The Watch Lab - www.thewatchlab.co.uk

The Watch Lab - www.thewatchlab.co.uk
★★★★★
4.5
92.0% of users recommend this
  • Quality of service

  • Layout of shop

  • Value For Money

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Latest Reviews

“Shocking service”

★☆☆☆☆

written by Diana111112 on 05/08/2023

Bought my watch in for a new battery and service, manager was serving us and for some reason was rude, abrupt and condescending . She was rolling her eyes telling us that she would replace the battery first, and if it didn’t work she would then send i5 away for a service. We explained it does work and I wanted both done anyway. In the end we said we take the watch somewhere else, it just wasn’t worth the rudeness from this manager in your Southampton store

Was this review helpful? 1 0

“A great service given from start to finish. After many...”

★★★★★

written by alitontod on 14/11/2022

A great service given from start to finish. After many months of trying to replace a ceramic strap on a DKNY watch, between Mallorca and the UK, and having no luck whatsoever from various watch repairers and jewelers, I finally found The Watch Lab whilst out shopping in Meadowhall. He looked at the watch and said he would definitely try to repair the links, which he managed to do, without it costing the earth, as from previous quotes given running into hundreds of pounds. I am happy to say, the watch is now on its way back home to Mallorca to a very happy customer. Thank you.

Was this review helpful? 0 1

“Outstanding”

★★★★★

written by stwilliam on 13/04/2022

This is one of the great secrets in the UK for premium watch brand servicing and repairs. I sent in my Ebel watch and they did an outstanding job - great service, great communications and a very fair price. No complaints and would I recommend this company to others - yes - I already have. Thank you

Was this review helpful? 0 1

“Excellent service ”

★★★★★

written by Ashley24668 on 30/11/2021

Visited the york branch for a bracelet replacement which was carried out by a staff member who was extremely friendly and courteous will definitely use again

Was this review helpful? 0 1

“Useless ”

★☆☆☆☆

written by Salvadork129 on 02/02/2021

Absolutely useless , amateur tech ability at most and 2nd rate customer care. The primark of the industry . If you want a battery in a Casio fine but if you own a watch over £500 do the right thing and walk on by . Ongoing dispute with bank , then off to small claims , save yourself the hassle

Was this review helpful? 4 3

“do not use watch lab preston”

★☆☆☆☆

written by markheyworth on 21/02/2020

I took 2 Tag watches to the Preston Cable Court shop for new batteries to be fitted in July 2019 in August I went to collect them and was informed that one needed a service as the battery had been left in too long so I had the watch done on collecting it on the 19th October, I was told it was done and pressure tested and working and covered by a 2 year guarantee ,the first time I got it wet it steamed up and stopped working. It was then returned on the 15/11/2019 to the same Preston shop for repair under your 2 year guarantee ,today 04/02/2020 I have been informed that they cannot now seal it water tight because of a problem with the crown wheel which now does not seal due to the tube not fitting the hole . But when I collected it in October I was told that it had passed a pressure check and working fine , how can it seal then but not now? please advise on the action you are going to take to sort out the watch as a non waterproof watch is not what I brought into you to have repaired. A quick resolution would be appreciated as this has been going on since July. followig a few emails i have now been informed that they cannot guarantee the resealing so the 2 year warranty the give you is worthless

Was this review helpful? 5 2

“Disaster waiting to happen if you hand in your watch...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by DevonO'Neill456 on 19/12/2019

Been given a cost for the repair of my watch i left in in their hands.I went back to collect it after them having it for months being told parts were coming from abroad. Upon collection It was obvious by looking at it instantly that a much cheaper part was fitted. Watch was on a worse state mechanically and wasn’t even working now them being told it would cost me x4 times for them to look at it again. Please note watch was in a WORSE CONDITION AFTER THEY HAD IT FOR MONTHs than when it was first handed to them! Makes me so wary about THE WATCH LAB !!! Are they possibly taking good parts out of the watch and replacing it with ‘cheaper parts’. The chap gave me every excuse under the sun and twisted everything I said. Had they said it’s going to cost me x4 times when I first handed it in I would have taken it to a reputable jewellers. I priced around even their quote of x4’s is much more than some jewellery shops. Don’t be fooled by them and KEEP WELL AWAY from them!

Was this review helpful? 4 3

“Terroble”

★☆☆☆☆

written by Billyu153 on 17/07/2019

My experience with The Watch Lab is… My experience with The Watch Lab is rather shocking. Went to branch in Stoke in march this year and left them my watch for repair. My watch still hasn't been returned, received 2 phone calls in 5 months!!! Have been several times asking for update on repair and all I got is that there is no update and they are chasing manufacturer. For 5 months???!!! And they charged me £49.00 for vattery replacement in the watch I haven't seen since!!! I don't even know where my watch is gone and if I ever see it again. Absolutely terrible services, if I would have known this I wouldn't take it there. Stay away from this company if you want to see you stuff again.

Was this review helpful? 4 1

“Not Water Resistant”

★☆☆☆☆

written by Rippedbywatchlab on 19/09/2018

Brent Cross Store gave me two year on my new watch battery. didn't tell me that their resealing doesn't make a 25 metre watch water resistant again- went for a quick swim at local pool and I am sure you can guess the rest. total brush off from staff and company and the staff are aware people are being ripped off- wouldn't look me I the eye. not what I expect from retailers at a reputable shopping Centre Brent Cross.

Was this review helpful? 4 3

“gold17”

★★★★☆

written by TrystanMacPherson on 25/03/2018

The best of all watches good timing, waterproof beautiful wear and friends pride. I like this watch I love it men buy and enjoy yourself.

Was this review helpful? 0 2

“Longines repair and sevice”

★☆☆☆☆

written by on 12/03/2018

I took my 1980 Longines Ladies wrist watch for a new battery. I was told that that was not the problem and the Watch Lab suggested that the watch should be serviced, which I agreed as this was never previously undertaken. This identified that a new crown and stem was required, which I paid for along with the service, which was quite a charge to me. Since then my watch has been twice back to the Watch Lab because condensation has formed on the face of the watch (which has never happened before) and caused the face to tarnish. I have been told that should this happen again within the 12 months guarantee of the service and works, that the Watch Lab will not repair my watch. This has never happened before the Watch Lab undertook the work on my watch and therefore I have to question the Watch Lab’s ability to undertake this kind of work. I will not be using them again.

Was this review helpful? 3 2

“awful”

★☆☆☆☆

written by Charliei266 on 29/01/2018

Took my watch there for repair since beginning of Oct 17 just fobbing me off not sure when we m getting it back paid for upfront

Was this review helpful? 2 3

“£50 for a job the local guy will do for £5”

★★☆☆☆

written by LizbethClifford on 25/01/2018

Took my 18 month old Victorinox into Woking branch for a new battery and reseal to maintain water resistance. Was told 2 year guarantee and reseal is specialist job hence the £50 charge. Back home reading the invoice/guarantee I see only 12 months guarantee and NOT water resistant. Also various scuffs and scratches not there before. OK, my fault for not going over the watch with them before I left it but a local guy will fit a new battery while you wait for £5 and he won't guarantee water resistance either - but he won't scratch it.

Was this review helpful? 1 3

“Quick, efficient alteration”

★★★★★

written by karensimmons on 19/01/2018

Used The Watch Lab to get some links taken off my new Michael Kors watch. Alteration was complete in around 30 mins & when I tried it on, it was too tight, strap adjusted accordingly there & then. Also have 8 weeks grace to change mind & get more links added or removed as desired. Very happy with service.

Was this review helpful? 0 1

“WIFE'S GUCCI - SORTED”

★★★★★

written by steveeN on 11/01/2018

I visited The Watch Lab, York on 26 December 2017 (Boxing Day!) with my wife's Gucci wrist watch for a new battery to be fitted, but also a problem with the watch back wouldn't 'click' back on. Don't ask! The guys in the shop would have a look at it but, when I returned to collect it I was told that it would need to be sent to their main workshop to be repaired. On Tuesday 9 January 2018 I got a call from the shop telling me that the watch had been returned from their main workshop but unfortunately they had been told that it was un-repairable and to collect it when I could and the repair charge would be refunded. So, the next day I called into the shop to collect it. We were going through the refund process when another gentleman behind the counter and looking very much like the "man who can" and knew what he was talking about interjected and said he would like to have another look at the problem and suspected that the watch back had become 'deformed' with repeated attempts to make it fit. He recalled working with a Rolex engineer and a 'trick of the trade' he had learnt from him and would like to try. He would call me back when he had had look at it. Within the hour, I got the call and was told that the problem had been sorted and to call back and pick it up. So, many thanks to the "man who can" for sorting it and for returning what would have been a £400/500 un-wearable watch to its former glory and value. The wife is well chuffed.

Was this review helpful? 0 1

“Appalling customer service. Rude arrogant pig headed,...”

★☆☆☆☆

written by O'Hara402 on 07/01/2018

Appalling customer service. Rude arrogant pig headed, warranty isn't worth the paper written on. AVOtD at all costs.

Was this review helpful? 3 2

“Watchstrap replacement for Skagen”

★★★★★

written by QkLi on 27/12/2017

I visited the Watchlab on a recent visit to Reading to order a new strap for my Skagen. It is one with the older style screw type fixings. The straps are expensive compared to the value of the watch but I’m very fond of It. I had previously used the Watchlab a year or two ago to source a replacement strap. They offered a very friendly service and the price was favourably comparable to prices I had found on the ‘net. This time was not any different. I ordered 2 straps as I was worried they might become scarce. I was advised a week should be allowed yet I received a phone call within a week. Upon return to Reading I left my watch with them whilst I went shopping. Returning afterwards, I had a new strap fitted- good as new! The new Spare strap in the bag including my old strap and screws should I need them. I would like to thank the staff were friendly, welcoming and genuinely interested in offering service. Very Happy to give them my custom. I have and will continue to recommend them.

Was this review helpful? 0 1

“Would never use again ”

★☆☆☆☆

written by McKayyh421 on 25/12/2017

Told me I needed a new watch. Had the battery replaced elsewhere and it's working fine.

Was this review helpful? 3 1

“Fast and efficient service”

★★★★★

written by Julesmcdowell on 21/12/2017

Goldsmiths Jewellers recommended The Watch Lab in West Quay to me. My Maurice Lacroix watch needed a new battery and in the past it has had to be sent away for this as it is a sealed unit. This means that I am without it for up to 2 weeks. The Watch Lab we’re able to do the same job in just 45 minutes while I carried on shopping. They also cleaned my watch and whilst I hadn’t realised that it needed doing I really noticed the difference afterwards.They were knowledgeable and polite and I would definitely recommend them to my family and friends.

Was this review helpful? 0 0

“The worst service I have ever known!”

★☆☆☆☆

written by cknox26 on 18/12/2017

A week ago my father bought a Longines watch for my mother’s Christmas present. It was a refurbished watch, for which he paid just under £1000. Since buying it a week ago, the watch has stopped or lost an hour three times. On each occasion my parents have taken it back to the Watch Lab and on each occasion the staff keep the watch for a day or so, and say they have ‘tested’ it, but each time it continues to stop. Under the Consumer Rights Act, my father is within his rights to request a refund for faulty or unsatisfactory goods - he has requested this and each time he is denied and receives curt and rude customer service. If I offer anyone any advice, it is do not use the Watch Lab for buying a watch - you will only be disappointed.

Was this review helpful? 3 1

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