| 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 the Bulova Watchmaking School, The
School of Horology, and the AWI, including apprenticeships with WOSTEP
Master Watchmakers. |
| Q= Are there burglary
protection AND fire suppression devices in place with a verifiable alarm
company? |
A= OFT has
installed electronic intrusion detection motion sensors with wireless
backup and fire detection and suppression equipment. At least 2
individuals in the shop at all times are Virginia Concealed Carry License
holders. We've very serious about security. |
| 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 repairer
licensed to conduct business in their state? |
A= OFT is
incorporated in the state of Delaware and Virginia. Our business
license hangs 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
trends and 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 |
| 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:
http://www.oldfathertime.com/repair.htm#warranty |
| 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.
It's unsafe, and insuring jewelry with the US Post Office by any means
other than "Registered, Insured" is precarious at best. |
