I highly recommend this shop . I recently bought a seiko five watch at a jewelry store , the watch links were not adjusted correctly and a pin fell out due to improper installation. I came to Swiss watchmaker today and they fixed my watch with ease and were extremely professional and kind . They even stayed open late so I could pick up my watch . I will definitely be giving Swiss watchmaker my business in the future. read more

If you Looove over paying for service this is your place! I brought my match in for service. All I needed was 4 screws for the back and a battery. The guy took my watch and said we have to check it it may not even be working they took my information and told me that they would call me by 330 that day, which they never did. Two days later I called them and they told me the watch was all set and the price is $55!! For a battery and 4 tiny screws!! I asked for the manager and asked if I could get a cheaper price feeling that Fir virtually no work and almost nothing for parts that was way too much. Manager said he would give me five dollars off which I thought was an insult. No problem I explained my displeasure and told him he would never see me again as a customer -very shortsighted read more

No customer service, condescending staff. I bought a watch here, and it broke in 3 weeks due to what was clearly shoddy manufacturing. (The leather strap came off the face, due to what looked like a delaminated glue job). I took it back, with the receipt, hoping for store credit or for them to fix or replace it. There was nothing they could do except insist that I must have "snagged or banged it" on something. They couldn't take it back because "they don't sell used watches," but I was welcome to ship it back to the manufacturer myself.. The worst part was their attitude toward me, as if I was 8 years old. "Maybe a metal-strap watch would be best suited for someone like you?" Um no I'm actually not an idiot. As other reviewers have noted, these people claim no responsibility for anything they sell or handle. Stay away at all costs. read more

Okay, I haven't been to this place in a little while, and after looking at the most recent reviews, I was kind of worried. But since it's the closest watch repair place, I figured what the hell, and I went in there. The issue was that the second hand on my watch looked like it was on perpetual twitch. It kept doing this bizarre thing of moving forward by one tick and then immediately moving back a tick. So, I went into this place and was helped by Seth (the younger guy). I explained the situation, and he said that it could just be a battery problem. I was pretty skeptical, although my knowledge of watches is pretty much limited to you put them on your wrists to tell time, and also when they stop working they probably need a new battery. He filled out this order slip to replace the battery ($15) and guarantee that it's waterproofed ($20), and he said that if it was something more, then he would text me. He gave me a time to return, and I kept waiting for the text telling me that it was something more involved and that I'd have to spend $100 or so to fix it. But when I returned to the store, he showed me the watch and said that it was just the battery. Seriously, he could have said it was anything and I would have believed him. But he chose to be honest, and for that, I'm definitely telling people to go there. There are enough shady people out there, so it's fantastic to find an honest person out there. read more

I normally don't write reviews but I am very upset. Completely rude and uncaring for their long time customers---quite simply unprofessional and undeserving of your time. I had bought many watches from this store and had been a long time customer (I had bought several vintage pieces worth several thousand dollars in total from them). Tonight I went there to get a BRAND NEW watch resized (this is an expensive watch that I had saved money to buy). They took it apart said that they didn't have the equipment since one of the links need to be drilled. They asked me if I wanted them to send it out to be drilled. I told them no since it is a new watch. They put it back together and gave it back to me. I left the store and walked no more than 10 steps to the street corner. The watch band snapped off and the watch fell to the ground, scratched and damaged. Many of the pins were lost and couldn't be found since it was late in the evening and really dark outside. I returned to store, quite upset. Instead of being professional, they blamed me for the watch snapping off. They told me to go back to the street and LOOK FOR THE PINS. They said it wasn't their fault and the watch was probably defective. Are you kidding me? I told them that I have been a long time customer but they didn't care. I told them that they will lose a long time customer. They didn't care. They told me to "take responsibility". PLEASE DO NOT SHOP here. Terrible customer service. To the shop owner ("the lady with the hat"): I trusted you. I had recommended your store to many friends and family members. The way you treat your customers is unacceptable. read more

So, I sent my watch directly to Tag to have it repaired. According to Tag, the mechanism on my watch isn't broken at all. Rather, the battery that Swiss Watchmaker gave me was dead/defective. In sum, Swiss Watchmaker didn't break my watch, which I had suspected. Instead, they sold me a defective battery and then, instead of replacing the battery with one that worked, tried to get me to pay for $300 in repairs I didn't even need. I think that's worse than breaking my watch. It's dishonest several times over. read more

When my Ollech & Wajs M4 dive watch's crystal got cracked, I ordered an OEM replacement crystal online (from Howard Marx at West Coast Time) and brought it to the Swiss Watchmaker shop for installation. The counter man didn't seem to be familiar with the watch brand or the movement, and the technician commented that the new crystal "looked too thick". Both were bad signs, especially for people that profess to be watch experts. Strike One. After they installed the crystal, I noticed that the quickset date function no longer worked. When I brought it back, the counter man's response was "you must have damaged it". Not good. Strike Two. After a bit of michegas, I got them to fix the quickset problem -- obviously the result of a too-hasty reassembly after the crystal was installed. As far as I am concerned, two strikes and they're OUT. They might be an OK resource for people who desire a convenient spot for repairs of a general nature, but their tendency to blame the customer is troubling, and their seeming lack of expertise does not inspire confidence. read more

this is one of the reviews that is not one to write but when you own a Cartier and need a battery; one would like to get out of bringing it to Cartier. Cartier tank is a overly complicated and when a battery is changes, damage can be done and this was the case at the Swiss Watchmaker or should i say Swiss Watchbreaker......Boston Watch And Clock Repair was able to fix this Cartier for $15 after the issue with Swiss Watchmaker, the cost to repair at cartier w read more

Brought in a nice watch to get the wrist band fixed (one peg fell out). After waiting 25 minutes, they had time to help me. They also wanted to sell me a crystal face for the watch which I declined. I've had the watch for 10 years and it was in perfect working condition. It took about 15 minutes to return the watch afterwards, and at least another 5 minutes to swipe the credit card (not sure why). The next day, the original face of my watch came off randomly. So after 10 years, it just flies off the day after being in their shop. The coincidence of this event is nearly impossible, considering I did not bump or drop the watch. Now that I've read others' reviews of similar experiences with botched repairs requiring further unrelated repairs, it seems very likely this was not a random event. They have it now but if they quote me anything to fix it I'm for sure taking it elsewhere and will suggest you do the same before they ruin your watch, too. read more

If I could give zero stars I would. We had been going to this business for 15 years. Recently, When my wife's gold watch needed a battery, she was charged $25.00 for the battery and another $25.00 for "ultrasonic cleaning" to protect the watch maker from COVID 19,in order to change the battery. My wife asked if that was safe for her watch they told her yes. We picked up the watch 4 hours later. Shortly after getting home, the watch was not keeping time and we noticed water in the watch. We brought it back and my wife was told she should not wear the watch "while cooking risotto" or "washing dishes". My wife does neither, and was floored by the sexist comment. They told her they would call her when it was ready. 4 days later, we called and were told the watch needed a water resistant band, the cost was another $25.00. My wife told them, that was never an issue, she just wanted a new battery. The removed the band and gave us the watch back, that did not work. We brought it to another watchmaker who was floored about the ultra sonic cleansing, changed the battery, since they checked the battery and we were told it was dead. Works fine now. Swiss Watchmaker scammed us, with a dead battery install and bogus ultrasonic cleaning. read more

Needed a few links taken out of a new Seiko I got as a gift. Since I work around the corner, I came here. Walked in, dropped off the watch, told to come back in 20 min. Came back, watch fit perfectly. Cost $10 for what was likely 94 seconds of effort and what would usually be free at a kiosk in the mall. But whatever. They have an amazing selection of watches, and when I came in to pick up my watch, one guy was helping a woman pick a new leather band for her watch, the other guy was assisting a customer trying on several watches to purchase (he ultimately did get one) and both parties seemed to be getting good service. read more

I received a new Michael Kors watch as a birthday gift and I needed to get a link or two removed. I decided on this place because it was nice and close to home. I was warmly greeted when I arrived. They told me it would be $10 and take a few minutes to resize. At first I thought the watch was still too loose, so I asked if they could remove one more link. Then it was way too small for me, so I asked if they could add the link back to it. They were really patient with me and didn't seem to mind at all. Also, I noticed after I had left that the time had been set! It was a wonderful touch! I was so concerned with getting the watch resized that I hadn't even thought to set it. Oops! Anyway, I will be going back there in the future for any watch needs! read more

I brought my Swiss Army watch to Swiss Watchmaer to have the battery replaced. I was told it would cost $35. When I came back the next day, I was told it was actually $50 because of a "missing gadget." When I inquired about what the "missing gadget" was, I got a vague response. It's quite possible that something in my watch was "missing," but without any additional explanation, it was hard for me to feel good about spending $50 on a watch battery. Also, I swear, it took the sales woman 15 minutes to swipe my credit card through the machine and process my payment. That seemed unusually slow considering that we live in a digital era. read more

I personally dig quirky folks, so the weirdo denizens of this place were only an attractor for me. I agree with Yihwa, the storekeepers belong on Diagon Alley. They fixed my Victorinox watch, for free. Well, you get that with the watch. They also really entertained me. It helped I know German, and look very Bavarian. Kinda creepy, I know. But I got smiles, and chuckles. read more

Oh, I've wasted way too much time poking around in here. Its also home of the story that I call "the most expensive pizza I've ever bought". I ended up here shortly before valentines day while waiting for a pizza to be ready. I decided to poke my head in for some nostalgia (this passed summer I went to switzerland for a trip). After a conversation with a new employee I walked out with a Mondaine watch (the watch face looks like the clocks the swiss railway uses) as a gift for my valentine. They were wililng to put a metal band on the watch, subtracting the cost of the leather band I didn't want from the cost of the metal one. The next day, my valentine brought the watch in (she loved it by the way) and we got the band sized perfectly for her. Watches here are hardly ever on sale (if ever) tend to be pricey, but they have a huge selection of great watches and can stand behind there products. As a warning, everything here takes time. So, try to ignore than thousands of second hands ticking by, because nothing happens here fast. They just want to make sure they understand you and vice versa before they do anything. Its kind of sweet. read more

Have used this shop for mundane battery replacements as well as more complex repair / part replacement with complete satisfaction. Speedy, courteous, reasonable charges, I wish more stores like this were around. read more

I recently (in the past few months) purchased two new Swatch watches from Swiss Watchmaker. The store is very clean (watch out for the awkward step in the middle of the store, though!) and very inviting. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. As any good consumer (and one who works a laid back desk job) would do, I researched the exact watches I wanted to rest upon my left wrist. Beyond excitement to make this wish turn into a reality, I headed on over. The selection of watches (ranging from many brands) was remarkable. In just a few moments, I found exactly what I was looking for. I had only spent about 5 minutes in the store before I was on my way out. I would definitely recommend this place! read more

I've been to this place 4 times now, and the experience has generally been okay. I know I'm overpaying a bit, but the service is attentive (they call you when things are ready), and they've been helpful. The first time I visited to get a pen engraved. The salesperson was somewhat helpful on helping me select a font size and script. It was done on time (1 days turnaround) and without and problems. Cost me $20. Second time I came to get my clasp on a bracelet that have broken fixed. They took a look and said it was doable, and will cost $20. The fix was not the most elegant, but it did the job. turnaround time: 2 days Third time I left my watch, which was missing the clasp to be fixed. They didn't have a solution on hand, but instead asked to call me if they found one. They called, said they found a solution, and that it would cost $15. Okay. BUT, when I went to go pick up, they charged me an additional $50 !! for cleaning the watch. I did NOT ask for a cleaning. 5 minute argument ensued. I insisted on not paying for the cleaning, and they let it go. Turnaround time: 4 days Fourth time, got my watch battery replace. Cost $15. Pricey, but quick (30 minute turnaround). Overall, very nice people who seem to know what they're doing. Price is somewhat high for basic services you can get for $5-$10 elsewhere. Takes credit card, which is very helpful. read more

I've been coming here for years. The older guys has always been nice, and now the younger one is too (he used to be just be more neutral). I had brought in a broken watch a while back that I thought needed a battery. They called me later to have me come in. They explained that the battery had been fine, and what was wrong was easily fixed. "OK, how much?" "No charge" "What?" "You didn't need a new battery. We saw what it was when we opened it up, fixed it and put it back together. Can't charge you for a battery. You're all set." And I've been coming back ever since. read more

I came here to get my Burberry watch sized--I walked in, put my watch on, and they said they'd take a few links out. They gave me a reasonable time frame (45 minute wait), and the whole process was pretty straightforward. I came back a bit early, and they had my watch ready. Paid $15 (a bit pricey, so minus a star for that--though I think my timepiece IS worth the investment!), and I went along my merry way. No nonsense, good customer service, and quality work... you can't really go wrong with this place. Plus, they've got a stellar selection of watches! Dangerous for a watch lover like myself. read more

I have a beloved, old Tag Heuer watch which I had had repaired several times and eventually given up on getting working. I had sent it to NJ to a central watch repair facility. Not being willing to part with the watch, although seemingly not being able to get it running, I happened into the Swiss Watchmaker shop. The subject of my Tag Heuer came up; they suggested I bring it in. Expecting nothing, I did. They fixed it!!!!!! I am thrilled. read more

I get all my watches repaired and my batteries replaced here. Yes, they are eccentric. Yes, it's like living in the 19th century when you wait in line. One customer at a time is served. Period. But the shop is full of fascinating curios, and when your turn comes, you are the sole focus. I broke the crystal twice on one watch; they replaced with upgraded materials each time, after careful discussion of options. I dropped my watch and the 2nd hand fell off, jamming up the rest. They repaired it quickly. Their batteries last for two years. It's a place I enjoy visiting, quirks and all. And I have three watches that work fine, thanks to them. read more

I am more than A-OK because I am a fan. I like them because they are knowledgeable and will tell you what needs to be done but I feel like I could get a better price for the same thing somewhere else (not sure that is true but that is what it feels like). Warm and fuzzy they are not but if you need something done well, I believe they are your place. I like that they took my son's watch and texted us later to give us a quote of how much it would cost - it is probably the law to let us know and to get approval before doing the work but it was a nice touch just the same. read more

Tom, one of the managers, was very helpful this week when I was in the store. This place can get really busy on weekends, so I think one needs patience when they are that booked. Their selection of watches is wonderfully eclectic and enlightening. Check them out! I heard they have been in business for over 70 years, not a fly-by-night operation. read more

They've never failed to repair my watches..from simple Timex to really nice ones. Prompt service, ready when they promise. They also stock a good selection of replacement watch bands. read more

I went there to get a new battery for my Bulova watch. And the woman (with a ridiculous outfit) acts super surprised that I own this and I ask her why she is surprised and she makes some bogus claim that she hasn't seen this watch before. THEN: she asks me all these questions about if it was a gift and if I got it in this country - it is clear she thinks that I can't afford something like this because I look young for my age and am wearing a sporty outfit and sneakers. Don't worry lady! I won't steal your black and white petticoat outfit and mini top hat idea to look all sophisticated. The only reason I am giving this place 2 stars is thankfully this woman wasn't there when I picked it up. I should be able to drop off my jewelry to be repaired without being questioned about my ability to buy things and a presumption of my financial status. read more

The crystal on my Seagull mechanical watch completely shattered. I dropped it off Sunday evening for repair, and they texted me Monday afternoon to say it was ready for pickup. They charged exactly what they estimated and the watch looks terrific - you'd never know anything happened. The $75 for crystal replacement was more than I'd pay online, but it's in Harvard Square, so I wasn't surprised. Everything is more expensive here. It was worth it for next day service, quality work, and not having to deal with shipping. The whole staff was friendly and helpful, and the watchmaker even took a look at another watch of mine and gave me some free advice. I'll definitely be coming back for future work and would recommend to anyone who needs watch repairs. read more

Broke the crystal on my watch. Was a bit stressed out, wondering how much and where I could get it fixed. Stumbled upon this place during my lunch break and decided to give them a shot. For $50 they replaced the crystal and tuned up the watch, and all within a few hours. Definitely would go back. On a side note, it seems many of the bad reviews are from a few years ago...maybe things have changed? read more

They damaged my watch on a routine battery change. I brought my watch in for a battery change because this shop is in my neighborhood, and just three days later, my water resistant watch is fogged up on the inside and no longer working. I noticed a scratch on the bezel immediately after picking it up that wasn't there before, but what are you going to do? To then have the entire watch stop working within just two days of the purchase is very problematic. When I spoke with the gentleman on the phone about it, he tried to "set the stage" for blaming it on the fact that I wear it in the shower or sweat when wearing it. He gave me some speech about why that isn't a good idea, and I interrupted him to remind him that the watch was just fine for the first year of my ownership until literally two days after they replaced the battery, and that was clearly not what was happening here. He told me to bring it in, which I will now do. I will update this review if things change. read more

I took a Bulova watch in for a cleaning, and after a day in the shop was told it needed more serious maintenance. The owner was vague about the price and how long it would take, and a couple of weeks later I got my watch back with an almost $150 bill. I would have accepted this, but the watch wasn't even fixed, it still didn't work! They took it again, kept it for another couple of weeks, and charged me another $50 for parts. And it *still* didn't work correctly! I was very frustrated, but never returned to complain because while there during one of my visits I saw how the owner got into a vicious argument with another customer who complained about a similar bad experience. I realized that this place was a racket. After this experience I would not recommend taking your watch to this place for service, it's pretty awful. I would also not trust it for buying a watch, either. read more

See my review of 5/14/2014. It says it all. Nothing has changed in the past 2+ years to warrant a different review. In fact, if anything, I'd make my review even better if I could. My recent transaction with these folks was as good as ever. Great communication, great follow-up, very friendly and helpful, timely...I need a thesaurus to find more words to properly express my opinion of Swiss Watchmaker. And like I said in my 2014 review, I live 1500 miles away from Cambridge, MA, and they are literally the only people I trust with my timepieces. read more

Look no further if you need your watches fixed. Fast, straight to the point, no BS service. Changed the battery on a DW & Fossil watch together for $60. Finished quickly, finished efficiently. And Tom is a sweetheart! Will be back for future watch fixes. read more

I had lost the links and needed to add one to a watch I had purchased from them previously. They overquoted the cost to find a link and add it. It ended up being $10. I was appreciative that they didn't overcharge, considering they probably had the exact link handy in the back. It was ready that evening. In terms of prices, you have to keep in mind that they are in premium real estate in Harvard Square. Labor will cost more than you might be used to. They're not overly polite, but they do good work and know what they're talking about. I suppose it's a bit of a Boston thing :) read more

I've only utilized the services of this fine establishment once: My Freud watch was on the fritz-six different obsessions - Mom, Dad, Sex, Envy, Id, and Eros - rotate through the thought bubble above Freud's head every second, but mine was stuck on ID. I work in the square so I popped into this shop during lunch and was promptly greeted by a friendly employee. I handed over my watch and described the problem. He said to come back in 10 minutes and that if it was the battery, it would be $10. If it was something more, he noted that it might be cheaper to just replace the watch (it cost a whopping $20) than to pay to have it repaired. I popped back in 10 minutes later and my watch was waiting for me. They charged me exactly what they had said they would, and had even repaired one of the broken loops on the band for free. I'm surprised by all the negative reviews- I'm the first to call BS when a business doesn't treat a paying customer with respect, but I really couldn't be happier with the service I got here. read more

Recently purchased a watch from Tom, went back several days later to purchase an extra watch band & dealt with Susan, GREAT people, GREAT service, I will recommend this store to all. Jim F. read more

Cute store, has character and a good collection. Why then am I giving it 2 stars? The owner who again has character - she wears a quaint hat and has the "european" look - her customer relations leave much to be desired.. You have to wait for ages in the store for anything to get done.... Her workmen are equally weird. I got my watch there, need the strap changed - but will likely go elsewhere read more

This place is so egregiously grotesquely dishonest I have no words. Just like other reviewers pointed out: awful, rude, passive-agressive and dishonest middle-aged lady at the counter. Just crooks. Stopped by to drop off inexpensive watch to change the battery. The lady asked if I wanted to add the extra $10 for the sealing. I asked her what it was (she gave a really hard sale), but I said, no I don't want it. (The battery change was $15). The place was empty, and she said she would text when it was ready. After almost 2 hours no text, stopped by and it was ready. I absent-mindedly handed her my credit card. When I signed I realized they are charging me $25 for my battery. They said they included the sealing. I said but I did not want it, specifically asked NOT to do it. They said well too late can't give you a refund now. I said but I did not want this extra service. They said nothing they could do. I was going to leave, but my mom who was with me said, no, you need to refund her. It takes a lot to piss of my usually very quiet mom. She said "I was with her and she asked you NOT to do it, even after you did a hard sale on it." Begrudgingly the lady went to do the refund, turns out she has no idea how to do that and was not only rude but also lazy. Took at least 10 minutes and three people to do the refund. When I was leaving the lady said, well enjoy the sealing that you got for free. Get a life, lady! read more

This is my favorite watch shop in the whole of Boston, MA. I travel to Boston from Nigeria for Harvard Alumni Reunion every May and I service my Frederick Constant watches and change straps here. Susan is a great and friendly woman. She gives me discounts whenever I buy watches or croc/gator straps here. read more

Their selection is mediocre at best and their service was terrible. All three staff members I spoke seemed stressed out and had a strange attitude. As others have said, their prices are unreasonable too. Why would anyone come here? Especially when there's Yuri's Watches on Newbury. He's in a different category altogether. read more

I would give it zero star if I could. I took my baby in the stroller and walked in the store. The sales guy saw me and the baby in the stroller, was instantly frowning. He probably did not want to waste any time on me who does not look like those older/wealthy customers who are likely to spend money on the expensive watches. He then even implied us to leave. I was totally shaking and could not believe such horrible customer service and his discrimination to women with children. I read other reviews and now I know what kind of people who work at this place. Anyway, I am glad I did not spend one penny at this business. I will never spend my money on a business that has such low morality. The people who work there reflect the morality of this whole store. I will never spend money at this business. read more