Take a timely trip to Tiempo

My vintage kitchen clock from the 1940s has been chugging away (sometimes with a great deal of racket), keeping perfect time over the years. Finally, the little red teapot-shaped clock heaved one big clunking sigh and gave out. I packed it up and took it my favorite horologist, Jody Laine, owner of Tiempo Timepieces & Jewelry on Capitol Hill. Tiempo is one of those old-fashioned, service-oriented businesses-they can pop a new battery in your trendy Skagen wristwatch or repair Grandma's antique mantel clock.

While discussing the fate of my little ticker, Lange told me about her upcoming Moms, Dads and Grads sale from May 8 to June 16. You can knock out all your gift shopping and save up to 40 percent off watches, clocks and unique timepieces. The tiny shop boasts more than 2,000 timepieces. Choose from brands such as Skagen, Citizen, Columbia, Hamilton, Casio, and Swiss Army ($20-$500), one-of-a kind natural wood band watches by Tense from Canada ($70), pocket watches ($50-$400) and vintage watches. You'll also find wall clocks ranging from mod to retro-style ($25-$450). For inexpensive (but really cute) gifts, Laine carries matchbox clocks, replicas of vintage signs (less than $20) and collectible desktop clocks set in miniature pianos, drum sets, guitars, hats, mixers, flower carts and more ($20).

And my little red teapot clock? I guess I'll let it rest in peace after more than 60 years of service (and a $65 price tag to switch out its innards). I bought a new retro-red round clock for $30 to mark time in the coming decades.

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