Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By engaging Southgate Jewelers for horological services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.

These terms apply to all customers and users of our website and services, including without limitation browsers, visitors, customers, merchants, and contributors of content.

2. Horological Services

Service Scope

Southgate Jewelers provides comprehensive horological services including:

• Watch and clock repair and restoration
• Movement servicing and component replacement
• Water resistance testing and sealing
• Battery replacement for quartz timepieces
• Custom modifications and custom work
• Expert horological consultation

Service Limitations

Our services are performed using professional horological techniques and genuine or equivalent-quality parts. We reserve the right to decline service requests for items that are:

• Damaged beyond economical repair
• Counterfeit or inauthentic timepieces
• Requiring replacement parts that are unavailable or prohibitively expensive
• Potentially hazardous to handle safely
• Not suitable for professional restoration

3. Estimates and Pricing

Estimate Process

We provide detailed written estimates for all work estimated at $50 or more. Estimates include:

• Complete diagnostic assessment of the timepiece
• Itemized list of required parts and labor
• Estimated completion timeline
• Clear explanation of work to be performed

Pricing Terms

• Approval Required: All work requires customer approval before commencement
• Estimate Validity: Estimates are valid for 30 days from issuance
• Price Changes: If additional issues are discovered during service, we will contact you before proceeding with additional work
• Final Price: The final price will not exceed the approved estimate without additional consent
• Parts Availability: Prices are subject to change based on parts availability and supplier pricing

4. Payment Terms

Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

• Cash and personal checks
• Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
• Debit cards
• Digital payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)

Payment Schedule

• Initial Payment: 50% deposit required for restoration work over $500
• Completion Payment: Balance due upon completion and pickup
• Small Jobs: Payment in full required at time of service for work under $50
• Storage Fees: A storage fee of $25/month applies to unclaimed timepieces after 60 days

5. Warranty and Guarantees

Workmanship Warranty

We stand behind our workmanship with comprehensive warranties:

• Movement Work: 12 months warranty on all mechanical work and restored movements
• Battery Replacement: 6 months warranty on battery and basic functions
• Water Resistance: 6 months warranty on water resistance seal and testing
• Parts: Lifetime warranty on genuine parts we install

Warranty Exclusions

Our warranty does not cover:

• Damage from accidents, misuse, or normal wear
• Damage from water exposure beyond the rated water resistance
• Magnetic damage or demagnetization
• Damage from shock or impact
• Normal wear on straps, bracelets, and cosmetic elements
• Issues arising from modifications by other repair shops

6. Customer Responsibilities

When Submitting Your Timepiece

• Provide accurate information about your timepiece's condition and history
• Remove personal items including jewelry and accessories
• Complete and sign the service agreement form
• Provide a valid government-issued photo ID
• Disclose any special sentimental or historical value

Care and Use After Service

• Follow care instructions provided with your restored timepiece
• Avoid exposing your timepiece to conditions beyond its specifications
• Maintain regular service intervals as recommended
• Contact us immediately if you notice any issues with completed work

7. Insurance and Risk

Coverage During Service

Your timepiece is insured while in our possession for repair. Coverage includes:

• Full replacement value for total loss during service
• Repair or replacement of damaged components
• Coverage while in transit to and from our workshop

Customer Insurance

We recommend that customers maintain their own insurance coverage for valuable timepieces. Our insurance is secondary to your personal coverage.

8. Limitation of Liability

In no event shall Southgate Jewelers be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including without limitation, loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from:

• The use or inability to use our services
• Any unauthorized access to or use of our servers and/or any personal information stored therein
• Any interruption or cessation of transmission to or from our services
• Any bugs, viruses, trojan horses, or the like that may be transmitted through our services
• Any errors or omissions in any content or for any loss or damage incurred as a result of your use of any content posted, emailed, transmitted, or otherwise made available through the services

Our total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by you for the specific service giving rise to the claim.

9. Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

We encourage customers to contact us directly with any concerns or disputes. Most issues can be resolved quickly through direct communication.

Mediation

If direct resolution is not successful, disputes may be submitted to mediation before pursuing legal action.

Governing Law

These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, United States.

10. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. We encourage you to review these terms periodically.

For significant changes that materially affect your rights or obligations, we will provide reasonable notice through our website or direct communication.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: