Leonels Watch & Jewelry Repair — Local services in San Bruno

Opening promptly at 1000, the man in the picture, wearing magnifying headgear, not overly tall, welcomed me. I brought two watches.

#1 is a model 3054 Casio wave ceptor that as of late has not been picking up the radio synchronization signals from Colorado for several days. Assuming it was a low battery, I was informed by the proprietor that the battery was still good. He politely handed it back.

#2 is a cheap Casio model 3224 that I've had for several years. Proprietor said this battery was good with no change necessary. He handed back the watch. No money exchanged hands. Unfortunately I did not ask what he charges for Casio watch battery swaps.

My impression was that this proprietor knows Casio watches...parking can be a challenge. It is defended by the city of San Bruno with 2-hour parking. If my Casio watches do need batteries, I shall return. Highly recommend this establishment.

Update -- 072322, Sa, 1025: Stepped in with a Seiko SNE 039 (solar) and the kind proprietor was seated at his work desk wearing head gear and lamp shining brightly on his work at hand. Looking up he greeted me quite pleasantly. My smirky reply was, "Rolex or Omega, kind Sir?"

Taking less than a minute, faster than a speeding bullet, the proprietor removed one link making for a perfect, not wobbly, fit to my left wrist for the above mentioned wrist watch. Fee = $10. I was amazed at the prompt efficiency, thinking I was going to return later for the work done. I was stunned over how fast my request was accomplished.

As the gentle proprietor was handing back my change, I pressed my initial question by saying, "You haven't answered my question regarding Rolex or Omega, Sir."

Smiling, looking me in the eye, he replied, "Both are too expensive."

I thanked him and stepped out...I highly highly recommend this business. The proprietor knows his stuff and his prices are very fair & reasonable not to mention how quickly he works.

Cash only; no cards, no tap-n-pay, no NFC, which is ok since there is a Citi Bk...

Beware… I brought my $2000 watch there 8 months ago for a mainspring repair and the watch is still not ready. I’ve been back to the shop at least 10 times with excuse after excuse why it is not ready. I even asked for it back, un repaired and Leonel won’t return it. I guess it’s small claims court next.

Update: In March I went back to Leonels on a Saturday morning to demand my watch back one last time, repaired or not. I was also prepared to report the watch stolen if I did not get it back. Surprisingly Leonel said I’ll finish it up right now… it’ll take about an hour. I waited in his shop until it was finished.

Oddly, during that hour wait two other people came in upset that he had not finished their watches. A gentleman said his watch was there since January and a lady came in fuming that it had been over a year since she has seen her watch.

Makes me wonder how many others if I would encounter two others within that hour wait.

Got my watch back, it’s running and keeping time… but now the date and 24 hour clock indicator doesn’t work. They were working fine before the mainspring problem and when I brought the watch in.

Leonel did not charge me for the work, but now I have to pay someone else to fix what he broke.

My conclusion: I noticed all the positive reviews are mainly battery replacements, which is fast and easy to do. But if you have any complex repairs I believe you are at risk of experiencing what I did.

I’ll update again when I hear what the next watch repair shop says about my new issues since taking my watch to Leonel’s.

Update… apparently Leonels broke a post on the date wheel and lost a critical part that keeps the date wheel aligned. The second watch repair shop recommended that I send the watch back to Ball watch company, who manufactured the watch. It’s looking like anywhere from $500-700 to repair, waiting for the...

I normally don't provide reviews, however, I could not pass this up. I have a small collection of g-shocks, suuntos and garmins. My battery on indicator started to flash on my Mudmaster (gg-1000-1). Located watch repair store in my area. Contacted the stop and spoke with Leonel. Asked if an appointment was needed, he replied no appointment was needed. When, I arrived to the store. Leonel looked over the watch and provided me an estimate. He went into the detail of the battery replacement. I agreed to the price. He said come back in 45minutes to an hour. I told him to take his time and no rush was needed. I went to the eat at the Deli down the street. Love their sub sandwiches. Returned to the store and Leonel mentioned he just finished and mentioned that the watch took 2 batteries. I asked him so what was the total. He responded. He didn't know that this particular watch took 2 batteries and could not charge me what he had quoted earlier. I was about to pay for time/services, but before I paid him. I asked if could I look the watch over. I notice the adjustment button on my watch wasn't functioning correctly. I asked him about it. He took the watch back and needed 15 minutes. In no time he had the button as functioning as it should. I paid him and went on my way. Leonel's customer service and professionalism has left a long last impression on me. I will not hesitate to take my future watch repair to Leonel.

Thanks...