Frank from Howard helped me decide on my new Rolex. He was extremely helpful, professional and friendly. Every one at this shop is friendly. Thanks Frank! read more

On 21 June 2025, I had a very disappointing customer service experience at Howard Jeweller in Ottawa when I brought in my Vacheron Constantin Watch for a very simple battery replacement. Upon arrival, I was asked what needed to be done, and shortly after, the Watch Repair customer service Manager came out to speak with us. I was informed that the watch would need to stay in the store for a couple of days, which I found surprising considering it is an extremely high end luxury timepiece. I was not comfortable leaving it behind and politely asked if we could book an appointment for a specific time for the battery replacement so I could be present while the work was done. This is something I had successfully arranged at Howard on the same watch two different times in the past before. Rather than understanding my concerns, the manager became defensive and continued to repeat the cost of the battery replacement -- a price we were already prepared to pay. She also asked what I had paid in the past for the same service. I explained that I had previously replaced the battery at their former location about nine years ago for approximately $40. She insisted I was mistaken, despite the fact that I had actual receipt proof. She claimed I had only paid the regular battery replacement fee and not the luxury battery price. As a customer service manager, one would expect her to be clear on pricing and to show respect for a returning customer's knowledge and prior experience -- especially when that experience predated her time at Howard. After finally stating that the cost would be $150, which I was willing to pay, she added that there would be a rush fee if I wanted it done the same day. This seemed unnecessary, especially since I had already said I was happy to come in at a time that would work for the technician. She said she would check his schedule, but instead simply swiped her finger across her phone and closed it, which I found quite odd. Rather than arguing with a client, why not just check the schedule and provide an appropriate time? The situation escalated very quickly when I reminded her that there was no rush, as I was coming in based on their technician's availability. At that point, she started raising her voice and banged the Vacheron Constantin watch on the glass counter and told me to leave the store, adding that we were not welcome back, something as I have no intention of returning after such a horrible treatment. The entire experience was unprofessional and frankly shocking, especially compared to the service I received years ago at their previous location. The former repair manager and staff were respectful, knowledgeable, and valued customer relationships. These are qualities that appear to be completely missing in the current staff. I left the store feeling very disrespected and disappointed. Later that afternoon, we went to La Maison Monaco at the Rideau Centre and ended up purchasing a gold necklace from Gucci as a graduation gift for my son. That was money I had intended to spend at Howard if I had been treated with the courtesy and professionalism all clients deserve. It is unfortunate to see such a decline in customer service, and I sincerely hope Howard Jeweller reevaluates how it treats their loyal clients. Customers should be treated with equal respect regardless of what they are wearing, whether in shorts and a t-shirt or in a three-piece suit. Luxury is not just about the product. It is about the experience. read more

Bought a Rolex Submariner in gold and ss at Howard four years ago. Outstanding experience. I returned last week to buy a second, this time a Gmt. told they had none and my sales rep Stephany was not present. Left my coord. with another rep. and ... never heard from them. I guess they dont want repeat customers or my appearence did not exude the type of customer they wanted despite my wearing my Submariner. Not a returning customer! read more

I wanted to say what a great experience I have had with Frank and the rest of the associates as they have helped me narrow down my search for a Rolex. While I haven't purchased yet, I can say the customer service has been superior and the team has answered all my questions and I am looking forward to my next stop at the store. Highly recommend a stop by the next time you find yourself on Sparks St. read more

My name is Ivan and i'm not from ottawa but i was here today 1/16 for an appointment for my significant other and i currently do not have a phone. I had asked 7 nearby company's and stores if i could use their phone to get ahold of my grandmother because she was the one who drove us up here and she was out somewhere downtown and i couldn't find her, after going into this store ad explaining my problems to her i started to tear up and get flustered because i was upset that i was being judged and assumed by the way i look. i just wanted to say thank you to the amazing team here for having a very big heart and not judging me like everybody else read more

I first came to this store when I had to get some links taken off a watch and do a few appraisals. The store was bright and clean and I was helped on the spot by the staff who offered me water and coffee while I waited. The man who helped take the links off my watch was very friendly and knowledgeable which I greatly appreciated. I came another time to this store to browse and I was assisted by a sales associate named Frank. He was very helpful and kind and I am so grateful to have been served by him. I'd have to say I've only had an amazing experience every time I came to the store and will definitely be coming in to make any high item purchases with Frank in the future. Highly recommend this place if in the Ottawa area. read more

Called on a Saturday to speak with a watchmaker to get a quote on my 90 year old Rolex serviced, was told they would call me back in 5 minutes. It took over 2 hours. I tried giving her as much detail as possible but she only asked "well is it a Rolex?" Well of course it is. I wouldn't go to you otherwise. I go in on Tuesday to see her, but she's on lunch and they have to go through the other watchmaker on deck. Lady at the front desk was lovely, but the gentleman as soon as we got through the security door almost seemed like he didn't know half what he was saying. I showed him the watch and said "Emilia told me to bring this in for a service quote" and he asked if it was just for a battery replacement. He then called the watchmaker saying "I don't even think it's a Rolex" and nobody except the lady I called was even expecting me. It took him 15 minutes to get back to me, but in that time I was asked by three people if I had been taken care of yet, so that's good on them. The gentleman comes back downstairs and flips his attitude "since it's such a historic piece, we'd need to send it to Rolex Canada and likely to Switzerland because the parts aren't made anymore," quoting me $2500 just to have a LOOK at the watch and then anywhere from $5000 to $30000 for a service. I stood there dumbfounded because I'm 20 years old and I've never been told such dollar amounts before, and said I'd think on it. Then it seemed like he just wanted me out as I tried to thank him for his time but he only replied with "the door works better if you go one at a time" (my girlfriend was with me). I don't have money dripping out of my ass of course, and this is not a piece that has great meaning to me, but I think it's absurd they can charge such exorbitant prices to even have a look. But it's a Rolex authorized dealer, so I guess they can charge whatever they want for Rolex servicing. read more

They deleted my previous comment and tried to smooth things over privately. DO NOT TRUST! Original post: I normally don't care to write reviews, but this one I just had to do, because I'm sure I'm not the only person who's been treated this way at this "fine" establishment. I look pretty young and often don't dress fancy. I went in with the intention of buying an engagement ring a few days ago, however, the lady who "attempted to serve me", I think her name was Stephanie, judged me by the way I was dressed and pretty much looked down her nose at me. She was pretty dismissive and not friendly at all. I saw other people being given coffees or lattes and I barely received a hello. I don't know who this Antonio B is who said everyone is friendly,...maybe if you're wearing a suit and tie. I looked around while being monitored by staff members, they didn't have anything special or that I couldn't buy at another place that carried the same brand names, like Jubilee or Tiffany's. I thought this place could make me something I hadn't seen before...guess not. Part of me wanted to take out $10,000 and show them I was serious, but then again, I hate fake people. Why would I give them my hard earned money? And why would I propose with a ring that made me feel less like a man during the buying experience. Verdict: Wouldn't let them change my watch battery. read more

When my ex-husband and I were married in Aug 2004, we went to Howards and purchased a six thousand dollar sapphire and diamond ring, a Rolex watch of equal value, and a custom wedding set of pearls including a necklace and earrings. I would have considered us "good" customers. Later we separated and I experienced a period of penury and emotional distress. And I needed money. I went to see Howard, himself, with my grandmother's engagement ring to sell. Inside the bag was her tiny wedding band with diamond chips. I made it very clear to Howard that I did NOT wish to sell this. What ensued was just incredible. He complained bitterly throughout our appraisal about having to buy estate jewelry and what little profit he made. The ring was a VVS one carat Birks diamond. He completely lowballed me and offered me about a tenth of its value. This confused and upset me so much (I had seen an original appraisal) that I didn't even notice he had also scooped the wedding band as well. I noticed it when I got out to the car. I felt so stunned and so guilty for having sold the diamond, and for so little, I was really, seriously, in shock He had been so entirely derisive and unsympathetic. And I had trusted him. I immediately noticed that there was no mention of the band on the bill of sale. I called him back from the car. He told me if I wanted the ring I had to pay him $85 immediately as it "would be melted down tomorrow". Aside from the cheque for the diamond ring I had no money. I also had felt so mortified for crying as I walked through the store, I just didn't have the guts to march back in there and demand the ring. I will always regret that. As I regret every single dealing I have had with this store. read more

I highly recommended Howard's. I was treated with respect and they exhibited the highest level of professionalism, expertise and friendliness. I won't hesitate to highly recommend this excellent business. They treated me fairly and honestly in the sale of some estate pieces. I drove 3 hours to attend this business and won't hesitate to do so again. read more

I went there while on a business trip. I needed to change the settings on my diamond earring studs, as they were no longer secure. I was suggested and described a Martini setting in 14k white gold. I had to specifically request srewbacks as it wasn't even offered to me as an option. They were able to do the work in a few hours, which was appreciated, but charged me almost $500 for doing so!! The new settings are EXTREMELY thin. The diamonds (3/4 ct each) now almost sit flat on my ears, not the high projection I was hoping for. I looked up Whiteflash.com and I could have bought the exact same settings for 195$ USD plus an extra 50$ USD for the scewbacks. Even if you add the exchange rate and the workmanship (all 30 minutes of it), a $500 charge seems outrageous. I would not recommend this store, unless you don' t care about throwing your hard earned money away. read more