Watch & Clock Center

Jammed in the wrong size battery, told me it was broken when I brought it in. Took it to another shop, they swapped the battery out and, viola, it works.

I’m so a glad a friend recommended this place! I brought four watches here — a gold/​silver GRUEN watch from the 1990’s that was father’s, and few of my grandfather’s watches from the 1940s; a gold BENRUS, a silver and black BULOVA, his WWII Navy watch, which was missing a band. These watches were sitting in a storage box for almost 50 years! My father’s watch just needed a new battery and a fitting for the band. But the older ones needed new parts, specialty cleaning work, a new band, the works. I decided to put new bands on the two vintage watches — they look amazing! It’s a special feeling to be able to wear these watches and feel connected with their stories and history. The folks and Watch and Clock Center are passionate about knowledgeable about vintage pieces, with fair prices and fast service. I definitely recommend them!

I dropped off two watches. They had them for six days. I didn’t get an estimate until I came in to pickup the watches. I got a lot a excuses and a red oculus quote. I then went to a different shop. The job was done in two days at ¹⁄₃ the cost.

Worst and most bizarre retail experience of my life. This is my first, and, hopefully, only negative review. I wouldn’t trust this guy with a Mickey Mouse watch. Literally.
Short story: Owner tried to charge me for repair that he later admitted was not done, did not know what employees had previously said to me, argued with me about what the employees had said, tried to bully me by withholding family keepsake, played the «attorney card,» and refused to comply with police request. And… the topper… he insisted on cash for a repair that he had not done. Not sure whether he knew the repair was not done and was trying a scam, or he did not know it was not done. Up to you to decide.

I was a frequent patron, have 32 watches which require frequent batteries, cleanings… and got to know employee John whom was great. I would drop off several watches, get a cup of coffee, come back, talk a bit about watches, motorcycles…
Dropped off my and my father’s matching 1970 vintage Mickey Mouse watches with John. Precious keepsakes whose main value was sentimental. At first, they could not be repaired, but John persisted in locating parts for one but parts for the other were extra tough – an electric Mickey with very rare parts. When I would stop by, John would tell me that would keep trying. Received a couple calls from other employees telling me they could not find parts. I told them about John still trying to get parts and was told no problem. Good, on-​going customer service.
Out of nowhere, I received a text saying that it is my «final notice» that if I do not pick up the watch on short notice, it will be forfeited. Completely inconsistent with prior conversations. Went to pick it up and the owner told me that it was fixed, $ 120. This seemed odd since it contradicted the prior conversations, and no one told me they located parts, what it would cost, or that it was fixed… I asked why they would send a text like that. He said it’s been over 90 days and they had called twice to tell me to pick it up. I tried to tell him about the conversations with John and the employees but he insisted that they had waited long enough and that since John had now worked there for a few weeks, it was about time I picked it up. He knew nothing of the conversations but thought it was ok to tell me about these conversations.
I offered him my credit card but he said they don’t take credit cards. Since when? I had used credit cards there several times. He told me no credit cards when over 90 days. We then argued a bit. He tells me that if I don’t like it, I can get my attorney or the police. Confession: I had enough of this person and cursed at him. I should not have done that and I apologize to any other customers.
I went to the bank to get the $ 120. Owner then refused to take the cash, told me that I could call the police. The police came but then the owner refused to give the watch to the officer, said it was a civil matter and that I could contact his attorney after he removed the parts they supposedly placed. Bet his attorney makes a good living with clients like him.
Next day, I asked my father to see if he could make peace, blame it on me… I really didn’t care, just wanted my father’s watch back. When my father went to pick it up, the owner admitted that the watch really was not fixed, claimed he confused it with the other watch that had been fixed and paid for, and gave it back. Huh? Sure glad I never gave this piece of work my cash. Avoid this place at all costs.

Bitter business owner that I left an accurate review. Point blank… Business messed up my watch and made it look like crap. Now it not functioning at all. He can say I was upset about whatever but it was the quality of work. Whether it was a fine store watch or a Rolex. He did not refund me I had to go through my credit card company and cancel the transaction.

I dropped a wall clock off at this business 10 weeks ago. During that time I called 4 times to check on the repair of the clock. I was always told they were waiting for the part to come in. Three of the four times I was told I would get a call back from the jeweler to explain why it was taking so long; no one ever called me back. Fast forward to today. I called them just now and told the very rude man who answered the phone that I was coming in to pickup the clock. He told me that the clock wasn’t there. Now it’s not just that the part is not in, apparently the clock isn’t there either. I told him that something seemed fishy about all this. His reply was «Listen, there’s nothing fishy about this, we’ve been in business 22 years, and no one stole your friggin clock lady.» Really, wow. First, I didn’t accuse them of stealing my clock so not sure where that came from. Secondly, having a man talk to me that way is very disturbing. I feel sorry for his wife and if there are any, children. Must be terrifying to live with someone like him. I was always polite to them on the phone, and was today as well. I am sad that they have my clock since my dear friend who recently died gave me this clock as a birthday present a few years ago. I don’t see how they’ve stayed in business for 22 years but I do hope they go out of business in year 23. Anyway, buyer beware. If this happens to you, you’ve been warned by a few of us «ants» now.

It’s a hit or miss. Brought in a vintage G-​Shock I hadn’t used forever and needed the battery replaced. When I went to pick it up they told me it wasn’t the battery, it just didn’t work anymore. I found it strange as it was put away years ago working perfectly. I took it to a different place, they changed the battery and the watch was perfect again. I went back with a friend (her choice), and they did a great job saving her expensive watch wristband which would have cost hundreds of dollars to replace. So… not sure what to make of it.

Mark M, The words «estimate, disassemble, oil and regulate the mechanism was never communicated. All that was said via phone call was «repair damage done to the movement by the steam, for $ 245.» Which was not the case. Review was right on. Another thing, you staff is unwelcoming and unfriendly. What happened to acknowledge and greet the customer?

Great watch repair at a great price! I have a 1980’s model Rolex Submariner with a scratched crystal that can’t take any more polishing. I went to a number of jewelers in Belmont Shore to get estimates of the cost to replace the crystal. They were all outrageous including McCartys Jewelry who wanted $ 225 for the replacement.
During the Classic Car Show in September, I walked past the Watch & Clock Center on 2^nd St. and went in for an estimate. The owner examined my watch and told me that one of his in-​store Certified Rolex Watchmakers would replace the crystal for $ 40 — using genuine Rolex parts and tools to ensure that the repair was done to factory specifications.
I am extremely pleased with this company and would highly recommend them to anyone.
Forget all the other rip-​offs on 2^nd St. and try these guys out.

Wow-​great customer service! Located on 2^nd Street in Belmont Shores.
Recently purchased a high end vintage watch, shopped around and they were able to give me the best pricing on servicing. The baby will be good to go for the next 7 years.
I first stopped by, and spoke to John who was very knowledgeable on the line of watches. He schooled me on what to look for, and suggested-​not pushed servicing.
Left the watch for 3 weeks, consisted of fine tuning Swiss mechanism. I was lucky that it was in fine condition, and didn’t require it to be sent to the factory.
Great follow up by staff, and the watch was ready when stated. I believe the owner was there when I picked up the watch– he gave me a booklet for the watch, and answered all the questions I had.
Overall-​great customer service and I left happy.

I want to thank previous reviewers for warning us about John L.
My wife’s Omega is losing time and I would have brought it here, had I not read the reviews and JLs shocking response to them.
He went over the line in my opinion when he responded to a customer who felt ignored by saying the customer smelt bad.
He says that he hates Unilocal and those of us who use it he refers to as «ants»
I’m a watch enthusiast and once visited this store. I was ignored completely, but was ok with that because I was just looking. So fellow reviewer ants, thanks again for saving us grief.

Happy to always have fast, reliable, friendly, and profession service here.
Come in to have your watch batteries changed on the spot in only about 10 minutes for a low price and the peace of mind that it is done correctly.
I have a dive watch so can’t have water leaking in and have never had a problem here.
Also, stop by often as they have super low prices on watches that haven’t been picked up after a year ;)

This is my go to place for all my watch repairs, I’ve even had coworkers give me their watches to get fixed for them because they cannot believe it’s so inexpensive to replace the battery and takes about 15 minutes. I drop it off, go get coffee and done! They are professional and so helpful.

I walked into this place for the first time today to get two watch batteries replaced and the face of my watch adjusted. The saleswoman quoted me a slight discount (very slight — $ 15 instead of $ 18 to fix my watch face, plus $ 10 for each battery replacement — so expensive!) and when I came back to pick them up the watchmaker was very rude. The woman had forgotten to note the discount so when I asked about the discount the watchmaker acted as though I was being ridiculous/​stupid until the woman clarified and charged me correctly. Definitely not giving him my business again.

Brought my Seiko self-​winding diver’s watch to be resurrected after it stopped working. It had always gained about five minutes every week and the place I bought it from said that was as good as one can expect from self-​winding watches.
After W&CC repaired it it keeps PERFECT time. It’s become the clock I use to check my other clocks. They’re not cheap but they do it right. I just brought in an Omega Seamaster and a Movado for them to work on. I’m really looking forward to seeing the results.

Came in to get a battery changed… service was quick — basically in and out. Total cost, $ 14. Now I know where to take my other watches. Polite staff and nice selections.

I have a Citizen watch. I went to couple of watch repair stores and they refused to change the battery saying this is a complicated watch. Then I came to know about Watch and Clock Center and saw the reviews. Today I went there. A nice lady greeted me and asked what help is needed. I told this is the watch which needs a battery change and also need to set the time. She took it and said this will take 15 mins. I also told her one of the screw/​button to set the time may be not working.
While my watch was getting battery changed, I just browsed shop and saw lots of good watches at decent price. They also have some vintage watches.
After sometime she told me the guy is still working on it, I was expecting this as it require skills to set this watch.
While I was waiting couple of people came the battery was changed by another guy in 5 mins and he was also explaining how to take care of watch. I have not seen that.
AND then he told me my watch is done, Voila!
I was so happy that my watch is working now, it was not working for a while as no one was able to work on it.
I would be always going to this shop even if I have to drive 35 miles for this.
A highly recommended place!

I saw the reviews, ratings and comments were mixed for this business. But I’m biking distance to this place, and my boyfriend got me this beautiful watch that needed resizing. So at the very least, I called before walking in to get my watch sized.
I described my watch and that it was too big. I asked for a price quote and how soon the task would be completed. The gal on the phone quoted me $ 10 and said they were caught up on work, so if I walked in note it would take no more than 20 minutes.
My boyfriend and I biked over. A young gal took my watch, quoted me 10 minutes and asked if I was going to stay and wait, or if I was going to come back. I answered that I would come back.
Boyfriend and I leave, come back in 10 minutes and they’re done. I tried on my watch, but oops, it’s still to big. A man suggested another link off, a woman rung me up as a waited. I happily paid the $ 10 and was on my merry way within a few minutes.
No rudeness like I read in past reviews. No scams or tricks.

I left my fathers watch there to have it resized by adding a couple of links. They called me eight days later telling me it was ready to pick up. When I got there and tried it on, it was a little too big. They removed a link on the spot. This was done for an extremely reasonable price. And they had contacted the watch company to order the links. And while I was waiting the woman that works there noticed that my watch that I was wearing, had moisture under the Crystal. I told her that the Crystal had been replaced by them not too long ago in the past. She took it to the back and five minutes later the moisture had been removed and it was as good as new.
In short, great, great service.

A screw fell out of my Cartier watch clasp, and when I called Cartier in South Coast Plaza to get a price quote on replacing it, they refused to provide a ballpark estimate and told me I had to bring it in for them to look at. Honestly — the damn screw fell out and I need you to put in a new one. Just give me a price range. But no, that’s not how they operate.
So I called a few local places and found the Watch & Clock Center on 2^nd St. I spoke with Lisa, who very nice and very helpful. I took the watch over there and left it with them so they could get a genuine Cartier screw. A few days and $ 35 later, I was a happy camper.
They also have a pretty good selection of antique watches.
To hell with Cartier — this is my new watch repair place!