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Friday, November 16, 2007 - Volume 35 Issue 46

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posted Friday, November 16, 2007 - Volume 35 Issue 46

Tiempo Timepieces & Jewelry recounts its past, celebrates good times, hosts 10 year anniversary party, sale

Tiempo Timepieces & Jewelry recounts its past, celebrates good times, hosts 10 year anniversary party, sale
Amid one of the city's most bustling, rapidly developing urban neighborhoods, nestled along an unassuming Capitol Hill side street, you'll find a small but thriving community hub disguised as a local watch shop. During the past 10 years, Seattleites from neighborhoods near and far have flocked en masse to this quaint retail destination where they'll find a piece of small town Americana that time and this establishment have not forgotten. Upon arrival, be prepared to strike up a healthy, upbeat conversation with community guru, activist and owner extraordinaire Jody Laine who opened Tiempo Timepieces & Jewelry on November 7, 1997. "Success comes in a lot of different ways," Laine said. "I have such an incredible, devoted, diverse clientele; people that come back year after year. In 10 years I've seen [clients'] middle school kids graduate from college. To see people come back and feel like you're part of their lives is really cool." The jazzy little shop with its bright orange façade and oversized retro neon clock is one of the top ten best sellers of watch bands in Washington State. Tiempo offers its customers a broad selection of products within what Laine describes as a "reasonable" price range, or less than $500, mostly between $50 and $150. If she doesn't have it, she'll find it and have it stocked in no time at all. Tiempo also boasts one of the best selections of Hamilton and Skagen watches in the region, according to her sales reps. "People come in thinking they got a good deal on a watch on the internet until they have to have their band sized. Tiempo resizes bands for free on watches bought at the store, and offers a courtesy first battery replacement for free," said Shad Reinstein, who Laine playfully refers to as her "not-so-silent partner." The two have shared a life together for 24 years. Laine wanted Tiempo to offer a fun experience where customers can clearly watch the craftspeople work in an open area behind the showroom floor. A large sign hangs at the back of the store above the watchmaker's work tables that reads, "We've got the time for you!" Just a short while after opening at 11:00 on a typically drizzly autumn morning, Tiempo was already abuzz with walk-in customers. An uber stylishly quaffed black woman standing at the counter mentions to Laine she was referred by a family member. "There are so many little watch shops in this city, but my auntie sent me to you," the woman explained, adding that her aunt is a retired piano teacher. In an instant Laine recalled exactly who the woman was referring to, and made an immediate connection with her new customer, just like clockwork. "I like the management and the owners. That is paramount to me. Beyond that, it's good customer service and [Tiempo has] got it going," said Count Kody Tuwaletstiwa, another satisfied customer. Getting started in the watch industry was a challenging proposition for Laine, an out Lesbian in a conservative, male-dominated field. Laine recalled a time she attended a special industry gathering in Seattle and was informed she didn't meet the group's dress code. "The clothes I had on were way nicer than what everyone else was wearing, but still I was told it wasn't good enough," recalled Laine. Maybe it was this experience or just her naturally warm, charismatic and engaging personality that led Laine to break free from an archaic world of glass ceilings to create such a welcoming place for Seattleites to buy a new timepiece or repair a broken one. "It's a nice mix of society that comes through here," Tiempo watchmaker Karen Lindeman-Rohrer said. "In the three years I've been working here just a couple of crabby people have come in. I love it here." Not only are Tiempo customers treated like part of Laine's extended family, but they can expect to receive expert service because the store is often a stepping stone for some of the most talented watchmakers in the world. Many of Tiempo's craftspeople, past and present, are graduates of a program certified by the Watchmakers of Switzerland Technical Education Program (WOSTEP). Laine is a graduate of the Watch and Clock Technology Program at North Seattle Community College (NSCC), and now serves on its Technical Advisory Committee. NSCC offers the only WOSTEP accredited program in the U.S. West of the Mississippi River and is one of only 10 schools to offer it worldwide. "This program is the gold standard," Laine added. "The people Rolex hires and all the large [timepiece] factories hire their people from these programs." Laine is also very proud of Tiempo being a responsible community member, donating to numerous organizations from year to year. Tiempo's list of beneficiaries is so extensive, for the purposes of this article they've been pared down to organization types, which include: art, churches, education, healthcare, LGBT, women and youth. "Tiempo is one of the strongest supporters of community organizations in the Seattle area," Verbena Executive Director Mo Malkin said. "Tiempo donates items for almost every auction, and is especially generous to the LGBTQ specific nonprofits. Under the leadership of Jody Laine, Tiempo is truly a Seattle philanthropic store. Also, the incredible variety of merchandise makes it a gift and holiday one-stop shop!" In honor of reaching its tenth year in business, Tiempo is hosting a two-day long anniversary party from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on November 16 - 17, which will feature a special sale, prizes and refreshments. In its second year in business, Tiempo received a Best of Seattle award, perhaps inspiring its slogan that proclaims the business to be "Seattle's best little watch shop." It may just very well be true. "When I did my business plan, it was pitifully small. I never ever thought I was going to have this much success," said a joyful Laine with sincere gratitude. For more information about Tiempo Timepieces & Jewelry, visit www.tiempowatch.com.