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Tuesday, November 5th
Ashford is headquartered in New York City - Tribeca, to be exact - and has been in business since 1997. They've served more than a million customers to date, offering 100% genuine and authentic watches across a wide range of brands and budgets.
Some Citizen, no Rolex
Searching for the Citizen Corso watch we used across watch stores to make a comparison, Ashford came up a little light with just two men's styles. There were 20 other Citizen watches that showed up in our search results, including designs in the Promaster, Marvel, and Blue Angels lines. Ashford had no Rolex watches in any style at the time of this review.
Terrific variety across other brands
And yet, we were blown away by the range of watches that Ashford carries outside of our Citizen/Rolex search, across more than two dozen brands. For fun, we looked to see the most and least expensive models offered here, and all we can say is "WOW”. In men's watches, the highest-end model was the Zenith Grande Class Tourbillon with an 18K rose gold case and leather alligator strap. Don't sleep on this watch, offered at a 35% discount from list price - that is, if you have $107,250 to spend. (We were not impressed by the lack of product images on that watch, though.) Catch your breath and dive all the way to the opposite end of the price spectrum at Ashford; you'll find watches by Timex, Glam Rock, and even Calvin Klein for under $35. You'll get free standard shipping if your order is over $99 - which applies to most, but clearly not all, watches sold here.
Get incredible savings in the Flash Deals section
We appreciated that Ashford didn't interrupt our watch-shopping time with an annoying pop-up offering a discount. But, never fear, such discounts are available: look for the wonderfully unobtrusive "Unlock 10% off” box and then enter your email address to get a discount exclusively for first-time customers. For extra savings, be sure to go to the Weekly Deals, Clearance, and Flash Deals sections of the Ashford site: we found an incredible deal on the Tissot Chemin Des Tourelles men's watch as a flash deal, offered at $429.99 (MSRP $975). That was absolutely the lowest price around, bar none.
Standard return policy
All new watches sold by Ashford have a 30-day return period. Just make sure you haven't worn or resized it, in order to qualify for a refund. If you choose a Certified Pre-Owned watch, you've got a 14-day return window.
Good warranty coverage
Ashford will give you a two-year warranty if you purchase a brand that isn't covered by the manufacturer - but there's a long list of brands on their warranty page that won't require that extra protection. You've also got a year-long warranty if you purchase a Certified Pre-Owned watch from any brand.
Thousands of loyal customers
The Better Business Bureau has given Ashford its highest accolades, rating the watch store with an "A+” and awarding accreditation back in 2008. Customer feedback is in line with the BBB's impression, with nearly 4,000 five-star reviews. Some shoppers return to the Ashford store over and over again, because the watches (and other products) are just that good: superb quality, perfect condition, fast delivery and backed by a terrific customer service team.
Best all-around option among watch stores
Whether you're shopping for a watch that's extravagant or expendable, Ashford is the best place to start. Take advantage of their vast selection, amazing prices, and their legendary attention to customer satisfaction. Ashford gets our highest ranking among watch stores.
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?
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:
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?
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