Dear Mr. Tope,

 

 

 

It's always nice to thank someone for a job well done--and it's a rare pleasure.  You repaired an old 

 independent-seconds watch of mine with cylinder escapement a while back, and I am writing this letter to

 commend you on a job well done.  Needless to say, the watch is still running.  More to the point, the work 

 you did was of the highest standard, equal to the original quality of the watch, and I'm pleased to say the

 watch is essentially restored to as-new condition, though it's nearly two hundred years old.  I am a

 mechanical engineer, an amateur watchmaker, and serious watch collector, so I've seen the best and worst 

 of restorations, and I can appreciate the care it takes to make the  difference.  I had tried to fix this watch

 myself, to no avail, when a friend of mine recommended your services.  I understand you encountered a

 number of unexpected difficulties in excess of the repair estimate and fixed them for no extra charge-- as

 well as fabricating a new hack lever for no charge.  Months later the watch still runs well and keeps good

 time. 

I am very pleased with the job you did for me and would happily recommend you to anyone in need of

 your services. You are a fine craftsman and a gentleman.

 

Thank you very much,

 Best regards,

Tom Bales