Watch Shopping vs Brathwait for October 2024

Item: Watch Shopping vs Brathwait
Rating: 3.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Monday, October 14th

2024 Watch Store Reviews

Watch Shopping

About 5,000 watches to choose from
"A+” rated and accredited by the BBB
Free shipping on all US orders
14-day return policy
1-year warranty on pre-owned watches
Manufacturer warranty or in-house warranty (1-5 years) on new watches

Watch Shopping is off to a good start: after only a few years in business, this watch store has an "A+” from the BBB, hundreds of five-star reviews, and more than 5,000 watches in its inventory. We found competitive prices on a wide range of brands, but we're disappointed by the strict return policy and the lack of information about the store itself. On the whole, though, this retailer is already better than average and we hope to see more good things going forward.

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Brathwait

American watch company in business since 2014
All classic, minimalist designs
Prices between $120-$700
Free domestic shipping and returns on orders over $50
12-month warranty on all watches
30-day return policy on unworn watches in brand-new condition

Brathwait only carries its own brand of minimalist wristwatches: no luxury or classic names here. You won't be overwhelmed by options to choose from, and the prices are all under $700: this watch store prioritizes complete transparency without the crazy markups of other brands. We wish Brathwait had a better track record with respect to shopper satisfaction, but the overall picture here is a love-hate relationship and really inconsistent customer service. Brathwait is nice in theory but their actual performance is subpar. Choose a different watch store.

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Where is the Best Place to Buy a Watch?

That question is almost more easily answered by where you should not shop: the mall or jewelry store! You might be drawn in by a beautiful timepiece prominently displayed in the window, but do you really want the sales pressure or higher prices once you walk through the door? We don't either.

Your best bet is an online watch store. Whether you're looking for the next luxury wristwatch to add to your collection or something classic-yet-affordable, you won't find a better selection at any brick-and-mortar store near you. Why browse a few dozen options from a handful of brands and be limited to the retailer's business hours, when you can see thousands of styles and brands whenever you get the whim to shop?

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Watch Store FAQ

Are watches still popular?

Yes! Despite the fact that we all carry a clock in our pocket (i.e. on our mobile phones), watches remain a very popular accessory.

What kinds of watches are on the market today?

The most prevalent type of watch on people's wish lists is the smartwatch. People rush to buy the newest "wearable tech" when it hits the stores, and they're particularly sought after by fitness enthusiasts (e.g. Fitbit, Apple Watch). But traditional wristwatches - especially luxury brands - are still on trend for fashion and function.

Why would I shop for my watch online and not at my local jewelry store?

Brick-and-mortar stores tend to carry just a few brands and styles at a time, and they pass the overhead costs of operating their business on to the customer. On the other hand, shopping online gives you literally the world's best selection at your fingertips, often at prices that easily rival or beat what you'd find at the jeweler.

Is it risky to buy my new watch online?

As long as you purchase your watch from a reputable store, buying your watch online isn't risky at all. You can rest assured that you're getting what you're paying for, and you can always file a dispute with your credit card issuer if a problem arises that isn't being handled appropriately by the merchant.

Can I return the watch if it arrives and I don't like it?

Most online retailers of watches give you a 30-day return window. However, to be eligible for a refund, the watch usually has to be in unworn condition.

Do I have to pay extra for shipping?

That depends on the store. Some offer free shipping on all orders, while others require a minimum spend (e.g. $50).

I want to buy a high-end, luxury watch. How do I know it will arrive safely?

You can be sure that if you're buying a $20,000 watch, it's in the retailer's best interest to insure the delivery! You'll probably have to sign for the package as well, which minimizes the likelihood that your watch will be intercepted by "porch pirates" !

Do watches make good gifts?

Definitely. Watches are still used to commemorate special occasions, like reaching a career milestone or an anniversary. And, with some watches, you can have the back engraved with a special message.

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But wait. What if the watch doesn't fit? Or I don't like it when it arrives? Usually not a problem. Watch stores have already anticipated your concerns, and you'll usually have a generous return window if you need a refund or want to make an exchange. A few retailers even allow you to wear the watch for several weeks before you make your decision - as long as it's still in good condition, without a lot of wear and tear, of course.

Which watch store should get your attention? There are lots of options, and many of them would be a perfectly good choice for your new time-keeper. Here are a few ways you can narrow down the options:

Selection. How many watches does the store carry? Are there many brands to choose from, in the styles you have in mind?
Easy-to-Shop Features. Does the watch store make it easy (and maybe even fun?) to find your next wristwatch? Can you use filters to see watches that meet your mental wish list?
Price. Are the watch prices comparable with other stores? Are there any discounts or free shipping promos that can sweeten the deal?
Return Policy. How long do you have to send your watch back if you want a refund? Can you wear the watch for any length of time beforehand? Will you have to pay a restocking fee or the return shipping costs?
Reputation. What do other customers say about the store? Were the watches exactly as shown on the website? Were there any issues with the customer service team if there was a problem? How are warranty claims handled?

To help you find the right timepiece for that someone special (or yourself!), TopConsumerReviews.com has evaluated and ranked today's most popular online watch stores. From everyday wear to black-tie occasions, the perfect watch is out there. Ready to start shopping?