I probably wouldn’t do this again tbh. My partner and I both entered tier 1 hoping for a nice watch even just one of us . When we got it, we both got the exact same watch. Silver Casio (it’s quite fu... See more
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I wasn’t expecting a Rolex, but paying £70 for a Casio is taking the mick. I at least expected a vintage watch, You can pick the A158W in Argos for less than £20. Didn’t realise until after I’d ordere... See more
Company replied
Long turn around time, and when you pay a set price of £60 you expect something a little better than a £20 Casio that you can pick up at Argos. I understand it’s a coin toss of what you get but the wa... See more
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I understood that the chance of getting a luxury watch was limited but I did expect them to at least give the watch a bit of a clean and service before sending them out. Received a no more than £10 wa... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
Discover Rare Timepieces at Watch Harbor – Your Premier Source for Luxury and Vintage Watches Watch Harbor is your trusted destination for buying, selling, and trading luxury and vintage watches. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a passionate enthusiast, our expertly curated collection features authentic, one-of-a-kind timepieces from the world's most iconic brands. Stay informed with our daily watch industry blogs, covering market trends, brand spotlights, and collector insights. Join us for exclusive watch events and enjoy our free magazine, packed with expert commentary, behind-the-scenes stories, and timeless inspiration. Visit our boutique store in Harrogate, UK, to explore our full range of rare watches in person and speak with our knowledgeable team. At Watch Harbor, we’re dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience to every watch lover — whether you're looking to invest in your next timepiece or simply appreciate fine craftsmanship.
Contact info
Gillygate, YO31 7EA, York, United Kingdom
- 07448856602
- watchharbor@outlook.com
- watchharbor.net
2.7
Poor
166 reviews
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 24 hours
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Very very disappointing!
Very very disappointing!! Would not recommend at all.
I know they have to make money out of this but the watch I received was beyond poor. Roughly £10-15 ‘Limit’ watch. Nowhere near the advertised types of vintage watches that are reasonable.
Of course I’m not expecting a Rolex/omega but a cheap mass factory cheap watch with a leather strap thrown on is not what I expect for £60.
Very disappointed and will not be using again. I would advise people to think twice before throwing their money down the drain.
14 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
We’re genuinely sorry to hear that you’re disappointed with your watch, and we do appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
Before every drop goes live, we publish a full YouTube video showcasing all of the brands included in that specific drop. That video is also linked directly on our website so customers can review the full brand mix before purchasing. In this particular drop, Limit was shown as one of the more affordable brands included in the lineup.
In order to make these mystery drops possible and give customers the opportunity to receive higher-value pieces (such as a Rolex Datejust valued at £3,500), there do have to be some more affordable watches included in the mix. That balance is what allows us to offer the format at £60 per box.
We always aim to be transparent by:
• Showcasing every brand in advance via YouTube
• Linking the video on our website
• Clearly explaining how the mystery format works
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCPSQwTb0fg
That said, we understand that mystery products aren’t for everyone, and we’re sorry this one didn’t meet your expectations. We genuinely appreciate the feedback and wish you all the best moving forward.
Kind Regards,
Cameron
Watch Harbor
Steer clear
Long turn around time, and when you pay a set price of £60 you expect something a little better than a £20 Casio that you can pick up at Argos. I understand it’s a coin toss of what you get but the watches a nothing like what is advertised. Very disappointed and will be advising people to steer clear of this.
14 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Hi there
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, and we’re truly sorry that your experience didn’t meet your expectations.
We completely understand that when you pay £59, you’re hoping for great value, and that’s exactly what we aim to deliver. Before every drop goes live, we publish a full YouTube video showcasing all the brands included in that month’s mystery drop so customers can see exactly the range of watches that could appear. You can view the video for this drop here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCPSQwTb0fg
In that video (and on our website where it’s linked), you’ll see that the drop contains a mix of brands, some more affordable and some higher-value pieces. Including some more accessible watches like the Casio pieces you mentioned, we have to include some affordable options to able to offer the chance for customers to receive higher-value watches like Rolex valued at £3500, Omega Speedmaster valued at £3000 and other luxury models.
We appreciate honest feedback like this, it helps us improve how we communicate and manage expectations. That said, we’re really sorry this drop didn’t land the way you hoped, and we wish you the best in your future watch collecting.
Kind Regards,
Cameron
Watch Harbor
I wasn’t expecting a Rolex
I wasn’t expecting a Rolex, but paying £70 for a Casio is taking the mick. I at least expected a vintage watch, You can pick the A158W in Argos for less than £20. Didn’t realise until after I’d ordered and the watch and it had shipped that most of the watches were crap when I stumbled into their YouTube. Nothing like instagram advertise, one of the most recent posts showcasing the affordable options showed vintage Seikos, Citizens and Rotarys, which I would’ve been more than happy with. This feels like an afterthought. I obviously didn’t do enough research. Avoid.
14 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
We’re really sorry to hear you’re disappointed, and we completely understand that paying £70 comes with certain expectations.
You’re absolutely right, most customers aren’t expecting a Rolex. What we aim to offer is a genuine mix of brands and styles, which can include vintage Seiko, Citizen and Rotary pieces, but also more accessible brands such as Casio. Casio models are included within some drops and are shown in our content.
We just want to clarify that our YouTube videos are not different from what we promote on Instagram. The YouTube video released before each drop showcases the full range of brands included in that specific release, and our Instagram content reflects that same mix — including the more affordable options. We do feature Casio models in our Instagram videos where they are part of the drop, as well as vintage Seikos, Citizens and Rotary watches when they’re included.
We always encourage customers to watch the full drop video before purchasing, we push that video everywhere and link it on the website, as it clearly outlines every brand in the mix so expectations can be set upfront. The mystery format means there will always be a range of values included, the higher-value vintage pieces are made possible by also including more entry-level watches within the drop.
That said, we genuinely appreciate you acknowledging that you may not have seen all the information beforehand. We’re sorry the watch you received didn’t align with what you were hoping for, and we do value the feedback.
Kind Regards,
Cameron
Watch Harbor
DO NOT BUY FROM THEM OR AT LEAST DO NOT…
DO NOT BUY FROM THEM OR AT LEAST DO NOT GO FOR SPECIAL EDITION IT ISNT WORTH IT. I spent £119.99 (Shame on me). I understand that to get a very good watch its luck but what I received was a horrible watch from eBay that is sold for £16.99. Terrible terrible watch for £119.99. Would have been better of buying a cheap Casio instead of this. It really isn’t worth the price. The chances of getting a decent watch is not in your favour and to buy a horrible watch of eBay and send it to you when it is supposedly sourced and prepackaged is a complete sham and disrespectful. Also if you try and comment on their TikTok’s in a respectful way informing people of what you got for the money you spent they delete your comment then proceed to block you
AVOID.
14 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
We’re genuinely sorry to hear how disappointed you feel, especially after spending £119.99, we completely understand that this comes with high expectations.
We’d like to clarify a few important points.
Each month we source over 200 watches to build our drops, which is a significant task. While the majority are sourced through established suppliers and trade contacts, we do occasionally purchase a small number of pieces (typically around 10–15 per drop) from platforms like eBay when we spot genuine bargains. This allows us to secure strong-value pieces for the mix.
For example, the Rolex Datejust (valued at approximately £3,500) included in last month’s drop was sourced this way as a luxury option. Ultimately, what matters most is authenticity and value — not the platform it was purchased from. We don’t believe anyone receiving that piece would feel disappointed knowing where it was sourced.
Before every drop goes live, we publish a full YouTube video showcasing all brands included in that specific release, and we link that video clearly on our website. This is to ensure customers can see the full range — from entry-level brands through to luxury pieces — before deciding to take part. As with any mystery format, there is always a mix of values included. The higher-end watches are only possible because there are more affordable pieces within the drop.
We completely understand that mystery boxes are not for everyone. The format involves an element of chance, and while many customers are thrilled with what they receive, we appreciate that it won’t feel worthwhile to everyone.
We’re sorry this experience didn’t meet your expectations, but we do appreciate you sharing your feedback.
Kind Regards,
Cameron
Watch Harbor
Just buy a lottery ticket instead
I understand there is an element of gambling in this, its the whole business model. However receiving a cheap £10 watch is disappointing, especially when you pay for the premium category. On a positive the service was quick.
13 February 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Thanks for your feedback, we genuinely appreciate you taking the time to share it.
We completely understand that there’s an element of chance involved, but it’s important to clarify that this isn’t a lottery. With a lottery ticket, there’s typically one winner and everyone else leaves empty-handed. With our drops, every single customer receives a watch, and everyone also has a chance of receiving a luxury piece such as a Rolex.
It’s also clearly stated on our website and across our videos that not all watches are valued at £59. In order to include 25+ luxury watches in a drop, such as a Rolex Datejust, Cartier Tank, JLC and many others, at a £59 entry price, there must also be more affordable pieces included. Without that balance, offering genuine luxury watches at that price point simply wouldn’t be possible.
We’re glad to hear the service was quick, and we do appreciate your honest feedback. If there’s anything you’d like to discuss further, feel free to reach out to us directly.
Kind Regards,
Cameron
Watch Harbor
Really really basic watch worth 20-30 euros
Really really basic watch not even in a nice condition. Watch is worth around 20-30 euros and the import payment was already 22 euro’s. For me it is clear how they can afford the nice mystery pieces.
I would not recommend this to anyone. Waste of time and money.
28 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Hi Bastiaan,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet expectations.
We’d like to clarify that we are not a scam. All brands included in our drops are shown transparently in our videos prior to release. Mystery and special edition boxes include a range of watches at different price points, which is what allows us to offer these drops.
We do provide refunds for damaged items, and as outlined in our return policy, return shipping is the responsibility of the customer.
We understand that mystery boxes aren’t for everyone and appreciate you sharing your perspective.
Best regards,
Cameron
It's a SCAM
It's a SCAM! Paid for special edition drop and got a £7.00 POS watch! Stay away from this scam.
Response - I understand, but a £7.00 or less sent? It's a scam! People, read reviews all over the internet, TikTok and YouTube videos about this scam!
26 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Hi,
We’re genuinely sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your experience, and we understand how frustrating that must have felt.
We’d like to clarify a few points for transparency. We do not send out £7 watches. All watches included in our drops are carefully selected for quality, fully working, and checked prior to dispatch. Ahead of each drop, all included brands are shown publicly, so customers can see which brands may be received before entering.
Our Special Edition and Premium Mystery drops are sold as surprise selections from the displayed lineup, rather than a guarantee of a specific model or retail value. We understand that the mystery format isn’t for everyone, and expectations can sometimes differ from the experience.
We’d really like the opportunity to look into this properly for you. Please contact our team directly with your order number so we can review your case and see how we can help.
Cameron
Watch Harbor
Avoid this company at all costs
I paid for the premium/ special edition watch for $169. You have a chance to receive a higher value watch but at a minimum you are supposed to receive a special edition watch. I received a $10 watch that is only sold on Alibaba or I’ll overseas purchasing sites. The brand they sent does not even have a website. It is not special edition and worth less than 10 times what I paid. I tried reaching them for a week via email and via direct messaging to discuss this and then finally after many attempts I received a response. They basically said tough luck and to reach out using WhatsApp in lieu of their email address. Many others in the same situation. Do your research. Look at the other Trustpilot comments and check Reddit forums. Don’t make the same mistake.
18 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Hi Bryan,
Sorry to hear you feel this way, we just want to clear a few things up.
We’re definitely not fraudsters or scammers. We put a big focus on being transparent with what’s included in each drop. Before every drop goes live, we post YouTube videos showing all the watch brands, and we also include brand videos on the product listing and list every brand clearly in the product description.
In terms of messages, we always aim to respond to everyone as quickly as possible. We usually reply on WhatsApp within around 12 hours, and at the moment we don’t seem to have any messages from you there. We also have a chat button on our website that’s available for anyone to use.
When you mention that this is a common issue, we’re honestly not sure what you’re referring to, as most customers receive quick replies and clear communication from us.
If you’d like to get in touch to talk things through, we’re always happy to help via the contact options on our website.
Kind Regards,
Cameron
Watch Harbor
Scam
I entered the January Premium Mystery "Draw" order No. 4345 , I was so exited to see what I was gonna get, as soon as I opened, total disappointment.... A Beat up Casio F-91W. I could have bought that at Walmart for 15 bucks (brand New). My concern is that a Pre paid for the "Special" Edition one and another premium for next month.
Will never get anything from them ever....
16 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Hi,
We’re sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your experience and we appreciate you sharing your feedback.
To clarify, the Premium Mystery Draw is a surprise selection from the watches shown prior to the drop. While some items may be more collectible or higher value than others, no specific model or value is guaranteed, including condition expectations beyond what is stated on the product page.
All watches included in the draw are fully working and checked before dispatch. Models such as the Casio F-91W are included intentionally due to their iconic status and collectability. Condition can vary depending on the specific piece, which is part of the mystery-draw concept.
We understand that this style of product isn’t for everyone, especially if expectations differ, and we’re happy to review your order directly. Please contact us with your order number so we can look into your concerns regarding both your current and upcoming entry.
Cameron
Watch Harbor
DO NOT BUY
Edit nr.2: finally they replied and offered me a full refund (after trying to take my review down), so at least there is some customer service.
Edit: They replied here to contact them, I did but they stopped replying.
Ordered a “special edition” mystery watch for €140. What I got was a cheap watch I found on eBay in 2mins for €25.
The watch I got says “Oskar Emil”. No product code on the watch whatsoever. Only says “steel case back”, the full case isn’t even steel and you can feel it, very light crappy watch with a cheap quartz inside. The strap is shitty fake leather.
Do not buy!!
20 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Hi there,
We’re sorry to hear that you’re disappointed with your order and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
For clarity, Oskar Emil was shown and listed as one of the possible brands included in this mystery drop. All watches available in the drop are displayed in advance, and purchases are made with the understanding that the specific model received is a surprise from that selection.
Every watch we ship is fully working and checked prior to dispatch, and the specifications provided on the product page (including movement type and materials) are accurate. That said, we understand that personal expectations and preferences can vary.
If you’d like us to look into your order in more detail, please contact us directly with your order number so we can review this further.
Cameron
Watch Harbor
Watch Harbor is an amazing project
Watch Harbor is an amazing project and I’m living proof that it’s 100% real. The team truly delivers and always does their best.
I was one of the members who received a luxury piece: a Rolex Datejust Ref. 1601.
I’ve already received other watches too, and the best part of the mystery box is the excitement, you never know exactly what you’re going to get, but you will receive something. Honestly, I’d be happy with any piece because I know how much effort the team puts into every drop.
The community is strong, supportive, and fun to be part of. Cameron is always available and reachable. I’m already looking forward to the next drops!
Cheers from Spain!
19 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Thank you for taking the time to write this and for being part of Watch Harbor. We really appreciate you recognizing the work that goes into each drop and the transparency of the mystery format.
We’re glad you’ve had a positive experience across multiple drops, and it’s great to hear that you’ve enjoyed both the watches and the community around the project. That’s something we put a lot of focus on.
Thanks again for the support and for sharing your experience, we’re looking forward to continuing to improve with future drops.
Watch Harbor Mystery Drops
I’ve participated in two "Mystery Drops" from Watch Harbor. Overall, I think it’s a fantastic concept backed by great branding, helpful explanatory videos, and a very user-friendly website. However, there is definitely an element of luck involved.
My Experience:
December Drop (£109 "Film & TV" Special Edition): I received an AVIA Q & V quartz. Unfortunately, the market value was only around £20, so I lost out on value here. Additionally, the link to the "Film & TV" theme wasn't clear—I’d love some clarification on how this specific piece fit the category.
January Drop (£59 Standard Edition): I received an Ingersoll quartz. This was another "affordable" tier result rather than a luxury win.
Pros:
Great Branding: The marketing and website are professional and engaging.
Fun Concept: It adds an element of excitement to watch collecting.
Room for Improvement:
Transparency: Currently, only one watch per brand is shown beforehand. It would be much fairer and more transparent to show all possible watches in the pool. Since buyers rely heavily on the seller's goodwill, knowing the full range of options would build more trust.
EU Buyers: Be aware of significant customs and import duties if you are ordering from the EU.
Summary: It’s a fun gamble for "affordable" watches, though I’ve been unlucky twice now. I’m hoping for better luck in the February drop!
19 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and honest review. We really appreciate you sharing both the positives and the areas where you feel we can improve.
It’s great to hear that you’ve enjoyed the overall concept, branding, videos, and website. A lot of work goes into making the experience clear and easy to navigate, so that feedback genuinely means a lot to us.
You’re absolutely right that luck plays a role in the Mystery Drops. Each drop includes a wide range of outcomes across different value levels, and while some people can receive higher-value pieces, others can receive more affordable watches. That randomness is a core part of the format, and we do our best to communicate this clearly before purchase.
We also really appreciate your feedback around transparency. Showing representative watches from each brand is intended to give an overview of what’s included, but we understand the desire to see a broader range of possible outcomes. Feedback like this is valuable and helps shape how we improve future drops while keeping the mystery element intact.
Thank you as well for highlighting the point about EU customs and import duties, that’s useful for other buyers and something we’ll continue to communicate clearly.
We’re grateful that you’ve taken part in multiple drops and shared your experience so openly. Fingers crossed the next one brings you better luck, and thank you again for being part of Watch Harbor.
Extremely disappointed with the watch I…
Extremely disappointed with the watch I received.
I understand from some of Watch Harbor’s replies to other negative reviews that receiving a lower-end brand is “possible.” However, I specifically checked the video for my drop, and this was not mentioned once. Based on how the business markets itself, the watch I received was far below what a reasonable customer would expect.
The watch appears to be a new, fashion-style quartz watch from a defunct or unknown brand, using a very cheap Chinese movement. This is the type of watch that can be bought on eBay for around £20, and I do not consider that fair value for a paid “mystery watch” service positioned as a serious watch business with a twist.
What makes this particularly disappointing is that the issue is not the price alone, but the lack of thought and story behind the product. I would have been far happier receiving:
• a £20 vintage watch with character and history, or
• a slightly more expensive piece from a now-defunct but reputable brand with genuine build quality.
That would align far better with the way Watch Harbor presents itself.
I’ve also seen responses suggesting that “only people who get bad watches complain.” Of course that’s the case—because when the lower-end outcome is this low in quality and value, it highlights a real imbalance in the offering. The downside risk for the customer is simply too high.
Mystery should be part of the fun, not an excuse for offloading watches that don’t meet a basic quality threshold. It would be entirely possible to curate mystery drops using entry-level but respected brands (Tissot, Seiko, etc.) or well-chosen vintage pieces and still make a profit—while ensuring customers feel they’ve received something considered and worthwhile.
As it stands, the watch I received does not match the brand’s marketing, positioning, or the expectations they set.
14 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback in such detail. We’re genuinely sorry to hear that your experience fell short of your expectations, and we appreciate the opportunity to clarify a few important points.
First, we want to be very clear: we do not include cheap fashion watches, defunct fashion brands, or watches built around low-grade Chinese movements in our drops. That simply isn’t part of our curation criteria. Every watch included is selected intentionally and shown in advance as part of the drop.
For transparency, all watches that can be received are displayed ahead of time in the pre-drop YouTube video, as well as photographed and listed on the website during the drop. We also reinforce this information through our emails, group chat, and product descriptions. We feel this approach represents the contents of each drop as accurately as possible before anyone chooses to participate.
Because of this, we’d really like to review your specific case rather than respond in general terms. If you’re willing, please contact us directly with your order number and the brand/model you received (or a photo of the watch). If something has been misidentified or if there’s been a genuine error, we want to address it properly.
The mystery element is a core part of the experience, and outcomes will naturally vary, but mystery should never mean misleading or a mismatch with what was presented beforehand. If the watch you received does not align with what was shown for that drop, that’s something we take seriously.
We appreciate your feedback regarding expectations, curation, and perceived value, and we’re always working to refine the experience further. Please do reach out so we can look into this with you directly.
Kind regards,
Watch Harbor Team
immaculate condition for its age
I received my watch today from the January drop and overall I’m really happy with it. The watch I received was in immaculate condition for its age, which really impressed me. It’s not the type of watch I would usually wear as it’s a little too dressy for my personal style, but that’s the nature of a mystery draw and part of the fun. The concept of this business is great, especially for anyone who enjoys the excitement of not knowing what they’ll receive, the quality clearly shows that care goes into selecting the watches. I will definitely be trying my luck in another drop!
14 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with the January drop. We’re really pleased to hear that you were impressed with the condition of the watch, especially given its age.
You’ve summed up the mystery concept perfectly — not every piece will match everyone’s personal style, but that unpredictability is part of what makes the experience enjoyable. It’s great to know that the care we put into selecting and preparing the watches came through.
Thank you again for your support and for giving the concept a fair and balanced view. We look forward to having you involved in another drop soon.
So I’ve now done two mystery drops from…
So I’ve now done two mystery drops from watch harbor and can definitely say I’ve not been disappointed. It’s not guaranteed you’ll get a luxury piece but on my first drop I pulled a two tone Tag Heuer professional 2000 with this being a vintage piece it wasn’t perfect but that’s what you should expect with a vintage watch……however this month I pulled an incredible Cartier tank vermeil the condition is amazing and in full working order!
10/10 would recommend watch harbor to any true watch enthusiast who want the chance of pulling a vintage piece!
14 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Thank you for sharing your experience and for taking the time to leave such a detailed review.
It’s great to hear that both of your drops have been positive, and congratulations on the Tag Heuer Professional 2000 and the Cartier Tank Vermeil — that’s an exceptional pull. You’re absolutely right as well: with vintage watches, some signs of age are to be expected, and that character is part of what makes them special.
We really appreciate your recommendation and your understanding of the mystery format. Thanks for being part of the Watch Harbor community, and we hope you enjoy many more drops in the future.
Bagged a great watch and loved the service
I have entered the mystery watch draw a few times now over the last six months. I often miss out because the sell so quickly, but there is now the option to preorder which helps manage the popularity a bit.
I really enjoy the excitement of being involved and not knowing what I’m going to get. I’ve been both lucky and unlucky in my efforts but have always received something that I’d wear and can enjoy. Two the watches were not performing as I’d hoped they would (setting date was tricky), I reached out to Watch Harbour and Cameron got in touch pretty quickly offering to have them assessed and serviced for me. I sent them back and was ultimately offered a full refund, which I used for a new entry in the Jan draw. I bagged my best one so far, so am very happy.
Fun concept, great service and very trustworthy.
They deffo had some teething issues with delivery speed and packaging quality, but they are just getting better and better, which is all you want from a business!
Good luck folks
13 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Thank you very much for such a thoughtful and detailed review. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience over the past six months.
It’s great to hear that the introduction of pre-orders has helped and that you’ve enjoyed the excitement of the mystery draw, even with the natural ups and downs that come with it. We’re also glad we were able to support you when a couple of watches weren’t performing as expected and reach a fair resolution — and even better to hear that it led to your best pull so far in the January draw.
We also appreciate your honest mention of the early teething issues. Like any growing business, there were areas we needed to improve, and we’ve worked hard to address delivery times and packaging quality. Hearing that those improvements are being noticed means a lot.
Thank you again for your trust, your patience, and your support. We’re glad to have you as part of the Watch Harbor community and wish you the best of luck in future drops.
Beware of the other ‘affordable’ watches
I pre-ordered a special order in Dec for January. £109, ending around £120 with postage. Notification to say the watch has been posted the day of the Jan drop. I have just received the watch.
I totally understand it is a game of luck and thought it would be fun to try. A chance to win one of 5 expensive watches or a quirky vintage watch if luck isn’t on my side.
I have opened the watch to find it’s a new line of ‘OMAX’ that seiko have released. Not remotely ‘vintage’ just the name on the watch being classed as such. I’ve also come to find they are £24 to buy on eBay, with multiple listings, brand new, box and papers. If trust pilot would let me attach images I would prove the multiple listings, but an example is EBAY listing 154921381995.
I would have expected the watch to be at least close to half of the value as to what I have paid, especially being ’special edition’. It feels the watch would have been better suited in their ‘premium edition’ category.
I have emailed watch harbor expressing this and whilst expressing they have taken my comments on board, I do feel little ‘scammed’. They re-iterated it is just ‘nature of the drops’.
I don’t think I would bother again especially not at £109 a go to receive something that is ultimately a new cheap Chinese made watch destined for the bin.
I am leaving this review to give people an insight into what they may receive if they aren’t lucky enough to land one of the good watches.
EDIT:
As from there reply, they keep referencing the YouTube videos that show the brands in the drop in which OMAX is shown. However this does seem to be an actual vintage OMAX and not the modern made watch I received which wasn’t in the video. You can see this for yourself by looking at that the eBay listing of the exact watch where they probably got it from.
I totally understand there is ‘affordable options’. However £24 worth of goods when paying £109 is a pretty big margin. If it was closer to £40 worth of a watch I think it would be a fair gamble.
It is a really good concept, but does need work to make it fair and reasonable.
Second Edit:
They are now flagging my review as ‘defamatory’ to try and hide it. Says a lot about the ‘company’. I will re-iterate I understand it is a game of luck and it is a good concept. I just believe they’re could be a bit better value for money for those who aren’t as fortunate to receive one of the better watches.
13 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Thank you for taking the time to leave a detailed review and for sharing your experience.
We’d like to clarify a few points for accuracy. The OMAX you received was not purchased from Ebay? We do state not all of the watches are vintage. And none of the watches we supply are manufactured in China. The OMAX watch received is not Chinese-made, and the brand itself was clearly shown as a possible outcome in our monthly YouTube drop video, as well as included in both the product images and description on the listing prior to purchase.
Our drops are designed to work on a luck-based system. In order to make it possible to include a small number of high-value and rare watches, there must also be more affordable options within the mix. This structure is explained openly before purchase and is the nature of the format.
We understand disappointment when luck doesn’t land in your favour, and we appreciate your feedback. While we’re sorry to hear this drop wasn’t what you hoped for, we aim to be fully transparent about the brands, categories, and potential outcomes involved in every release.
We genuinely appreciate you giving the drop a try and taking the time to share your thoughts.
EDIT:
In response to the edited review, we do mention on the website and in videos not all watches are vintage mate. It would be almost impossible to find over 200 working vintage watches every month to put in the drops, so there does have to be some modern watches in the drop. In the video we post to youtube it is very clear not all of the watches are vintage.
Exactly what a mystery box should be
I really enjoy the concept behind WatchHarbor. I’ve been playing for a couple of months now, and it’s a fun and engaging way to expand a watch collection.
The mystery box format is exactly that — a mystery. You can receive anything from more affordable vintage pieces to higher-end watches, and that unpredictability is part of the experience. Sometimes I’ve received watches I genuinely like and enjoy wearing, and other times pieces that aren’t really my personal style — but that’s the nature of a mystery box.
I think it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for. These are vintage watches, not brand-new items, and you’re essentially playing a game based on chance. You won’t love every single piece, and that’s okay.
Overall, I see it as an entertaining way to discover watches I might not have chosen myself, and when you approach it with the right expectations, it’s an enjoyable experience.
1 December 2025
Unprompted review
Reply from Watch Harbor
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave such a detailed and thoughtful review. We really appreciate you sharing your experience after being involved for several months.
You’ve described the concept exactly as we intend it to be: a genuine mystery experience built around chance. The unpredictability — ranging from more affordable vintage pieces to higher-end watches — is a core part of what makes each drop exciting, and we’re glad that came across clearly in your experience.
We also appreciate you highlighting an important point about expectations. These are pre-owned and vintage watches, not brand-new items, and not every piece will suit every individual taste. Approaching the drops with that understanding is key, and it’s great to hear that you’ve been able to enjoy the process of discovering watches you might not have chosen otherwise.
Thank you again for your continued support and for being part of the Watch Harbor community. We’re glad to have you involved and look forward to bringing you many more exciting drops in the future.
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