Friday, February 3rd
2023 Watch Store Reviews
WatchMaxx
- Over 7,000 watches to choose from
- "A+" rated and accredited by the BBB
- Family-owned, in business for nearly 20 years
- 30-day returns on new watches, 14 days on pre-owned or store display
- Free standard shipping in the lower 48 states on orders of $150 or more
WatchMaxx has more than 20 years of experience in the watch industry, operating as a family-owned business serving thousands of customers worldwide.
Options for Rolex and Citizen
WatchMaxx didn't have any of the Corso line of Citizen watches we used as a comparison across retailers, but they had seven items in other series (Paradex, Chandler, and Paradigm). With respect to Rolex, there was just one Explorer model available - but dozens more in the Sea-Dweller, Cosmograph, Yacht-Master, Submariner, and other lines.
7,000+ watches to choose from
Let's put it this way: you won't have a shortage of options here, even if the specific brand-model combination you've got in mind isn't in stock. WatchMaxx had about 7,000 watches during our last trip to their online storefront, ranging from a cute Coach satin strap women's watch for $45 and an Invicta Pro Diver men's watch for $53, all the way up to styles by Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and IWC for $205,000+.
"Special savings" are the real deal
We're impressed with the prices at WatchMaxx. If you're not sure exactly what you want but like the idea of getting a luxury watch at a discount, be sure to click the filter for "special savings" . The first few watches might not be particularly "bargain-priced" (ours populated with several watches over $100,000 with no discounts shown), but below that we found lots of styles by Invicta, Ferragamo, Movado, Oris, and other brands with savings of 75% or more over list price. Other watch stores also had sales on these watches, but the WatchMaxx pricing topped them all.
One low price example
One example was the Versace V-Helix 38mm Silver Dial Diamond Bezel Leather Strap for Women: the WatchMaxx price of $495 was 88% lower than the list price of $3,500, and almost $200 less than rival retailers displayed. It's almost an afterthought, but on orders over $150, you'll also get free standard shipping in the continental US (or pay $5 on purchases below that amount).
30 days for returns, exceptions possible
Lots of watch stores give you 30 days to make a return on new items and 14 days on pre-owned. WatchMaxx is the only one to come out and say that exceptions to those policies can be arranged at their discretion - and in an era of shipping delays and supply chain issues, among other things, we really appreciate that kind of service.
Selling watches they don't actually have?
Sounds amazing, right? Given that this retailer even has an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, you're probably wondering why it gets such a low rating. Despite the BBB's positive impression and nearly 9,000 reviews elsewhere, recent customer comments left us with big concerns about how WatchMaxx actually does business. Time and again, customers place orders for "in stock" watches, only to wait weeks on end for it to ship. Then, when no delivery information has been provided, customers inquire about the progress of their order and are then told that the order can't be fulfilled.
Seems to be a pattern
The pattern seems to indicate that WatchMaxx advertises watches that they may or may not be able to source for you. That seems like buying that pair of size 0 jeans for your high school reunion and hoping that your diet works in time. Not a problem if it works, but when it doesn't, it becomes an issue - and that's what we're hearing from too many WatchMaxx shoppers.
Too many concerns to merit a higher rating
If you see a watch you love on this site and time is not of the essence, you could take your chances and buy it. There are enough five-star reviews to indicate that at least some of the time, WatchMaxx is delivering quality watches at attractive prices. Unfortunately, our concerns over how this watch store sources the items it lists in inventory make it impossible to rank WatchMaxx among our preferred retailers at this time.
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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?
Watch Store FAQ
Continued from above...
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?
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