Otto Frei

It’s really the best place in the bay for jewelry supplies, especially when you need your materials fast. The staff is very helpful. Their prices are a little expensive but you pay for convenience.

Every single time I come here I am reminded of why I hate coming. This place has the worst customer service. I do not mind their online store, but if you come in person make sure you have a good chunk of time to waste. Everything moves at turtle speed. Last week when I went to pick up some last minute jewelry supplies, I had to wait while the customer associate flirted with the customer ahead of me and while 2 other employees were walking around filling online orders. I find their prices to be higher than riogrande, so if you can plan ahead, save yourself the trouble and order online through riogrande.

Pretty amazing selection. Definitely not for casual window shoppers, you must sign in at the front desk before coming in and they bring everything you ask for to the counter. As a result, it is best to look up everything you need to buy or want to take a look at on their website first and have the item numbers written down.
They were very patient with me when I came in obnoxiously close to closing with too many questions, and equally patient when I had to return much of what I had bought because it didn’t end up working out for my current project.
I found the staff to be very knowledgable and friendly.

Worst customer service I have received in some time.
Made a phone call to check availablity of one part number that was shown on their web site. Customer Service rep on the phone, who understood every word I said, until I gave her the Part Number… then it was a rude tirade about «our phone line is breaking up … fax in your request.» Click!
I called again and same deal, she understood everything I said then got rude, claiming to not being able to hear me when I gave her the part number. But she heard me well enough to read back the email address she gave me twice and carry on a conversation. Then, comically, I asked that since she could clear hear me now, ccould she check stock on one part number … and suddenly she could not hear me again. Disgraceful.
So I emailed my request. The email was responded to quickly. But, an equally flakey response. «Lead time is 3 to 6 weeks.» Which I responded if they could clarify with Omega if its closer to 3 or 6 weeks … they said they won’t know what the delivery time is until they place and order and receive the shipment, and there is a chance the piece won’t even show up in the shipment … so they don’t even know if they can get it. But they have to place an order first to figure out lead time and availability. So I need to give Otto Frei several hundred dollars and wait weeks to know if I can even get this part. Mind boggling horrible customer service. I suspect they have some kind of exclusive distribution deal with some of the watch OEMs. They must have no competition — they sure need it. Ugh.

I love Otto Frei for purchasing my jewelry supplies and equipment.
Their website is very user friendly. The ordering process is all automated you receive confirmation emails once it has been processed and shipped.
Very fast shipping! Wonderful quality!
Great company to deal with for your jewelry needs!

Bob Frei is a complete jackass. I have written to him on several occassions to inquire about watch parts not listed on their website. Bob usually doesn’t respond. However, a week ago I wrote to him… again…and never got a response. Then… out of nowhere… some guy calls me yesterday and is introducing himself in such garbled language I couldn’t figure out who it was and what they wanted. Finally, I figure it out… it was Bob Frei with Otto Frei… and he immediately tells me what I do for a living… I guess he had time to do an Internet search on me instead of sending an email that he didnt have the part I needed. Bob tells me he is irrated that I didn’t recognize his name (why would I… he never responds to email requests). Then he proceeds to tell me he’s pissed off because I wrote to him asking about some parts… and, oh, by the way… he doesn’t go hunting inventory for parts. Hmmmm… I thought that’s what he was in business for… to help customers with watch parts? Great customer service Bob… you deserve some kind of award for making this call… like the worst customer service response of all time perhaps! I nominate you! So I said,“So you fcuking called me up to read me the riot act over an email?” The jerk hung up… too scared to get a piece of my mind. I have dealt with all the big watch supply houses… and they all bend over backwards to help… but Bob Frei just bends over hoping to get lucky. Do yourself a favor… and save yourself some trouble… call Jules Borel instead… they will help you even if it’s an obscure part not shown on their site.

Otto Frei is the only place left in the Bay Area that sells Jewelry Tools and Supplies, and have been doing so since 1930. They can be quite busy at times, so if you’re in a hurry you can call in your order or place it online and have it picked up at the front desk. They sell over 25,000 different items, so it helps to be specific about what you need. They are not a jewelry school, so it is a good idea to do a bit of research to know exactly what you need for your project.

The SF location no longer exists because a tech company bought out the building they were in so they only have their Oakland location and online store left.
I meandered over to the other side of the Bay to pick up some wax for a lost wax cast I’m doing. I’m a beginner, and don’t know too much about wax, so I did some browsing online which wasn’t super helpful seeing as I’m a visual person and a beginner at that. I figured I could go to the store and ask the employees for help, or at least see the products in person to help my decisions. Boy, was I wrong. I was assisted by Garry (yes, two R’s as was written on my receipt) and he was the most unpleasant, unhelpful person to deal with. He was short, curt, a little rude, and not helpful at all.
Upon receiving his help, he started to bring out wax that I had asked to see, and seemed irritated that I didn’t know exactly what I wanted. To make a long story short, they had gauge 8 wire wax on a spool for around $ 26 that I could purchase, or a box of already cut wire wax in gauge 6 for $ 10. You have to purchase the whole spool or box (which is totally understandable, I’m not mad at that) so of course I needed to think about which to purchase and what made the most sense for me, this project, and future projects. Already feeling rushed and like I was a bother, Garry said «It’s only $ 10, it’s not going to break the bank.» I could not have been more insulted. Yes Garry, it’s not going to break the bank, BUT THAT’S NOT THE POINT. In addition to that snide remark, when asked questions he would rudely say to me «I don’t know, what you see is what you get».
Upon leaving the store I immediately called the manager, Larry, to complain about my experience. He apologized once and said he’d talk to Garry, but who knows if that really happened, especially since it appears Larry has done the same according to J K.‘s review on them. On another occasion I had my bf go in to buy some items for me since I couldn’t and he said he had a poor experience, but didn’t really elaborate so I didn’t think it was a big deal, but now going in for my self and experiencing it first hand, I see what he was talking about.
Otto Frei doesn’t seem to think much of customer service/​experience so I will be taking my business elsewhere and will never order online or from their store again. What a shame.

I have been a customer for over 14 years and I use Otto Frei only in emergency situations. Very glad that they are around, however… their pricing is … well… I recently was quoted over 45% on 5 feet of 20 gauge 14k wire than my normal supplier. Also, I was in the market for a small tabletop German made casting machine and their pricing is $ 3500 vs Rio Grande’s $ 2800.
Come on guys, I understand that you need to make a living, but we all aren’t Revere students that you should price gouge, and I am fairly certain that your warehouse mortgage was paid off in the 1960’s.
The employees IMO are helpful, some of them have been there for over 20 years, some are new and don’t have any jewelry MFG knowledge. I see the counter guys answering the most inane questions from grey haired ladies that are taking their first jewelry making class. They seem patient, tolerant and helpful.
So, if you can’t wait a few days to get stuff delivered, then it is a great place, the only place in town actually.
If you can wait then I highly suggest you compare pricing from other suppliers. The savings can be huge.

I take my hobby, making silver jewelry by hand, very seriously. The place I go for 98% of my tools and supplies is Otto Frei. They are the bomb! They have a tremendous website, excellent service, and excellent pricing. They also have the store in Oakland. If you ever go there it is pretty amazing, particularly if you are into tool p0rn, as badly as I am. You get to discuss your tools and equipment with pros as well as rub elbows with craftsmen working in the trade.
Nobody better for tools and supplies.

I meant to write a review a couple months ago. I’ve been a customer of Otto Frei for probably 6 or 7 years, but only a couple months ago I had my first experience requesting to speak with a manager about one of their products.
I had an issue with a specific product, and although I questioned the quality of this particular batch of product, I also acknowledged on the spot that the problems could be due to my own human error or storage of the product. Above all, I needed technical expertise, although I also requested an exchange of the product.
I do not expect a manager to be particularly friendly or courteous, but I did not appreciate the abrupt and condescending attitude that I was immediately given. The manager aggressively stated that he would not allow an exchange of the product, which I actually accepted immediately, because more than anything I was hoping for an answer to what could have happened to the product– one that I have been using regularly, at least 3 times per week, for several years.
The lack of any type of «customer service» was unexpected. I will also note that the manager literally yelled at one of his female employees towards the end of my conversation with him. I thought that he was unprofessional, arrogant, and unwilling to help. I understood that his experience was years and years beyond my own in the industry; however, a customer should not be spoken to as if he or she is stupid– plain and simple.
Furthermore, the pricing for many of the products at Otto is egregiously high. I once purchased sterling casting grain when the spot price was about $ 32 per oz., and the Otto price was about $ 45 per oz. Some of their products have reasonable pricing, but there is a huge mark-​up on several items. I normally purchase the majority of my supplies from companies out-​of-​state, and have only used Otto occasionally when I needed items immediately.

This is a unique place that carries a lot of high quality industry-​standard watch and jewelry making supplies and tools. You won’t find much if any cheap, made in China tools here.
They carry Swiss tools from Bergeon as well as some no brand name tools that are still Swiss and some that are cheaper than Bergeon, but actually made by Bergeon!
You can mailorder, but it’s nice that they have a retail location so you can avoid shipping charges by shopping there in person.
If you are not familiar with this store, the first visit is always a bit disorienting because you have to first check in at the front desk to get an order form assigned to you. Then, you have to go to one of the counters inside the belly of the store to have an employee pick your parts for you.
There are also some areas where you can browse and pick items off the shelf like a normal store, but mostly this is a warehouse where they need to go fetch your items for you.
Then, you go to back to the front and pay.
This place has gotten me out of a few pinches when I really needed a certain high quality tool to work on one of my watches, but I really didn’t want to wait and mailorder it. I just checked their website, wrote down the part numbers and drove down there.
So glad they are still here after all these years and I hope they remain in business for years to come.

I absolutely love that Otto Frei is so accessible. When I go in person, I get great service in helping me find what I need and the people who work here are kind. When I place a phone order, I know I am speaking to real people with real suggestions –they know what they are talking about. I do a majority of my jeweler’s tools and metals here. Also, when I order online, I get my order within one or two days. But, I live about an hour away, so that is not typical. But, its great all the same because I know they put my order together right away every time.

Great place! A favorite stop to make in my business. Top of the line tools and a quick stop for metals or repair items.
As a San Francisco resident, it is so convenient to have the satellite store on Market St. As long as you call ahead, (I recommend 1 day) they can bring in whatever stocked item you need from Oakland. Some items are a little more expensive than their online competitors, but well worth it in terms of convenience and shipping. Plus the quality of their products is better.
The guys that work there are so friendly and helpful, and really make an effort to get to know you. I’m definitely a happy customer!

Otto Frie is a great place to go if you are looking for jewelry making tools or findings.
They also have a little office on 760 Market Street #905. So if you need a little chain or tarnish remover, or a new Professional rotary tool, this is a place to check out.
Great prices and lots of stuff!
Watch out for the lunch hour though as they are closed for an hour mid day.

i love this place! there are tons of stuff to buy! The watch band/​watch materials/​displays/​clock parts are on