Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevork Markarian.
Kevork, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2002, Movado Company where I was working as a watchmaker for 13 years, closed its doors. Having a lot of experience in this field, I decided to start my own business instead of working for another company again. This is when Time-Tec was born. With the help of my wife Evelyn and daughter Osan, we started to do business in the jewelry district in the heart of the historic Downtown LA. In 1994 I had my first visit to Switzerland for a training on a major watch brand factory (Piaget). I loved Switzerland and I visited it almost every year after that, either for more training or just attending fairs. In 2008, after many months of refreshing courses at the AWCI headquarters in Harrison, Ohio, I received my CW21 Certification. In 2009 I was trained by the Swatch Group (Omega, Tissot, Rado, Longines, Mido, etc…), In 2010 I had my Cartier training in Fort Worth/Dallas for Both Phase I and Phase II.
Time-Tec will celebrate its 15th birthday at the end of this year and my 40th birthday as a watchmaker
Time-Tec is the leading watch service company on the West. We service Swiss Made high grade watches, such as Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Tag Heuer and many more…
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Generally it has been a smooth road. No major struggles. When someone loves his job, things will be a lot smoother than normal.
Time-Tec Watch Service Center – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Well, apart being the president of the company, I am a Certified Watchmaker CW21, I work on high grade watches, and with my extended experience ( almost 40 years ), I can service watches that a regular watchmaker can’t. That’s why, beside our private customers, I get watches from other watchmakers or jewelers that come to ask my help.
We have spare parts accounts with many major companies that other watchmakers or service centers don’t. That’s why, when a watch comes to us, we are most certain that we will be able to service it without any problems with spare parts. And one very important thing to mention is, that we never use aftermarket or generic parts for the watches we service.
Time-Tec operates in around 3000 sq. of office space, including a state of the art workshop equipped with the latest Swiss made tools and equipment, like timing machines, wet and dry water pressure testers, watch openers, automatic winders, etc…We have 4 watchmakers and 3 customer care team, that’s why we are able to handle more repairs than the other places.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is a sum of many efforts. I love what I am doing, I work hard, I keep on learning, I am not afraid to work longer hours. Time-Tec started small, in an office of 700 sq. in 2002, and with all the efforts by me and family members, we are a leading watch service company on the West Coast. I can say that my success is because I like what I do, and I like how I do it. That simple…
Contact Info:
- Address: 635 S.Hill St. # 209
Los Angeles, CA 90014 - Website: www.time-tec.com
- Phone: 213-488-9222
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimetecWatch/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/time-tec-watch-service-center-los-angeles?osq=Watch+Repair
Image Credit:
Swatch Group (Omega)
Richemont Group ( Cartier )
Rolex USA ( Rolex )
