The 1916 Company (WatchBox) — Local services in Lower Merion Township

I have purchased 3 watches from watchbox over the course of over half a year. 2/3 of the watches I received had problems that required using the Watchbox/manufacture warranty. I had multiple issues in this process and was even called by a manager (Aliana) to apologize for the lack of communications and issues (I did not request to speak to anyone regarding my experience, I was called by her). The salesman I worked with were Jay (who after the first experience, told me he could not work with me) and then Phil. I worked with Christine in the service department, who I will say is the only excellent experience dealing with watchbox (she is wonderful and stays on top of things) I cannot recommend this company. If i could give 2.5 stars I would have. I will detail the experiences by each watch below.

Watch 1 (Breitling Chronomat 38 SleekT):

-I purchased a Chronomat 38 from Watchbox during the beginning of summer 2020. Upon receiving it I was thrilled until I realized it was running about 30 seconds fast, which for a chronometer seemed off. It was still under Breitlings manufacturer warranty, so I decided to send it back to watchbox for them to fix it or send it to Breitling. They decided to send it to Breitling. Throughout the process I had to send multiple emails to see what was happening. After prying for weeks I left a review on ebay, then a manager (Aliana) reached out to personally apologize for the experience. I did not think this was necessary but thought it was nice. I got the watch back and the date would not change. After a request I managed to get a full refund, but the entire process took months and a lot of time to end up with nothing in the end. I was surprised Watchbox did not inspect the watch after getting it back from Breitling, but chalked it up to a mistake.

Watch 2 (Oris Divers 65):

I traded in an old Breitling aerospace plus cash for an Oris Divers 65. This watch luckily worked as expected. This time I worked with Phil who although used “used car salesman” tactics (such as “let me talk to my manager” then coming back 30 seconds later), he was reasonable. I have attached a photo of said watch.

Watch 3 (Omega SMP 212)

I purchased an Omega Seamaster professional from Phil. I wanted to make the offer on ebay initially, but found out I was blocked from making offers to watchbox on eBay. After inquiring why, I was told I would get an explanation or call. Aliana called once, I returned the call to no reply. As mentioned, I was able to purchase the watch from Phil. The watch came in a timely fashion but I had to ask for an invoice and was texted it (why should a customer have to ask for an invoice on such an expensive item is beyond me.) The bezel was misaligned and it was running slightly inaccurately, so I figured I could use the warranty and get it fixed easily. I sent it in the middle of January, they took a month to look at it and mid February informed me they sent it to omega, and gave me a 2-3 month estimate on top of the month they already had it. I still do not have my watch. Christina has been largely great through this but is working in a system that is not conducive to good customer service. Extremely disappointed considering I purchased, and have barely been able to own the watch.

Bottom line: They do not seem to have coherent warranty communication, do not follow up often, and do not seem to care about the

S. Cleveland here. I am blown away by the trustworthy professionalism of not only the company WatchBox, but the salesman I worked with there, Justin Rix. For 3 years I knew my first Rolex purchase would be a pre-owned GMT Master II. I’m an airline pilot and wanted the ultimate tool watch for my vocational needs - and a nice bit of bling - on my arm. God knows, never having bought a new Rolex dress watch, I was NOT going to get a new Rolex sport watch from any certified dealer any time soon. My wait time would literally be “eternity”. Knowing this, I finally pulled the trigger on a GMT Master II, spending $11,500 at a pre-owned dealer I’d never worked with before; WatchBox. Needless to say I was apprehensive. A couple days later, a virtually perfect 16713 Root-beer Serti Dial arrived via FedEx, but within moments of opening the case, I realized this amazing watch would not work for me. No fault of the watch, dealer or salesman. What I realized looking at the watch in live conditions for the first time was that it took me more time to read the watch given the color of the arms over the face (gold over silver) than I was comfortable with. This was something I hadn’t accounted for. I was stunned. As an airline pilot, I need something readable in a flash of the wrist. The GMT Master two-tone (LN) would have made far more sense (gold over black). Now, I had to see if their 7-day no questions asked return/exchange policy was worth its weight, or if I had just bought a multi-thousand dollar watch I would almost never wear. I called Justin and explained the detail I had overlooked in choosing this particular watch. It was my fault. I owned it. On top of that, I added that I saw a very similar GMT Master II in their inventory that addressed this previously overlooked detail and requested an exchange with a small additional difference-payment from me to make it happen. The watch I wanted to exchange the originally delivered watch for was a bit more expensive. And then, with no BS, no questions asked and without making me feel guilty or shamed, Justin told me to simply return the watch to them. He emailed me a free FedEx label with which to return the watch to them and I wired the difference that same day. Now, 3 days later, I’m sitting here on my couch, feeling like a king, in complete satisfaction. The second GMT Master II mailed to me by WatchBox is equally as pristine as the first but, I can read the hands now in the blink of an eye. WatchBox allowed me to exchange an $11,500 watch over such a small detail... without so much as a “why?”. Phenomenal!! I am one happy pilot and satisfied customer. These guys...

I had just made my first purchase with WatchBox, an Omega Speedmaster Day-Date (3520.50.00). I have to say, what followed really sets them apart. First and foremost, this watch arrived to me as if it came right from the factory, in absolutely pristine condition despite being out of production for a fair amount of time. Second, it was at my door in less than two days after ordering. Third, what I paid was much better than what I had found elsewhere online, especially considering the price and condition; it even looks better than the pictures! Fourth, the service was absolutely amazing.

I especially want to emphasize the service. I received a personal and friendly email and phone call from my Client Advisor, Alex Lazarus. We chatted about our enthusiasm for timepieces, the details of my order (with some great company information), and he answered the few questions I had excellently. He also personally provided me with tracking information, and he even asked for a wrist measurement to get it sized for me. When the watch showed up the following morning, I was simply amazed. The watch was immaculate and very well protected in transit, it fit perfectly, and it was even set to the proper date and time. I have to say, he and WatchBox impressed me immensely. I find this kind of service to be a rare gem, with an unparalleled professional polish, quality, and dedication. I definitely look forward to doing business with them in the future, because WatchBox and Alex have properly...