Howard Frum Jewelers & Watch Specialists

this guy is the max… best value for high end watches and jewelry

Terrible commercials. Make them stop. Advertise in a newspaper or something

I’ve know Howard Frum et al for at least 5 years now and now and again I stop by to get my free watch polishing. Everybody mentions he sells used Rolex watches but he has an impressive selection of other watches too. Right in the Loop and easy to find. If you take the Purple or Brown line, you get off at Madison and he’s right there. The whole building is a Jewelers Center, although I believe the official name is the ‘Jewelers Row.’ They have a valet parking. Two tips: ask Howard to validate your parking and it will be free. Also, ask about the free watch polishing, that way your old watch looks brand new and you don’t have to dish out all the money on a New Rolex, Versace, or whatever is your brand of choice.

Howard is a real stand up guy. This place is all class. He really makes you feel welcome and delivers even better service. Howard is extremely helpful and I could not have asked for a better experience. This is not some Macy’s type joint where you walk up to a counter, point, pay, and you’re on your way. He sits you down, talks to you and guides you to the right watch regardless of it’s $ 200 or $ 20,000. I left his store very happy with the whole process and will absolutely return in the future. I don’t know if I’ll want to go anywhere else.

Howard and Maurice are the best. I got a quote on a rolex from the rolex store on Michigan ave. Maurice was able to beat it by 35%! I’ve bought 5 watches here and I’ve never had an issue with one. Honest people who sell so many watches that they can make a little less because they have so many transactions.

A lifelong Chicago resident + good friend recommended Howard Frum to me — she’s been there several times and her husband was a frequent customer. It’s probably not a place you’ll «stumble upon» as it’s located on the 8^th floor of an office building on jeweler’s row in the Loop.
f you’re in the market for a high end watch, but you don’t want to pay the premium price, Howard Frum is your man — he specializes in pre-​owned watches with an emphasis on Rolex. He does have many other brands like Cartier, Brietling, Ebel and Jean Richard. If you don’t see what you want in the case, don’t despair — it’s just a fraction of what’s actually available. I was told they can pretty much source anything, including new watches if that’s what you prefer.
Pricing is very competitive — most of the tags were less than half of retail, and everything comes with a one year warranty and free cleaning as long as you own it. I did some cross checking online, and HF’s prices for like items were very, very competitive. Be aware that prices quoted are CASH prices (or check) and if you want to use a cc, you need to add 3% on.
The store and atmosphere is very casual — lots of signed photos on the walls from local celebrities and lots of memorabilia. We didn’t meet Mr. Frum while we were there but were helped by a very nice guy, Travis. I appreciated that there was no real «sales pitch» and there wasn’t any pressure. Overall, our experience here was very positive and I’d defintely return or recommend them.
FYI — if you live out of state, you can have any purchases shipped and avoid paying the IL sales tax. Also, they are closed on Saturdays so time your visit for during the week.

Bought Rolex for my fiancé’s birthday. Nothing but trouble. Doesn’t work. Returned twice. Still doesn’t work. We wanted to swap for a different one and even pay a little more but they refused. Now in repair for 3^rd time. Not what I expected but reputable dealer. Don’t know what Howard is thinking as we could buy many watches from them.

Knowledgable and friendly, a great place to make your first Rolex purchase.

I just needed a few links taken out of a watch band and a battery replaced. I called around a bunch of stores with prices ranging from $ 25 – 50 for both services.
I called Howard Frum and they told me the link removal was free and the battery would be around $ 5 (depending on which battery was needed).
They were quick and helpful and a fraction of what I would’ve paid anywhere else downtown!

You do not get to be the rolex king by just the watches. It is also the photo’s and memorabilia of on the walls that gets the customers and keeps them coming back. So when you need that special watch, go see Howard and the gang! The expert crew can help you find just what you need. Tell em Nick The Greek sent you and then you can really score some points. Enjoy!

I had inherited a Rolex Datejust a while back and decided to sell it. I knew exactly where the watch was bought, when it was bought and had the original receipt. I took it to Frum, and was treated quite rudely by a Russian salesman. He said the watch was old-​it was only two years old. He said it had d not been purchased at an authorized dealer-​it had been purchased at Chicago’s largest authorized. He said that the watch was hardly worth 25% of what I knew it was… offering ¹⁄₁₀ of what it had been purchased for.
After I was gathering my stuff to leave Mr. Frum stepped in, offered me a fair price and we were able to come to an agreement. BUT then, he made a «we’ll flip a coin» for a $ 100…you win we’ll add $ 100 you lose we’ll take $ 100 off our offer… is this high school? I didn’t come in to sell my late relative’s Rolex for fun and games.
I don’t know if this is how they always operate, but it isn’t professional. I’m sure they are used to dealing with people who are desperate for cash… but I wasn’t. Maybe some reviewers here are used to be being treated poorly by the ‘discount’ jewelers on Wabash.

I was shocked at the good reviews to this place. The reviews are why I went there. Unfortunately, it was a horrible experience. I brought an all gold and diamond watch that my father bought for $ 20,000 in 1992 there to see what I could get for it after my father recently passed away and the guy (Howard, shown in the picture) basically told me it was crap and that he wouldn’t touch the thing. Said, «don’t be fishin here, I’m not an auctioneer, I give the best price in the city the first time so you don’t need to go anywhere else, and its take my offer and you’re out with cash the first time, I’m not going to be just evaluating your pieces for you to take the stuff elsewhere and tell them what I offered you, I know the game of people like you». I was a bit intimidated so I said I understood. He offered me $ 1,200 and was extremely pushy, telling me that he already gave me the shpeel about how once he looks at my stuff I have to take the offer. I asked to see the watch one last time before I give it away. I put it on my wrist and walked out. He can keep his $ 1,200.
I took it to Circa and A&R Estate and both places were AMAZING and offered me nearly $ 4,000. I never ended up selling, but I was extremely interested in the selling experience and needed to share it with the Unilocaling world.

My husband and I paid a visit to Howard Frum yesterday to look at some new and pre-​owned designer watches. We had a fantastic experience! They have an excellent selection of beautiful timepieces — and had a pretty rare one in stock that I was looking for, at a great price.
We worked with Aaron, who was awesome. He didn’t try to sell me on the more expensive new watch that he had in stock and instead recommended that I get the pre-​owned one in perfect condition to save some cash. Probably the first time in my life where a sales person has looked out for my best interest and not their own financial gain — so I really appreciated it.
Aaron also helped my husband by riffing with him on how to make a solid choice for his first lux timepiece purchase. When he found out it was my husband’s birthday, he even offered him a beer! My husband said, once we left the store, that he totally trusted Aaron and felt good about all the advice he gave.
Howard Frum, himself, was also in the shop at the time and personally introduced himself to my husband and I. Such a nice, warm experience.
Highly recommend you pay them a visit if you’re looking for a no-​pressure, warm, and personal experience. Some of the newer (mall-​based) stores are highly judgmental — they look you up and down and try to decide if you can even afford the watches you’re trying on. If they think you can’t, they rush you through the process so they can move on to other customers who may be able to buy. Howard Frum was exactly the opposite — will definitely go back!

I was being charge $ 65 to polish a watch so I stopped by Howard Frum’s wanting a polish estimate and instead they did it for free while I waited! No questions just friendly service. They have a great selection of watches. If your shopping make sure to stop by and check them out!

If you are going to buy or sell a watch in Chicago you go to Howard Frum. Howard Frum and his Staff are the real deal. They are honest and trustworthy. Why else would he be in business so long. BTW They can get you diamonds, and other jewelry so its not just watches.
I remember the first time I went into the shop. I was looking for a bracelet for a watch. I was being very vague since i didn’t want to price on the bracelet to skyrocket. Eventually I showed him the watch. He asked me if I knew how much the watch was worth. I said no to see what he will offer. He actually told me the real value of the watch said he can sell it and like to make a few hundred dollars. Offered cash on the spot for the watch. In NY or anywhere else most dealers will offer you nothing and try to steal the watch from you. Howard Frum is different he is a class act. He truly likes interacting with the people and its not about the money.
If you are at another dealer and they do not know who Howard Frum is you should just walk out. Either they are lying since they do not want you to go there (due to better deals) or way to new for the business. either way you are getting ripped off anywhere else.
and remember Howard has watches at every price point. He is an authorized dealer Luminox which are amazing watch for the price or you can buy a platinum Rolex.

I dropped a watch off at Howard Frum for a repair estimate on Monday, after waiting 30 minutes to be waited on– or even acknowledged. Since then, I have called 3 times to get information. They gave me repair cost– but keep saying they will call back about the value of the watch. (important in case the repairs aren’t warranted– i.e. if it’s a «total»)
Customer service is underwhelming. I’m writing this review on Saturday– still no info.

Good people. Patient and kind. They knew I was a jewelry n00b, and I was afraid they’d take advantage of that. I don’t give a crap about jewelry, but I inherited a really nice watch… that didn’t fit. I called, and unlike any other jeweler I had talked to, they were super nice, totally understanding of my situation; that I wasn’t going to give up the watch, but certainly would have never bought it for myself. When I finally got to their offices (on a horribly windy, snowy, slushy Chicago day), they were patient, accommodating, and very helpful. If I was a jewelry guy, and if I ever need work done on this watch, and if there is ever a chance, no matter how remote, that I would need jewelry, I will definitely go back to Howard Frum Jewelers.

GREAT service!!! For my husband’s grooms gift, I got him the Rolex Daytona :) They had a large selection and normally, jewelers only have a couple on hand (like 1 – 3 Daytonas). If you know watches, this is a HOT watch. In any case, they have used and new Rolexes and the staff is really helpful.
Maurice helped us and let us look at 5 different Daytonas, but we had our eye on the white faced brand new one. Negotiated a price and took it home in an hour. Howard Frum threw in a mace spray for me because he said that no woman should be without one and a flashlight for my husband.
If you are looking for a high-​end watch, check them out! You won’t be disappointed.

I have had the pleasure of visiting Howard Frum Jewelers on different occasions over the years. Each time it was a very pleasurable experience and I haven’t bought anything from them yet. :) I met Mr. Frum at my ophthalmologist’s office and struck up a conversation. This man is so interesting and charming. I believe he’s a piece of Chicago. Like the Harry Caray of the jewelry business, swear to god. FUN. I know of some friends who go and they all swear by him, too. Today I called (and I know he doesn’t know me from a hole in the ground) and asked him some questions about some things I am thinking about selling and he took his time and went into alot of helpful and honest detail. Go and find out yourself. He’s a gentleman from the old school and has forgotten more than we would ever know about jewelry and watches. I found his prices right on the money. His staff is great, too.