relojería

Relojería is the trade and establishment devoted to timekeeping devices, particularly watches and clocks. The term combines reloj, meaning watch or clock, with -ería, a suffix denoting a shop or craft. In everyday use, una relojería is a retail shop that sells timepieces and often provides related services such as battery replacement, strap adjustments, water-resistance checks, and basic maintenance.

The core professional in this field is the relojero (watchmaker), who diagnoses, disassembles, cleans, lubricates, and calibrates mechanical and quartz movements, performs repairs, and, in some cases, restores antique pieces. Many relojería shops also offer a range of accessories, spare parts, and watch winders. Some establishments are authorized service centers for specific brands, while others operate as independent repair workshops.

Relojería spans both retail and repair activities, encompassing new-timepiece sales, servicing of modern and vintage models, and the care of mechanical curiosities such as chronographs and complications. The craft is closely linked to the broader field of horology, the science and art of timekeeping, and has historical roots in the development of portable clocks and watches, particularly in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Today, relojería often blends customer service with technical skill. Consumers visit relojerías to purchase timepieces, obtain preventive maintenance, or seek repair for malfunctioning or worn-out components, making the shop a focal point for timekeeping culture in many Spanish-speaking communities.