Refresher Course - Last Wind-Up 101

There comes a time when it feels right  to make adjustments to one’s business and hope that it works, and that your customers are amenable to the modest modifications that are sometimes required or necessary. Not that we’re making any dramatic changes to the Last Wind-Up, but this is simply a thought that came to me some time ago and I figured it was time to reinforce our current vision as a retailer in downtown Bozeman for the last 31 years. 

So for those of you who are privy to Bozeman and some of the publications that abound, either in print or online, there is a “Best of Bozeman” survey. Readers vote on a veritable multitude of categories ranging from the best sushi to the best podiatrist. There are over 100 categories and for some reason or another, there is no category the Last Wind-Up fits into very well.  I wish it were otherwise, but I get it. Best place to buy or get your watch serviced? Slam dunk! So be it. 
I know where we stand, but for those that have not experienced what we offer, here’s an introductory course. 

First and foremost, we are a timepiece shop. We primarily buy, sell and service watches. We install batteries, somewhere to the tune of about 2,000 per year. We have a huge selection of watch straps from basic leather to exotic materials like lizard, alligator and ostrich. We have thousands if not tens of thousands of watch crystals in stock from the early 1900’s to contemporary glass and sapphire.  And spring-bars….you know, those little pins that hold your strap or bracelet to the watch. We have them by the score and take pride in offering those complimentary since the day I opened the Last Wind-Up in 1990. 

Clocks- We have everything from small alarm clocks, to tall case (grandfather style), cuckoo clocks directly from the Black Forest in Germany as well as novelty clocks for the kitchen, sewing room or kids room. We don’t service clocks anymore like we used to, but we’ll help you find the right technician for your clock should you need assistance. 

Then there’s the other items we have for sale that most people would not necessarily associate with a watch and clock shop. We have knives from an assortment of local bladesmiths as well as smaller manufacturers. We have only stocked USA made knives and we add more small manufacturers whenever we find brands that we believe will suit our clientele.  We also have some vintage estate jewelry as well as local Bozeman made items from Red Clover https://redclovercustomjewelry.com/ and Bernadette’s https://www.alison-bernadettes.com/. We also have shaving accessories. I got on this kick about 10 years ago. I was personally tired of the disposable plastic blades and general shaving material, so I looked back in time and found suppliers that offer double edge safety razors, shaving brushes, soaps (some from Montana) and bowls etc. For those unfamiliar with this traditional method, we’re here to guide you in saving the landfills from plastic and experiencing a clean, close shave. Just ask me if you need some advice when you come to visit. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the shaving experience! 

So, with the holiday season fast approaching, I had to share this with you all. From watches for the kids starting at under $10 to highly collectible, pre-owned watches by Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Tag Heuer and everything in between, we stick by the saying - If you haven't been to the Last Wind-Up lately, it’s about time! And we would not be here without the support and patronage that you have all offered over the last 31 years. For this, we say thank you! 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Be safe and have a healthy and happy time with your loved ones. And stop by and say hello.