The WATCH Lab Reviews 

1,739
•
TrustScore 4 out of 5

4.1

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 144 reviews, reviewers had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently praise the exceptionally friendly staff for providing consistently helpful, professional, and efficient service during every visit to the local store. Consumers often mention that simple battery replacements and minor strap adjustments are completed very quickly while you wait, sometimes even offered completely free of charge. However, some customers also noted frustrating issues with expensive pricing structures or unexpectedly high quotes requested for certain watch repairs. A few reviewers also experienced significant problems where personal items were unfortunately returned damaged, poorly sealed, or completely broken shortly after being serviced.

What people talk about most

Service

Customers had great satisfaction with the service, frequently highlighting polite, friendly, and efficient... See more

Staff

Customers consistently note positive experiences with staff, describing them as extremely helpful, polite,... See more

Product

People report ambiguous experiences with product, as opinions on repairs and modifications are sharply... See more

Price

Consumers find price to be ambiguous, with opinions sharply divided regarding the cost of services. While... See more

Customer service

Reviewers mention positive feedback about customer service, noting that staff members are exceptionally... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

By the time I came to The Watch Lab in Fenwicks, Colchester I had been told by various jewellers that they couldn't fix my watch. Hannah took a long look at my watch and accepted the challenge,... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Took a watch to them this morning after being quoted a cost of £255 by jeweller for a small repair and battery change. To be fair the jeweller recommended the watch lab. Repair and battery replacement... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I visited the Watch Lab Trinity Leeds today and the service I received from the lady was absolutely excellent so I decided to leave a review. Her technical skills were first class and also great advi... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Emporio Armani watch taken in as long hand was fixed at 12 o'clock. Watch was initially checked and as initial inspection showed further investigation was required. We returned a coupke of hoyrs lat... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Watch Repair Service

Written by the company

The Watch Lab has been operating from our purpose-built Service Centre in Preston for 20 years, where our team of expertly trained professional watch technicians and watchmakers repair a range of brands whether Vintage, Automatic, Mechanical or Quartz. As a member of the British Watch and Clockmakers Guild we operate to the highest industry standards and both our branches and workshop use all the latest technical equipment from Switzerland and Germany. We also have a national chain of Watch Lab branches and kiosks that are conveniently placed in some of the UK’s most visited shopping centres from Southampton to Glasgow and from Bristol to York. Many common repairs can be completed on-site within the hour by our friendly branch staff who will be more than happy to help you or alternatively we offer our high quality, full insured Battery and Reseal 7-day postal service for watches under £2500 in value.


Contact info

4.1

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

2K reviews

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1-star

No recent history of asking for reviews

This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative

Replied to 73% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 2 weeks

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4.1

All reviews

(1,739)

144 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Horrible staff at the watch lab Leeds trinity

I went to the watch lab in Leeds trinity and dear me, the staff was horrible. She didn’t even let me explain what I want and just said let me do my job, I mean wth how do you know why did I even came?

August 24, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you for letting us know about your experience at our Leeds Trinity branch. I’m very sorry to hear that you felt dismissed by the staff member and were not given the chance to explain your request. This is not the level of service we expect, and we will make sure your feedback is shared with the team.

If you’d like us to look into this further, please contact us at customer.support@timpson.com
so we can assist you directly.

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I just wanted to give you some feedback…

I just wanted to give you some feedback before I posted a review. I visited your store in Manchester first on the 15th August at around 3pm and found a note on the door saying back in an hour which is fine these things happen. I had a spare couple of house today the 22nd so I went back to the store spoke to your representative and booked my watch in for a battery replacement, pressure test and clean. I was told that it should be ready within the hour but I will get a message if it’s done earlier. Just over an hour I returned to be told it hadn’t even been started because they were too busy. I took my watch as I had only traveled into Manchester for this service so had just wasted an hour. If I had been told they were busy and it might have been 2 hours that would have been fine I would have picked it up another day and not just wasted my time sitting around.

August 22, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you for sharing your feedback, and I’m sorry to hear about your recent experience in our Manchester store. We always aim to keep customers updated about waiting times, and I’m sorry this didn’t happen for you.

So we can look into this further and help put things right, please get in touch with our team at customer.support@timpson.com
and they’ll be happy to assist you directly.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommended.

Friendly Naz ( I think that was his name ) at Basingstoke festival place did an excellent job buffing a scratch from my watch face after Samuel’s failed dismally. Highly recommended. Great service.

August 5, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that Naz at Basingstoke Festival Place provided such excellent service and got your watch looking great. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Sarah from the Bristol store was very…

Sarah from the Bristol store was very helpful and friendly and the service she provided was very efficient and professional.

August 5, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thanks for letting us know! We’re delighted to hear Sarah from the Bristol store gave you such friendly, professional, and efficient service — we’ll make sure she gets the recognition she deserves.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service - Derby branch

Excellent service from the Derbion branch in Derby to fix the strap on my daughters watch. Thoroughly recommend them!

July 30, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that our Derbion branch was able to help with your daughter’s watch strap. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future!

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Watch strap replacement was really good…

Watch strap replacement was really good and amazing service form Edson

July 29, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re glad to hear Edson provided amazing service with your watch strap replacement. We’ll be sure to share your compliments with him!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I took my solar watch into the…

I took my solar watch into the Newcastle branch as it had stopped working. I was quoted £74.95 for a new battery which had to be ordered and they wanted payment up front. I left my watch with them.
Two weeks went by and I heard nothing so I called them. I was then told it wasn't the battery but a movement issue and was quoted over £200 to have it looked at. I declined and went to pick up my watch. Once home, the back fell off the watch as it hadn't been screwed back in place and the o ring seal was also missing. Also, a scratch on the polished case back was evident. Further calls and emails went unanswered. I can't recommend this company.

June 28, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

We’re very sorry to hear about your experience and the issues with your watch. This is not the standard of service we aim to provide, and we apologise for the inconvenience, delay, and lack of communication.

Please contact us at customer.support@timpson.com with your details so we can look into this properly and work to put things right.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

This is in my top 3 of all time worst…

This is in my top 3 of all time worst customer service experiences. They took my watch 10 weeks ago. Told me it was £140 for a full repair. 3 weeks later it increases to £350. Now after waiting another 3 weeks they told me they can’t fix it!
Absolutely diabolical service

July 21, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

We’re very sorry to hear about your recent experience, and we truly understand your frustration. This is not the level of service we aim to provide, and we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment caused.

We appreciate you bringing this to our attention, and we’d like to look into this further to see how we can make things right. If you're willing, please contact us directly at customer.support@timpson.com.

Thank you again for your feedback — it helps us improve, and we take it seriously.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Lee from the festival place store…

Lee from the festival place store helped in a fast and efficient way and couldn't do enough to ensure my watch bracelet fit. On my first visit I thought I had a good fit but he said I could go back within a month for further adjustments. As it is I went back the next day and within two minutes and one additional link removal watch now fits me perfectly. Thank you Lee.

July 17, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad to hear Lee was able to help you quickly and make sure your watch fit perfectly. It's great to know he made the process easy and efficient for you.

We'll make sure to pass on your thanks to Lee. If you need anything else, we're always here to help!

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

They Lost My Longines Watch.

I've used this company several times for my Longines and Ebel watches - never had a problem until now.
I sent my Longines to have a battery replace and service, it didn't need the battery but did the service - all good.
When it was returned one of the links in the bracelet was damaged so i returned it, it was done and sent back to me.
It hasn't arrived in 3 weeks and Tracking shows it's REPEATEDLY (numerous failed deliveries for 2 weeks) going to a different address in another part of the UK altogether.
I've chased 4 times asking for help and apart from a reply at the start my other 3 emails have been ignored.
My watch is clearly lost and i want a replacement. NOW.
I AM FURIOUS.
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY FOR YOUR EXPENSIVE ITEMS.
EDIT 23rd July.
I have now, today, received my watch.
I'll never know how my parcel was labelled, to keep being sent to the South East of England when i live in the South West, but someone in that department needs to be held accountable, lessons need to be learnt.
I've lost confidence in the company and for my Ebel watch i'll be going elsewhere.

July 14, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you for reaching out, and we're very sorry to hear about your experience.

We understand how upsetting and frustrating this must be, especially given the value and importance of your watch. This is far from the level of service we aim to provide, and we sincerely apologise for the lack of communication and the ongoing delivery issue.

Please get in touch with us at customer.support@timpson.com so we can urgently look into this and resolve the matter properly for you.

Thank you for your patience — we take this very seriously and want to put it right.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service at the Leeds Trinity branch

HH at the Leeds Trinity Watch Lab branch excelled in his customer service, attention to detail and friendliness. A pleasure to visit and highly recommended for all your watch repair needs.

July 11, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you so much for your kind words about HH at our Leeds Trinity Watch Lab branch. We're delighted to hear that you received excellent service and that he made your visit such a positive experience.

We’ll make sure your lovely feedback is passed on to him and the team.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience — it’s very much appreciated!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

…unable to fix the winder

Have used this company for replacing batteries and for bracelet alterations, the man has been excellent. In April I took my Seiko for a new winder, I was quoted £60, which was fine. Weeks later I picked it up and paid. I put the time right and the end of the winder fell off. Took it back, it was sent away, several weeks later my son went to pick it up, he said it looked like the modules inside had been replaced, which I never asked for, and the winder was crooked, so is gone back again to the workshop. I hope it's not going to cost me a fortune, all it needed was a new winder, but they don't seen able to do the job.

July 6, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you for your review, and we're really sorry to hear about the trouble with your watch repair.

We’d love the chance to put this right—please get in touch with our Customer Care team at customer.support@timpson.com or call 0161 946 6219 so we can look into it for you.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service

Could not have been more pleased to have found Watch Lab at Cribbs. Sarah and Lewis were extremely pleasant, honest and helpful in getting my watch sorted for me and all at a very fair price. I can’t thank them enough and would have no hesitation in recommending.

June 14, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you for your kind feedback! We're so pleased to hear that Sarah and Lewis were able to help and that you had such a positive experience at our Cribbs Causeway branch.

It's great to know you were happy with the service and price, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. We'll be sure to pass on your thanks to Sarah and Lewis.

We hope to see you again soon!

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great service

Sarah and Tom could not have been more helpful at the cribbs causeway branch. They put a new strap on my watch and allowed us to carry on shopping while they did this. Then text me when it was ready. They also checked a watch for me. I thought the battery had gone. But unfortunately the watch it self was broken. They didn’t charge me for this service. In this day and age to find two young people who go above and beyond to help is unbelievable. We will always come back to this store even though we don’t live close. We will also recommend to all our friends. Thank you so much Sarah and Tom.
Kind regards

G Fletcher

June 10, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you so much for your kind words about Sarah and Tom at our Cribbs Causeway branch. We're really glad they were able to help with your watch and give you such great service.

It’s lovely to hear they made things easy and went the extra mile — we’ll be sure to pass on your thanks to them. They’ll be so pleased to hear your feedback.

We really appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back again soon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very good place to go if you need a…

Very good place to go if you need a repair or a new watch gave me a free repair I do recommend

June 7, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! We’re glad we could help with your repair and provide great service.

If you ever need anything else, we’re here to assist.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Change of price

I walked into the York shop 3 weeks ago and asked for a quote to service my watch and repair the malfunctioning stop watch button. The salesman went through the quote book, asking make, model, how many dials and buttons. He gave me a price of £600. I took the watch in today, a different salesman looked through the set price book and said it would be between £590 and £690. Could I come back in 5 minutes while he speaks to the master watch repairer on the phone? I returned and he informed me it would be £690. How the master repairer knew it was an extra £100 without seeing it was unbeleivable. When I told him I had been quoted £600 previously, he said the previous guy was a temp. He then proceeded to talk about the service, guilding the lily for 5 mins, reminding me of double glazing salesmen. I left the watch for repair as I had travelled over an hour to get to the shop and knowing it will not be him servicing it. Go somewhere else to deal with an honest company.

May 21, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re very sorry to hear about the confusion and frustration caused by the differing quotes and the way your visit was handled.

We understand how important clear, honest communication is, and we regret that this was not your experience. Please be assured that we take your feedback seriously and will review our processes to improve consistency and transparency for our customers.

If you would like to discuss this further or have any other concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at customer.support@timpson.com. We appreciate your patience and hope to restore your confidence in our service.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

York branch was amazing

York branch was amazing. Nathan was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Really great experience

May 19, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear Nathan at our York branch provided such a helpful and knowledgeable service.

We appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again soon!

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Been to the Southampton branch

Been to the Southampton branch. Watch technician Melissa worked on my Rado watch multiple times. Professional work; patient with me trying the bracelet before I leave to make sure I am happy. Great service indeed.

May 10, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that Melissa provided you with professional and patient service at our Southampton branch.

We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to her. Looking forward to assisting you again in the future!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Took my storm watch into the Leicester…

Took my storm watch into the Leicester city branch for a new glass on 22nd feb 2025 , got told yes no problem £39.95 , but would take between 3-4 weeks , it’s now been 10 weeks no phone calls no text email etc .

I had to call them today & got told they are still waiting for the glass & storm are notoriously slow at responding??

So why has no one contacted me to keep me up to date ? Why would storm take so long sending a simple watch glass out ??

Not happy watch lab

May 1, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you for getting in touch and sharing your concerns. We’re very sorry for the delay and the lack of updates regarding your watch repair.

We understand this has been frustrating, and we apologise for the inconvenience caused.

If you have any questions, please get in touch at customer.support@timpson.com.

Thanks for your patience.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent and swift service

Excellent and swift service
Malcolm adjusted my watch today and did a fantastic and swift job. He was extremely friendly and efficient. All done within 5 mins at a reasonable price. Many thanks Malcolm

April 30, 2025
Unprompted review
The WATCH Lab logo

Reply from The WATCH Lab

Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that Malcolm provided you with friendly, efficient, and swift service.

We’ll be sure to pass on your thanks to him. Looking forward to helping you again in the future!

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