NYC AD recommendations?

[BRP79]

Hi - I moved from LA to NYC about a year ago. The AD I was working with in LA has had a lot of employee turn over and so I don't have a contact there anymore. I've walked into the Rolex on 5th and Wempe and basically get laughed at for even asking about any watches they don't have on display. I work across the street from Torneau and any time I go in there the sales associates don't even attempt to talk to me. Very weird ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I understand now isn't a good time for much of anything at an AD but as things change (hopefully) I'd like to build up a relationship. Can TRF fam throw out some people they have worked with (don't worry I wont steal your spot in line for that hot piece, ha) or other ADs in the areas to check out?

Appreciate it!

[johnnydrama]

Originally Posted by BRP79

Hi - I moved from LA to NYC about a year ago. The AD I was working with in LA has had a lot of employee turn over and so I don't have a contact there anymore. I've walked into the Rolex on 5th and Wempe and basically get laughed at for even asking about any watches they don't have on display. I work across the street from Torneau and any time I go in there the sales associates don't even attempt to talk to me. Very weird ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I understand now isn't a good time for much of anything at an AD but as things change (hopefully) I'd like to build up a relationship. Can TRF fam throw out some people they have worked with (don't worry I wont steal your spot in line for that hot piece, ha) or other ADs in the areas to check out?

Appreciate it!

Check out the new Watches of Switzerland boutique at Hudson Yards. It opened last month and I found the staff much friendlier than the other shops in town. Supply situation isn’t any better, but if you’re looking to start an AD relationship in Manhattan, I think it’s a good place to start.

[a_carkhuff]

I would just call around to a few and see which ones you think are willing to work with you


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[Seaswirl]

I’ve never bought anything from Wempe, but I’ve always found the staff to be very helpful. I’d give them another try. I also like London Jewelers out in Manhasset. I’ve made a few purchases from them, and they are great to deal with.

[Rodayyy]

Dean at London Jewlers in the Oculus, stellar guy. Ed Sherwood the manager is a great guy as well!

Michael Guzman at Wempe is also an extremely personable guy; always has gone above and beyond. I would certainly give them another shot.

Damian in the pre owned area of Tourneau on 53rd, we have spent countless hours talking watches. Sometimes he even brings out the platinum PP from safe and let’s me mess around. My friends for 20+ years have bought a few pieces here and there from him.

#1 would be Dean downtown, though.

Scott

[envuks]

Take a road trip to ADs in NJ or CT. NYC is a dead zone for building a relationship without monster purchases

[BillA]

Originally Posted by envuks

take a road trip to ads in nj or ct. Nyc is a dead zone for building a relationship without monster purchases

+1

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by envuks

Take a road trip to ADs in NJ or CT. NYC is a dead zone for building a relationship without monster purchases

I'd second this thought. I've strolled through Tourneau on Madison wearing my DJ & didn't get much attention. I was just window-shopping, but I'd think that every sale matters in the retail business. I was wrong & ultimately, disappointed. Smaller, "mom & pop" shops in NJ, CT, or on Lawn Guyland might be a better bet.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by envuks

Take a road trip to ADs in NJ or CT. NYC is a dead zone for building a relationship without monster purchases

The AD's in NYC are all set in terms of business, so as for hope of acquiring any SS Sports or the such, it will be impossible....unless you spend your way into that situation. They have no need to build relationships in the manner you are looking for...

[fsprow]

Originally Posted by johnnydrama

Check out the new Watches of Switzerland boutique at Hudson Yards. It opened last month and I found the staff much friendlier than the other shops in town. Supply situation isn’t any better, but if you’re looking to start an AD relationship in Manhattan, I think it’s a good place to start.

Agree 100%. They are usually busy so showing up first thing in the morning when they open is a good idea.

[RX0]

Go to Watch Of Switerland in Soho and look for Richard Dagia. He was able to deliver what he promised within the time frame. Have a decent selection there.

The showroom is nice and have a lounge in the basement

[jaisonline]

There have been countless threads on this topic. Please search. E.g.

https://www.rolexforums.com/search.p...rchid=22766238

https://www.rolexforums.com/search.p...rchid=22766275

https://www.rolexforums.com/search.p...rchid=22766279

[FrontHeadlock]

Originally Posted by envuks

Take a road trip to ADs in NJ or CT. NYC is a dead zone for building a relationship without monster purchases

As someone who resides in the NYC suburbs, don't do this

[ArtNouveau]

The treatment you are perceiving is just a sad sign of the times. I started going to NY two to three times a year in 2011 and until around the end of 2017 all the watch stores I visited in the city were well stocked and eager to sell to both locals and visitors. And then things changed. I still encounter friendly salespeople when I go into watch stores in NY but the Rolex dealers can't sell you what they don't have. It's frustrating for both you and them I'm sure.

[Nepats81]

Originally Posted by Rodayyy

Dean at London Jewlers in the Oculus, stellar guy. Ed Sherwood the manager is a great guy as well!

Michael Guzman at Wempe is also an extremely personable guy; always has gone above and beyond. I would certainly give them another shot.

Damian in the pre owned area of Tourneau on 53rd, we have spent countless hours talking watches. Sometimes he even brings out the platinum PP from safe and let’s me mess around. My friends for 20+ years have bought a few pieces here and there from him.

#1 would be Dean downtown, though.

Scott

Hi dean!

[Rollierollierollie]

Would definitely recommend London Jewelers at the Oculus. Was able to get my 116622 from them immediately (I get it's not the most popular model but Wempe/Torneau didn't have it at that time) after just inquiring through email.

[Dr Watches]

NYC is probably the worst city in the entire country to shop for anything rare. Even if you drop a million a year at a Rolex/Patek AD, there will still be multiple people more "VIP" than you.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by BRP79

Hi - I moved from LA to NYC about a year ago. The AD I was working with in LA has had a lot of employee turn over and so I don't have a contact there anymore. I've walked into the Rolex on 5th and Wempe and basically get laughed at for even asking about any watches they don't have on display. I work across the street from Torneau and any time I go in there the sales associates don't even attempt to talk to me. Very weird ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I understand now isn't a good time for much of anything at an AD but as things change (hopefully) I'd like to build up a relationship. Can TRF fam throw out some people they have worked with (don't worry I wont steal your spot in line for that hot piece, ha) or other ADs in the areas to check out?

Appreciate it!

The best way to start a new AD experience is to buy something, anything. The AD needs to know that eventually you will purchase something not just come in and shoot the breeze every time. With that said, I find Omega AD's a bit more friendly these days.

[brucethemanlee]

Originally Posted by Dr Watches

NYC is probably the worst city in the entire country to shop for anything rare. Even if you drop a million a year at a Rolex/Patek AD, there will still be multiple people more "VIP" than you.

i agree +100

[Calatrava r]

I would try the suburbs. Midtown is tough on hot watches. The whole metro area has a lot of incredibly wealthy people who can buy anything on a whim so VIP status is hard to attain. This is probably the case for all big cities in the world. People in less populated areas have an advantage of being able to build close relationships fairly quickly.

[UmichNJ]

Wempe in Midtown is fantastic and they appreciate watch collectors that wear their watches.


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[michaelodonnell123]

NYC is the pits for shopping. Head over to https://www.leeperla.com/
in New Jersey. Ask for Rick and he will take care of you. It is located in the upscale Riverside Mall - very nice place to visit.

[Navarino]

I've always found the customer service at Wempe to be top-notch. Jules is my guy there and probably the best watch sales guy I've ever met.

OP - what exactly are you looking to add to your collection? Might be a pretty tough ask if you're going in the first time asking for something like a Daytona, BLRO, etc.

[cascavel]

Originally Posted by UmichNJ

Wempe in Midtown is fantastic and they appreciate watch collectors that wear their watches.


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This, exactly. Wempe carries a lot of great brands so you can morph from easier to get to more difficult. Start with buying a Lange 1815 which you can probably get for the low $20K range. At the same time buy a cheaper Jaeger at full price. As soon as you buy those tell your new best friend sales person that you want an A/P 15500. As soon as that comes in order a Submariner and at the same time buy an Oyster Perpetual, whatever they have in the case at full price. When your Submariner comes in, pick it up and buy a gold Cartier anything, also at full price. At that time order a Daytona in stainless. In less than 6 months you'll have your Daytona.

[Navarino]

Originally Posted by cascavel

This, exactly. Wempe carries a lot of great brands so you can morph from easier to get to more difficult. Start with buying a Lange 1815 which you can probably get for the low $20K range. At the same time buy a cheaper Jaeger at full price. As soon as you buy those tell your new best friend sales person that you want an A/P 15500. As soon as that comes in order a Submariner and at the same time buy an Oyster Perpetual, whatever they have in the case at full price. When your Submariner comes in, pick it up and buy a gold Cartier anything, also at full price. At that time order a Daytona in stainless. In less than 6 months you'll have your Daytona.

One small correction to this. Unfortunately, Wempe no longer carries AP. Not sure when it happened but certainly for at least the past year and probably in connection with the shift towards the boutique model. AP boutique is only a few blocks away from Wempe in Midtown.

Learned this the hard way when I tried getting my Wempe sales person to help out with a blue RO :(

[VacherObsessive]

Originally Posted by cascavel

This, exactly. Wempe carries a lot of great brands so you can morph from easier to get to more difficult. Start with buying a Lange 1815 which you can probably get for the low $20K range. At the same time buy a cheaper Jaeger at full price. As soon as you buy those tell your new best friend sales person that you want an A/P 15500. As soon as that comes in order a Submariner and at the same time buy an Oyster Perpetual, whatever they have in the case at full price. When your Submariner comes in, pick it up and buy a gold Cartier anything, also at full price. At that time order a Daytona in stainless. In less than 6 months you'll have your Daytona.

And once you sell the Cartier, JLC and oyster perp, the loss you’ll take adds up to the same if not more than just buying the daytona immediately without any BS instantly from a grey, no?

[Dr Watches]

Originally Posted by VacherObsessive

And once you sell the Cartier, JLC and oyster perp, the loss you’ll take adds up to the same if not more than just buying the daytona immediately without any BS instantly from a grey, no?

This is TRF. Buying $250,000 worth of watches that you don't want so that you can buy a Daytona at retail is totally good advice that everyone should take.

[Daytonaman799]

London Jewelers is great to deal with. City is tough.

[fel2718]

I've heard good things about Sidney Thomas in NJ and Gerald Peters in Staten Island. An employee at Sidney Thomas has a social media account and responds to a lot of questions and seems super friendly.

[toucan]

Originally Posted by Dr Watches

NYC is probably the worst city in the entire country to shop for anything rare. Even if you drop a million a year at a Rolex/Patek AD, there will still be multiple people more "VIP" than you.

Disagree for Rolex- PP is a different story.