Buying a wristwatch online is something of a gamble. By definition, you haven’t seen the watch, and, if it’s the first purchase from an individual or a dealer, trustworthiness-risk enters the equation. My husband and I ordered a watch from Element iN Time in New York City and had it shipped to us in California. All of our contacts with Gary Videira were answered quickly and helpfully. After we had the watch a month or so, we noticed a glitch in the date change on the 10th and 20th of the month. It’s one of those situations that easily could devolve into the customer’s “it came that way” vs the dealer’s “you broke it, probably by trying to change the date manually between 9pm and 3am, when the watch gears are engaged in changing the date automatically.” Instead, this dealer agreed to repair it. While it was back with Element iN Time, we found ourselves ambivalent about the choice of that watch, and its not functioning perfectly at the outset dulled our enthusiasm for it enough so that we began looking at the store’s other choices, and asked Gary if they would be willing to keep the watch we had returned (by then, he and we knew it was fixed and the way the date-gear was a bit off certainly could have been treated by Gary as likely due to our mishandling the date change). Instead, without any dickering, he sent us the watch we now wanted. Both we and friends of ours have been asked by watch dealers, in the past, to take a loss on a watch being returned, either, as in this case, because there was a problem for which the the customer might well have been responsible, or because the watch on the wrist wasn’t as satisfying as hoped; so Gary’s response to a first-time buyer was unusually gracious and generous – not simply because he was clearly more interested in our satisfaction but also because he made himself just as available when the issue was a return as he had been when we made the original purchase, but also because he overnighted the second watch on the day he got the box and papers for the returned watch. There is really no better testament to a dealer’s trustworthiness in long-distance, sight-unseen purchases like this than accepting a return or exchange without hesitation. Plus, Element iN Time’s price for the watch we ended up wanting and buying (a watch that was unworn and purchased new only two months before we bought it as “pre-owned” from Element iN Time) was 20% less than was paid by a friend for the same model in 2014 (and, in addition, at the time of his purchase, the unit he bought was 6 years old, while the one we bought is essentially new). We have no hesitation in...
Read moreMy buying experience with Element iN Time was fantastic. This was a big deal for me because I have only purchased my watches from local AD's. I live on the other side of the country. I sourced a new AP Royal Oak with Element iN Time and they absolutely came through. I was initially very nervous buying an expensive time piece like a RO sight unseen but my worries were always put at ease.
Zach was the sales associate who took care of me. He graciously explained the whole process and answered every one of my questions. I'm a pretty analytical and meticulous person, especially when buying products. Zach was very responsive through email and phone. He gave me his cell phone number so I could call anytime. He often called me first thing in the morning to give me an update. Zach registered my name on the warranty card right away and asked for my wrist size so they could pre-size the watch before shipping to me. He was out of the office one weekend at a trade show and still responded in this manner. What service!
I felt like Zach was always two steps ahead and you can you tell he is a pro and knows what he is doing. From reading these reviews, it looks like all the staff at Element iN Time are top notch.
The watch was shipped overnight exactly when promised. Everything intact, pristine, extra links packed with bubble wrap, Zach even threw in a travel watch case! Really exceeded my expectations. I am super happy about the watch, the transaction and the whole process. I'm hoping Element iN Time will be my go-to dealer for my next watch. Thank you.
Update June 4, 2019: I just bought a second watch from Zach at Element in Time. Once again Zach came through and provided impeccable service. I had three watches in mind. Zach made a great suggestion for the Zenith El Primero which happened to be my first choice. He could have sold me a more expensive piece but took into consideration my preferences and thought process. Something happened with my payment which was my fault. But Zach still found a way to get the watch shipped to me as promised before I'd be flying out. The watch was shipped overnight promptly. It arrived in perfect new shape. Great pricing and...
Read moreGoogle doesn't allow multiple reviews for the same business for obvious reasons, however, I just received my 2nd watch from EiT. Once again, exceptional service, communication, and experience. Nick Nazar is a "watch wizard" and ensures you are taken care of while not pushing you to buy buy buy. He wants your consideration for future purchases, not just a 1 and done experience which I truly appreciate. If you are considering EiT, rest assured they are awesome and can be 100% trusted. I will continue to work with EiT/Nick. THANK YOU!
All around great experience with EiT. I came upon EiT when shopping for a watch when I was on business in NYC. I stopped by their "shop" and chatted with Nick Nazar about what I was looking for. He was incredible knowledgeable, trustworthy, and helpful. I left the store without purchasing anything and didn't feel pressured to do so. Fast forward 4 months, I reached out to Nick again and asked him to look for a different watch I had wanted - he was beyond responsive and provided me with a fair price within that day. He made me feel 100% confident about my purchase and am now the proud owner of a luxury watch from EiT. I definitely plan to stay connected with Nick and those at EiT for my next watch. 100% trustworthy, 100% reliable, and 100% fair. Buy confidently with EiT! Thanks again...
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