A & A Watch Repair

A & A Watch Repair sits in the Mallers Building on Jewelers Row in downtown Chicago, where watchmakers Adriana, Alberto and Leonardo have worked on timepieces for 15 years. The shop is set up for the full range of everyday watch repair: battery replacements, crystal and glass replacement, bracelet and band resizing, and water-resistance pressure testing.

Beyond quick fixes, the team also handles full service and overhaul work and takes on vintage watch repair, which isn't something every battery-and-strap shop will touch. Staff hold AWCI and CW21 certifications, and there's an on-site watchmaker rather than work being sent out. The battery replacement service includes a check of movement function, a cleaning of surface dirt around the case and movement, gasket greasing to guard against moisture, and a six-month warranty on the work.

The shop recommends battery changes every two years even on watches still keeping time, to head off leakage damage, and suggests a full movement service every seven to ten years or sooner if condensation appears under the crystal. Appointments can be booked online or by texting the shop's phone number, and payment is accepted via major cards as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

It's open Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays, with shorter hours on Saturday afternoons. Given the central Loop location, it's a convenient stop for anyone working or shopping downtown who needs a watch looked at without shipping it off.