A new watch service company has opened in Coral Gables, Florida, USA. Owned and run by Patrick Puton, its President, Excel Time Service services watches of all brands for end customers, retailers and the brands themselves.
"There has been an on-going growth in mechanical watches being manufactured and sold," explains Puton. "There are more and more brands out there and more mechanical watches are being sold than ever before, and a lot of brands need help with after-sales service. I thought there was an opportunity to offer a tailored level of service to manufacturers, retailers and consumers."





Excel Time Service is doing after-sales service for Tourneau on multiple brands, as well as other retailers and several brands.
"The service issue is going to plague the industry for a long time," he says. "Rolex invested in after-sales service early on, but the majority of other brands are playing catch up. They are suddenly realizing that with mechanical watches back in vogue, you have to service these pieces. It's very hard to find qualified watchmakers. We have been fortunate because there is a good pool of watchmakers here, of Cuban origin, in Miami."









Excel Time Service's turnaround time for service runs about 10 business days from estimate approval to delivery, and currently the staff of the company is made up of seven people, with four watchmakers. Once Excel Time Service increases its volume, the plans are in place to expand its employee base.
Puton feels confident that Excel Time Service will thrive in today's watch industry. "The manufacturers in Switzerland need to understand that they have a choice here in the US if they need a competent and reliable after-sales service facility in addition to their own," he says. "It's key that if you are marketing a luxury watch, your level of service is up to the brand image you have created. Customers are less and less tolerant about waiting to get their watch back. They demand good quality service. We can offer honest service with quality parts and watchmakers with factory training. We want to offer our services to smaller brands, we can do all their after-sales service."

For more information, please contact Excel Time Service, www.exceltimeservice.com


Source: Europa Star 2007