Which NYC shops in the Diamond District to try on Rolexes?

[ons2101]

Hi all:

I'm looking to try on different Daytonas, maybe the 116500 vs the 116520 pre-ceramic or some of the precious metal Daytonas. I'm also looking to try on some VC overseas etc.
The Rolex ADs barely even have new Daytonas to try on, and they don't have the older models. Recently one AD has the new two tone Daytona, but that was it. When I went to the VC boutique in the city last month, the only thing they had to try on was a 50K gold overseas dual time.

Does anyone have any experience of any of the 'grey' or second hard watch dealers in NYC? Most of them are on 47th street, in the diamond district. I've seen a few funny tik tin videos of guys going back and forth with pricing.
I'm not going to buy from these guys, but if they have the inventory to try on, that would be cool

let me know if you have any recs!

Thanks


This is fun to watch-- not my style to buy a Rolex
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZWC_qRXpDuU

[MK25toLife]

Just walk up and down the district and if you see something that meets your eye, just ask them to try it on. A lot of stuff is out on display so you can see their inventory.

[rossi46]

Yeah, if you're not actually buying, then it's fun just to walk the entire block and stop in wherever. Some are nicer than others, more easily willing to pull out whatever from the window and let you try on/compare.

Be aware some shops are closed certain days of the week/religious holidays.

[njlam]

Motion in Time on 56 W 47th Street has the nicest window display.

Posted prices are pretty high, but I am sure they will deal/haggle.

Full disclosure, I have never bought from (or sold to) them.

[bpowell71]

Go see Gabriel at Watches Off 5th. He is on the 10th floor 15w 47 th street.

He has a full show room - Patek, AP and almost every Rolex.

[Moondoggy]

Be aware the Diamond District imo is a cesspit.

Brutal unpleasant environment.

[wot]

My suggestion is go for on chrono24 and find listings for your model that are listed in nyc. Very likely they are in diamond district. Call/email an appt. In my lowly experience some sellers won’t have a street level store front so window shopping is not going to show all the pieces out there. I’ve tried on PP ppc and AP chronos, going in interior stores. Of course if they think you’re a legit buyer they can ‘go into the back’ or ‘make a call’ and pull inventory (I’m sure dealers are all interconnected)

[Calatrava r]

Check out Wempe or the Rolex boutique. They probably have Exhibition Watches you can try on.

[BigJim67]

Originally Posted by Moondoggy

Be aware the Diamond District imo is a cesspit.

Brutal unpleasant environment.

It is..

Been hunting down a Rolex, and Chrono24 is a good place to see what's out there. Contacted a few on 47th, replies weren't very nice or even professional.

My fiance has a few diamonds to hock towards a watch, cold shoulder on that approach too...

[fsprow]

Originally Posted by bpowell71

Go see Gabriel at Watches Off 5th. He is on the 10th floor 15w 47 th street.

He has a full show room - Patek, AP and almost every Rolex.

Agree. I have purchased from Gabriel and he is great!!

[New Yorker]

Jacob Khalif
15 West 47th Street

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by njlam

Motion in Time on 56 W 47th Street has the nicest window display.

Posted prices are pretty high, but I am sure they will deal/haggle.

Full disclosure, I have never bought from (or sold to) them.

I was going to mention them. I walked in years ago for a little back and forth with an Omega Planet Ocean chrono I wanted to trade or sell. Talked with the owner Boris, we didn’t come to a deal but he was very courteous and professional. I still get emails from them periodically when they get something out of the ordinary.
As far as being a “cesspit” not my experience. They may not coddle you like a jewelry store SA would, but they are pretty direct. If you don’t like what you hear at one go on to the next one.

[Fleetlord]

With a few exceptions, not really the place to "go and try on" some references and have a chat.

1) See Watch.

2) Inspect Watch and find out if it is complete set...etc

3) Make offer / Haggle

4) Buy watch or Get Lost

That's it.