Fanelli Antique Timepieces, Ltd

I found an engaging, knowledgeable and experienced professional in Cindy at Fanelli Antique Timepieces. She understood the value of my grandma’s antique brooch watch had nothing to do with its age, manufacturer or the percentage of precious metal in the case. She treated me and my cherished heirloom with the utmost respect and attention. The brooch watch had been in a safety deposit box at a bank in KY for 30+years. I was afraid to play with it before having a professional assess it, so she could’ve told me anything. She simply wound it up and we watched. It started ticking and kept time. This watch, about 75 yrs old, is still ticking and continues to keep perfect time! Noting how special the brooch watch was to me, Cindy gave me a proper bag to protect it. She charged me nothing for the visit, winding it or the bag. It doesn’t get more honest than that! I will be taking other antique family watches to her in the future. I know they will be viewed and treated as special by her as they are to me.

A few years ago, when my father passed, I discovered a beautiful Girard-​Perregaux watch he had purchased in Switzerland in the early 60’s. The only problem was that it was in a zip-​lock bag in twenty pieces. A friend recommended Fanelli Timepieces. When I walked into their elegant atelier I had very little hope for a positive diagnosis. However, I was immediately reassured that it could be restored, even if some parts were missing. Several weeks later I received a call from Cindy Fanelli, the propriator, saying that my watch was ready. When she handed it me I was shocked to be holding a watch that appeared as new as the day it was made. Credit must be given to the master, Danny, who works his magic at a desk by the window overlooking Madison Avenue. Since then I have taken a vintage Rolex, Omega, and an IWC for repairs or cleaning an have never been disappointed. One time, a few weeks after a repair, I dropped one, dislodging the second hand. When I took it back for the repair they fixed it free of charge. I must also add that collector friends of mine, whom I have sent there, have all had similar experiences. Therefore, I would say, why go anywhere else.

Brought 4 watches here that had gotten flooded by Sandy while in storage. They replaced the batteries, cleaned them out and made sure everyone was working for a reasonable price. The best part though is talking with Cindy — she is SO interesting to talk with about clocks and timepieces and is very caring about your things. Will go back.