Los Angeles Watch Shopping

[dw.metro]

I'll be in LA in a few weeks and would like to see if anyone could recommend a watch store who specializes in used Rolexes. I'll be shopping for a mid-80's or older Pepsi GMT.

Thanks!

[j1rubin]

Wannabuyawatch in Beverly Hills is where I went a couple of months ago. I'd definitely check it out.


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[azguy]

There's a few places that sell on the "bay" quite often, I know nothing about them.

http://timeandgems.com/

http://www.steindiamonds.com/los-ang...ex-dealers.asp

http://modernvintageclassicwatches.c...-modern-rolex/


You'll have to do some research. The problem with LA is that the traffic and distance makes hitting a few places virtually impossible. You gonna go from Thousand Oakes to Pasadena to Newport Beach in one afternoon

There's a great shop in Newport if you get that far south http://www.jewelersontime.com/

then you could hit Bob's in HB

http://www.bobswatches.com/usa/los-a...-rolex-watches

[2ar2c1]

wanna buy a watch in Hollywood usually has a good stock of pre-owned rolex, and they have a website as well.

[redsubmarine]

if you want a retail storefront that specializes in vintage Rolex, Wanna Buy A Watch is your jam.

don't expect a rock bottom price, but do expect a wide selection of modern and vintage pieces. their site hasn't changed since like 2001 but they keep the inventory pretty current:
http://www.wannabuyawatch.com/watch/watches.htm

nb they are in West Hollywood, which is neither BH nor Hollywood :)

Second Time Around (http://www.secondtimearoundwatchco.com) is another longstanding and reputable LA dealer. They used to be practically around the corner from Wanna by LA standards but even in their new digs they're only a couple of miles away. It would be relatively easy to visit both in one swing.

[redsubmarine]

tbh the first place i'd look for what you're after is Jacek in SF (hamilton.com)

[DiverAsia]

Originally Posted by j1rubin

Wannabuyawatch in Beverly Hills is where I went a couple of months ago. I'd definitely check it out.


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That shop is forever old.
I remember as a teenager back in the 80s reading about that shop in GQ and dreaming I'd be able to walk in there one day and buy a watch.

[redsubmarine]

Originally Posted by redsubmarine

tbh the first place i'd look for what you're after is Jacek in SF (hamilton.com)

errr hqmilton.com. darn autocorrect

Originally Posted by DiverAsia

That shop is forever old.
I remember as a teenager back in the 80s reading about that shop in GQ and dreaming I'd be able to walk in there one day and buy a watch.

yes! when i first stumbled into their original location to get a (ahem) battery changed i think Melrose Place was still a thing.

fwiw they were just as gracious changing out an innocent kid's battery as they have been in the more costly years since.

[EEParker]

Originally Posted by redsubmarine

tbh the first place i'd look for what you're after is Jacek in SF (hamilton.com)

SF is as close to LA as New York is to Richmond, VA. HQMilton is a great shop but definitely not a practical stop while in Los Angeles.

Many have said it above but Wanna Buy A Watch is the best in town. Bob Maron is in LA too and might be willing to meet if you find something on his site you like. BH Watch Co is OK for newer 2nd hand pieces.

Good luck.

[dw.metro]

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions. If I don't find anything in LA, I will certainly aim to get to HQMilton in SF some time in the near future.

[PoderEsBueno]

You can also check hillstreetwatchcompany.com I believe they are located in LA.

[Fabrice M]

Except for bobswatch, most of those stores have very inflated prices...it seems.

[DiverAsia]

Originally Posted by redsubmarine

errr hqmilton.com. darn autocorrect



yes! when i first stumbled into their original location to get a (ahem) battery changed i think Melrose Place was still a thing.

fwiw they were just as gracious changing out an innocent kid's battery as they have been in the more costly years since.

nice story. classy place.

Cheers!

[dw.metro]

Originally Posted by PoderEsBueno

You can also check hillstreetwatchcompany.com I believe they are located in LA.

Hill Street Watch Company is where I bought my 16750 last week while in LA. Cristina was terrific to work with. Thanks so much for the suggestion.

[PoderEsBueno]

Originally Posted by dw.metro

Hill Street Watch Company is where I bought my 16750 last week while in LA. Cristina was terrific to work with. Thanks so much for the suggestion.

You welcome I always get great service from them whenever i consult about a watch

[donaker]

Originally Posted by dw.metro

Hill Street Watch Company is where I bought my 16750 last week while in LA. Cristina was terrific to work with. Thanks so much for the suggestion.

Do i need to say this......

pics or it didn't happen!!! ;)

Congrats!

[dw.metro]

Originally Posted by donaker

Do i need to say this......

pics or it didn't happen!!! ;)

Congrats!

Here is the watch. It came with the black insert but Cristina gave us several Pepsi inserts to choose from so my wife chose the slightly faded raspberry Pepsi insert for me. Very very happy!

[Toronto Soup King]

Canadian here, another vote for Jacek over at HQ Milton, my new-to-me 5513 arrived an hour ago, very pleased http://imgur.com/rWK0LC2

[sea-dweller]

Thanks! I may be headed to SoCal over the holidays.

[Beef]

Originally Posted by redsubmarine

if you want a retail storefront that specializes in vintage Rolex, Wanna Buy A Watch is your jam.

don't expect a rock bottom price, but do expect a wide selection of modern and vintage pieces. their site hasn't changed since like 2001 but they keep the inventory pretty current:
http://www.wannabuyawatch.com/watch/watches.htm

nb they are in West Hollywood, which is neither BH nor Hollywood :)

Second Time Around (http://www.secondtimearoundwatchco.com) is another longstanding and reputable LA dealer. They used to be practically around the corner from Wanna by LA standards but even in their new digs they're only a couple of miles away. It would be relatively easy to visit both in one swing.

I totally agree that WBAW is the place to go. I've bought a half a dozen vintage from them in 2005-2006. Their prices have gone up somewhat,proportionately, in that they are more expensive than some other dealers here. That being said, they have a huge selection and will negotiate some. Ken and his staff are great people. I've never been to the brick and mortar store, but have dealt with them via phone and always enjoyed the transactions.

[Beef]

Originally Posted by dw.metro

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions. If I don't find anything in LA, I will certainly aim to get to HQMilton in SF some time in the near future.

This is where I bought a few of my recent vintage purchases. Also a great selection, better pricing and always a pleasure to deal with Jacek. I didn't mention HQ Milton in above post , since you specified LA.

[dw.metro]

Originally Posted by Toronto Soup King

Canadian here, another vote for Jacek over at HQ Milton, my new-to-me 5513 arrived an hour ago, very pleased http://imgur.com/rWK0LC2

Congratulations on the beautiful acquisition! It is so very difficult for Canadians to find vintage watches in our own country. I believe Canadians buy and hold and never trade their watches.

BTW, did you have to pay the hefty duties when you received your 5513?

[CrownMe]

Originally Posted by EEParker

SF is as close to LA as New York is to Richmond, VA. HQMilton is a great shop but definitely not a practical stop while in Los Angeles.

Many have said it above but Wanna Buy A Watch is the best in town. Bob Maron is in LA too and might be willing to meet if you find something on his site you like. BH Watch Co is OK for newer 2nd hand pieces.

Good luck.

This is exactly what I said to myself lol