I purchased a watch from Van Cleef & Arpels (VCA), but within a month, it started slowing down. I brought it to the store, where they suggested a battery issue and replaced it. This struck me as odd—a brand-new watch, supposedly just delivered, already out of battery? Still, I let it slide. Unfortunately, the problem has persisted, recurring every three to four months for the past two years. I’ve sent the watch for assessment eight times, and each time, VCA claimed they found no issues. In January, I sent it again, and they offered a full service for $200, which I refused to pay, as I wasn’t responsible for the defect. Predictably, the watch slowed down again and was sent back to the same workshop, which has repeatedly failed to identify the root cause. The latest email I received from VCA reads:
“Please note that exposure to magnetic fields or nearby electronic devices may temporarily affect the watch’s accuracy or functionality. Common sources of magnetism include cell phones, laptops, tablets, chargers, and accessories such as wallets, handbags, or cases with magnetic clasps.”
A luxury watch that can’t function in everyday life? Even budget watches from Temu are more reliable. The negative Google reviews are entirely justified. NJ residents, I strongly urge you to avoid the only VCA location in the state.