Rolex/Tudor New York City report

[ArtNouveau]

I just returned from a 4 day trip to New York to visit the city and friends, I do this almost every fall. One of the things I love is checking out the watch stores, both the boutiques and multi-brand stores are an horologist’s dream. I am not currently looking for any Rolex but did have a bit of a mission.
I am waiting and hoping for a Tudor pink chrono from my local AD but thought why not ask around for the long shot chance that someone had one stashed in the safe. Stopped into seven different Tudor ADs and asked in a friendly way if it was my lucky day. Of course none of them did but you don’t get what you don’t ask for. They were all courteous but three of them started out with the “it’s super limited, haven’t seen any” spiel. I would mention that it’s now on their website and my AD says it’s now a regular production model and they would seem confused. Three of the other four seemed genuinely interested, offering their card and taking my info. Best was at the Tudor only Bucherer Boutique in the Meatpacking District. I had spoken with the woman there before and she was the only one that offered up any real information. She said that their rep told them no more coming in ‘24 but they could expect a more regular supply next year. They were also told that the supply would not be big as it ramps up worldwide and that they should take care of their regular and local clients first. Nonetheless she took my info and said it was a possibility.
As far as Rolex I did notice most ADs had a pretty good variety of Exhibition models versus a year ago when they were more limited and every store seemed to have the same set. I did see customers sitting at desks trying things on so I’m guessing a few watches were available. WOS Hudson Yards had the most on display. I walked through the Diamond District on Monday, almost every model in at least one window.
As far as sightings, I saw two Datejusts and three Sub Dates on random folks on the subway. I believed them all to be locals, they weren’t purposely flashing them but not trying to hide them either, I also felt totally comfortable wearing mine.
Last but not least, I had an incident similar to one that was mentioned here a few weeks ago. On a whim I decided to eat dinner on Sunday night at Laut Malaysian restaurant on 17th St. It’s a tiny hole in the wall that once had a Michelin star, one of those IYKYK places. It was very busy and they could only offer me a seat at the bar which I accepted. The young woman seated next to me was getting ready to leave and said “I couldn’t help but notice your watch, it’s my dream piece.” I was wearing my Celebration OP41, she knew exactly what it was and told me how WOS Soho advised her there was no way they could get her one in either 41 or 36. She had seen a few on 47th St but in the mid 20’s which we both agreed was silly. She then left and later when I exited no one was waiting outside to jack me up. I enjoyed our short conversation.

[espanol]

Glad you enjoyed NYC.

[messikens]

Congrats on a nice NYC trip, the city I used to live in.

So in short: no watches to buy you wanted but more expo models... Plus a potentially random interaction who didn't turn out to be a spotter...

Sounds about right for the overall market. No news in the west

[marmite2005]

Great report, glad you had a good time.

[WilsdorfNDavis]

Since no ones asked...

Was she cute?

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by WilsdorfNDavis

Since no ones asked...

Was she cute?

Quite…and half my age!

[Robf52]

Originally Posted by marmite2005

Great report, glad you had a good time.

Ditto.

[WilsdorfNDavis]

Quite…and half my age!

Double bonus!

[Calatrava r]

Thanks for the report. Sounds like it is still business as usual with Rolex. Great you had a safe and interesting trip.

[Rebar]

Glad you had a nice time. Thanks for the report. I may have to check out this restaurant sometime.