Testimonials
February 9th, 2012 at 9:18 am
Name: Dan
Location: New York City
Testimonial: Steve and his team and Central Watch did an amazing job not only in servicing my grandfather's 1940s Seafarer but also finding a rare pusher matching the originals to replace one that was missing. The watch came back looking beautifully clean and working great! Steve also took the time to speak with me about caring for the watch, the process of the work they'd done and he helped me pick out a new strap. Thanks for everything, I'll defnitely be back
Name: Dan
Location: New York City
Testimonial: Steve and his team and Central Watch did an amazing job not only in servicing my grandfather's 1940s Seafarer but also finding a rare pusher matching the originals to replace one that was missing. The watch came back looking beautifully clean and working great! Steve also took the time to speak with me about caring for the watch, the process of the work they'd done and he helped me pick out a new strap. Thanks for everything, I'll defnitely be back
********************************************************************************
February 9th, 2012 at 9:18 am
Name: Garry
Location: Manhattan
Testimonial: Fifty years ago my father gave me a sturdy Patek as a 21st birthday present and I have worn it as my everyday watch ever since. (I care a lot for it, natch.) Several months ago, through a piece of amazing carelessness, I took it swimming in fresh water while on holiday and because of circumstance, I could not get it back to Central Watch for 4 days. I gave it to Steve at 8:30AM (he was pessimistic about what he would find), and by the time I got to the office 30 minutes later, he had an email on my desk with a photo of the damage (gut wrenching). Becuase of its personal value to me I gave him carte blanche to do his best to bring it back from the dead. The final cost was more than a few bucks to be sure as it took them two months but it was entirely reasonable. The watch is like new. A miracle. Those guys are my heroes.
Name: Garry
Location: Manhattan
Testimonial: Fifty years ago my father gave me a sturdy Patek as a 21st birthday present and I have worn it as my everyday watch ever since. (I care a lot for it, natch.) Several months ago, through a piece of amazing carelessness, I took it swimming in fresh water while on holiday and because of circumstance, I could not get it back to Central Watch for 4 days. I gave it to Steve at 8:30AM (he was pessimistic about what he would find), and by the time I got to the office 30 minutes later, he had an email on my desk with a photo of the damage (gut wrenching). Becuase of its personal value to me I gave him carte blanche to do his best to bring it back from the dead. The final cost was more than a few bucks to be sure as it took them two months but it was entirely reasonable. The watch is like new. A miracle. Those guys are my heroes.
********************************************************************************
January 29th, 2012 at 12:12 pm
Location: Manhattan
Testimonial: Words can't describe the satisfaction when dealing with Central Watch and Steve. I have bought watches from Central Watch when in New York but have such high regard and confidence when dealing with Steve, that I bought a Rolex for my son's 40th birthday sight unseen over the phone.I love dealing with Central Watch They are the best!
Alexander ******************************************************************************
Location: Manhattan
Testimonial: Words can't describe the satisfaction when dealing with Central Watch and Steve. I have bought watches from Central Watch when in New York but have such high regard and confidence when dealing with Steve, that I bought a Rolex for my son's 40th birthday sight unseen over the phone.I love dealing with Central Watch They are the best!
Alexander ******************************************************************************
December 08th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
Name: margie
Location: Manhattan
Testimonial: Testimonial: I purchased a beautiful vintage watch from Steve at Central Watch who couldn't have been more helpful or lovely!! He made sure I got a fair price and serviced and prepared my watch for me, answered all my questions and was just a joy to deal with. Thank you!
Name: margie
Location: Manhattan
Testimonial: Testimonial: I purchased a beautiful vintage watch from Steve at Central Watch who couldn't have been more helpful or lovely!! He made sure I got a fair price and serviced and prepared my watch for me, answered all my questions and was just a joy to deal with. Thank you!
****************************************************************************
August 31st 2011
Name: Valerie
Location: manhattan
Testimonial: When my beloved father died last summer, I received a Vacheron Constantin which my adored maternal grandfather had given him in the mid1950s. Last summer, the watch looked as though its time had come and gone, but I wanted it repaired anyway. At first, I took it to a well-known jeweler and after 6 months was nowhere- no estimate, no work, no interest. Then I brought the VC to Central Watch. Every step of the significant restoration was detailed as to time and cost, and the watch and its new owner were treated with respect and courtesy. The end result is magnificent: A most beautiful timepiece come back to life, ticking with love and memories of generations past. Thanks to all of you for your competence and your kindness.
Name: Valerie
Location: manhattan
Testimonial: When my beloved father died last summer, I received a Vacheron Constantin which my adored maternal grandfather had given him in the mid1950s. Last summer, the watch looked as though its time had come and gone, but I wanted it repaired anyway. At first, I took it to a well-known jeweler and after 6 months was nowhere- no estimate, no work, no interest. Then I brought the VC to Central Watch. Every step of the significant restoration was detailed as to time and cost, and the watch and its new owner were treated with respect and courtesy. The end result is magnificent: A most beautiful timepiece come back to life, ticking with love and memories of generations past. Thanks to all of you for your competence and your kindness.
*******************************************************************************
June 27 2011
Name: michael cohen
Location: Fort Lee, NJ
Testimonial: I have had deaings with Central Watch, buying watches & repairs, for the past 25 years. I mainly dealt with Larry & now Steve, both of whom are top professionals & whom I now consider friends. I recently had my 50 year old Rolex Oyster refurbished & it now looks like new, thanks to Steve and his crew..I wish them all continuing success and recommend anyone who needs watch repair to visit Central Watch. You will be happy you did!
*********************************************************************************
June 15 2011
Name: Richard
Location: New York
Testimonial: Central watch did a wonderful job for cleaning my watch! The service is very excellent and trustworthy. I would recommend for all my friends to have their precious watches to have it serviced thru Crentral wartch. Ask for steve, he is person who can help you. Thank you very much!
Location: New York
Testimonial: Central watch did a wonderful job for cleaning my watch! The service is very excellent and trustworthy. I would recommend for all my friends to have their precious watches to have it serviced thru Crentral wartch. Ask for steve, he is person who can help you. Thank you very much!
*********************************************************************************
June 13 2011
Name: Joseph (Joe) Gordon
Location: UN, Midtown NYC
Testimonial: Grand Central Watch repairs is run by a family of consummate profesionals who believe in watches, and like perfect time-pieces, they deliver a perfect service. What makes them different from other watch repair services is that they care and take a personal interest in every job they take on. I have an old omega that I bought with my first salary 42 years ago; it still works and keeps good time but was getting a bit worn and needed a service. Steve at GCW promised that he would treat it like one of his own and bring it back to newness, and true to his word he renovated my omega beyond anything I could have expected or hoped for. Steve remembers me whenever I return for this or that (or perhaps it's just the watch?) but whichever, I always feel like I want to return. Signed: A very grateful customer.
*********************************************************************************
May 26 2011 John Sepe
Location: NYC
Testimonial: Amazing as always. I have had 2 Rolex watches fully serviced there and they have always come back WAY beyond my expectations. Like they were brand new!
Location: NYC
Testimonial: Amazing as always. I have had 2 Rolex watches fully serviced there and they have always come back WAY beyond my expectations. Like they were brand new!
*********************************************************************************
May 25 2011 Bob Farnam
Location: New York , New York
Testimonial: Steve;Please accept my great thanks for your work on my Omega watch. It was my father's, a wedding gift from my mother in 1939, and he wore it most of his life except when he wanted me to wear it while serving as a United Staes Marine. It was bequeathed to me and worn occasionally, but when it stopped recently I had to decide whether to retire the 70 plus year old heirloom or keep it running. With the excellent reviews I've read about you in various publications, I decided on the latter.I could not have been more pleased yesterday to hold it again, seeing it as it must have looked the day it was new-I certainly had never seen it look that good ( immaculate face, clear crystal, gleaming case)-and more importantly - running well.I'd urge anyone who is facing the same decison - not to hesitate.Again, thanks for the great result.Best to you, Bob
Testimonial: Steve;Please accept my great thanks for your work on my Omega watch. It was my father's, a wedding gift from my mother in 1939, and he wore it most of his life except when he wanted me to wear it while serving as a United Staes Marine. It was bequeathed to me and worn occasionally, but when it stopped recently I had to decide whether to retire the 70 plus year old heirloom or keep it running. With the excellent reviews I've read about you in various publications, I decided on the latter.I could not have been more pleased yesterday to hold it again, seeing it as it must have looked the day it was new-I certainly had never seen it look that good ( immaculate face, clear crystal, gleaming case)-and more importantly - running well.I'd urge anyone who is facing the same decison - not to hesitate.Again, thanks for the great result.Best to you, Bob
May 25, 2011 Mary Ellen
Location: NYC
Testimonial: I brought my grandmother's watch, a 1920's espirit, to be fixed. It had been in a drawer for about 50 years. I was grateful for the care, the focus, and compliments on its beauty, and the whole group's delight with the finished watch. They cared about the watch as an object of beauty, as well as a time piece. I couldn't have asked for a more caring, considerate, responsive, and delightful experience. I won't trust my watches to any other repair place!
Testimonial: I brought my grandmother's watch, a 1920's espirit, to be fixed. It had been in a drawer for about 50 years. I was grateful for the care, the focus, and compliments on its beauty, and the whole group's delight with the finished watch. They cared about the watch as an object of beauty, as well as a time piece. I couldn't have asked for a more caring, considerate, responsive, and delightful experience. I won't trust my watches to any other repair place!
May 25, 2011 Joseph Hobaica
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Testimonial: Steve,I want to thank you, once again, for the wonderful attention Central Watch has shown me. From the '55 LeCoultre that was fished out of the back of my late father's dresser to my grandfather's '54 Hamilton, a gift for 25 years of service to the Dunlop Tire Factory(!), you have brought these heirlooms and treasures back to life for my family. While we may wear them for the time being, they will be passed down, and when they need service, they will be brought back to your shop. Thank you for everything.
Best, Joseph Hobaica
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Testimonial: Steve,I want to thank you, once again, for the wonderful attention Central Watch has shown me. From the '55 LeCoultre that was fished out of the back of my late father's dresser to my grandfather's '54 Hamilton, a gift for 25 years of service to the Dunlop Tire Factory(!), you have brought these heirlooms and treasures back to life for my family. While we may wear them for the time being, they will be passed down, and when they need service, they will be brought back to your shop. Thank you for everything.
Best, Joseph Hobaica
*******************************************************************************
Laura,
I just wanted to drop you a line with the highest compliments.
Your organization provides old school service and it is rare these days to run into that. You have done a great job on everything I have sent to you.
However, the full service work on my father-in-law's Tag Heuer had my whole family talking excitedly for hours when we received it. You may recall my talking with you and wondering whether that watch was even worth that level of service or even waterproofing. We had no idea that not only would the watch come back fully waterproofed, but that it would look practically brand new. AMAZING!
My father-in-law has a business with thousands of clients. Anyone who has a liking for watches that talks to him or talks to me will be referred to you in the future. The work you do is of tremendous quality and the customer service and packaging is second to none.
Thanks again! More watches are on the way!
Best, Mike
****************************************************************************
Testimonial: I met the Kivel Family, as a youngster. My great-aunt, Lillian McGovern., was a customer. I probably met Steve's grand-father when I was about 8 years old and I am now 70 years young. Really, it seemed to me it did not matter if your watch was vintage or practical...all timepieces were treated with respect and professionalism! It is a pleasure to do business with the Kivel's...there is a sense of belonging...a courtesy that extends to all ...their devotion to excellence is rare in the service industry today! They care where others do not!! I wish them all the success that they deserve!Sincerely,Odessa
I just wanted to drop you a line with the highest compliments.
Your organization provides old school service and it is rare these days to run into that. You have done a great job on everything I have sent to you.
However, the full service work on my father-in-law's Tag Heuer had my whole family talking excitedly for hours when we received it. You may recall my talking with you and wondering whether that watch was even worth that level of service or even waterproofing. We had no idea that not only would the watch come back fully waterproofed, but that it would look practically brand new. AMAZING!
My father-in-law has a business with thousands of clients. Anyone who has a liking for watches that talks to him or talks to me will be referred to you in the future. The work you do is of tremendous quality and the customer service and packaging is second to none.
Thanks again! More watches are on the way!
Best, Mike
April 30, 2011
****************************************************************************
Testimonial: I met the Kivel Family, as a youngster. My great-aunt, Lillian McGovern., was a customer. I probably met Steve's grand-father when I was about 8 years old and I am now 70 years young. Really, it seemed to me it did not matter if your watch was vintage or practical...all timepieces were treated with respect and professionalism! It is a pleasure to do business with the Kivel's...there is a sense of belonging...a courtesy that extends to all ...their devotion to excellence is rare in the service industry today! They care where others do not!! I wish them all the success that they deserve!Sincerely,Odessa
Location: New York, New York, USA
****************************************************************************
Dear Steve - After 40 years of bringing in watches for relacement bands, minor repairs, I entrusted you with an unusual vintage automatic Wakmann Lemania calendar watch made by Breitling. This was a watch I had long sought, and I passed on many "candidates." Ultimately, I secured one on ebay, anticipating that It would require a major overhaul, including hard-to-find parts replacement. You validated that via your estimate and e-mail. At the tail end of the estimated time frame you provided me to repair the watch, you e-mailed me to advise that the watch was ready, and that your work was "a labor of love." Indeed it was! The watch is beautiful, the workmanship superb, and the time-keeping as you promised. I am thrilled with the outcome, proud to wear my "newest addition," and attribute all accolades to you to those who ask about the watch. Wishing you only good things.
****************************************************************************
Dear Steve - After 40 years of bringing in watches for relacement bands, minor repairs, I entrusted you with an unusual vintage automatic Wakmann Lemania calendar watch made by Breitling. This was a watch I had long sought, and I passed on many "candidates." Ultimately, I secured one on ebay, anticipating that It would require a major overhaul, including hard-to-find parts replacement. You validated that via your estimate and e-mail. At the tail end of the estimated time frame you provided me to repair the watch, you e-mailed me to advise that the watch was ready, and that your work was "a labor of love." Indeed it was! The watch is beautiful, the workmanship superb, and the time-keeping as you promised. I am thrilled with the outcome, proud to wear my "newest addition," and attribute all accolades to you to those who ask about the watch. Wishing you only good things.
Appreciatively, Steve Leader
****************************************************************************
>
Dear Steve,
My father came from a dirt poor family in Butte, MT and found his way after the navy to NYU medical school. He married my mother, moved to Northern California and eventually had a very successful pediatrician practice there near Berkeley. My mother, sometime in the 1960s gave my father the Omega Seamaster De Ville as a gift, complete with Speidel wrist band. As far back as I can remember, my father wore this watch every day: in old photos from that time it is clearly seen on his wrist at home and in the office.
During his retirement in Montana, while I was visiting, I fished the Omega out of his dresser drawer. It was a wreck but still worked and I adopted it on the spot. While wearing it in New York City, the band got caught on a car and one of the lugs was ripped off. Again, the watch lived in a drawer for many more years. Shortly before my father died I had Central Watch completely overhaul and repair the Omega with stunning results.The watch is as good as new and reminds me so much of my old dad and everything that watch represented to him: prosperity and good fortune. The only thing that's missing is the cuff of his sleeve, a faint smell of tobacco and aftershave and obviously: my dad himself. Thank you, Steve, for the love and care you put into resurrecting a small part of the life of an 89 year old man. I will keep the watch with me until my nephew, my father's only grandson, is old enough to appreciate it then it will be his.
>Thanks again
Mary Rose NYC
****************************************************************************
On a business trip to New York in November, I found Central Watch and left it with them. Several weeks ago it came back to me, shining and operable. It was an 1898 Elgin and each time I hold it I am so thankful for such gifted craftsmen (and women) who restore dreams.
I've recommended them to anyone who has an old timepiece in need of loving restoration. These folks are what American business is all about..they clearly will exceed your expectations, and I will continue to do business with them.
****************************************************************************
I have an old 18k gold watch that I am considering getting fixed while I'm in NYC. Anybody have a name of a good watch repair shop?
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k3791301-Watch_repair-New_York_City_New_York.html
****************************************************************************Sent: Wed, June 9, 2010 11:46:25 AM
Subject: Re: Elgin Repair Ready 7987
I would like to thank The Kivel Family and staff for the repairs of my
grandfathers(new era) and my fathers(waltham) watches. I no longer
have them with me so looking at these watches is a great reminder.
Again thank you very much to Central Watches....peace
****************************************************************************
Sent: Wed, June 2, 2010 8:50:32 AM
Subject: Re: Cartier Repair Ready 4421
Thank you Steve. Just picked it up. Like my Breguet, my Roadster looks brand new, and I received the personal touch of your experienced staff. My next two watches will be bought through you. Just need to decide which ones. Wife goes first of course.
Subject: Re: Hamilton Repair Ready 1946
Dear Steve,
I have been meaning to write this email for awhile. I just wanted to thank you for the beautiful work you did piecing my husband’s watch back together. I surprised him with it a couple of weeks ago. He had no idea I was doing it. He thought it was hopeless when he gave it to me in pieces. I originally bought the watch from you years ago as a gift for him and it has been one of his most treasured possessions. He was really upset when he broke it. When he opened the case, the look on his face was priceless.
Thank you so much and please let the people assisting me at your store in Grand Central know how much I appreciate their kindness.
Sara H
****************************************************************************
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:30 AM
Subject: Re: Central Watch Watch Repair
Hi Laura:
Thank you for your phone call , email and very kind note. I received the wrist watch on Friday.
I have used your company's services in the past and was part of your battery change mail in program. Your work and reputation is impeccable. the staff at the store told me they felt the watch was misfiled. They knew they had it but were waiting for you to return. I already missed one train and needed to leave to get the next one out to CT., I'm sorry I couldn't wait for you.
Thanks for mailing it out so promply.
When I was at the store I saw a Davy Crockett and a Dasiy Duck wrist watch in the front display case. How much do they cost ??
Thanks Again Laura.
Maria
****************************************************************************
Sent: Tue, November 3, 2009 9:57:54 AM
Subject: Re: Tag Heuer Ready 3415
Steve-just wanted to drop you a quick note as I stopped by stand yesterday to pick-up my watch. It looks like the day I bought it. Thanks very much for the service and the courtesy you extended to me, truly appreciative. Enjoy Florida.
Regards Mike
****************************************************************************
>
Dear Steve,
My father came from a dirt poor family in Butte, MT and found his way after the navy to NYU medical school. He married my mother, moved to Northern California and eventually had a very successful pediatrician practice there near Berkeley. My mother, sometime in the 1960s gave my father the Omega Seamaster De Ville as a gift, complete with Speidel wrist band. As far back as I can remember, my father wore this watch every day: in old photos from that time it is clearly seen on his wrist at home and in the office.
During his retirement in Montana, while I was visiting, I fished the Omega out of his dresser drawer. It was a wreck but still worked and I adopted it on the spot. While wearing it in New York City, the band got caught on a car and one of the lugs was ripped off. Again, the watch lived in a drawer for many more years. Shortly before my father died I had Central Watch completely overhaul and repair the Omega with stunning results.The watch is as good as new and reminds me so much of my old dad and everything that watch represented to him: prosperity and good fortune. The only thing that's missing is the cuff of his sleeve, a faint smell of tobacco and aftershave and obviously: my dad himself. Thank you, Steve, for the love and care you put into resurrecting a small part of the life of an 89 year old man. I will keep the watch with me until my nephew, my father's only grandson, is old enough to appreciate it then it will be his.
>Thanks again
Mary Rose NYC
****************************************************************************
Sent: Sunday, January 23rd, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Subject: My Grandfather's 1898 Elgin
I read about Central Watch in Esquire and it made me think of my grandfather's watch which, since the passing of my dad almost three decades ago has just sat in my dresser drawer. Someday, I thought, I needed to find someone to see if it was repairable.Subject: My Grandfather's 1898 Elgin
On a business trip to New York in November, I found Central Watch and left it with them. Several weeks ago it came back to me, shining and operable. It was an 1898 Elgin and each time I hold it I am so thankful for such gifted craftsmen (and women) who restore dreams.
I've recommended them to anyone who has an old timepiece in need of loving restoration. These folks are what American business is all about..they clearly will exceed your expectations, and I will continue to do business with them.
****************************************************************************
I have an old 18k gold watch that I am considering getting fixed while I'm in NYC. Anybody have a name of a good watch repair shop?
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k3791301-Watch_repair-New_York_City_New_York.html
****************************************************************************Sent: Wed, June 9, 2010 11:46:25 AM
Subject: Re: Elgin Repair Ready 7987
I would like to thank The Kivel Family and staff for the repairs of my
grandfathers(new era) and my fathers(waltham) watches. I no longer
have them with me so looking at these watches is a great reminder.
Again thank you very much to Central Watches....peace
****************************************************************************
Sent: Wed, June 2, 2010 8:50:32 AM
Subject: Re: Cartier Repair Ready 4421
Thank you Steve. Just picked it up. Like my Breguet, my Roadster looks brand new, and I received the personal touch of your experienced staff. My next two watches will be bought through you. Just need to decide which ones. Wife goes first of course.
****************************************************************************
Sent: Wed, April 28, 2010 8:03:50 AMSubject: Re: Hamilton Repair Ready 1946
Dear Steve,
I have been meaning to write this email for awhile. I just wanted to thank you for the beautiful work you did piecing my husband’s watch back together. I surprised him with it a couple of weeks ago. He had no idea I was doing it. He thought it was hopeless when he gave it to me in pieces. I originally bought the watch from you years ago as a gift for him and it has been one of his most treasured possessions. He was really upset when he broke it. When he opened the case, the look on his face was priceless.
Thank you so much and please let the people assisting me at your store in Grand Central know how much I appreciate their kindness.
Sara H
****************************************************************************
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2010 6:30 AM
Subject: Re: Central Watch Watch Repair
Hi Laura:
Thank you for your phone call , email and very kind note. I received the wrist watch on Friday.
I have used your company's services in the past and was part of your battery change mail in program. Your work and reputation is impeccable. the staff at the store told me they felt the watch was misfiled. They knew they had it but were waiting for you to return. I already missed one train and needed to leave to get the next one out to CT., I'm sorry I couldn't wait for you.
Thanks for mailing it out so promply.
When I was at the store I saw a Davy Crockett and a Dasiy Duck wrist watch in the front display case. How much do they cost ??
Thanks Again Laura.
Maria
****************************************************************************
Sent: Tue, November 3, 2009 9:57:54 AM
Subject: Re: Tag Heuer Ready 3415
Steve-just wanted to drop you a quick note as I stopped by stand yesterday to pick-up my watch. It looks like the day I bought it. Thanks very much for the service and the courtesy you extended to me, truly appreciative. Enjoy Florida.
Regards Mike
