Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers from the jewellers and watch specialists at Cassims & Co., Mall of the South, Johannesburg. Can't find your question? WhatsApp us — a real person replies.
About Cassims & Co.
Is Cassims & Co legit?
Yes. We are an established South African watch and jewellery retailer with a physical boutique at Shop G098, Mall of the South, Johannesburg South — you can walk in and meet us any day of the week. We are an authorised retailer for the watch brands we stock, we manufacture and repair jewellery in our own in-house workshop, and we hold a 4.8-star rating from over 440 Google reviews. Checkout is secured by Shopify, Payflex instalments are available, and you can call us on 011 682 1517 or WhatsApp 078 798 6959 before spending a cent.
Where are you located?
Shop G098, Mall of the South, Cnr Swartkoppies & Klipriver Drive, Johannesburg South. Open seven days a week — see our store location page for hours and directions. No appointment needed.
Why buy from a local authorised dealer instead of importing?
Three reasons: your manufacturer warranty is valid and serviceable in South Africa; you pay no surprise customs duties or courier ransom fees; and when your watch needs a battery, strap or service in three years, you have a workshop that knows you. Imported grey-market watches often fail on all three.
Watches
Are your watches authentic?
Every new watch we sell is 100% authentic, sourced through the official authorised distribution channel for South Africa, and carries the full manufacturer warranty. We stock Tissot, Seiko, Casio & G-Shock, Michel Herbelin, Victorinox, Fossil, Swatch, Hugo Boss and more — see all watches.
Do you replace watch batteries and straps?
Yes, while you wait in store, on all major brands — with proper resealing and, where applicable, pressure testing so your water resistance survives the battery change. We also size bracelets and fit straps.
Do you service and repair watches?
Yes — from quartz movement replacements to mechanical servicing, glass and crown replacement, and refurbishment of pre-owned pieces. Bring the watch in or read more under Watch Servicing & Repairs.
Which watch should I buy?
We wrote an honest, rand-based guide: The Best Watches to Buy in South Africa. Or tell us your budget and wrist on WhatsApp and we'll shortlist for you — it's what we do all day in store.
Diamonds, Lab-Grown & Moissanite
What's the difference between natural, lab-grown and moissanite?
Natural and lab-grown diamonds are chemically identical — both are real diamonds, graded on the same 4Cs. The difference is origin and price: a lab-grown stone of the same size and quality costs a fraction of a mined one. Moissanite is a different gemstone entirely (silicon carbide) — more fire and brilliance than diamond, at an even lower price, and nearly as hard. None of the three is “better”; they suit different budgets and priorities, and we'll tell you honestly which fits yours. Browse diamond rings, lab-grown diamond rings and moissanite rings.
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes — physically, chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds. A jeweller's loupe cannot tell them apart; it takes specialised equipment. They are graded and certified the same way.
Can you make a custom engagement ring?
Yes — custom design and manufacturing is done in our own workshop, from your idea or photo to CAD design to the finished ring, in your choice of metal and stone. Start at Custom Design or bring your ideas in store.
How do I know my ring size?
Come in for a free professional sizing — it takes a minute — or WhatsApp us for a printable sizing guide. And if a ring you buy from us doesn't fit, our workshop resizes it.
Do you sell men's wedding bands?
Yes — our tungsten carbide bands are a signature line: scratch-resistant, comfortable and far more affordable than gold, with engraving available in-house.
Pre-Owned, Trade-Ins & Old Gold
Do you sell pre-owned luxury watches?
Yes — certified pre-owned pieces from Rolex, Omega, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Longines and others. Every pre-owned watch is authenticated and checked by our in-house specialists before it's offered for sale.
Do you buy watches, gold and diamonds?
Yes. Bring your luxury watch, old gold or diamonds in for a free assessment, or WhatsApp photos to start. We buy outright or trade against anything in the boutique — details at Trade & Sell.
Delivery, Payment & Returns
Do you deliver nationwide?
Yes — free, fully insured delivery anywhere in South Africa, typically within 1–2 business days. Every parcel is insured door to door until it's signed for. You can also collect in store.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes — Payflex splits your purchase into four interest-free instalments over six weeks, and you receive your piece after the first payment. Cards and standard secure checkout are also available.
What is your returns policy?
Returns are handled per our published Refund Policy. If anything isn't right, contact us first — most issues we simply sort out in the workshop.
Can I view an item before buying online?
Absolutely — WhatsApp us the item and we'll set it aside at the boutique for you to see in person, no obligation.
Aftercare & Services
What aftercare comes with my purchase?
Jewellery bought from us is backed by our workshop for as long as you own it — free cleaning and polishing in store, plus repairs, claw checks and stone tightening when needed. Watches carry their manufacturer warranty, and our workshop handles servicing beyond it.
Do you do engraving?
Yes — precision laser engraving on rings, watches, pendants and gifts, done in-house, often same-day.
Do you do valuations?
Yes — professional jewellery and watch valuations for insurance purposes, prepared in-house.
Still deciding? Visit us at Mall of the South, call 011 682 1517, or WhatsApp a jeweller — straight answers, no pressure. — The Cassims & Co. team