Daniel's Watch and Jewelry Repair

Daniel’s Watch and Jewelry Repair a homey treasure-trove

funky homespun window display on the otherwise chic row of Lexington Avenue storefronts stops me in my tracks. Its centerpiece is a big old-fashioned model airplane with Alittle people figurines - and bracelets - decorating the wings. A photo of U.S. Airways pilot Sully Sullenberger and a mini-American flag displayed on the middle of the plane honor the recent hero of the Hudson. Toy boats and cars mingle with jewels - some expensive and elegant, others bright and gaudy. A towering gilded Statue of Liberty lifts her lighted torch to the huddled masses - and a collection of beaded strands. In the painted rainbow sky, a foam cloud displays unusual ivory and exotic stone goddess pendants... What kind of jumbled fantasy is this? Intrigued, I go in.

On the other side of the door, the atmosphere of happy anarchy picks up. Uzbekistani and Israeli music fills the air as a yarmulke-topped trio work in the background on watches and jewels. A sweet-faced young mom-to-be sits in front of the overstuffed display cases, organizing a tray of rings and earrings: white gold and pink, diamonds, enamel, beads, silver, a mish-mash of vintage, classic, and modern. Behind the display cases hang even more baubles and beads, framing smiling photos of family weddings.

I’ve entered the world of “Daniel’s Watch and Jewelry Repair”, a one-stop emporium for everything, it seems. Customers file in and out of the diminutive space, ordering a watch battery, bringing a cuckoo clock in for repair, making an impulse purchase of a pearl necklace ...

The young man behind the counter briskly finishes taking an order on the phone and turns to me, “Yes, how can I help you?” Although I am just browsing, he patiently takes the time to show me whatever I wish to see, explaining the gems and pointing out the qualities of each piece of jewelry. I am surprised to learn that this salesman, Jonathan, in addition to being an expert in gems, jewelry and watches, was an aspring stand-up comic and is studying to become a teacher.

But if his experiences and expertise are wide-ranging, he certainly comes by it naturally. His father, Daniel, originally from Uzbekistan, migrated to Israel and then to the U.S. twenty-five years ago. He got his start in the Diamond District on 47th Street as a diamond setter and opened his own shop here ten years ago. Recently, he was able to expand the shop when a next-door business closed.

Daniel picks up where his son leaves off, explaining that they do all kinds of repairs for antiques, watches, grandfather clocks, and of course, jewelry. He rattles off a list of celebrities and V.I.P.’s who entrust him with their repairs; I am impressed. But mostly I am impressed with the gorgeously chaotic smorgasbord of goodies to browse and the homey, welcoming atmosphere of this rarity in today’s homogenized retail world: a real family business with unique flavor and personal service.

The goods: Check out their collection of unique Sajen jewelry, New-Age-style silver pieces with exotic gemstones and fantastic goddess faces. Vintage classic gold, silver and costume jewelry abound, including a full collection of original 1970’s era Monet pieces. Or just bring in that clock from the mantelpiece that hasn’t worked since 1982 and get tickin’ again.

If you go: Daniel’s Watch and Jewelry Repair 1156 Lexington Ave (between 79-80 St) New York, NY 10076 tel: (212) 717-7203 closed Saturday