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The Best Watch Stores

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?

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Watch Store Reviews

Ashford Review Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award 5 Star Rating

Ashford

5 Star Rating Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

NYC-based Ashford is our favorite place to shop for watches. There's genuinely something for everyone here, from starter wristwatches for under $35 to height-of-luxury investment pieces for over $100K. Customers say that the service is unmatched, and many of them have returned time and again to take advantage of the vast selection and incredible prices. Ashford is our newest first-place winner among watch stores.

Zappos Review 4.5 Star Rating

Zappos

4.5 Star Rating

Zappos isn't just for shoes anymore. You'll find nearly 1,000 watches to choose from here, from basic Timex designs to designer names like Tissot and Citizen. The site makes it quick and fun to find what you're looking for, and you'll get perks like free shipping (even to Alaska and Hawaii) and 365-day returns. Zappos gets lots of compliments from satisfied shoppers, and this watch store earns a good ranking from us as well.

Authentic Watches Review 4.5 Star Rating

Authentic Watches

4.5 Star Rating

Ready to add another Swiss-made watch to your collection? Authentic Watches should be the first store you visit if you're looking for a Rolex, Omega, Breitling, Christian Dior, or other luxury brand. For more than 40 years, this family-operated business has delivered world-class watches with attentive customer service, at prices that can't be matched by other retailers.

Zales Review 4 Star Rating

Zales

4 Star Rating

Zales offers the convenience of an online inventory of more than 2,000 watches with options for in-store pick-up and returns if desired. Popular brands here include Invicta, Movado and Coach, but none of the makers you'd associate with luxury or bargain buys. Zales' range of brands (just 13) and return policy (just 30 days) are more limited than many stores in our review, keeping this retailer from earning our highest rating. However, Zales has a good reputation covering a century in business, and it's a watch store you can trust.

Watches2U Review 3.5 Star Rating

Watches2U

3.5 Star Rating

Watches2U is located in the UK, but with free worldwide shipping and super-fast delivery, there's no reason not to look here for your next watch. Choose from among 4,000 wristwatches and don't be surprised when yours arrives within a week. Watches2U offers a 60-day return window too. Thousands of customers have given this store a five-star rating, and it's the biggest independent online watch shop in the UK. If you're not put off by seeing prices in pounds sterling and having to run the numbers to convert to dollars, this store could be fun for you to shop.

WatchCo Review 3.5 Star Rating

WatchCo

3.5 Star Rating

WatchCo has a small selection of watches across a few brands. There's nothing truly "luxury" here, with prices mostly under $1,000 and lots of styles that are more technical/sport-based than formal accessories. The store has some customer perks we really like, such as free shipping anywhere in the US on orders over $50, a 110% Price Protection guarantee, and a 365-day return policy. The inventory here is a little too small for WatchCo to merit a higher ranking, but you shouldn't have any concerns about shopping at this online watch store.

Watch Shopping Review 3.5 Star Rating

Watch Shopping

3.5 Star Rating

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.

World of Watches Review 3.5 Star Rating

World of Watches

3.5 Star Rating

World of Watches has a lot to offer: more than 16,000 watches ranging in price from under $20 to over $200,000. Over 100,000 shoppers have left reviews for this watch store, for an impressive average of 4.8 stars. Some customers report problems with watches that stop working after a few months, but you shouldn't have issues if you properly register your warranty with the manufacturer. World of Watches has moved up in our rankings since our last review, and you may want to consider their selection when you buy a watch.

Watch Station Review 3 Star Rating

Watch Station

3 Star Rating

Fossil Group's Watch Station has been around for over 15 years, and you may have seen their retail locations in an outlet mall near you. Their online store has about 2400 watches to choose from, mostly concentrated in brands like Diesel, Michael Kors, Emporio Armani and (of course) Fossil. It's great that Watch Station now allows for in-store returns of online orders, but that's the only upgrade this store has gotten since our last review. This probably isn't going to be your go-to for watches, especially if you want a higher-end brand, but there's no reason to avoid Watch Station either.

Jomashop Review 2.5 Star Rating

Jomashop

2.5 Star Rating

Your mind will be blown as you shop for a watch at Jomashop, especially if you're buying a luxury wristwatch. There are over 52,000 watches to choose from, including several dozen in the $500,000-and-up range. As much as we want to love this watch store for its extensive inventory and 30+ years in business, customer comments indicate that the service here leaves a lot to be desired. You may want to keep Jomashop in reserve if you don't find what you're looking for elsewhere.

WatchMaxx Review 2.5 Star Rating

WatchMaxx

2.5 Star Rating

At first glance, WatchMaxx is a standout among watch stores: amazing prices on luxury watches, with deep discounts making it possible for even budget-minded shoppers to get that designer brand they've always wanted. The BBB gives this retailer an "A+" rating and many customers also award it five stars. But, recent customer feedback indicates that WatchMaxx displays watches for sale that they don't actually have in their inventory, leaving shoppers high and dry for weeks (or months) at a time while the company scrambles to find it among their suppliers. You should probably choose a different store if you need your watch to arrive quickly (or at all).

Brathwait Review 2 Star Rating

Brathwait

2 Star Rating

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.

Compare the Best Reviews

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?

The Best Watch Stores Compare Watch Stores Compare Watch Store Reviews What are the best Watch Stores Best Watch Store Reviews

Watch Store FAQ

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

Compare Watch Stores

Select any 2 Watch Stores to compare them head to head

best-watch-stores
  • Ashford
  • Zappos
  • Authentic Watches
  • Zales
  • Watches2U
  • WatchCo
  • Watch Shopping
  • World of Watches
  • Watch Station
  • Jomashop
  • WatchMaxx
  • Brathwait
Ashford vs Zappos Ashford vs Authentic Watches Ashford vs Zales Ashford vs Watches2U Ashford vs WatchCo Ashford vs Watch Shopping Ashford vs World of Watches Ashford vs Watch Station Ashford vs Jomashop Ashford vs WatchMaxx Ashford vs Brathwait Zappos vs Authentic Watches Zappos vs Zales Zappos vs Watches2U Zappos vs WatchCo Zappos vs Watch Shopping Zappos vs World of Watches Zappos vs Watch Station Zappos vs Jomashop Zappos vs WatchMaxx Zappos vs Brathwait Authentic Watches vs Zales Authentic Watches vs Watches2U Authentic Watches vs WatchCo Authentic Watches vs Watch Shopping Authentic Watches vs World of Watches Authentic Watches vs Watch Station Authentic Watches vs Jomashop Authentic Watches vs WatchMaxx Authentic Watches vs Brathwait Zales vs Watches2U Zales vs WatchCo Zales vs Watch Shopping Zales vs World of Watches Zales vs Watch Station Zales vs Jomashop Zales vs WatchMaxx Zales vs Brathwait Watches2U vs WatchCo Watches2U vs Watch Shopping Watches2U vs World of Watches Watches2U vs Watch Station Watches2U vs Jomashop Watches2U vs WatchMaxx Watches2U vs Brathwait WatchCo vs Watch Shopping WatchCo vs World of Watches WatchCo vs Watch Station WatchCo vs Jomashop WatchCo vs WatchMaxx WatchCo vs Brathwait Watch Shopping vs World of Watches Watch Shopping vs Watch Station Watch Shopping vs Jomashop Watch Shopping vs WatchMaxx Watch Shopping vs Brathwait World of Watches vs Watch Station World of Watches vs Jomashop World of Watches vs WatchMaxx World of Watches vs Brathwait Watch Station vs Jomashop Watch Station vs WatchMaxx Watch Station vs Brathwait Jomashop vs WatchMaxx Jomashop vs Brathwait WatchMaxx vs Brathwait
Compare the Best Watch Stores
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