A Step Back In Time

Highly recommend this family– owned business. My husband thought his watch broke but instead it just needed a new battery! I was delighted to have the work done while I waited as it was a complicated process. Honest and reasonably priced.

After cleaning out an old desk I found one of my old watches that needed a new battery, I installed a new battery, but it still was not working properly/​keeping accurate time. I assumed the watch was in need of a full service or even new parts. I found this shop by chance and since it was close to my house, I thought I would give them a try. All I can say is how great these guys are. I presented my watch to the shops watchmaker, Arthur. He inspected the watch and explained to me that my problem was consistent with an improperly installed battery or a battery that was weak. He offered to perform a simple battery service and check the watch for any other issues. Now, he could have very easily told me that the watch needs service, parts, etc., but he was very honest and offered the least expensive option to begin with. So I left the watch, and to my surprise I received a call a few hours later telling me the watch is ready. My trusty old and very sentimental watch is now in perfect working order. I am very glad to have found these guys. Not only are they honest, but very friendly and courteous as well. Also, Arthur is extremely knowledgeable. I brought a vintage Rolex with me which I did not know much about. Arthur inspected and gave me a great history lesson on the watch and its value. Great place, great people, and great service. Go see these guys!

Guys are the laziest establishment in Laguna. Spent over $ 10K, in there store on a couple watches… and they would not release my clock for a simple battery change. (Cost $ 30 bucks) As they were unable to use there credit card machine for some reason. Rude, disrespectful is one thing… bad business decision and not the typical shop in Laguna for a local. I will gladly take my business elsewhere and suggest you do the same. Step back from A Step Back in Time.

I’m ecstatic I found this place! I knew I was over-​paying for new batteries and service on my watches from those mall watch repair shops. (And to make matters worse, I got talked into over-​paying for over-​servicing my Tag Heuer watch at another high-​end jewelry store to «make sure it stayed waterproof» only to then go to Miami and have it fill up with water for the first time). I found this quaint local shop here in Laguna and the owner, Pat was so friendly and helpful! He replaced the battery on my Cartier Tank Francais and my old Rolex for a REALLY reasonable price and he did it on the spot without me having to leave my watches for days! I’m so impressed and so happy that I finally found a knowledgeable person that I can trust to care for my watches at a great value!

I love this place! For years I’ve walked by this shop noticing the giant time piece outside and thought «what is that place?» but never looked inside. One day my guy needed a battery for his watch and a nearby jeweler recommended A Step in Time. So glad he did! If you want to buy a watch or clock this is the place to go. The owner Pat is knowledgeable, friendly, and interesting. I loved looking at all the antique clocks in the shop. The place is small but loaded with interesting time pieces. I promise you, if you stop in you will be browsing for at least an hour or two. Don’t miss this gem in Laguna Beach!!!

What a treat to find a place with wall to wall timepieces of all shapes and vintages and an enthusiastic and informed watchmaster who can probably fix anything you might bring in… just like the old days — A step back in time, indeed! Best to call first as they keep specific hours.

«A Step Back in Time’ is a rare find! Owner Pat Espe is a master watchmaker and loves his 37 year craft. He’s old school and really knows time pieces. If you need a vintage or classic watch, clock, pocket watch restored, fixed or cleaned and oiled, look no farther. This shop gets 5 stars plus! Highly recommended! He made my Cartier Pasha like new!

Great place. wonderful selection of vintage watches, very helpful and knowledgeable staff, very fair prices, generous service policy. Highly recommended.

This place is a hidden gem. I ran into this little antique watch shop in Laguna Beach waiting for my life and found a mint condition, 1961 Omega Seamaster DeVille. The shop owner Pat has been a master watch-​maker for 30+ years and is friendly and kind to talk to. He restores and repairs vintage watches to perfection and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. I am not a antique expert by any means, but have a thing for beautiful watches that stands the test of time. Try this place out, you might find something!