“His passion started early on, when his Grandfather handed down a vintage Bulova Accutron called the “Devil Diver.”
About the BUSINESS, about the trade, about the craft
Tyler Thompson graduated from the Watch Technology Institute at North Seattle College in 2023. Over two years and 3,000 hours, a Swiss American Watchmakers Training Alliance certification was awarded. At North Seattle College, Tyler also earned an Associates of Applied Sciences Degree in Watch Technology, completing the program.
Thompson Watch Repair is the result of Tyler Thompson’s indomitable passion for watches and love of serving others. Every watch tendered to the business, it brings a story all its own. The craftsman’s feeling of resurrecting a timepiece is a source of pure joy. Careful attention to detail, patience, a watchmaker’s ply and trade. Inspiration comes from serviced watches running well, but a watchmaker is truly contented when customers are enjoying their timepieces once again.
A Brief History
I, Tyler Thompson, Founder of TWR, have been drawn to watches my entire life. My passion started early on when my Grandfather handed down a vintage Bulova Accutron nicknamed the “Devil Diver.” The gift remains the root of my interest, planting a wonder of “How can I preserve it? How do I ensure that the watch continues running well?”
Soon after, I began collecting watches. However, the enthusiast passion turned into a career unexpectedly- a want for more than just a collection of watches. I purchased a broken pocket watch to add to the collection... however, this time I would attempt to fix it. This attempt inspired me to take a job at a department store, where I learned on the job while doing small scale repairs and battery replacements. At the same time, I grew this interest into a network of local watchmakers and jewelers. I realized many of the clients were older, unable to come into the stores on their own: clientele that lived in assisted living homes, or those who could not drive. Dealing with the clients and the growing network, I identified a disparity in value for some of the goods and services rendered.
I saw my opportunity: to help customers that I feel were being under-served or unfairly treated. I quit my job at the department store and began to offer these small-scale repairs and services myself, to assisted living homes. I offered services for jewelry and watches, at fair prices.
As my customer base grew, I was able to reinvest back into the company. The company saw upgrades to the equipment and tooling, and I continued developing my skillset and my education. During this time, TWR hired a certified watchmaker, Daniel Isaak. TWR benefitted immensely from the formal knowledge and expertise Isaak brought to the business.
Thompson Watch Repair continues to service watches at a workshop in Prior Lake, Minnesota.
TWR
16154 Main Ave SE
Unit 110D
Prior Lake, MN 55372 United States