Hamiltons of Ringwood

Quite simply appalling service, poor repairs, faults, delays, and poor communication. My wife and I had two expensive watches in for repair and servicing. One gents 18k gold Cartier with a broken glass, which had also stopped working, and a ladies Patek Phillipe which needed a new battery and was also not working. They were handed in at separate times. My Cartier was taken away and I was told it would take around 4 weeks. I was told the glass would be replaced and that the watch had probably stopped due to small shards of glass stopping the mechanism. c8 weeks later it came back, glass replaced but still not working! When I questioned this I was told it needed a service, I asked why this had not been done, or why I was not called to ask for authorisation, but I didnt get a coherent explanation. My first mistake was to let him service my watch. It eventually arrived back, was working, and on this basis we gave him my wifes Patek for a new battery and service. A short while afterwards, new glass fell out of my Cartier, and we took it back, and he arranged for it to be repaired. I was again told it would be around 2-3 weeks, but subsequently after the weeks had passed there were repeated delays, and excuses, (they sent the wrong glass etc), to explain for the lack of the repaired watch. My wifes Patek was serviced and the battery replaced so far so good. However when it was returned a short time later, we noticed that the rear seal on the back of the watch was partially exposed, (the seal on the back of the watch that is in place to keep out water and dust). A pretty serious issue, and one that a competent watchmaker would instantly spot. We visited the shop and spoke to Simon the owner of this shop and four others, he was unapologetic, simply said he would send it back, when we asked how long it would take he said around 4 months, we pointed out that we were surprised that the seal wasnt fitted correctly and that we had lost faith, (and could we have a refund to get it repaired correctly and competently elsewhere), he refused point blank, and said he would refund us, but he would also stop the watch from working, (I can only assume by damaging it), as this would be the same as when we brought it in. He also accused us of being patronising!!!! I eventually collected my Cartier today, (I was told it would be ready 4 weeks ago), his excuse is that his watchmaker does work for other people, and that he has 60-70 watches with him for repair so in effect its tough luck. You can make your own decisions about the professionalism, competence, integrity and customer service ethic of the owner of this business and the 5 shops he has all of which trade under the name of Hamiltons.
Mar 2nd, 2023

Jan 21st, 2023

Excellent service from our local shop in Ringwood. Very professional
Oct 27th, 2022

I took in my grandmothers antique diamond ring for repair as it is very sentimental to me. I was well informed of my options and decided on a replacement gold band. The outcome is perfect and hopefully I can now wear my favourite ring for many years to come. Great job!
Apr 15th, 2022

Recently purchased a watch through Symon at Hamiltons. Very friendly professional service. Sourced the exact make & model and took delivery within a week at a very competitive price. Can't recommend highly enough.
Apr 27th, 2021