About Us

Keeping Time Since 2007

My name is Eric Unselt, and welcome to my website. I'm a former electrical engineer who happily quit my job over a decade ago to restore vintage watches professionally, nauseated by the mindless corporate obsession with diversity, equity and political correctness. Like the majority of my customers I am also a dedicated collector of our American timepieces that date from the mid to late 1800s.

Preserving History

I'm a firm believer in several things:

Doing it right the first time and that half-assed fixes have no place in horology or any other vocation.
The worst way to build a collection is trying to assemble working watches from a pile of bits and pieces.
Every watch that leaves here is restored to factory specs with every component matching and correct.
The preservation of our history and that American heirlooms should remain here in America.

Accolades

This is the section where most watchmakers would list their many certificates, plaques, awards, diplomas, pedigrees, memberships in clubs, offices held in clubs, pictures of their shop tools, eBay selling history and feedback, watchmaking lineage all the way back to the Mayflower, and anything else showing their horological prowess.

None of that means anything if the quality of the work is poor and the attention to detail is non-existent.

Our Philosophy

This hobby that was such a delight for both the stories these watches could tell and for the amazing intricacies found in their gear trains has become a flea market. Unskilled parasites have gutted tens of thousands of these antique watches for profit while the NAWCC looks the other way, and even worse are the bottom-feeders that swarm to buy their leftovers in the unending pursuit of bargains, failing to do the math that says otherwise. Novices watch a few YouTube videos and then try to fix their own sometimes-rare pieces with Superglue and pliers, defending their tinkering while other collectors applaud the damage and believe mismatched hands and missing parts to be the "tapestry" of the watch.

Pocket watches were not only an engineering marvel in a time before electricity and automobiles, but they were also a very personal item to their owners, who used them to mark all their daily events as well as life's milestones. These people carried them as they went about their time here on earth in sickness and in health, youth to dotage, at work and at play, in good times as well as the tragedies. On the national stage inventions like the telephone and discoveries like penicillin changed our lives, the World Series was played every year (except 1904), authors wrote sweeping bestsellers, wars were fought, Presidents were elected, weather events destroyed whole towns, scandals erupted, and these vintage timepieces marked every one of those occasions. I honor the history and service contained within these mechanical works of art, as well as the creative energies and dedication of the men who spent years inventing them, and will put yours back to factory specs.

Testimonials

Joshua J, Pennsylvania

"After my father passed away this year, I was given my great-grandfather's pocket watch that had been stored for over 35 years. After combing through several websites of businesses that repair jewelry and watches, I reached out to Eric. The customer service, the communication and the personal concern over my family heirloom was exceptional. Not only is Eric an exemplary technician, he's a no-nonsense businessman that is honest about his work and provides his services at a value that seems impossible when compared to others. My great-grandfather's 12s Illinois is now timed perfectly, restored and displayed in my home waiting to be passed to my children. I wouldn't trust my watches, whether they are heirlooms or collectibles, to anyone else."

Pete R, Texas

"I cannot overstate the level of professional quality and service I experience when dealing with Eric. His workmanship, knowledge, and attention to detail are more than impressive. 10 stars if I could!"

Jim V, Oregon

"I have never been so excited to see one of my collection come back to life. This one will be the most rewarding. I did a lot of research on different watchmakers and after a two-month search I finally decided on American Timekeeper. Eric did not disappoint by keeping me engaged throughout the whole restoration process with amazing communication. I'm happy to say he is now my watch guy."

Barry H, Ohio

"Eric's work is to an extremely high standard, giving you a full breakdown on what work has been carried out. I know that if I send him a watch the attention to detail is way beyond my expectations. I can highly recommend Eric at American Timekeeper."

Kevin S, Arizona

"A big thank you to Eric for the most recent purchase of my Hamilton 992E! I have purchased several watches from him and I must say they are all beautiful and keep very accurate time, even better than some of my modern watches! I would highly recommend anyone interested in a vintage timepiece whether it be for a repair, restoration or purchase to reach out to him."

Matt T, California

"Eric did a fantastic job with my Illinois Bunn Special. He answered questions, made recommendations, and did some amazingly intricate work/repairs. Attention to detail was top notch … no shortcuts here. I won't send my watch anywhere else."

Ryan S, Wisconsin

"Whether you are a collector of pocket watches, or have come into possession of family heirloom, you are making the right choice by sending to Eric for servicing. He takes the time and effort to make sure your watch is brought back up to factory specs the way the manufacturer would have wanted the repairs done."

Mike A, Oregon

"The reason that I send my watches clear across this continent for repair is that you can trust your precious antique to Eric. He gets it RIGHT the first time."

Dave C, California

" As a new customer I can highly recommend American Timekeeper. Eric did an amazing job on this watch!"

Bruce E, Pennsylvania

"I knew nothing about pocket watches prior to visiting the American Timekeeper site. I found a Seth Thomas in my deceased Father's desk. The site had lots of information that enabled me to determine what I had. Eric was able to further determine the year of manufacture and provide other details. This was all before I had committed to have a restoration performed.

I concur 100% with the other reviews. What stood out first for me was Eric's knowledge. This man definitely knows his stuff and has no problem sharing that knowledge. The cost matched what was laid out on the website with no surprises, and Eric kept me apprised throughout the restoration process. Five Stars without hesitation!"

Larry L, Texas

"I sent Eric a Frankenstein that I purchased, and Yes, the watch had some major issues that were fixed and taken care of … awesome work."

Joe B, Pennsylvania

"Eric's level of knowledge, skill at his craft, and dedication to achieve perfection is very difficult to find these days. If you are looking for an old-world craftsman to return your old-world mechanical timepiece to original condition, then American Timekeeper is your answer."

Kirk H, Wyoming

"Very professional and knowledgeable with a very quick turnaround. Excellent customer service and communication, always willing to share knowledge with the customer. Excellent attention to detail."

James N, Pennsylvania

"My watch arrived today and Wow what a beauty, even better than the photos on the Store page. Really nice touch with the burgundy velvet pouch for storing the watch in. Everything about Eric and American Timekeeper is top notch."

David N, Iowa

"Eric is a fantastic watch restoration expert! He has worked on several of my Elgin pocket watches, and they always come back looking and working like brand new. Truly exceptional! I highly recommend him!"

Michael H, Canada

"I was ecstatic with American Timekeeper's restoration work on my 24-jewel Illinois Bunn Special. It always amazes me how Eric can transform an old weathered pocket watch and bring it back to life."

Matthew D, Texas

"I want to give a big thanks to Eric at American Timekeeper. He was incredibly responsive and helpful to me as I was overwhelmed by all the things to learn in this new hobby. I don't know how I would have navigated all this without his generous and expert guidance. You may know him as the top Seth Thomas pocket watch expert on the planet, and you may be aware of his incredible Seth Thomas website. If you haven't checked it out, it is a must. But he is so much more than that. He is a master at restoring any pocket watch. Visually he works magic on the movements, dials, hands, cases, making them look amazing. But mechanically he just blows my mind with his detail, precision, and knowledge in taking down and rebuilding the movement. Eric takes no shortcuts and does everything he can to get it as close to perfect as humanly possible. If you have a watch that needs an expert magic touch, don't hesitate to send it to Eric. I can't recommend him enough."

Jerry K, California

"To find someone that will treat your watch as their own from beginning to end you have to send it to Eric at American Timekeeper, and I guarantee that you will be thrilled by the results."

Roger F, New York

"Over the years I have both purchased and serviced many watches from Eric and have always been amazed at the uncompromising quality, knowledge and attention to detail Eric puts into his craft. To put it more simply, I would most likely stop collecting these fine pieces if I didn’t have access to all that American Timekeeper brings to my collection."

Chuck H, Idaho

“Eric is an outstanding watchmaker, in the truest sense of the word. His horological knowledge is amazing, and he is able to completely restore your watch to “original” condition. I would trust my finest watch to his knowledge and craftsmanship.”

Ron R, Delaware

"I have bought many pocket watches from Eric at American Timekeeper. The prices are very reasonable and the watches are always better than advertised, arriving on time in great condition."

Bob J, Alabama

"Just got my grandfather's 21-jewel Waltham Riverside back from service and repair from American Timekeeper. Couldn't be happier with service, communication, and value. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"

Dennis M, Ohio

"As a resident of Columbus, Ohio, I began collecting Columbus pocket watches almost two decades ago, with a dream of someday finding an elusive 25-jewel example. (There were reportedly fewer than a hundred made before the factory closed in 1902). When an example finally came within reach - a neglected and abused relic - I knew I had to send it to American Timekeeper. It's now the crown jewel of my collection. I love to walk past the old Columbus factory in the south end of town where this grand watch was made about 120 years ago. I proudly take it from my pocket to check the time and smile."

Martin B, South Carolina

"In my humble opinion as a seventh-generation family watchmaker and British Horological Institute-trained watchmaker, I consider Eric at American Timekeeper one of the finest old-school restorers in the business. His restoration of my Dennison, Howard & Davis timepiece was astonishing. His attention to detail from the bluing of the plate screws to the reshaping of the hairspring was nothing short of new factory standards. He has surpassed most of the skilled watchmakers that I have worked with over the years here in the U.S. and in the British Isles. I highly recommend him for your restoration work."

Jim Y, Wisconsin

"This Waltham Vanguard is just one of the eight pocket watches that I sent to Eric at American Timekeeper. They all came back looking and running like new, with all the proper parts. It is hard to believe that these watches are well over 100 yrs old. It's a nice feeling to get your watch back knowing it has been properly taken care of by Eric. His craftsmanship really is the best."

Frederick O, Hawaii

"Eric is dedicated to absolutely perfect workmanship and authentic, factory restoration of our precious pocket watches. I have sent him many rare pocket watches and have been very satisfied with the results as he has always exceeded my expectations."

Bill S, Indiana

"Eric will restore your watch correctly, including fixing botched repairs. My watches now run wonderfully and are a joy to own and show off. He kept me informed on the problems he found and his progress in correcting them. I especially enjoyed the clear close-up photos he sent, showing the problems that needed correcting."

Andras B, Romania

"This beautifully restored Waltham M99 is a typical testament to why I put my trust into American Timekeeper when it comes to servicing antique pocket watches. The watches that go through Eric's hands end up as close to perfection as possible. Eric possesses not only great technical skills but also vast historical knowledge about antique American timepieces and that is why his work is the best."

Eric W, New Hampshire

"Eric is the most thorough and exacting watch restoration provider I have ever worked with. His knowledge and workmanship are unequaled."

Drew F, Virginia

"Eric expertly repaired my antique pocket watch when I couldn't find anyone else to do it at a very reasonable price. He corresponded with me regularly, provided information about the repair, as well as historical information on the watch, and treated it as it was to me - a precious family heirloom. I can't recommend Eric enough."

Max M, Illinois

"The trials and tribulations of finding a good watchmaker ended for me when I found Eric at American Timekeeper. A deep level of experience, attention to detail, high degree of communication and transparency, and above all else, doing the job right summarizes Eric’s work. Where most watchmakers draw the line or take the shortcut, Eric makes sure to treat the piece as if it were his own. I have sent several pieces to Eric, and have been delighted with the results every time. I can’t recommend American Timekeeper enough and he has made me a lifetime customer."

Craig J, California

"American Timekeeper's attention to detail is second to none! I have had two watches worked on and restored by Eric, a Hamilton 940 Extra and a 15-jewel Illinois transitional. I'm so happy because he takes the time to do it right. The thing that impressed me most is that Eric gives you a diagnosis up front, and he took the time to explain all the issues with the watch. Thank you! You are the best!"

Jerry N, North Carolina

"Just wanted to compliment Eric on the work and customer service ... the quality of service and communication was outstanding ... the watch looks super and runs perfectly ... the level of service that was provided is missing from most online services today ... such a pleasure doing business with you.""

Gary C, Maryland

"I sent my Hamilton Model 23 to American Timekeeper for a cleaning and whatever else it might have needed. When I got it back I was completely satisfied. Eric did an excellent job and communicated with me in every step of the process. Thank you, American Timekeeper. I will be using them again."

Sue R, Oregon

"I was initially nervous to send my grandad’s watch away for repair but there was nobody local who had the skill set. I did a lot of research and read reviews and decided to reach out to American Timekeeper to see if my watch was a fit. Eric was super knowledgeable and detailed in his response, so I felt comfortable shipping it to him for repair. He kept me updated during the repair process and gave me lots of interesting information about my watch as he worked. Every aspect of the repair was enjoyable and I was really happy with the final result. Thank you for taking such care of this irreplaceable family heirloom! "

Matt E, Tennessee

"Pocket watches from the Railroad Era are nothing less than technological and aesthetic marvels. They are glorious little pieces of history. If you buy a watch from American Timekeeper, you come as close as possible to that original glory as can be done a century later. If you have Eric work on your watch, you are restoring it to that glory. Eric erased decades of neglect and abuse (at the hands of “reputable” watch repair shops) from an Elgin BW Raymond for me. Buying a restored Hamilton 992 from American Timekeeper felt like a purchase made across the boundaries of time. I now own a brand-new watch from 1927. I have owned and appreciated that Elgin for years, and now can take pride from giving the watch the care that it deserves. Ownership of the Hamilton has given me the satisfaction of taking part in the preservation of the quality, beauty, and history that American Timekeeper makes possible. "

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