SWINFORD JEWELERS

Swinfords had been referred to me by a coworker who has lived in Northern Kentucky for around 30 years. (I on the other hand haven't even lived in Northern Kentucky for 30 days). So one afternoon I came in with a nearly 100 year old Seth Thomas mantle clock that I had recently inherited. I explained to the two gentlemen behind the counter (who have the appearance that they may be brothers) that it hadn't ran in at least a decade, if not two. But since I had recently inherited it, I would like to get it operational once again. The one gentleman behind the counter both took a look at it and explained to me that he could immediately tell that it needed a good cleaning and lubrication. (no surprise there). He had the other take a closer look, and he saw a couple of parts that were well worn with age that would most likely need to be replaced, but that the clock was in over all great shape for its age. I was quoted $195. They tagged the clock and provided me a card with the tag number, date I left the clock, and the quoted amount. They said I could call back in a few weeks to check on it, as they would probably have to order a few parts, but they would call me when they had it completed. About a month later I hadn't heard anything so I called in, and it was ready. (the reason for the B rating for responsiveness) When I came in they had sitting on a table in the back, wound, and running like a champ! Since this is a new heirloom piece for me, one of the men who was there when I dropped it off took the time to show me how to properly transport, handle, wind, and care for the clock in general. I was very appreciative of this quick lesson. The total charged was exactly what they quoted me. This is certainly a family operation, and they take pride in what they do. While I was there picking up my clock, I noticed a younger man, probably in his 20s, working behind the counter as well. I could overhear his conversations with customers that came in with watches and other jewelry needing repaired. He seemed to be very helpful and polished, like his elders as well. So it would appear another generation is coming up through the ranks and I'll have a go to jeweler for years to come!

They are amazing. They are very thorough. It may take some time but they do the job right. They prices are fair.

Upon examination of our cuckoo clock, they said the entire movement would have to be replaced. It would take 5 weeks and cost 175 dollars. I wanted to keep the clock original, so they said the movement would be identical -- made in Germany. They explained how they could precisely order the identical movement by measuring the distance of the "bob" (the weight on the pendulum) below the bottom of the clock. They never called, but when I called them at the end of five weeks the clock was ready. The price was $175 as quoted. In hindsight that cost seems high to me. Upon starting the clock at home, I found the clock did not keep good time. But even worse, an incorrect movement was installed into the clock. The repairman had pushed the "bob" a full two inches higher on the pendulum in an attempt to make it work. Now our beautiful German clock looks like a joke with its bob pushed all the way up almost touching the bottom of the case. I find it to be unconscionable that a repairman installed the wrong part, and then when he obviously discovered the error, made no attempt to reorder the correct part, did not phone us, and made no mention of the difficulty when accepting our payment. For that, I give them an overall rating of "D".

They are very professional and personable.

Our cuckoo clock stopped running after many years. It needed to be cleaned. Swinford Jewelers did a great job of cleaning the clock, although their service is so popular that they were backed up. It took over six weeks; just slightly longer than they estimated.

VERY NICE AND HAPPY TO HELP. VERY QUICK ALSO. I'VE BOUGHT ALL OF MY JEWELRY HERE FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS -- GREAT SERVICE AND LOWER PRICES.