, so you should always make sure it’s completely pushed in or screwed down (if applicable). Even though buttons are typically sealed with gaskets, these seals do not last forever and can cause the same problem.

    If you ever notice the crown or buttons becoming loose, you should have your watch serviced as soon as possible. These parts are absolutely critical to maintaining water resistance and are usually the first points of failure.

    Case back


    Another vulnerable part of every timepiece is the case back, which allows for direct access to the inside of the watch. Some case backs simply snap into place while others are screwed in, but all types use a rubber gasket to ensure water resistance. However, like the gaskets used on buttons, these seals don’t last forever and will need to be replaced eventually.

    Under mild conditions, gaskets should last several years, but if you wear your watch in saltwater or subject it to extreme temperatures, they will fail much quicker. To maintain the utmost water resistance, have your gaskets checked every year.

    Crystal


    Lastly, there’s the crystal, which is the clear covering on the face of the watch. Most watches just have one, but some automatics have a “viewing window” on the case back as well. Most crystals are sealed with gaskets as well, but you also have to watch out for cracks, chips and other damage.

    Always have damaged crystals promptly replaced. In addition to letting water inside, a broken crystal can send tiny shards of glass into your watch’s movement, causing costly damage.

    The Importance of High Quality, Regular Maintenance


    A watch getting ready for a battery replacement.
    At Service Jewelry & Repair, we can do everything from watch batteries to full movement services at our national repair center!

    Many people don’t realize that watches need more than just battery changes to stay in tip-top shape. Indeed, if you have a mechanical watch or one with a rechargeable capacitor, you may not realize maintenance is required at all! While all watches should have their movements serviced or at least checked regularly, water resistance is often forgotten until it’s too late.

    Seeing moisture under the crystal or watermarks on the dial are very noticeable signs of trouble, but sometimes you may not notice anything until the watch grinds to a halt. Suspecting a dead battery, you might bring it in for a replacement—only to find out the inside is rusted and a costly repair is needed!

    Don’t let this happen to your favorite watches. While there are no guarantees, having your watch regularly serviced and following our guidelines above (keep that crown pushed down!) can almost always prevent water damage.

    The SJR Difference


    A watchmaker's desk at our national repair center
    We’ve got all the tools of the trade at our national repair center!

    Every time we replace batteries or do movement services, we check the key things we’ve gone over with you today. Are the gaskets still in good shape? How about the crystal? Is the crown secure? Are there any signs of current or previous water damage?

    When it’s time to close it up again, we make sure it’s sealed up tight—but did you know we can do an extra step at our repair shop? There, we can perform a pressure test, much like the one performed when the watch was made! That way, you can be sure your watch is still as water resistant as its rating indicates. If you’re planning to ever submerge your watch or simply want the peace of mind, do not skip this step. Otherwise, there’s no way to truly know if your watch has become vulnerable.

    If you’d like to have a pressure test performed or want your watch completely checked over, you have a few convenient options! First, you can bring your watch into either of our stores, and we’ll send it off to our national repair center. Our friendly sales associates will keep you updated throughout the process, and as soon as it’s ready, you can pick it back up at the store!

    Another option is going directly through our repair center. Here, you can mail your timepiece in or even drop by in person. If you just want a battery change and/or pressure test, we can do it while you wait! Otherwise, we’ll let you know when it’s ready for pick up, or we can ship it back to you.

    We hope this article has cleared up the confusion around water resistance ratings, but if you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

    We hope to serve you soon!

  • example of high gloss powder coating
    About SJR,  Watch & Jewelry Repair

    Restore Your Watch with Expert Powder Coating

    If you keep up with watchmaking trends, you’ve probably seen lots of awesome designs featuring colored metals. Black-coated stainless steel is probably the most popular and has quickly become a favorite for men’s watches, but lots of other hues are being used too! These coatings make it easier than ever to find a watch that suits your style, but did you know these colors don’t last forever?

    In fact, everyday friction can remove the coating, revealing the plain metal beneath. To make matters worse, scratches can’t be buffed away without also removing more coating!

    As more and more color is lost over time, you might take your watch in to be refurbished—only to be told it can’t be done! Most repair shops are only equipped to polish and plate watches using classic tones like gold and silver—but not us!

    Check out this Citizen watch — refurbished and powder coated with brushed and high-polish detailing, all done at our national repair center!

    At our national repair center, our refurbishment experts have pioneered powder coating techniques to get these colored watches looking like new again! That’s one of the many reasons people and businesses across the country choose Service Jewelry & Repair for their refurbishment needs, and we’d love to serve you next!

    Even though black powder coating is our specialty, we have other colors available too! Simply bring your watch into one of our stores, drop by our repair center, or even mail your watch to us for an estimate!

    If you have any questions about powder coating or refurbishment, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help!

  • titanium refurbishment process
    About SJR,  Watch & Jewelry Repair

    Expert Titanium Refurbishment

    Titanium is an amazing element gaining popularity in watchmaking. It’s lighter, stronger and even more resistant to corrosion than steel—plus, it doesn’t need to be alloyed, so it’s hypoallergenic! Even though titanium is super strong and scratch-resistant, it still needs some TLC over time. But did you know that only specialists like us can do the job?

    The tricky thing about titanium is that routine tasks like polishing require specialized tools and equipment that many jewelers and watchmakers—who are used to working with favorites like gold, silver and stainless steel—simply don’t have. In fact, most watchmakers will tell you that titanium watches cannot be refurbished at all—but not us!

    Rick, our refurbishment expert, working at our repair shop

    At our state-of-the-art repair facility, we have everything needed to get your titanium watch looking like new again. Not only do we have the right tools and equipment, but we have the right people too! In fact, our in-house refurbishment expert pioneered techniques specifically for titanium, and his results speak for themselves—just take a look at the finished watch below!

    awesome example of titanium watch refurbishment
    Just one example of a refurbishment job performed at our repair center!

    Because of our unique expertise, people from across the nation turn to Service Jewelry & Repair when it comes to getting their titanium watches and jewelry looking like new again, and we’d love to serve you next!

    Simply drop by one of our stores or go directly through our repair center to have your titanium watch and jewelry serviced. You won’t be disappointed!