Watches of Switzerland is a very swish shop indeed, I'm not really into designer watches but I did…read moreget a nice understated Rotary watch for my 21st birthday which is very pretty and I feel happy knowing that it's such a good quality watch. I still just wear my old Hello Kitty watch though as at if i break or lose it, it's not the end of the world. My little Rotary doesn't seem to compete with the big guns in here though and they stock an extensive range of Chanel, Breitling and Rolex just to name a few. If I was into watched I know that this is the place I would go and in addition to selling watches they also offer a repairs and battery replacement service. You can also get watches engraved here so ideal if you're getting a watch to commemorate a special occasion or as a special present for someone.

Watches of Switzwerland is a large store on Princes Street which looks really up-market and…read moreexpensive, which upon entering I realised was not just about the exterior. I'm not really a watch person because I hate the thought of having to wear the same thing on my wrist every day regardless of what outfit you're wearing. Weird I know. So I was in this store purely for a nosey (me? Nosey?) and I saw some really gorgeous time peices that even I would wear on my wrist day in, day out. These watches are for the rich or for a one off, special occasion like a 21st because they really are pricey. Designer makes like Chanel are stocked which gives you an idea about the price. I absolutely love the white Chanel chunky wristwatch, but at around £3000 plus I doubt Santa will be bringing me it this year!

Located on George Street, I often walk by Hamilton and Inches longingly gazing into the window but…read moreI'm afraid, there's nothing really in my budget on offer here unless I decide to rob a bank or marry a rich old sugar daddy. I often see couples walking in giggling and pointing at various different engagement rings but to be honest the prices of some of the jewellery in here is nothing to be giggling about. They specialise in gold, white gold and silver and the range is extensive. They offer a huge range of traditional engagement rings and you can even design your own one which, I guess, would make it extra special as you know you're the only person wearing that design. In additions to jewellery they also stock watches from designers such as Chanel, Rolex and Cartier.

Wow wow wow. I am such a magpie and they have so many shiny things in here!…read more Absolutely beautiful shop full of exquisite pieces. I could spend a fortune in here. Such an established and historical shop on George street.

It's 5 stars all the way! It's just a great spot that connects you to many different parts of Old…read moreTown. The views of the castle from here are also incredible. Especially if you want to see the volcanic plug under the castle. The best views of it are from here. It's also where you can make your way up the Vennel Steps to see the old defensive walls of the city. There are even two or three different ways that you can get to the castle from here. The Granny Green Steps are located on the west side of the square. It will take you up to Johnston Terrace where you can take another set of stairs called Castle Wynd North up to the castle. The second option is to take the Castle Wynd South path in the middle of the square which will lead into the Patrick Geddes Steps and directly to the North Steps. Another way is to walk up West Bow from the square to Victoria Street (also in Grassmarket). Take the stairway up to Victoria Terrace and then make your way up to the steps at Castle Wynd North or to the Royal Mile. You'll get a different perspective of the Grassmarket area and the castle from all angles. We visited it daily. We even passed through it on our way to Greyfriars Kirkyard via Candlemaker Row. The National Museum of Scotland is also easily accessible from here. The square in Grassmarket is the perfect meet up location. There's a lot of dark history here as well. It was one of the public execution sites that included the unsuccessful one of "Half-Hangit Maggie Dickson" in 1724. There's a bar at the square named after her. You'll also see a memorial written on the stones of the square for the last person (James Andrews) to be hanged at the gallows there on 4 February 1784. All creepiness aside, it's a very lively and active place that you'll pass through at some point. I mean, how could you not? It's an area full of beauty and history. *Updated on 5/5/2026 to correct a name.

Grassmarket is located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, just behind Edinburgh Castle. It's one…read moreof the oldest parts of the city, dating back to the 14th century. it is a popular area of the city today, just as it has been for many years. The Grassmarket is one of the most vibrant and charming neighbourhoods in Edinburgh and it's not a place you want to miss. However, one of the best parts about visiting this area are the views you'll get of the castle! Lined with buzzing bars, restaurants with worldwide flavours, delicious coffee shops and eclectic shops, the area's winding streets are a delight to explore at your leisure. Take a historic walking tour. Free historic walking tour maps are available from the local pubs and shops in the area. You can read or listen to the audio history of the area here. OR Visit the Greyfriars Bobby monument and grave site of a devoted little dog.

Another part of the Royal Mile selling Heritage of Scotland products, and the jewellery in here is…read morereally beautiful. If you like traditional Celtic pieces then this is the place for you, available in silver and gold and in a range of styles. The shop stocks Ortak and Heathergem to name a couple of brands, and I like the Heathergem earrings in particular, with stones coloured from heather stems, so each one is unique. They range from £10 right up to £100 plus, so there is something for everyone. Great wee shop to pick up some traditional Scottish jewellery.

-D&G Watches -Sheila Fleet…read more-Nomination -Hot Diamonds -Ortak ...are just some of the name brands that you will find stocked in Royal Mile Jewellery. Unlike the other jewellers on the Royal Mile this shop stocks a more varied stock. In that I mean, not everything is Scottish themed. When I came in for a browse, the staff were very helpful and the shop is very well organised so I enjoyed just browsing round at all the wares. As I have said in other reviews, I have a soft spot for Sheila Fleet jewellery and they have an excellent selection here. Overall, an excellent jewellers to pick up gifts, souvenirs or just to spoil yourself!

As the oldest jewellers in Edinburgh, John Whyte and Son was always going to be impressive. Nestled…read moreamongst the wide and varied selection of Rose Street jewellery stores, John Whyte's sticks out as being very traditional and very expensive! It looks as if they specialise in watches and watch repair, as the selection was quite large. All womens Seiko watches had a 20% discount too which was a great deal. They also specialise in second hand jewellery and have a big selection of pre-owned Rolex watches at fantastic prices. Perfect if you want a flashy timepiece and have a little bit extra to spend!

I was introduced to Grange Clocks and D McLennan after I had a nearby photographer take "pro" pics…read moreof my collection of Antique and Vintage watches. At his own initiative the photographer took one particular pocket watch to Grange Clocks to show him beacuse of its unusual and historical significance. Since this "introduction" I have taken many pieces for repair, adjustment, oiling and cleaning to Mr Mclennan and have always found him courteous and brutally honest. The ladies experince which she describes, is I would suggest, down to Mr McLennan's natural reserve (not a hard scot at all) just his honesty in trying to save people money. It has taken a while but now Mr McLennan is still brutally honest about pieces that I take to him but also like a magician with pieces that I felt should just be conveyed to the bin. As for his cluttered shop, hey its no worse than my lawyers office, sure sometimes I think, wow he could do do much better if he laid out the shop differently but its his business, so that is his concern not mine. My message would be "dont hesitate" and accept that you are dealing with someone who works alone and appreciate that he will be courteous, most importantly honest (not hard) and sometimes people cant handle this. Big plus side you wont waste money beacuse he will not pretend that something can be done and then charge you OTT for it. Dont be put off by his demeanour, this is just a defence of a person who can be very funny but what you are really after are his skills in this profession and they are vast. I have seen him almost scream with disgut at watches or clocks that I have taken to him and on examination he gets so frustrated when it is obvious that the item has had no oiling for years. One thing though do phone before you go, he is sometimes out at jobs so the shop coud be closed.

I agree with Neil.A Fantastic service, honest guy and…read morerealistic prices. Mr. McLennan kept me informed of what he was doing to our clock and provided a tip top service. Can't comment on shop as he came to our home but does it really matter? I won't hesitate to call him again or to recommend him to friends.

Like Stephanie, I expected the watches in Swatch to be an absolute fortune so it was a nice…read moresurprise when I noticed that many of them are really very affordable indeed. Being an absolute girl who likes cutesy things I was instantly drawn to the glass cabinet with the Hello Kitty watches inside. They were around £30 and are really aimed at children but I really am such a kid at heart and have my very own Hello Kitty watch, even though it isn't a Swatch one. I have to say I found some of the watches quite garish and naff, but fine if you're just looking for a watch for a bit of fun and to add some colour to an outfit.

Initially I snubbed Swatch as a rather novelty brand of watches, the tacky multicoloured watch…read morestraps you see immediately on entrance originally deterred me. On a closer inspection I found some great designs that completely reversed my opinion. Refreshed to see a more modestly sized watch face and a less blingy design that plague so many crap watch brands, I was pleasantly surprised by Watch's offerings. I'm currently watch-less at the minute and plan to make have a decent rummage through Swatch's designs. Top stuff.

This isn't really the place for me (I say looking down longingly) however my friends all have…read morecracking racks so birthday presents to emphasise this is the way forward. Based on the Multrese Walk it does give it a certain exclusivity that I don't think it deserves as really it's just another high street chain but because the bigger the boobs the most luxurious your underwear gets (true fact) then it deserves its place catering for the masses, get it? The staff were helpful if not concerned about my emotional wellbeing and helped me out with some wonderful gift vouchers which my friend said didn't stretch very far (ungrateful cow) but then again, it's a pricey place and I'm a skinflint, luckily I don't have big boobs to support.

Soapbox time: In the US (and maybe elsewhere?), women are unfortunately not given the option to buy…read morebras in correct sizes in stores. The only sizes carried in "typical" stores start at a size 30 band and go up to like a DDD maybe. Most women think they are a 32-36 B, C, or D. In the majority of cases, this is wrong. We are also taught that a "DD cup" is like WHOA THAT'S SO HUGE when it is not. It depends on the band size. Someone can wear, say, a 28FF, and that person looks "normal". An FF is not some insanely huge size--although most women would never imagine they could be an FF--it doesn't even sound like a real size to us!! It sounds outrageous, because that's what we've been taught. Go to the site Brabandproject to see what real bra sizes look like. The earlier review from Eleanor is a *perfect* example of this. She doesn't believe she could be a 28FF and says she'll keep wearing a 32D since that's what she can find in stores. Then she insinuates that Bravissimo has a racket to make women think they need bras they can only find in Bravissimo. I really hope no one takes this to heart. It is very incorrect advice. Look, it's totally messed up that stores don't stock bras in the sizes we need. Unfortunately, women who wear these sizes have to order them online. Don't give up and keep wearing the wrong size because you will only buy a bra you can buy in person in a store. Order online. You'll get used to it. Visit the reddit subreddit "abrathatfits" if you want to read TONS of information about correct bra sizing. /end soapbox Anyway, if you are from the US and happen to be visiting the UK, I urge you to get a bra fitting at a Bravissimo. I went in the morning and was able to meet with someone after just a couple minutes. You go into a fitting room with your staffer and you take off your shirt and they start bringing you bras until you find one that fits. They are experts at knowing what makes for a perfectly fitting bra. The women I worked with was great. (The size I was already wearing wasn't too far off because I'd done my own measuring years ago after studying reddit's /r/abrathatfits.) After we determined the correct size, I shopped a little on my own and picked out another bra. They range in prices, but mine were around...40 pounds, I think. They carry Bravissimo brand and other brands too, like Panache. They also carry swimsuits. The bottom floor of the store has clothing that's made to fit curvy women. Such an amazing idea!! Definitely stop by if you've never had a proper bra fitting!!

I have to give this jewellery shop, or gallery as the name says, kudos for its fantastically…read moreappealing lighting scheme, and gleaming glass layout that makes everything look like it's bathed in this ethereal light of jewellery magnificence. Or maybe I'm just very weak in terms of shopping resistance, but either way, I found that I was very easily visually persuaded to come in here. Jewellery in the ever amazing looking platinum, with gorgeous stones, and pearly creations, all make Rock Candy a delight to browse. There are also some lovely silver and gold pieces too, from a range of different national and international designers, and also small, up and coming designers too, so there's a good chance you'll get something unique, or a one-off. The different coloured bangles from Block are really cool, and if you want something a bit different and a bit edgy for your wedding/engagement ring, that definitely looks the part without conforming too much to tradition, then there's a lot to choose from here. Not that I was in any way browsing marriage accessories for future ideas, I just noted they were cool alright?

If you are looking for a unique piece of jewellery, Rock Candy is definitely the place to go…read more Situated in the centre of Rose Street, the Rock Candy Gallery is right in the centre of the city and is just round the corner from the main shopping street in Edinburgh, Princes Street, and so it is a convenient place to reach. This store sells really funky, contemporary jewellery which would be suitable for everybody. Rock Candy sells bracelets, necklaces and rings which come in a range of different materials including silver, gold platinum, steel and titanium, as well as pearl and a selection of precious gems. I have been into this store several times to browse their selection of jewellery and I bough a really beautiful silver bracelet here last year for a friends birthday. Their stock are all really beautiful, and most of the items are incredibly well priced, with the majority of necklaces and bracelets costing under £100. The staff in Rock Candy are super friendly and always incredibly helpful. A great wee jewellers selling really unique and unsual pieces - definitely worth a look.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS My watch was taken in for repair, lost…read morethen found, then in pieces with hands and winder lost. I demanded its' return. What I did not realise until I had a competent and reliable repairer look at it was that the balance wheel was also missing. No point in returning for the lost parts. I've watched the proprietor look through trays and boxes too often, turning up watches and bits of watches with no idea of their origin. I now know he has no idea where things are in his ramshackle premises, what belongs to what or to whom. If you value your watch or clock take it elsewhere.

Don't be put off by the shabby appearance of this place. Genuine down to earth old style honest…read moreknowledge and service. I haven't seen a shop like this since being a kid in the 70s, ramshackle, somewhat disorganised, dimly lit, but with an air of tranquility, that oddly feels ironically as if time stood still. I had my watch battery replaced while I waited, along with some friendly chat and all for considerably less than I would have paid to an service centre suggested my my watch manufacturer. Please be patient when approaching the counter, the proprieter may be at his desk a few feet away, and seem to take an age to acknowledge you. Look again and you'll see he is working on the intricate mechanism of a clock or watch with many small pieces to misplace. Be patient, he will get to you in good time. Cash only, but the prices are extremely reasonable.