fixed my tic-toc

i have two watches that i like to use for everyday wear. one of them is a reefgear timex that i got years ago. i've never found another like it and the battery died maybe a year or two ago. the other is a diesel watch that leeser got me for valentine's day. i know it must have been 4 or 5 years ago because she was still buying me presents. she has slowly phased that out citing an intense irritation with hallmark holidays. i'm of the school of thought that any time there is a chance to give pressies, i'll take it.

anyway, i took in these two watches finally to get new batteries, because i'll need a watch on the trip. plus, i was thinking of getting another timex just to use daily and L yelled at me and said we have 100 watches and i don't need another one. even though that's no fun, i guess she's right.

i walked in to The Watch Doctor and saw two really fancy older people helping other really fancy older customers. here i am standing there with my $100 diesel watch and my $50 timex. suddenly an employee about my age pops up and says, 'what can i do for you?'. i said, 'i just need some batteries.... do you put batteries in non-fancy watchs?' she laughed and said, 'yeah of course....only....ummm'

she explained they would charge me $20 just to take apart the band and back of the watch because of the style. so, i took back the timex not wanting to spend that kind of cash on a watch that was $50 about 6 years ago. i decided i wanted my diesel fixed properly because it was a gift and i do love that watch. so she gave me a claim ticket and took my information.

after she was finished, she leaned in and quietly said, 'well if you are just going to throw that watch away, just see if you can get the back off by youself. once you get it open there is a battery strap that you'd pull back to get the battery out. it is fairly involved, but if you break it you won't be any worse off...'

so, i came back to my office and said outloud, 'i wonder where i could get some jewelry screwdrivers around here?' dick opened his drawer and handed me a box. i promptly removed the back cover and popped out the battery (not very involved at all) then walked down to the drug store and bought a new battery for $2.49. Walked back to my desk, put it in, clipped the battery clip in place, screwed the back on and reset my watch. i am wearing it right now.

i had a thought to call and cancel service on the diesel. but then i thought, that would be bad karma to take away some profits from this girl who paid it forward in the first place. so, i'll go and pay $22.49 for something i could have done a lot cheaper.

i guess i'll know for the future.