Any good Used/AD in Vancouver BC

[jtrader]

Hi everyone,

I'm headed up to vancouver BC on Thursday and will be there threw the weekend. While I'm there I want to check out some good watch dealers. Anyone know of any good stores to check out in the downtown area?

[Matrim604]

I like to deal with Monte Cristo on 852 West Hastings St (604 899-8866), they are a Rolex AD. They're a small but high end family owned/operated jewler that also sells Breguet, Omega, and Hublot (among others). Hastings is a pretty major street so it shouldn't be hard to find. Right across the street is another jewler that also sells Rolex and a lot of other high end watches.

In Pacific Centre shopping mall which is like 2 blocks away from there, there are 2 watch only stores, one called La Swiss (which stopped becoming a Rolex AD about 6 or 7 years ago for some reason but still has some rolex watches for sale), and another one I can't remember the name of that sells less expensive watches. I think it might be called Time Co. or something like that but both of the are right in the mall.

[Yume-sama]

The BEST AD for Rolex, Omega, Patek, Faberge, etc. is Brinkhaus at 1018 Georgia Street, near the corner of West Georgia and Burrard.

All of my stuff is from there.

[ROGERB]

Also go to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Georgia st and in the basement there is a small watch repair shop..Otto Friedel which often has used high end watches available with no worry about authenticity.
Also agree with Brinkhause which is less than a block west from the Hotel.
Enjoy your stay!
R

[jtrader]

Wow, that's the Hotel that I'm staying at while I'm in town. Have you or anyone you know ever had the chance to stay there? If so did you like it or hear good things?

Sounds like there's quite a few places in the area for me to shop around in.

Originally Posted by ROGERB

Also go to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Georgia st and in the basement there is a small watch repair shop..Otto Friedel which often has used high end watches available with no worry about authenticity.
Also agree with Brinkhause which is less than a block west from the Hotel.
Enjoy your stay!
R

[ROGERB]

Beautiful old style Hotel, very well run and maintained. You shouldn't have any issues.
Enjoy!
Oh and by the way another watch dealer (non Rolex) also on Georgia st approx 3 blocks east on the opposite side to your Hotel is Time and Gold, another nice shop.
Cheers
R

[GoFlames]

Monte Cristo is good. I was just in there over the weekend and they had the LV and SS GMT II on display. They seem to always have an SS Daytona in the vault too.

[HockeyBrand]

I agree with Brinkhaus.

Also the third Rolex AD in Vancity after Monte Cristo is:

PALLADIO - Terminal City Club 855 West Hastings Street (Downtown)

[Yume-sama]

I have stayed there before, the lobby is far more impressive than their rooms, which are extremely old and outdated with walls that sound like they have absolutely no sound insulation compared to hotels built in say... the last 50 years (but you might like that kind of stuff....) It does have its charms, and was at least enjoyable, though.

If you are staying in the Fairmont, the watch shop in the basement does have a few used Rolex items, they had a couple stainless Submariner's the last time I was there, and some lady Datejust watches. The Brinkhaus is actually right across the street (on the same side) from the Fairmont Hotel on the West Georgia Street exit beside (one of the over 200) the Starbucks (one block up from Robson St.)

[ottude]

Originally Posted by GoFlames

Monte Cristo is good. I was just in there over the weekend and they had the LV and SS GMT II on display. They seem to always have an SS Daytona in the vault too.

Monte Cristo always has a SS Daytona or three in their vault because they charge $3,000 over MSRP (and then tag the 12% tax on that). They strike me as slimey.
Palladio charges $2,500 over MSRP.
(I'm one of those people that refuse to pay over MSRP)
Brinkhaus is ok - I bought my GMTIIc there. Nice people and very knowledgeable. However, I was waiting for a white-faced Daytona for almost six years from them, bugging them and generally being made to feel like a schmuck for wanting one so badly. They told me to check back frequently, so I did over the years, but each time they had a Daytona (white or black) in their window they told me that it was already sold. Brinkhaus finally told me that all of their Daytonas are for their preferred customers only - which they imply that I am not, because I don't buy enough from them (correct, as I have been waiting for a Daytona!). This stopped me from wanting to spend any money there, because the only way I'm going to become a preferred customer for them is if they treat me like one to begin with.
I bought a few Omegas recently for family (you didn't expect me to buy Rolexes?). Because of the Daytona issue I didn't even bother going to Brinkhaus to see if they wanted my business - I got them at Siba Jewellers in the Pacific Centre and received great service.

[Yume-sama]

Honestly most AD's *do* have one or more of the SS Daytona in their vault (though most only get 6 or so a year). It's just a matter of who asks for one, unfortunately.

[HockeyBrand]

Originally Posted by ottude

Monte Cristo always has a SS Daytona or three in their vault because they charge $3,000 over MSRP (and then tag the 12% tax on that). They strike me as slimey.
Palladio charges $2,500 over MSRP.
(I'm one of those people that refuse to pay over MSRP)
Brinkhaus is ok - I bought my GMTIIc there. Nice people and very knowledgeable. However, I was waiting for a white-faced Daytona for almost six years from them, bugging them and generally being made to feel like a schmuck for wanting one so badly. They told me to check back frequently, so I did over the years, but each time they had a Daytona (white or black) in their window they told me that it was already sold. Brinkhaus finally told me that all of their Daytonas are for their preferred customers only - which they imply that I am not, because I don't buy enough from them (correct, as I have been waiting for a Daytona!). This stopped me from wanting to spend any money there, because the only way I'm going to become a preferred customer for them is if they treat me like one to begin with.
I bought a few Omegas recently for family (you didn't expect me to buy Rolexes?). Because of the Daytona issue I didn't even bother going to Brinkhaus to see if they wanted my business - I got them at Siba Jewellers in the Pacific Centre and received great service.

Right on the nail Ottude. I wasn't sure if I should open up.

Palladio was okay because they got my name for a PAM177 several years back and they promptly called, to invite me for any new arrivals. Their markup (like almost all places in Canada) is nothing to rave about. So I bought my PAM from NYC.

While enquiring about the GV. I have e-mails from Monte Cristo quoting me some incredible prices above MSRP?! Definitely a newbie Salesperson and not one of the Owners! This would get them shutdown. n ....1st thing I thought was..."This is an Official AD?! What a slimy operation."
Eventually I got in touch with one of the preferred Customers from MonteCristo and he got me a price (still above) and a December delivery for the GV.

Then I went to Brinkhaus (like you for the Daytona) and just put my list on for the GV at Cdn MSRP (no markup at all). Tried on their White one still in the window to this day, and I check back frequently (three times). They've had one single GV delivered this calendar year alone and it was offered and scooped by their "preferred Clientelle". I have no real hopes with receiving it from them anytime soon, so I'm on the list from a US AD.

Staff is friendly and they've sent me some catalogues (IWC and GO, awaiting Rolex one) already to tide me over the wait (been three months sofar).

[ottude]

Originally Posted by HockeyBrand

Right on the nail Ottude. I wasn't sure if I should open up.

Monte Cristo ..."This is an Official AD?! What a slimy operation."

Glad to hear it wasn't just me!

Originally Posted by HockeyBrand

Then I went to Brinkhaus (like you for the Daytona) and just put my list on for the GV at Cdn MSRP (no markup at all). Tried on their White one still in the window to this day, and I check back frequently (three times). They've had one single GV delivered this calendar year alone and it was offered and scooped by their "preferred Clientelle". I have no real hopes with receiving it from them anytime soon, so I'm on the list from a US AD.

Regarding the Brinkhaus "list"; I put my name on their "Daytona list" about six years ago, then a year or so later they told me that I was second from the top of the list. Soon after that they told me that they were going to give the Daytona's only to existing people on the list after which they would not be doing lists anymore - and that my name was not on the list! Nice people, but I now feel like a schmuck for walking into their store because of they way they have treated me.
You are wise to go through the US rather than wait on Brinkhaus - the duty is only 5%, so it ends up being cheaper too.
That white Milgauss has been in Brinkhaus' window for months.

[Matrim604]

I'll have to pop by Brinkhause some time, i've actually never been there before. It's too bad a couple of you have had such negative experiences locally, the only AD i've really done business with is Monte Cristo and i've had nothing but good experiences, although I've only really dealt with the owners since the first day I walked in.

As for charging you higher than MSRP pricing, while I know it sucks the big one, I don't think it's an uncommon practice for any AD, especially for models in high demand and limited supply like the GV and Daytona. I'm not sticking up for them, or trying to say it's right, i'm just pointing out that it's not uncommon. I've heard some people on this forum say they paid over $16,000 for SS Daytonas at one point. Even though prices on those watches have come down a little since then, that is the main reason I still don't own one. If I could ever find MSRP on a black face Daytona i'll snatch it up in a second :)

I found the folks at Monte Cristo give me very good deals on most models, except of course the Daytona. The GV and Seadweller they told me would be MSRP because of the demand of the GV and the fact the Seadweller is going out of production. Sounded fair to me, but i'm fairly sure I could have convinced them to do something for me if I pressed hard enough :) Anyways, just thought I would share my experiences.

[HockeyBrand]

Thanks for sharing Matrim. My good friends have all bought from Monte Cristo and the owners have even sat at my table during my buddies weddings. Daughter Marcella and her pappa. It just seemed like night and day when speaking with the Brinkhaus Rep and others on the Rolex Forums about the shady activity of gouging prices. From what I hear and read it's highly frowned upon by Rolex North America HQ in Toronto.

I've seen the now...non-AD La Swiss do that for many years...and perhaps this is why they were removed as an AD? Take the already high MSRP, then add the markup and then the "gouging factor" it all adds up to - BUY in the U.S. for me.

[Matrim604]

Originally Posted by HockeyBrand

I've seen the now...non-AD La Swiss do that for many years...and perhaps this is why they were removed as an AD? Take the already high MSRP, then add the markup and then the "gouging factor" it all adds up to - BUY in the U.S. for me.

I'm going to Las Vegas this weekend, I can't wait to check out that Tourneau Time Dome. I have a feeling my buddies are going to be pissed off at me when I tell them I want to spend an entire day in a watch store

[HockeyBrand]

I was gambling there a couple of weeks ago.

Definitely go to the Ceasar's Palace Shops - Tourneau. Amazing selection!

But also check out the Rolex Store and Penske at the Wynn as well! It was closed unfortunately, when I finally got out of the Buffet at 11pm.

Airport photo

[ccyip]

Here's my experience on the 3 Rolex ADs in Vancouver so far:

1. Monte Cristo: They wanted $3200 premium on a SS Daytona. No, thank you. However, they are willing to discount on the SS GMTIIc though. I was offered 17% off. Note that the Cdn list price for the GMTIIc is $7720 Cdn though.

2. Palladio: I paid little premium on a 210 but I wasn't aware of it but if I knew it I would pass. They said they can sell me a SS Daytona at list if I buy a GMTIIc from them at list so this works out as being $1300 premium compare to the discount I was offered at Monte Cristo. I can't afford both so end of story.

3. Brinkhaus: I have not bought from them so I can't get into their waiting list on SS Daytona as they only sell it to their VIP. Period.

I think in general I'm unimpressed by all of them in term of my quest for a SS Daytona. But if you are looking for regular models I would suggest you to got to Oakridge Mall's Monte Cristo location as I get much better price there.

[ROGERB]

My experience has been that the Oakridge Mall location certainly has been easier to deal with and although I have never been interested in a Daytona, or Milgauss GV, have never been quoted over MSRP on any other watch and they have been open to providing discount...
R

[Launch Mini]

Palladio has been more than fair to me.
I think there is only ONE post here that mentions the USED Rolex the fellow was looking for.
As far as I know, none of the 3 mentioned are selling pre owned rollies.
ccyip, are you sure you paid a premium on the 210, or did you just NOT GET A DISCOUNT. All their watches in display are at MSRP.

[ccyip]

Originally Posted by Launch Mini

Palladio has been more than fair to me.
I think there is only ONE post here that mentions the USED Rolex the fellow was looking for.
As far as I know, none of the 3 mentioned are selling pre owned rollies.
ccyip, are you sure you paid a premium on the 210, or did you just NOT GET A DISCOUNT. All their watches in display are at MSRP.

The current USD price for a PAM 210 is $4800 but I was charged $5150 excluding taxes at Palladio. Panerai raised the prices in USA this year so this brought the Canadian list price a lot closer to the US list price. A 183 listed at $5500 USD is only $5600 Cdn according to Palladio but why does a cheaper 210 has a much higher price difference?

Yes you are right, their watches on display are MSPR but when I bought the 210 they took it out from their vault, and on the invoice the price was listed as "special pricing" so this made me suspicious about the markup as I am unable to confirm.

[roling]

Well, if you really want to get a Daytona without waiting, get on a plane and go to Hong Kong. Trust me there are plenty of shops that will sell them out of their store window, and if you use cash they will give you a discount. I buy and sell used Rolex in Asia but I'm a Vancouver native. I buy in Asia and sell in Japan. Vancouver is not the place for Rolex. I almost have to laugh at what is available there and the prices are way too high. I can buy 40-50 % cheaper in Asia. Also, there are 100's of shops that sell Rolex in Hong Kong and then a ferry to Macau and you can find many more and in Macau there are many that sell used as well.