Altier Jewelers — Local services in Boca Raton

Review of Altier Jewelry – Boca Raton, FL My recent experience at Altier Jewelry in Boca Raton was disappointing and far from what one would expect from a self-proclaimed “luxury” establishment. -Upon entering the store, I asked to use their restroom, only to be told that clients are not allowed access to it. While I am not a legal expert, I believe denying restroom access to customers may be against local regulations, particularly in a public-facing business. -This wasn’t my first visit to Altier Jewelry. During a previous visit, I had mentioned that I am in the pawn and jewelry business, managing six stores across Florida. I returned to the store today with the intention of placing an order for a Patek Philippe watch as a gift for my wife. However, the level of customer service I received was not only subpar but also highly unprofessional.

I approached one of the managers to discuss my request. She ignored me for 10 minutes before addressing me. When I asked about the process of opening an account with them, her response was shocking. She stated, “Sir, I don’t know what you do for a living, so I cannot, as an authorized dealer, sell you the watch.”

I then clarified that I am in the pawn and jewelry industry and asked whether that disqualifies me from purchasing a Patek Philippe watch for my wife. Her reply was dismissive, suggesting that “someone can get it for you, but we can’t sell one to you.”

This interaction left me deeply disappointed. As a professional in the jewelry and luxury industry, I expect a higher standard of respect and customer service from a store that markets itself as a luxury retailer. The condescending attitude and lack of effort to assist me made it clear that Altier Jewelry does not value all of its clients equally.

Follow-Up to Altier Jewelry’s Response

I want to take a moment to clarify my experience at Altier Jewelry, as their response misrepresents the actual events that took place.

During my first visit, I was upfront about being in the jewelry business and mentioned that I often have clients looking for different watches. At that time, I specifically had an inquiry for a Patek Philippe 5990, but I also mentioned that clients frequently ask about the Twenty4 and Calatrava models. I even noted that I had been offered a Calatrava at $10,000 over retail, to which one of their managers confidently responded that the Twenty4 was not selling over retail and that they had several available, along with a Calatrava.

Curious about their policies, I asked if anyone could buy these models. The manager replied, “It depends on where you live.” I mentioned that I lived in Sunny Isles, and she then informed me that, because of their policy, I should be a client of 1916. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but I later realized I had actually moved to Vero Beach six months prior, which technically would not have conflicted with their stated policy.

After returning home, I shared my experience with my wife. Since she liked the Twenty~4 model and I was told it was readily available at retail, she suggested I purchase one for her. With that in mind, I went back to the store a week later, this time simply as a client looking to buy a watch for my wife.

That’s when the real issue began. Instead of handling my request professionally, the staff treated me with dismissiveness and suspicion. The assumption that I was attempting to purchase the watch for resale—which was never my intention—demonstrates a lack of professionalism and poor customer service.

As a manager of a chain of pawn shops, I am well aware of how the luxury watch market operates. We regularly buy watches from all major brands well below retail, both pre-owned and new. Additionally, I have access to dozens of watch groups and private dealer networks, where I could easily source a watch at market price if I were looking to resell. My visit to Altier Jewelry was simply to purchase a gift for my wife from what I thought was a reputable boutique. You can read through this review to see how that...

I am a local resident and recently called to inquire about a particular Patek Philippe watch. I spoke with Jerry, introduced myself, and provided my name, but he did not reciprocate with his own. I simply expressed interested in a particular model and also asked which models were currently available, and his response was that I would need to “build a collection” before being eligible to purchase a Nautilus Travel Time. This left me with the impression that, in order to acquire what I truly want, I would need to purchase watches I have no interest in. His reply, “We don’t want to sell you anything you don’t want,” seemed dismissive of my inquiry.

When I asked about available precious metal perpetuals on strap as an alternative, as that seem to be more of the direction he was pushing me in, Jerry mentioned there were 46 watches in general they stock and suggested I come in to see them in person. I asked about a couple specific perpetuals that I would be interested in, The last thing I want to do is to come in to be vetted when they don’t have any of the models I am interested in and or just simply won’t sell to me because I am not a “ preferred client”. I then asked for his name, as he had not introduced himself at first, and thanked him for his time. Jerry abruptly ended the call without even a courteous goodbye.

I find this lack of professionalism concerning. I took the time to introduce myself, yet was immediately dismissed without the same level of courtesy in return. As a potential customer inquiring about timepieces in the six-figure range, I would expect more than a rushed, impersonal response. He kept referring to me as “sir” and would say things like “sir, you are just going to have to come in and have a look.”

If I am made to feel as though I’m being spoken down to or my time is not valued, I have no intention of visiting your store. The treatment I received reflects poorly on your brand and leaves me with the impression that your approach is more about pushing sales than cultivating genuine relationships with clients.

Respect, time, and courtesy go a long way, both over the phone and in person. While I am open to visiting, I expect to be treated with the same level of professionalism I bring to any interaction. I hope you take this feedback to improve the client experience by truly winning me over instead of brushing me off. It’s a very negative first impression. After speaking with Jerry today, I can see going gray market for the watch that I want and pay a small premium would be a more easy and cost prohibitive approach in...

I have been a client of this luxury timepiece atelier for over a decade and specifically have recommended their watch repair/maintenance services to friends and family. Though I live in Vero Beach now, I continue to patronize Altier Jewelers.

First, I appreciate the personalized customer service with which I have been treated, which has been punctuated by the professionalism, expertise, respect for my time, and overall responsiveness by the Altier team. LEN and JERRY are acquainted with a beloved heirloom watch, a vintage Cartier gifted to me by my grandmother. Indeed, it has been due to JERRY's care and professional advice that this timepiece continues to thrive and maintain its "youthful vigor", if one may take liberties in describing a most cherished timepiece!

When I brought the item to Altier this past December, the crown had separated from the case, the band needed to be replaced, and a decorative piece had become dislodged within the mechanism (Yes, I love this watch!) ... but I needed the item for an important event out of state. LEN, as always, was very gracious and eased my concerns while being realistic about expectations; JERRY assessed the watch, informed on what needed to be done, and was able to set a timeframe for repair and pickup ... while being realistic about expectations. In fairly expedited (but reasonable) time, the watch was picked up and with me on the day of my outbound flight. I knew the Altier team would do their best, even if I couldn't get it back in time. However, I was overjoyed to be able to wear this heirloom to an event of personal significance. JERRY made it happen, and I was grateful.

I write this to emphasize that of the many reasons Altier Jewelers remains in business as a respected community establishment, I continue to use their services for their high quality retail and the relationship they have maintained with me as a client. How I have been treated and continue to be treated within the boutique is why I continue to travel from out-of-county specifically for the high standard of service and in-store experience that Altier continues to provide ... and why I continue to recommend them to my very best...