Bob's Watches

[D!ngo]

Originally Posted by fozzyf18

I purchased a watch from Bob's about 6 years ago. No real issue, watch was as described, but certainly on the higher cost end of similar watches for sale across the major sellers. Watch was about 13 years old when I purchased it, so it had obviously been polished but I had no issue with the job that had been done.

One of the biggest complaints is that Bob's specifically states the size wrist that the watch will fit in the listing. They do not provide additional links for free, they will charge you.

Also, depending on the age of the watch, do not assume that it has been recently serviced unless the listing specifically states it. My watch worked fine for about a year and then felt gritty when winding. Sent it for service and the tech reported that it was pretty much bone dry- it probably had never been serviced in the 13 years prior to my ownership.

Recommend calling them and asking very specific questions if you have concerns, or send an email to get their answer on record.

Lastly, while I am satisfied with my purchase, I do not plan to purchase from Bob's again due to other's experiences that I have read about (and not just here). I'm more informed now than when I made my purchase, and I would bias towards the trusted sellers on this forum and recommend the same to anyone I know who isn't very knowledgeable about watches but looking to purchase.

Thanks for the heads-up. I plan to have the service done after I buy the watch anyway, regardless of what they say about the last service. After all, it could be them that did the "service" and it's nothing more than just inspecting and cleaning. I also take snapshots of the photos online of any watch I am interested in. Especially with precious metals and diamond-encrusted links, every missing link is more than a grand.

[digitalcrocodile]

I bought a watch from Bob's Watches in 2016. My only issue is that the initials of the original owner are engraved on the caseback and I was never told this nor was it visible in the pictures posted with the ad. Not a huge deal and I was, and still am, happy with the watch. But I'll never buy from them again. If they pull something like this there is the real risk of something worse happening.

[dmhines]

I just cancelled my trade deal with Bobs .. Milgauss and Sub ..they said both needed servicing at $500 each since they failed time test .. I said well they are not new watches and I never advertised them to you as new so why should I pay to make them as new so you can sell them and make even more money ? Crazy.

[dmhines]

Follow-up ...

They called me back ... They offered to "eat" the service charge on the 2014 Milgauss but said they still need to deduct $500 for the 2006 Submariner Service. I decided to move forward after thinking about it .. They had a 2024 Root Beer on hold for me that I didn't want to pass up .. and like a car .. I saved some money on sales tax by trading in ..

Originally Posted by dmhines

I just cancelled my trade deal with Bobs .. Milgauss and Sub ..they said both needed servicing at $500 each since they failed time test .. I said well they are not new watches and I never advertised them to you as new so why should I pay to make them as new so you can sell them and make even more money ? Crazy.

[1William]

Originally Posted by dmhines

Follow-up ...

They called me back ... They offered to "eat" the service charge on the 2014 Milgauss but said they still need to deduct $500 for the 2006 Submariner Service. I decided to move forward after thinking about it .. They had a 2024 Root Beer on hold for me that I didn't want to pass up .. and like a car .. I saved some money on sales tax by trading in ..

Good for you. Congratulations.

[Gruesome]

A few things I was told when visiting Bob's Watches in Newport Beach a few days ago:
[LIST]

• Not all watches they sell have been serviced; they open each watch and service as needed (in their judgment, obviously).
• They confirmed that 'service' has the usual meaning, i.e. complete disassembly, cleaning including cleaning of all jewels and pivots, replacement of parts as needed, lubrication and reassembly, by a Rolex trained/certified/qualified watchmaker they contract with. They are not an authorized Rolex dealer.
• All watches they sell will have been polished, but to varying degrees.
• They will not buy a watch that in their judgment can't be brought to 'excellent' status.
• The watches I saw and handled did not even have the slightest hints of swirls or scratches on the clasp or any bracelet links. There were contact marks inside the bracelet clasp, and where the end links touch the watch case, but otherwise the watches looked new and unworn to me. I assume the clasps were rebrushed (the sales agent did not know the details of the polishing for each watch, but described one as polished and the other as spot polished).
• When buying they will discount $400 (as of November 2024) if a watch needs a service; hence they recommend against servicing before selling to them.
• 90% or 95% (one number I was told, the other I overheard from a different sales agent) of their business is online; they do not have a watch display area, but will bring up to two watches at a time out from their storage area.
• Depending on how many customer are present at the same time, their front area can get a bit noisy.
• They will not place a hold on a watch, nor take a down payment.
• They do honor the $100 online first time buyer discount when buying in store (the transaction still goes through their web site anyway).

All in all, I am happy with my visit and decision to purchase from them. I know I paid a premium over a potentially equivalent watch on e.g. chrono24 (where I have bought before), but being able to see and handle the watch, and ask questions in person was/is worth it to me. Obviously, not everybody is in driving distance from Newport Beach.

[Gruesome]

Just an update on watch verification and impact on pressure testing at Bob's Watches:
I was just told that after opening the case back for verification, their watchmaker tests for 100m water resistance. They do not have equipment for higher pressure.

So it's good enough for most of the Baltic, but stay out of the Mariana Trench until the next proper service.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by newbee1

I come from family of lawyers so its in my blood to think about proofs all the time. I guess it was wrong choice of words but I seriously hope they don't damage the watch as it'll be very unprofessional.

I thought you were going to say I come from a family of mathematicians, I always think of proofs. lol

[newbee1]

Originally Posted by breitlings

I thought you were going to say I come from a family of mathematicians, I always think of proofs. lol

LOL, I wish :)

[Jetcop 20]

Moral of the story...F Bobs Watches and buy ,trade or sell onl;y to a KNOWN reputable place or person!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by Jetcop 20

Moral of the story...F Bobs Watches and buy ,trade or sell onl;y to a KNOWN reputable place or person!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Not entirely sure that’s the moral. I’ve heard success stories with Bobs many many times.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Jetcop 20

Moral of the story...F Bobs Watches and buy ,trade or sell onl;y to a KNOWN reputable place or person!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

They have never been shown to have sold a fake. Their prices on the retail side are upfront for all to see (a tad high compared to the TS who work out of the trunk of their car). There isn't anything of poor repute for buyers, and a lot of people have been happy with purchases from them.

I wouldn't sell them a broken Timex though. The wholesale side is deceptive IMO.

FWIW, you can go to their store and deal in person.