Watch Works — Local services in Mission Viejo

I recently visited a local watch store to address a minor repair on a watch I owned. While I could have completed the repair myself, my intention was to support a local business and possibly make future purchases from them. Unfortunately, my experience was not positive.

Upon my arrival, I encountered a mid-aged gentleman who exhibited a lack of enthusiasm and willingness to assist. I had researched the cost of the necessary part online, which was $24, a straightforward “plug and play” component. However, the store quoted me $85, stating they needed to order the part and would call me within a week.

After two weeks without communication, I called the store for an update. The response I received was quite dismissive: they communicated that the initial part had not worked and they would order a new one. Subsequent calls led to further inconsistencies in their responses, which became frustrating.

Eventually, I decided to retrieve my watch. Upon inspection, I noticed significant scratches on the back of the watch from their attempts to open it. The damage was concerning enough that I requested they file down the sharp edges for safety. Ultimately, they concluded that they could not repair the watch, suggesting that if they could not do so, no one could.

Taking matters into my own hands, I ordered the part through Amazon, installed it myself, and successfully restored functionality to the watch for a total cost of $25.

This experience has led me to conclude that the lack of professionalism and integrity demonstrated by the store is a strong indicator that I will not return for future business. It is unfortunate that, rather than welcoming new customers, the store chose to handle this situation in an unprofessional manner. While I believe the owner may have good intentions, the employee working in the afternoons does not seem to prioritize the best interests of the business. Therefore, I would not recommend this...

2 years ago I gave my husband a very nice watch but needed a link taken out to size, we found watch works in the mall and brought it in. He took the link out while we waited, price was very reasonable but after the link kept separating in the same spot, eventually it separated and got lost and my husband can no longer wear it. 10 years ago I bought him a watch that he loves dearly and wears daily. Over time the Chrystal had gotten scratches and he brought it in about a month ago to see if they could replace it. They said sure. Then about a week later they said all the inner workings of the watch were in terrible shape he needed to rebuild the watch for just under $300. My husband loves this watch so he agreed. A month goes by and they finally call and we go to pick up a different watch! The bezel is now white and cheap and covers the outside edges of his chronograph. I noticed it right away, but my husband was happy to have the watch back and on his wrist. At the time we picked up that watch, he dropped off another expensive watch that he bought when he was young to just add the link back and put a buff on the links. $100. Owner calls him and gives him the SAME story! Oh, it's all gummed up in the links and we have to clean them all out $295. Husband agrees. And in the mean time, the watch he FIXED startsl falling apart at links that were never damaged or broken before. When this happened, the husband decides after he picks up his last watch he's finding another repair place. Well he went to pick up his last watch today... And it was $295 PLUS $100 for adding the link and giving it a buff. It's kinda disgusting that instead of KEEPING loyal customers, they see them as marks, to keep up charging and doing shoddy work. My husband left there so angry and that is a difficult thing to do.. I can only say, buyer beware. Even when they only...

I can’t say enough great things about Eddie, the owner of Watch Works. He has become my go-to expert for all things timepieces and jewelry. From my Rolex to Cartier, Movado, Chanel, and Seiko watches, Eddie has handled every repair and service with the utmost precision, care, and professionalism.

Not only does he have an incredible eye for detail, but his knowledge of high-end and luxury watches is second to none. Whether it’s a simple battery replacement or a complex internal repair, Eddie treats each piece as if it were his own.

Beyond watches, Eddie has also repaired several pieces of my jewelry — each time bringing them back to life better than I could have imagined. His workmanship is top-tier, and his honesty and integrity make working with him an absolute pleasure.

If you’re looking for someone you can trust with your most valuable and sentimental items, look no further. Eddie at Watch Works is the real deal — a true artisan with a passion for excellence. Highly,...