The Workshop That Repairs Time: Watchmakers of la 73

Historical or contextual introduction

It is 9:30 in the morning in Laureles, and the only noise competing with the hum of engines on Carrera 73 is a metallic tinkle, almost imperceptible, coming from shop 12-45. It is the sound of hundreds of synchronized seconds, of gears turning in unison. There, among wooden display cases and signs weathered by the sun, don Carlos Londoño, 68 years old, has been repairing time for over four decades.

Carrera 73 is one of the liveliest arteries of Laureles. Here, apartment buildings coexist with specialty coffee shops and bicycle workshops. But in the midst of this modernity, there is a redoubt that resists change: don Carlos's watchmaking workshop. It is not just any store. It is a living archive of the history of Medellín, where every watch that arrives —from a 1950 Omega to a 90s Casio— has a story to tell. This article is a guide for those who want to understand not only how to repair a watch, but how to preserve a dying craft.

What to do: immerse yourself in the craft of the watchmakers of la 73

Visiting this workshop is not just a technical errand. It is a sensory and cultural experience that few places in Medellín offer. Whether you are a resident of Laureles or a curious tourist, here is what you can do when you walk through the door.

Observe the repair process

Don Carlos does not work in a hurry. Each piece he disassembles he places on a blue chamois cloth, and his fingers, thick but precise, handle tweezers and magnifying glasses as if they were extensions of his body. You can sit in one of the plastic chairs he has in front of the counter and watch him work. There is no music in the background, only the ticking of the watches hanging on the walls. He will explain to you, if you ask, how he detects a broken axle or a worn part in a mechanical movement. It is a spectacle that few tourists know about, but that locals treasure.

Buy antique watches or collectible pieces

In the display cases at the back, there are watches that don Carlos has restored and is willing to sell. From a 1960s Longines to a 70s automatic Seiko. Prices vary, but range from $150,000 COP (about 38 USD) for simple models to $1,200,000 COP (about 300 USD) for rarer pieces. There are no price tags; don Carlos will tell you the value based on condition and rarity. If you are a collector, this is one of the few places in Medellín where you can find something authentic without paying gallery markups.

Listen to the stories behind each watch

Don Carlos keeps a notebook with notes on every repair he has done since 1985. There are the owners' names, the brands, the dates. He can tell you, for example, the story of a man's watch that he inherited from his grandfather, a railway worker on the Ferrocarril de Antioquia line. Or the story of a lady's watch she brought in after her husband passed away, because it was all she had left of him. Each piece carries an emotional weight that don Carlos treats with respect.

Where to eat or drink near the workshop

Carrera 73 is full of options to eat after visiting the workshop. Here we recommend some places that match the traditional atmosphere of Laureles.

Café de la 73

A few steps from the workshop, at Carrera 73 # 38-12, is this family-run café that has been open since 1995. They serve a tinto (black coffee) for $2,500 COP and a freshly baked pandequeso for $1,800 COP. It is the ideal place to sit and read the newspaper or chat with other customers who are also regulars in the neighborhood. Open Monday to Saturday, 7am-7pm.

La Fonda de Laureles

If you get hungry after the visit, walk two blocks to Calle 39 with Carrera 74. There you will find La Fonda de Laureles, a typical Antioquian food restaurant that serves bandeja paisa ($28,000 COP) and sancocho de gallina ($18,000 COP). On weekends it fills up with families, but during the week it is quieter. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-9pm.

Heladería El Nogal

For something lighter, cross 73rd Street north, at Carrera 73 # 39-08. This artisanal ice cream parlor has flavors like arequipe con brevas and café con leche. A cone costs $6,000 COP. It is perfect for the hot days of Medellín. Open daily, 10am-8pm.

How to get there and transportation

Don Carlos's workshop is located at Carrera 73 # 38-45, in the Laureles neighborhood, half a block from Avenida 33. It is easy to get to from anywhere in Medellín.

By metro

The nearest station is Estadio (Line A). From there, walk 10 minutes south along Carrera 70, then turn left on Calle 38 and walk two blocks to Carrera 73. The total walk is about 15 minutes.

By bus

Several bus routes run along Avenida 33. Look for ones that say "Laureles" or "Estadio". Get off at the intersection of Avenida 33 and Carrera 73. From there, the workshop is less than 100 meters away. The fare is $2,900 COP (2026).

By taxi or Uber

A taxi from downtown Medellín costs between $12,000 and $18,000 COP. From El Poblado, the price goes up to about $25,000 COP. Tell the driver to drop you off at "Carrera 73 con Calle 38, frente a la ferretería La 73". It is a well-known reference point.

By private car

There is public parking on Calle 38 with Carrera 74, one block from the workshop. It costs $5,000 COP per hour. Keep in mind that Carrera 73 is two-way and can be congested during peak hours (7-9am and 5-7pm).

Local tips

• Bring cash. Don Carlos does not accept credit cards or bank transfers. Payments are in cash, preferably small bills. Repair prices range from $30,000 COP (battery change and adjustment) to $200,000 COP (complete repair of a mechanical watch).
• Don't arrive without an appointment. Although don Carlos sees walk-in customers, Wednesdays at 10am are the quietest time. Mondays and Fridays there is usually a line of customers bringing in heirloom watches. If you want more personalized attention, aim for Wednesday.
• Ask about the notebook. If you are passionate about stories, ask don Carlos to show you his notebook. It is a record of over 40 years of work, with names, dates, and anecdotes. He doesn't do this with all customers, but if you ask respectfully, he will tell you a story.
• Dress comfortably. The workshop is small and has no air conditioning. On hot days (Medellín can reach 28°C), it is better to wear light clothing. Also, you will have to walk a bit if you decide to go by metro.
• Check the watch's condition before bringing it. Don Carlos will tell you if it is worth repairing or not. Sometimes, an antique watch has more sentimental than monetary value, and he is honest: if the repair costs more than the watch, he will tell you.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to repair a watch at don Carlos's workshop?

Prices vary depending on the type of repair. A battery change and basic adjustment costs from $30,000 COP. A complete repair of a mechanical watch, which includes cleaning, lubrication, and replacement of worn parts, can cost between $80,000 and $200,000 COP. Don Carlos always gives an estimate before starting, at no extra cost. The prices mentioned are references from July 2026.

Do you accept watches of any brand?

Yes, don Carlos works with watches of all brands, from common ones like Casio, Seiko, and Timex, to luxury brands like Rolex, Omega, and Longines. However, for high-end watches, he recommends that the customer verify if the repair is feasible, as some parts are difficult to find. He can order spare parts from local suppliers, but the wait time can be one to three weeks.

Does the workshop have a website or social media?

Don Carlos does not use the internet or social media. His entire business is based on word of mouth and the loyal clientele he has built over decades. The best way to contact him is by visiting him in person at Carrera 73 # 38-45, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. If you want to make sure he is there, you can call the shop's landline (the number is on the workshop door), but there is no guarantee he will answer if he is focused on a repair.