47th Street
 

I'm visiting NYC in August and I'm wondering if there are any shops on 47th Street that specialize in vintage Rolex and related accessories (old boxes, brochures etc.) that would be worth a visit. Or any recommendations for any other retailers in the city with a good selection of vintage Rolex watches? I'm particularly interested in Sea-Dwellers, Submariners and Explorers.

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I will be there in 3 weeks and give you a report. Chris

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As a longtime New Yorker, West 47th Street is hit or miss for any watch, vintage or new.

Just make sure you do your homework and vet the seller and you should be OK. It’s a bit of a zoo, so you need to know what you’re doing. The best thing to do is walk up and down the street several times, visiting various shops and booths. There’s a ton to look at.

Good luck!

I've never actually done business with these guys, so caveat emptor - but their display of vintage watches is pretty amazing to look at. Lots of great stuff, many brands:

https://manhattanwatchexchange.com

Somehow some videos from those shops are in my IG feed, and they are not very appealing.

I agree with this -

And for the OP...
before you buy anything make sure to FaceTime Springer to inspect the watch and ask his questions. :chuckle:


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There are some well know ones :chuckle:

I've seen these too, they try to sell you on the idea that you can walk W47th st and buy and sell watches and make 1000's per day. Ha

I was there 2 years ago, and did buy a NIB op 114300 at a great price.

I will be there next week, in hopes of looking at some Patek Calatrava's.

Chris

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I can suggest MidtownWatch at 15 West 47 St. Mezzanine 105, you have to go upstairs. Ariel the owner is very helpfull, he’s a big reseller and has a good variety new and vintage, fair prices, you can check the website.

Also small shop is QuarkNYC at 66 West 47 Booth 22. The owner Seth very knowledgeable on vintage Rolex etc. has also boxes and other stuff, or he can direct you
Both are serious and reliable, I bought several watches from them, especially Seth.

Also Manhattan Watch Company at 41 West St. booth E4. Owner Armando.
Maybe the more vintage oriented, some beautiful stuff mixed with other les quality, here you better do your home work, I never bought anything, I just sold him something

I’d love to visit some day.

I also know that I’ve have zero idea of how to pursue a vintage watch purchase with my limited knowledge.

Good luck and keep us posted:cheers:

I love 47th street and I had multiple deals there (modern watches) without issues but vintage is a minefield so I wouldn't do it.

Er, modern is a minefield too. Way more modern Rolexes are faked than vintage.

Either way, be careful on 47th Street, do your homework, and you’ll be fine.

Makes sense Aaron. TBH my deals over there happened when super clones were not an issue like today, so nowadays I'd probably be worried as well. :cheers:

I was there a couple weeks ago, not my first visit. I spent 6-7 hours and walked both sides between 6th & 5th Avenue's.

There are so many little shops inside these malls you might find anything any where. I will say that imo the south side of street had nicer stuff.

Beware, I found 2 pateks with what I think were fake T & CO stamps and no paper to prove otherwise and price to the moon. Also found multiple DD heads with reworked serial & reference #'s.

1 big annoyance are the guys standing in front of the stores trying to talk you inside because " they can get you anything " you want at " best price " Ha Ha

I did buy a jubliee bracelet. It was fun, my wife couldn't understand what the attraction was, she went shopping on 5th Ave.

Chris

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Hi everyone,

Thanks for the feedback. So my list of places to check out:

Watch Limit 587 5th Ave, FL 2
Sea Waves 05 West 47th Street
Avi & Co. NY 15 West 47th Street, #200
Rex Watches 44 West 47th Street
Azad Watch 45 West 47th Street
Manhattan Watch Co 41 West 47th, #7
NY Watch Lab 55 West 47th Street, #830
Danny’s 62 West 47th St suite 617
Chronocraft 55 West 47th,Suite 12B

If anyone has other suggestions, let me know.

Thanks.

Looks like a good list, Rex had alot of watches and great selection.

Wish I could have met up with AVI & co, but it didn't work out time wise.

Have fun and report back

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Has Anyone seen any kind of review site / listing of all of the shops and booths on 47th?
It would be great.
Have my eye on some pieces in some of the one-offs, but other than just chatting with the owner (who will obviously tell you what you want to hear) hard to get comfort or find someone else you trust as a vouch.

I walk through there for work almost daily. A lot to see and many small shops around there. Know your game though, they are pretty vicious. But if you’re cool and collected you can find something good.

Are there deals to be had there? I’m thinking of making a trip. My girlfriend says there won’t be deals because it’s Manhattan but I feel like the sheer volume has to make decent prices. I walked into 6 jewelry stores in a mall near me and there were only 4 total Rolex for sale.