London, vintage Rolex

[Madmoney]

Hey all,

I am going to London soon and would appreciate any recs for vintage watch shops to visit while there. Thank you!

[Ristretto]

Burlington Arcade Mayfair.

Royal Arcade Mayfair.

Grays Antique Market (close to south molton)

Prices are 20-30% higher than most international offerings it is a great place to window shop.



Other areas are in Hatton Gardens (not a fan of the place).

[Swearengen]

Watch Centre, Bond St

[shammad10]

Would recommend Fathom watches. Stefano is brilliant, I have bought from him. He has a lovely office near St Pauls

[ADINVA]

Originally Posted by Ristretto

Burlington Arcade Mayfair.

Royal Arcade Mayfair.

Grays Antique Market (close to south molton)

Prices are 20-30% higher than most international offerings it is a great place to window shop.



Other areas are in Hatton Gardens (not a fan of the place).

This is quite a rich premium.

[996marty]

Originally Posted by Ristretto

Burlington Arcade Mayfair.

Royal Arcade Mayfair.

Grays Antique Market (close to south molton)

Prices are 20-30% higher than most international offerings it is a great place to window shop.



Other areas are in Hatton Gardens (not a fan of the place).

Some great recommendations here but as mentioned at a price

[FrenchBigCrown]

Swiss Watch Company (watches.co.uk) in Chiswick usually have a few good vintage examples.

Enjoy your trip.

[southtexas]

Burlington arcade is fun to walk through

[Madmoney]

Thanks! I will share my experiences upon my return.

[zapokee]

I wouldn't buy in London.

All the California dealers ship internationally for much lower prices.

[Wasatch penguin]

Originally Posted by southtexas

Burlington arcade is fun to walk through

Indeed wonderful window shopping. Great for a laugh too, if you take a moment to enquire on prices in a couple of them. One well known for example is beyond absurd in so much as they will initially quote literally 100% percent above any reputable dealer for an equivalent piece. I understand what we might call a sizable premium for the “privilege” of buying a watch in the arcade. 30% would be absurd but 28K quid for 80’s 16753 and 30K+ for a 78 1675 is comedy. Perhaps they fly you home to the Colonies with your new watch by private jet, Im not sure.

The exception to me is Omega Vintage at the far end where Paul is lovely to talk to, very knowledgeable about vintage Omega. The prices considering the amazing condition of the well curated pieces they may have at any given moment is quite reasonable despite being at a premium.

[Mk2rick]

Originally Posted by shammad10

Would recommend Fathom watches. Stefano is brilliant, I have bought from him. He has a lovely office near St Pauls

can i enquire if they are fairly new to the dealer scene? I've seen some nice pieces on their website (albeit slightly pricier) ...but havent been able to find much reviews on them anywhere..

[zapokee]

Absolutely none of the above overpriced nonsense.

Buy from one of the Californian trusted dealers, all of whom ship internationally.

[shammad10]

Originally Posted by Mk2rick

can i enquire if they are fairly new to the dealer scene? I've seen some nice pieces on their website (albeit slightly pricier) ...but havent been able to find much reviews on them anywhere..

they've been around for a few years at least, they used to be 'the vintage watch lad' before rebranding earlier this year.

I have always had good dealings, and have bought from him with no issues. Prices are fair and he is very transparent about condition and what is or isn't service replacement parts, which I felt very important.

[BH13GMT]

Burlington is great for looking, no so much for buying. London is general will demand top pricing.