Not sure why the ratings here are so low. They do a good job and offer great customer service. I took my boyfriend's new Seiko watch here to get a few links taken out. It cost $10, but it's free for any additional sizings as long as you bring back the receipt. Turns out I underestimated and the watch was still too loose, so I took it back and got it resized (they did it right there- took like 3 minutes) but then it was too tight. I learned my lesson the third time and finally brought my boyfriend with me to get it sized. Again, they resized it immediately and they took very little time to do so. They provide quality, speedy service with a smile. read more

15 years or so ago I had this store special order me a watch. It broke via pants-pocket laundry wash soon after. Today, after taking it in there the other day, I finally I get it back (way under estimate). Life is good. And also, the watch is no longer manufactured. Thanks everyone who has me currently smiling. read more

Swiss Watchmaker - Thanks again for making my "Goofy" watch work once more. - Watches Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Susan, the manager, is very dedicated to customer satisfaction. I was having some difficulty finding a replacement watchband (have a small wrist and a very definite idea of what I like/want). She overheard the conversation at the counter, came over and had her people giving me every opportunity to try on whatever I wanted. I must have tried on or looked at 12 bands. Ultimately, she replaced the clasp on a band that I wasn't sure about, and that tiny adjustment made the difference in how the band conformed to my wrist. Daniel and Seth were also very helpful -- just kept trying to find something that would work for me (without making me feel as OCD as I am)! Last year, I was there investigating a new watch. Ultimately, it didn't work for me. But again, they invested a lot of time -- they ARE in the time business -- trying to help me. Other reviews mention high prices. Yes, they're not inexpensive. But if you want quality products and above-average attention to detail and customer service, it's worth it. In the long run, you want someone you can trust, who will look out for your best interests; I work in marketing, that's what I recommend. Which is why I highly recommend these people. read more

I would not let them wash my car! I left an old Tag Heuer for repair. It took he 3 months to get me an estimate, which was reasonable and then she kept stalling me. I thought they lost my watch. They finally returned it but they replaced the original Tag crown with one from a Bulove claiming it was the new Tag logo. They can not get genuine parts for any name brand watches and will change your watch to fit whatever cheap parts the can find.Just because she is quirky & weird it does not mean they know about watches. stay away read more

I am very please with the repair on a vintage gold watch I inherited. I loved the personalized service to choose a new band for the watch and the price was excellent. I very happy with this business. I do not know who the older reviewers are talking about. The management was super friendly and knowledgeable in my experience. read more

I got screwed, literarily! Unfortunately I didn't read this reviews before. Went there to replace the battery of 2 watches. One needed additional water proof sealing and the second just the battery and replace the 4 screws in the back because the head on 3 of them got stripped. When I went to pick-up the watches the total was $71; 3 for each battery, 12.31x2 for installation service, $20 for water proofing one watch, and the worst $20 for the 4 screws! ($5 each, which are smaller than 1mm). Just checked online and you can buy hundreds of watch repair screws for less than $10. As others have also mentioned, the store manager and the employee both had an attitude, when I was trying to understand why the total was so high, they put a face like I was offending them just for asking. Never again, and stay away if you like your money and being treated properly. read more

I've been going to this place for 15 years and it has steadily gone downhill. While the techs who do the actual repairs are good, the customer service simply sucks eggs. If the counter staff are the face of this business I'm amazed they're still open. You may ask why I continued to go here for so long if they are so awful--simple answer, short term memory. I managed to keep forgetting how unpleasant they were each time I dropped off my watch for a battery replacement. However, my last encounter left a lasting impression of their wretched behavior, and I will be taking my business elsewhere in future. You can read the other bad reviews they received if you are looking for particulars but I'll say this: they are rude, condescending, dismissive, and lazy. They also have the bad habit of making snide comments about one customer to another ( I've been on both sides of that equation) Completely unprofessional. read more

Fixed an antique anniversary clock, explained just how it worked and took all the time I needed to understand; price was reasonable for fixing this important family artifact. read more

Had links removed! Took only 30 minutes and $10 and was done very well. No complaints here, would definitely recommend.

Great place overall! I got a watch band there a while back, and it's still in great shape, they're friendly, and offer everything you need.

Go to the Swiss Watchmaker for fine watch purchases, repairs and reconditioning. Or for creative modifications and precise work on your favorite jewelry. Susan (the Lady with the Hat) will think through with you whatever you want to do, and the jewelers will carry out exactly what you have decided on. While there are no bargains here, their prices seem competitive with other fine watch and jewelry shops. And you can trust their judgment and workmanship. I have never been disappointed, whether in watch purchases or in the many jewelry jobs they have done over the years. read more

I bought a brand new watch from this shop and after just a couple of weeks the face had turned so that the numbers were all in the wrong positions. While the watch still worked, my preference was to have a normal watch so I decided to bring it back for repair. After they confirmed that the watch face had indeed turned, they sent me on my way to send it back to the manufacturer. No offer to do the repair themselves, no mention of how to contact the manufacturer, no mailing address, no phone number. SHOO! I have a sizable watch collection that requires regular maintenance. I won't return. read more

Good experience for repairs. $35 for a small fix for the face of my wristwatch - they said it'd be an hour but I just had time to cross the street and get an ice cream by the time they called me to say it was ready for pickup. Its a good place in a nice neighborhood. read more

Very friendly and helpful staff! My Swatch watch had been running slow for a couple months so I thought the battery needed replacing... They opened up the watch, determined that the battery had a full charge, gave it a "jump" (who knew you could even so this with watch batteries??), and let me know I could get a replacement through Swatch's 2-year warranty if this didn't do the trick -- all for no charge. I've also bought a really lovely Skagen watch here in the past, and they adjusted the band for me with no charge. Great staff! read more

My twenty year old Swiss army watch was missing a piece to the bracelet and it was replaced the same day for only $20. Professional service at its finest. read more

I agree with the negative reviews. I have used them a few times, always trying to be patient. The batteries never last long. One always as to wait on their schedule and return for the simplest of battery changes. They have held on to a valuable watch of mine for months and I am still trying to get back. They are less than warm. They make the simplest of transactions (giving cash for a battery, for instance), into a major production. And the guy has bad breath to boot. Do not trust them. read more

Very nice watch repair place, good for having links removed or a battery replaced, they know a trick where they open certain impossible to crack watches with a knife. read more

I brought in an 45 year old Tiffany Clock for cleaning and plating restoration. To my surprise and delight, the clock looked like it just was presented back then. The master watchmakers and refinishers did a splendid job. I have used them in the past for several watch repairs and always had perfect results. This store has been a real find if you still wear a watch. Stan read more

I have a relatively old (20 or more years) but nice Swiss Army watch for which I have needed a few repairs over the last few years. In all cases, I have taken it here with pleasing results. First, the watch stopped working, which I assumed meant I needed a new battery. Another jeweler pointed me to them because apparently water-proof watches need to be sealed after changing a battery to stay watertight. I was a little hesitant to pay $30 for this instead of the usual $10-15 for battery change, but it was fine. A couple weeks later, the watch stopped again. I went in and they remembered me, and the guy replaced my battery free of charge since he knew I had just gotten it redone. No more than five minutes after leaving, my watch stopped working again, so I brought it back in, and they kept it for further testing. Turns out, it needed $150 worth of mechanical work, which I eventually paid--and it has worked without problem since. Finally, more recently, the crown needed replacing after I accidentally popped it off. I feared it would be again over $100 and at least a week--instead, it was $40 or $50 and took a few hours. Staff is friendly, helpful, and definitely seem to know what they're talking about. read more

I am sad that I have to write a bad review of one of the few remaining non-chain store in Harvard Square, but Swiss Watchmaker didn't give me any options. I took my Omega Seamaster watch into have the battery replaced. They did, and I was happy with their service. However, the next day the watch would no longer move past 11 am -- weird coincidence, right? I took it right back and they took a week to figure out what was wrong. Something was stuck inside and it would cost $325 to fix it. I felt that since their battery replacement was very likely to have contributed to the watch getting stuck, they should at least give some consideration of that fact in the quote they gave me to fix. They absolutely refused. I'm definitely never going back there again. I did, by the way, get the watch fix at Tourneau in Copley Plaza -- it cost $50 to fix... read more

Terrible experience, I highly recommend to keep your watches away from this place. The only swiss thing about it is the sign of the swiss army knife on the door. I paid 30$ to have my watch's battery replaced and keep it waterproof. For the record, I had the watch for 4 years and constantly used it under water. The day after the replacement I went in the sea with it, and it instantly filled with water. The response of the woman who claims to own the place: "these things happen". According to her, it had nothing to do with the battery replacement, just a coincidence that it happened a day after (again, after years of working under water!) I didn't realize someone can be so stupid. After a discussion, she "kindly" refunded the 30$, taking no responsibility for the ruined watch. read more

Stay away from that place! They are so incompetent and rude, not mentioning that they are totally thiefs! I came there for a simply battery replacement and they offered me the water resistent traetment as somenthing absolutely necessary for a total of 45$. The day after they called me saying that they broke the cristal and that this wasn't their fault, because it was probably already damaged (It was perfect, I swear!) and they charged me 120$!!! Do you guys imagine that? They broke my cristal and ask ME more money to change it!!!! Me and my husband were mad and we tried to explain in a nice way to that old idiot woman that their request was insane! After 5-days fight we finally got the watch for the original price (45$) but I kindly reccomand you not to go there! So unprofessional and weired! read more

Horrible! I was sold a defective watch. When I returned to the store with the watch and receipt, they refused to return or repair the watch (even though the watch was still under warranty). They apparently have a two-week return policy, So, you are out of luck if it takes three weeks for it to become apparent that your watch is defective. They were unbelievably rude. I have purchased other watches there in the past (because the store is close to where I live) without a major problem but I will never give them my business again after how they behaved. I wrote the owner about my experience and she never responded. I plan to report them to the better business bureau! read more

I didn't need anything major done, I just had to get a link taken out of my watch, and they were quick and only charged me $10. I'm not sure what the going rate is for something like that, but it seemed reasonable. read more

Here's what it takes to get a simple item engraved: you go in, ask if it can be done in a week because you're leaving town. They say yes. They charge you $35 for three letters. (Well, okay. Why not.) Then they don't finish in time. You go in a week later, they can't find the clip. You leave town. You call them (they don't call you) a week later and they chuckle that you were silly to think it's lost; it was "with the engraver." Oh. But of course, you're now out of town. You ask if they'll send it. Sure, they say, and they take your credit card. So nearly three weeks later, you get your item, full charge -- and $5 "service" to cover the $2 it cost to mail it to you because of their initial mistake. Because, you know, it takes a few weeks to put 3 letters on a piece of metal. This shop is the kind of place that gives Harvard Square -- which has a lot of nice merchants in it -- a bad name. Not sure on how they do with watches, but for engraving, you're no worse off going to your local mall. read more

I bought an Arista watch from Swiss Watchmakers. After about only 8 months, it fell from a bench, lower than knee-height, onto the floor and stopped working. I sent it back to Swiss Watchmaker to get fixed, presuming the warranty would cover it. It didn't. They charged me 60 some dollars to fix it. A few weeks later the watch again fell from a coffee table into the floor and stopped working again. I took it to the Russian cobbler who fixes watches in my Manhattan neighborhood. He fixed it for 3$. read more

While doing some Christmas shopping in Harvard Sq, I decided to stop in and take a look at the product available. I had been shopping watches online for my boyfriend and was leaning towards Deisel or Michael Kors and while I realized this store did not carry these products I figured they would might have some comparable styles in my $350-$400 price range. When I entered the store I was ignored and it wasn't until I said "Hello." that I was even acknowledged. An older, tall. bald man with a sallow, jowly, frowning face and glasses reluctantly replied to me. I cut to the chase and described exactly what I was looking for and and how much I wanted to spend hoping that he could steer me in the right direction. Apparently this store is doing so well that they are literally willing to turn away business because that is exactly what this man did. He loudly told me in a very condescending tone that they sell watches from $400 to $4,000.00 and that they did not work like a department store so I should "keep shopping" as in "elsewhere". Feeling genuinely irritated and insulted to degree that I never have been by a retailer before I told him "I think I'm good." As I moved away from him and looked in another case he followed me and remarked to the other salesman "She's good. She doesn't need any help here." I stand by my words that I have NEVER been treated so poorly at any store in my 31 years nor have I ever witnessed someone treated so poorly. I believe the people working in this store and prejudiced, thoughtless, unkind and most certainly unhelpful. I plan to recount this story as often as possible to deter any business that might be headed their way. Apparently these people don't realize how retail works or how you gain steady clientele. Maybe I don't have $4,000.00 to spend on a watch, but I know people who do and I won't being giving any positive references to "Swiss Watchmaker" in Harvard Square. Negative ten stars. read more

ive had two great experiences with them. If you need a new band this is the place. first I have a vintage omega seamster with an integrated bracelet. I had this idea to put a brown leather strap on it, but no one was able to fit a later strap on it because it was an integrated bracelet. here, they took the time to find the best look (it looks amazing), and were able to do it while I waited. I can't overstate how difficult of a task I this is and how amazing of a job they did. second I brought in a jorg gray 6500 automatic with a burgundy leather strap I'm not a fan of. the complication this time is the strap is rounded to specifically fit the watch, I have small wrists, i was picky about the color style, and wanted a butterfly clasp as well. they were able to accommodate all of my needs, and again were able to do it while I waited. together we found a genuine shark skin leather which is an amazing fit and look and couldn't be happier. each time I go in they take the time and work hard to make sure I leave extremely satisfied. and again these are jobs others won't touch. very skilled workers there. I recomend this shop so much that I decided to write my first yelp review to express how pleased I am read more

Nice selection of new watches and even a few used ones, too. Service department is slow to do simple things like replace batteries and waaaaay overpriced. I brought them a Movado with an ETA 2824 26 jewel movement (fairly standard) and they wanted to charge me more than DOUBLE what a watch repair shop in the Jewelers building (333 Washington St, Boston) is charging me. I'm sure they're paying very high rent, but no reason it should come out of your pocket(watch). read more

Disaster! Took my 35 year old Heuer for repair, and provided an identical watch to have the movement moved to my watch. Over $300 and over a month, after being quoted 225 and 2 weeks. The watch now has pliers marks on the case, and the crystal is way more scratched than it was when I took it, and the source watch had a new crystal and has a large section of scratches on it, like scratches from pliers. They added a crown that is so small that it impossible to use, and one that is less authentic to the original than a blank generic would have been. During the 5 weeks, and many phone calls to try to figure out the status of my watch, they called me back ONCE. They said they would call me back again and again, and only once did they do what they said they would do. When I complained, the owner said "well, some of us are very busy". read more

This is a long, but important, story. (if posssible I would give them negative stars) This is a dishonest business. I took my 90 tear old Cartier for restoration on two items: 1-clean the face 2-repair two small losses on enamel. The estimate was $400-$600 which I accepted. After more than two months I called to learn ifthe watch were ready. I was told "in a week" and the bill would be $640. which I accepted. When I called in a week I was told the bill is $975 for two additional repairs: 1-overhaul the mechanism (not needed nor authorized) $250. 2-new crystal (not needed nor authorized) $125. I told them this and was told I received an email. I said I had not received an email and asked what email had they used. It was not my email. I did give them my email (a mistake). I wanted to double check so searched my email again. There was an email from the Swiss Watchmaker--It was backdated (I had not known this could be done). Of course, on top of that there was no authorized work. I "bit the bullet". I went to pick up the watch. It is worth considerably more than $975. They would accept only cash. Fortunately, I had gained posession of the watch. After back and forth they took my AMEX card. I now have a dispute action wilth AMEX. AND one of the gold screws in the case is missing! John W. Carpenter read more

If I could give a negative star I would. Went to get battery replaced. Other shops at 1 mile away quoted $10 and Swiss was $15 over phone. Thought I would support a local business. When I got there they said $65 to make it water proof. I said I just want battery replaced and for that they said $35. Owner also had a attitude. Must have some children in college with some hefty tuition bills coming as the price of a battery is only 1-2 dollar. If you want to vastly over pay and be hit over the head with a attitude this is the place for you....... read more

Is there a way to give zero stars? This place used to be, years ago, run by an older man with real watch repair skills; nothing was ever sent out. However, when I went there two or three years ago, there was a new management. One watch I took there was a fine 30-year-old Universal Geneve; the new owner claimed the repair would be done on premises, but at least a month later when I hadn't heard anything, I called and then went in and was told it had been sent out and they seemed not to be able to find it. They did eventually find it several days later, but had not been able to repair it. Meanwhile they fouled up a simple battery replacement for a Casio watch I was using (a fairly expensive battery they put in lasted less than a month because it wasn't put in properly). The place still looks like a serious watch repair place, but in my experience shouldn't be trusted. It's too bad, because in the 1960s and 1970s my husband and I had wonderful experience with the previous wonderful management (my husband had an old Swiss chronograph, a beautiful watch, but all the extra hands kept bumping into each other when the watch needed cleaning; the maintenance was expensive,but it worked for at least a year after each cleaning until one year in the 1980s the repairman said sadly that it really was no longer possible to maintain, and my husband switched to digital watches). read more

I wished I had read the reviews of this place before I brought my D&G watch for a battery replacement. They replaced my battery and asked me if I wanted my watch sealed for underwater use for an additional $25. I declined the offer since I never swim with it. Two days after I got the watch back, the winding pin came off so I returned to the store asking them to fix it. They said the pin was broken and that they would replace it for an additional $25! I asked them to do it for free given that the pin was working just fine when I brought the watch in the store the first time (they admitted that) and it was a strange coincidence that the pin broke just after the battery replacement. There was no way to make them reason! I am sure they realized they mishandled the watch and broke the pin, but they wouldn't admit it and were asking for more money to fix it. I walked away with my watch broken and pissed off with their attitude. I would certainly not go back there again read more

Went in on a Sunday to get a battery replaced. Waited 15 minutes in line to drop off my watch, was told to come back in an hour. Came back in an hour, waited another 20 minutes to get to the head of the line. Was told that actually there wasn't anyone on staff who could change the battery, they gave me back my watch and suggested I come back another day. No thanks. read more

I needed a battery replaced in my watch - a fairly complex watch, one for which I was getting charged $75 by the original manufacturer - for a BATTERY replacement!!! I was mad! I had come to this place with a friend who had a good experience earlier and despite the mixed reviews on yelp - I took my watch to them. Fantastic service! The very fashionable middle-aged lady made out a receipt for $15 while complimenting me on my watch and asked me to come back in 10 minutes. She commented on the fact that it looked like a complex timepiece but they could probably figure it out (I had been advised by 2 places on Newbury street to go ahead and buy another watch since this watch would be wrecked in the attempt of battery replacement). With a lot of trepidation, I left my watch and prepared myself for 3 possible outcomes: 1) that it would be another heartbreak 2) it would be damaged or 3) they would charge me an arm and a leg plus a few toes from the other leg!! Fast forward to 10 minutes later - my watch was in one piece, the time was set and I was charged only $10.50!! Really glad I took a chance with this place! Happily wearing my watch and recommend this quaint little shop to anyone! read more

We had a wonderful experience buying a watch here. Edward was endlessly helpful and patient as my boyfriend tried on watches for an hour after the store had already closed. They have a good selection, knowledgeable staff, and were friendly and accommodating. Would absolutely recommend this place if you are looking to purchase a new, high-quality watch. read more

I have to agree with most people on this site, my experience with Swiss Watchmaker was one of the worst I can recall. Not only did they take months to fix my watch (10) but they overcharged me by about $400 from the original quote. Susan was, on countless occasions, not only rude but unable to explain to me why the actual cost ended up being vastly different than her original quote. The best they could do was to tell me that I had somehow slammed my watch into something which had destroyed a vital interal watch-organ; again, all very vague not to mention the fact that I had done nothing of the sort! The customer service at this company is by far the worst I have ever encountered... I highly recommend that you avoid Swiss Watchmaker at all costs. I don't normally post reviews, but if I can prevent just one person from making the mistake I did it will be well worth it! read more

I have been changing watch batteries for years. Many of them, since I have a watch collection including the ones for my family. The average cost has been $8 to $10 dollars. I just dropped two of my wife's watches to have the batteries replaced. To my absolute shock, the cost was $90!!! You heard it right. $45 per watch! That is a cost of Swatch!!! Thier justification is well we also check and make sure it remains waterproof!!! Oh really? First of all these watches are leather based and don't go under water, second, who the hell asked you to do that? This is a rip off. I will never go back to this ripoff shop again. Stay away... watch your pocket! Instead of $8 they charged me 45$!! read more

I had two 50+ yr old Hamilton watches which I inherited brought into working condition at Swiss Watchmaker 3 years ago. They had been sitting in a drawer for decades. The price was steep but I felt that I was at a quality place and was pleased with the results. Now working, my father's gold pocket watch would only run for 8 hrs. The women (Susan) told me that I could bring it back and for $125 or so they could fix it. I wasn't willing to add to the expense at the time. I waited 3 yrs and took it in a few weeks ago. They called me with an estimate of $450 to clean & oil & replace the main spring. I told them that they had just repaired it 3 yrs ago which they then looked up but stuck by their assessment & estimate. Decide for yourself. I did not have the work done. read more