TIME ZONE IS A FRAUD! Let me preface this by saying that I own a DateJust Rolex that I purchased in 2007 and the watch is real. I purchased it from Royal Maui Jewelers in San Diego, CA and bought it brand new with all the paperwork, box, etc. Although I absolutely love my Rolex, I am NOT a watch connoisseur by any means, don't really know the industry or business, and feel that I may have fallen for an old con. Recently I dropped my watch and it stopped working. I called Royal Maui Jewelers and talked to them about my problem, and they told me that it had been several years since my purchase date and my watch was well overdue for service. Apparently it should be serviced every 2-3 years; as I mentioned before, I am a total novice that just likes my watch and doesn't know these things. They told me when their watchmaker would be in and I decided that I would have to wait some time before I could make it due to my work schedule. About a week after that, I went to Grossmont Center to TIME ZONE to have a couple of batteries replaced in my wife's watches. I noticed that they had a sign detailing the costs for various repairs of different brands, and, last on the list was Rolex at $550, which was the same price quoted to me by Royal Maui (apparently, this is a standard price across the board). I began to discuss the possibility of leaving my watch with the owner of TIME ZONE in order to have it serviced there. I was told he was one of three people "certified" in San Diego to have the watch fixed and that anyplace you take it to would charge the same amount as it was set by Rolex. He went over all of the things that I would get, including: - Completely redone exterior bezel and band to remove all scratches (would look "brand new" when returned) - New parts on the interior that are standard with any service - Additional parts that I needed to replace the broken ones as a result of dropping the watch In addition, if I paid an additional fee of about $90 at the time, he would provide a further "cleaning" (the fee is normally about $200 or something). It took about 6 weeks to get my watch back as it was supposedly sent off to Rolex to get fixed. I went in to pick it up and it was functioning properly. It didn't look very clean but I was in a rush and figured I'd check it out later. Today I happened to be next door to Royal Maui Jewelry and noticed that my watch was extremely dirty. It was grimy in the band and around the bezel, and I looked and saw that there were scratches everywhere, just like when I left it. I went into Royal Maui and spoke with one of what I assume are the managers, as he was very informative and showed me several watches that were recently sent into Rolex and the difference was astonishing. They looked like they were just purchased...not well worn and used like mine! I began to think that my watch hadn't been sent in at all! To make a long story as short as possible: they opened up the watch and were actually able to see that no repair work had really been done. There were no new parts, no missing parts; everything was factory original. Basically, there was probably something very minor that had happened and the "watchmaker" at the below establishment was able to correct himself. Bottom line: - My watch was never sent into Rolex - The parts that were supposedly "ordered to fix it directly from Rolex" through this supposed "kit of parts he had to order that cost him $450" was a total, bogus lie as there were no parts ever ordered at all - He did an inferior work job; I saw through the lens dirt and grime with according to the Rolex Certified Watchmaker NO official person would ever leave there; in fact, there was a large fingerprint left on the inside of the casing. - Nothing was taken out though and no aftermarket parts were put in, it's still all original and intact. My recourse here is obviously to chargeback the amount I paid to him. Royal Maui indicated that my watch was not in need of actual interior servicing and only the exterior needed to be polished, which they are doing for me at a reduced rate. I can't say enough good things about them at Royal Maui. They really went above and beyond to help me and help take care of this situation. Bottom line- DO NOT GO HERE! THEY ARE LIARS AND FRAUDSTERS WHO WILL CHARGE YOU FULL PRICE AND NOT WORK ON YOUR WATCH!!!! read more

Michael was very helpful and a great person to talk with. He was very informative and super courteous from the time I walked into his store until the time I walked out. read more

THis place is a SCAM. I went in to get a link removed and the guy looked at my watch, and within 1 minute he says" Its broken, can't fix it.... it's pretty much garbage". I just bought the watch at Nordstoms, what is he talking about. It seems like he wanted me to purchase a new watch or band. I will never go back. The guy was to busy talking to his friend on the phone and was bummed to have to help a customer. Seems like he had more important stuff to do, like watch all the clocks ticking away on his wall. So I took my watch that he claims was broken to my original watch store called Precision Watch off College and El Cajon Blvd and they did it for $8. And I asked them if one of the links or pins were broken... He said NO...... This watch is perfect!!! Thanks Time Zone for being a shady business. read more

This is one of those instances where if I could give negative stars I would. My husband has a commerative bowl game watch (gift from work) which he needed a couple links taken out of the band. The watch is Fossil brand and I suggested going to Macy's since they sell Fossil and took links out of my commemorative NCAA watch. Well, the older lady at Macy's failed to resolve the problem and handed it back to us with a pin sticking out and another pin back in place without one side of the link through the pin (claiming it was like that when we gave it to her). She suggested we go to Time Zone. We walked in and after a short explanation the one guy said we'd have to buy a new watch. (Hey asshole--you can't buy commemorative bowl game watches that are gifts!) They he tried to say that pins were bent and he couldn't use his tools because they'd break off. No pins were bent. When I asked why he couldn't take perfectly good pins from the links that were already removed he didn't really have an answer. That's when douche #2 comes over and says that trying to work on the watch would break all his tools and did I know how much he'd have to charge me for that. (Ummm, I don't know, Dickweed, why don't you tell me.) One of these wankers said something that Macy's had been ruining watces for 16 years and they've asked them before to stop. (Why do they care what Macy's does since they don't help?) So, after wrapping some hand tools in tape my husband carefully fixed the watch band himself in 30 seconds. Wish he would have done that in the first place so I would have never stepped foot into Time Zone. read more

My 1950's Omega needed a new band and to be serviced. Michael was extremely pleasant to deal with, explained all of my options, and provided great service. I will be returning with other watches that need batteries, repair, service or bands. Could not have worked with a person who was more passionate about time pieces and who cared as much about providing quality service. Nice job, Michael, and thank you! read more

I'm very disappointed in the service I received at Time Zone. I brought in my watch for a basic button repair and instead, they didn't do the work and returned the watch as is and charged me. I brought it back in a second time, the button was better, but now the watch had moisture inside. The third time I brought it in, they said the crystal was bad and needed replacing. I paid for the new crystal on their recommendation. The watch still had moisture and the button that was supposed to be fixed, broke off. I brought it in to ask what could be done, they said send it to Citizen for repair. Then my watch stopped working! I took it to another repair place and was told the capacitor had failed. I've spent about $200 at this shop and all I have to show for it is a new crystal on a broken useless watch after months of waiting and 8 trips to the store. read more

Time Zone - Broken button, on my now dead, favorite watch thanks to Time Zone and their incompetence and bad service - Watches Near Me - La Mesa, California

Went in to get a battery replaced in my Bulova. I was attracted by the claims of $10.75 for any battery replacement. The proprietor took a razor blade and slipped it behind the watch back and began banging on it with a mallet. After several minutes of that, the watch was back together and he charged me the agreed upon price. What followed next was in my mind, unacceptable: I told him I saw on his website that he offered watch polishing services and I was interested in getting my watch polished. He said, "did you also read it starts at $220" in a very condescending tone. When I told him it did not say that, he said, "That means YOU'RE cleaning it". He told me my watch wasn't worth it, to save my money and buy a better watch, etc.. Before leaving the store I asked to see a Citizen Skyhawk A-T. He showed it to me, told me it was the best watch in the world (although he knew none of the specs), and that I should buy it. I bought the watch from the Zales three stores down for $225 less than he was asking. Point being, the owner of this store is a total dick who has nothing but over priced products and may possibly damage what you already have. STAY AWAY! read more

I went to Time Zone bc my Michel watch had stopped. I was bummed bc I only have had it for less than a year. Mike the owner took a look cleaned it ran some tests and got it running. Turns out it was most likely user error and we had a laugh over it no charge. What totally could have been a terrible experience turned out to be a start of a great watch relationship. I highly recommend Time Zone for any watch needs. They are reasonably priced and honest. read more

We dropped off a family mantle clock in April. We picked it up 3 months later, only to learn it still didn't work. We returned it, were told it'd be 1 week. Fast forward to this week, when we were told to come get it. Clock still doesn't work + the new management told us it's not his fault, as he never worked on it. Horrible experience. I've never been treated so rudely by anyone that lives + dies by word of mouth. read more

The owner of this store has fixed several of my watches over the few years, as well as replace some of my watch batteries. He is always very helpful and cheerful. I highly recommend his services. read more

0 stars. STAY AWAY AND NEVER GO. Decided to go in and talk to Michael about a watch I was looking at in the $1000 price range. I had spoken with him over the phone and he was short and rude. He didn't want to have a conversation over the phone and would interrupt when I tried to ask questions. So I wanted to give him a second chance and went to his store. When I asked him about a different watch that I was interested in buying he became so rude, ignorant and impolite. Seemed like he was pissed off to actually have business. There's nothing that will make me go to any of his businesses and I do not recommend anyone to Michael. Also, Its simple to change a watch battery. Check out youtube. Itll be way cheaper then what he charges. read more

This merchant provides terrible service and the staff is unprofessional. Their prices are extremely high for minor watch repair jobs. Will seek another merchant for my watch repair needs. read more

Went to get my battery changed. No customer service skills. Rude to be honest. Without explaining anything, changed by batteries and costed quite a bit. It would be nice to be informed ahead of time. My watch was working great before taking it to this store. A few days later, my watch stopped working. Took it there again to see what was going on. The guy who put the battery said some thing like "of course the battery works great". " if you need a tune up, it will cost you somewhere $90 or more". Once again, no customer service skill. Just a very rude person. I do not recommend anyone to go there. read more

Very fast and friendly! Got 3 watch batteries replaced in no more than a few minutes. Each was replaced for $14.75, which is a good price, though I was expecting them to be $10.75 based on their website (not a big deal, but I would suggest updating your website). Thanks! I will return next time I need a watch battery replaced! read more

I visited Time Zone a few months back and met Michael. My review will be two parts. One for Michael and one for the service. First off, I had an outstanding time speaking with Michael and talking about watches with him. He is a kind and genuinely wonderful person and his enthusiasm for all time pieces is apparent. He answered all of my questions and did so with thoroughness and passion. In terms of the service for my watches, Michael treated each of my watches with the utmost care. He treated my watches as if they were fine pieces of art and carefully handled each and every one of them regardless of the brand or price. He treated them this way because he truly cared for each of them. When I received my watches back I was blown away by how beautiful they looked and how well they were serviced (parts, pressurized, etc). For as long as I live anywhere in the San Diego area, I will bring my business to Time Zone because of both Michael and the quality of service I received and I think anyone else who cares about watches should do the same. Thank you Michael for your help, care, and passion and I cant wait to come back in a year for the service of my watches again. read more

Thank you for helping me out with my grandfathers seiko. New gasket, strap and battery for under 50$. Kind service and quick!

Time Zone is the only place I take my clocks and watches for repair and new batteries. Michael, the owner, is very professional, always positive, very knowledgeable and quick to replace batteries and repair clocks in a timely manner. Michael has serviced all of my clocks, from my antique Grand Daughter clock, my Ships clock and my modern clock. If you are looking for a business to service your clock or watches, I highly recommended Time Zone for repairing clocks and watches! Time Zone is located in Grossmont Center Mall, in La Mesa. read more

Just got my watch battery replaced by FRANK. He's a nice guy, and very helpful. We chatted a bit when he was changing my battery (which takes about 5-10 minutes), and he really showed me his knowledge of watches. LOCATION was easy to find, right next to Macy's. PRICE: $14.75 Remember to get the stamp card because you get a free replacement after 4 visits!! read more

I have been doing business with Time Zone for many years. Michael has always been very helpful to us. I always bring in my watches for battery replacements and is reasonable with the prices. I have always been happy with the service. Michael is a good person to talk to about watches. He knows his trade very well. I highly recommend going to Time Zone for your watch repair or purchase. Caroline H. read more

I just had a fantastic experience with Mike, the owner. He used to have a grumpy Russian working there and I quit going in. I went in last week to get my vintage Omega Seamaster fixed and discovered grumpy was no longer there. Mike took great care of me and serviced my Omega at an excelent price. I am taking my IWC in to him next week. Great customer service is back! read more

I purchased a quartz Shinola watch for $70.00 but the battery was dead. I took it to Time Zone and was given a price of $48.00 to replace the battery. Without the gentleman even looking at the watch. I immediately left the place and had the battery replaced at a Shinola dealer for $16.00. I am a watch collector and can do a lot of the watch repairs myself. On this occasion I just chose to take it in but was extremely disappointed taking it to Time Zone. read more

Complete con artist. I stopped by to get a battery changed. He quoted $35 and I was in a hurry so I said go ahead. When I came back he said 39.95 plus tax so $45! tax on $40 is $3.60. He also said that I needed a service. I found out later you can't really service a battery watch. He quoted $300+. On the service. Another con. Beware. He will get u if he can. Other jewelers charge $15-25 for a battery. When I went to the next jeweler to enquire about the service I supposedly needed, they said the battery was low power and they replaced it no charge. Agggg! read more

IF YOU WANT TO BE CHARGED A LOT OF MONEY, by all means, go to this shop! I do not know who runs this place now, but I got totally ripped off for a simple battery replacement for my old school watch. ~$20.00 Two years ago, I only paid $10.00 I called around town, and other places have still maintained their prices of $8.50- 11.00 range. I will no longer go to this shop. read more

Took our Rolex watches to this store. They charged $100 to insure watch to be sent to Rolex in Texas. Rolex in Texas says that they have never had that watch in for repair. They charged $1200 for not repairing that watch! My watch was repaired for another $1200 and had to take it back several times to get it repaired. Then the crown broke! This place is a fraud! DO NOT HAVE THEM WORK ON ANY GOOD WATCH. THEY WILL RiP YOU OF! I HAVE A REAL HARD TIME GIVING THE EVEN A 1 STAR RATING, We know for a fact that you didn't send our Rolex to Rolex! Even though you charged us $100 to send it! You also stated you were a certified Rolex repair Store. I contacted Rolex and they said you are not. The next time you hear from me it may be from our attorneys. As far as I am concerned, you owe us around $2400.00. This happened 2 or three years ago. My watch has not worked sense that time. We have the right store. Same address, in Grossmont Center. read more

The owner takes care of the clients BUT the other older gentleman messed up my watch, scratched it and had the nerve to get in an argument with me in front of my wife and kid. I talked to the owner the next day and he had to send my watch to Bulova to get fixed. The older guy still works there, it don't think the owner cares that he will loose his business over that guy. If you take your watch there, take pictures of it before handing it off to them. read more

This is an update to my review before my watch was finished being repaired. Let me just warn you!!! DON'T HAVE YOUR WATCH REPAIRED HERE. Terrible job and left my watch worse off before it was brought in. Crystal replacement wasn't the right size, date dial magnifier scratched on the top, glue left around the magnifier on the crystal, and overall watch dirty from greasy hands. Extremely disappointed in both the service tech and the manager. read more

Low quality. I was shopping around for valentines day for my soon to be hubby and unfortunately this place had absolutely nothing available that was even truly a decent brand. I was thinking maybe they are more of a repair shop but, no because my girlfriend said chiming in to get the attention of the associate "oh my battery is dead." still nothing...Even upon my arrival (before she came to meet me)I was never greeted or asked what I was shopping for or even needed. Today I was wearing my watch as well and they showed absolutely no interests in my presents what so ever. Extremely rude didn't even say good bye. read more

To echo the other reviews on here: I went here for a band sizing-$11 (overpriced I thought, but hey I like supporting small business so what the heck). I was shooed out of the store quickly because it was the holiday season and there was a long line. I try the watch out for a week and still feel it is too loose. It took me a while to get back to the store, but I thought they would simply resize it again for free since I had my receipt and it is a family-owned business. I go in there today (no other customers in the store) and ask him to resize it, furnishing my receipt as proof that I already paid him. His response? "It's more labor, so it's going to cost more money." So much for customer satisfaction or small business reputation! He was literally doing nothing when I walked in and when I walked out, yet that was more valuable than a satisfied customer. That is the attitude you are going to get if you buy anything here, so buyer beware. read more

Horrible experience here. Avoid this business if at all possible. I took my Citizen black Skyhawk Eco-Drive in to have the crystal replaced due to a scratch. They told me it would cost $80 and take about two weeks because they had to send it to the authorized Citizen repair center in Torrance, CA. Six weeks later, nothing. I called to check on it and they blamed Citizen and said it could take up to 6 months. I called Citizen myself. They never received the watch. Turns out the owner, Mike, makes up stories. He continues to insist to me he sent the watch up to Citizen in Torrance. Citizen verified via my watch serial number that the watch had NEVER been to their repair facility. I finally went to the store and picked up the watch where the guy behind the counter, Rob, confirmed for me the watch had never left the store. At least I got my $80 back. I absolutely would not recommend going there for repair work. Something is definitely wrong. read more

The guy working was very cool, professional and attentive. You can tell he knows what he's doing. I have a watch I like (nothing special) needed a battery and a unique part. 3 min wait + 3 min repair + 1 min to check out. $20 read more

Time Zone - Watches Near Me - La Mesa, California

I've been to Time Zone twice because of the convenience of the location. My first experience was when I walked into the store to check out their selection of watches. I asked a few questions about what makes a quality watch and quality brand of watch. When answering my questions the proprietor was both condescending and at the same time dismissive and had an air about him that translated to being a know-it-all. I dismissed him and his actions because I was just browsing and it wasn't worth it to require better service. I knew I wouldn't ever buy a watch from him. My second experience at Time Zone was when I went to get links taken out of my watch bracelet in a very nice watch my wife recently bought for me - read "new, well-made watch". He took my watch and started to try and take the links out of one side of the watch bracelet. He couldn't get them out after three tries with a mallet and auger. I watched painfully as he banged away at the bracelet pins. He moved onto the other side, in which the pins came out fairly easily. He remarked with a smile, "Did you buy this watch online?", implying that it was a piece of junk and excusing his inability to get the pins out of the other side. Again, he was condescending in his questioning and insulting as he assumed me stupid for buying an obvious piece of junk watch online. He proceeded to then remove both of the links that were necessary from one side, instead of doing it evenly from both sides. I continued to watch, disappointingly, as he then used his mallet directly against the bracelet to put the pins back. Needless to say I was dissatisfied with his efforts knowing that I didn't want to have him continue to work on the watch to get it right. I also thought he would be unsatisfied with the uneven look of the finished product, from taking the links out of one side of the bracelet. He was satisfied and ready to send me on my way. I paid, but will not be back for any service. I took the watch the next day to another watch repair shop where the proprietor had no trouble removing the pins from the one side and did so in one swift movement with the force of his hand against the auger. He moved one of the links over to the other side and as a gesture of good faith refused payment for his time. So, in closing, I do not recommend Time Zone for any service or sales. While the proprietor likes to act like he is an authority on everything watches, his condescending manner and hack repair skills prove he is not a professional. There are plenty of other places to spend money where you can receive quality service and potentially build a relationship with a vendor that lasts. read more

This is for the SECOND location of TIME ZONE in Hillcrest: OK so I glad I am not alone. The propritoe that you mentiond in the Grossmont location has moved to the Hillcrest store, How do I know this? Because he (Moe) brought his arraogant, condescending attitude with him. I will never go there again. I have been there 4 or 5 times and he has NEVER EVER been able to repair any watch that I have attempted to get fixed. I kept trying beacuse it was a new business and it was close to me. Never again. He makes one feel like you are pressured to buy something and you really dont want to. He is very slick and reminds me of the hustler watch guys in New York. I get angry ever time I drive by beacuse it would be really great to have his service in Hillcrest...just not this store/guy, His watch selection is nebulous and confusing. There are only a few brands. NOTE: you can get every watch that he carries cheaper on line and even at Macy's. I just really don't like how he does business and I don't believe anyting that he says. He was also pounding away at my very expensive watch and I just knew it would look terrible when he finished. It was painful to watch him fidget with such a nice piece of jewelry. read more

Just went in the store to get a pin for my watch, normally $10. I've had it done many times there. The older gentleman, that could really use a shave, told me $15. I told him I've paid $10 every other time I've been in. He says it's $15. I say sure, for both pins. He says no, $15 each. I walked out. Being lonely must've put him in a mood, no one even looking in that stores direction. Go elsewhere! read more

I would suggest that you go elsewhere for watch repair unless you just need a change of battery. My movement was replaced, stopped working within 3-4 weeks, and he would not stand behind his product, insisting it was my fault (the stem came out repeatedly). I own at least a dozen watches, and have never had a stem pull out before so I have a hard time believing this my fault. He would not even consider replacing the movement with a new one at a discounted rate. "Why should I? " he said. Poor customer service in my book. Go to Vladamir on Lake Murray Blvd. He's the real deal and is replacing my movement for $45 instead of the $110 I was charged at The Time Zone. read more

I do not get the negative reviews. I have been seeing Michael at Time Zone for quite some time. He is a true professional and one of the best watch makers around. If you are in the market for a battery and watch band they have it all. Give them a shot, you wont be disappointed read more

If you want to get jacked, go here. You're better off using your money to wipe your enemy's asshole than spend it here. I "donated" a few hundred bucks to this place to get an expensive vintage watch repaired, only to get it back in the same condition sans a bit of polish. Michael Helmi then said he would forward it to an official repair center, which then I heard nothing for weeks...only to find out from the supposed repair center that they don't have the watch. After pestering with daily calls for 2 weeks, I finally got the watch back...no explanation as to why it was never sent out. Mike comes across as arrogant but changes his tune when he sees a Rolex on your wrist. I've seen him treat other customers like shit, be condescending about their choice of watches, yet sells $500 Citizens. I wouldn't use him for anything other than a $8 battery swap. read more

I have been going to this guy for 15 years to have my watch and battery replaced. Last time I was in he shot me an outrageous price and said I was better off buying a new watch. I told him it only cost about $50 to replace the movement in my watch 10 years ago and now it was going to cost $275 to replace it. He said it never cost that little. Two days later I showed up with the receipt showing that it was only $75 total last time. He said that receipt was for a ladies watch. I said I don't have a ladies watch. He said to take it out of his store and find someone else to fix it. He used to replace the battery for $8, now he charges around $45 to replace the battery. His prices went crazy and he is not nice any more. Things must be slow at the mall. read more

If you go to this store, ask for Amador. I have had some bad customer service in the past, but the quality of work and price was reasonable so I decided to give it another try. I brought my grandmothers watch in to get a new battery, to fix the band and polish the scratches. Amador was not only knowledge but supper friendly. My watch was done in a week, and Amador remembered my name and watch when I came in to pick it out. I will go back not only for the quality of work, but the service was amazing. read more

Love this place! Fast and affordable and they even sized my watch free of charge today!! Will be coming here for all my watch needs!! Thank you for being so kind! read more

Went in today to look for a gift for my husband. The guy greeted me, but remained seated. He answered a few of my questions and still remained seated. When I asked him about a brand of watch he suggested another store. When I asked him the brand of a particular watch in a cade he said it was a Kenneth Cole. The box next to it was a Tommy Bahama which was the same box under the watch I asked about. I asked about pocket watches and he suggested eBay. Usually watch and jewelry stores have catalogues and offer to assist in finding a watch. This guy just sat there and recommended I look elsewhere. I thanked him for his referrals and noted that his customer service sucked and that when customers come into your store it's nice to at least stand up. He looked up from his cell phone and told me to get a life. I told him to enjoy his phone, called him D and walked out. To which he said he would. Most of the time I walk by the store is empty, now I understand why. read more