The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > Classifieds > WatchOut!!!

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 7 January 2023, 08:00 AM   #1
newguy3912
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: New York
Posts: 12
Buying from Diamond District in NYC?

I'm brand new to this forum, so hopefully this isn't a question that is constantly asked - but I live in NYC and work close to Diamond District. I'm looking to purchase my second Rolex (thinking about an Explorer II but haven't fully decided yet), but my question is whether Diamond District is a good place to buy it or will I be ripped off?

Obviously, this depends on which store i buy it from.. so on that point, does anyone have any recommendation for a particular vendor in the diamond district is trustworthy? The street is pretty intimidating to walk through.

FWIW - I bought my first piece online through a reputable grey market dealer, but I think I prefer to interact with someone live.. especially since I'm so close to Diamond District. Thanks for any advice!
newguy3912 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 January 2023, 08:59 AM   #2
Rrpdc
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Dc
Posts: 1,999
Wild Wild West. Crazy prices. Never go on sat , most places are closed in Jewish sabbath. Go with trusted seller here way before nyc diamond district.
Rrpdc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 January 2023, 09:28 AM   #3
FrankNYC
2024 Pledge Member
 
FrankNYC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: New York
Watch: SubC & Red;JLC RDM
Posts: 1,027
Lots of scammers out there.
I’ve only dealt with one store there, on the cr of 47 and 6. Michael or Sam

P: 917-510-0454
FrankNYC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 January 2023, 09:48 AM   #4
GGGMT
2024 Pledge Member
 
GGGMT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Itinerant
Watch: 79010sg
Posts: 7,961
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rrpdc View Post
Wild Wild West. Crazy prices. Never go on sat , most places are closed in Jewish sabbath. Go with trusted seller here way before nyc diamond district.

This. You might as well go to Vegas and put it all on 32 Red. No, just no.

Buy from one of the top sellers on this forum. Period. Full stop.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
GGGMT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 January 2023, 11:29 AM   #5
Trailboss516
"TRF" Member
 
Trailboss516's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: In denial
Watch: It's complicated
Posts: 1,610
I like the diamond district. I've bought and sold there over the years. I wouldn't deal with one of the small booths, but if you go to Avi and Co, element in time or motion in time (I can't even remember the correct name), you should be fine.
You work so close..just go and browse. Might need an appt for Avi and Co though since they're upstairs in that bank vault lock thing.
Trailboss516 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 January 2023, 12:22 PM   #6
newguy3912
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: New York
Posts: 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trailboss516 View Post
I like the diamond district. I've bought and sold there over the years. I wouldn't deal with one of the small booths, but if you go to Avi and Co, element in time or motion in time (I can't even remember the correct name), you should be fine.
You work so close..just go and browse. Might need an appt for Avi and Co though since they're upstairs in that bank vault lock thing.
Thanks for the suggestions. I've seen motion in time on some of the youtube videos and was considering visiting them.

to the other responses about just buying via the sellers on this forum - tbh, the prices do seem pretty competitive. but similar concerns with not knowing who I'm dealing with.... at least in the diamond district, I have a storefront to complain to. With that said, I may still buy here.. if the vendors quote me exorbitant prices.
newguy3912 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 January 2023, 12:37 PM   #7
Incroyable12
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,052
There's also Manhattan Watch Company though the condition of many of their watches leaves a lot to be desired.

You really need to know your stuff and be hard nosed about bargaining to buy on 47th St.

I spent 30 minutes haggling for just a Rolex tang buckle one time. If you like browsing and chatting you could spend all day there.

John Buckley is also located in the Diamond District. He has a tiny stall in one of those buildings on 47th.
Incroyable12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 January 2023, 11:27 PM   #8
King0424
"TRF" Member
 
King0424's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Real Name: Steve
Location: Texas
Posts: 33
My god I love the diamond district...Just the hustle and bustle of deals being made...But nit I wouldn't buy there. Here in TRF there are many trusted sellers who are wanting to deal.
King0424 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7 January 2023, 11:46 PM   #9
subtona
"TRF" Member
 
subtona's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Real Name: gus
Location: East Coast
Watch: APK & sometimes Y
Posts: 25,958
More likely to go wrong than right.
__________________
subtona is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2023, 01:27 AM   #10
1William
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: North Carolina
Watch: Rolex/Others
Posts: 44,325
I prefer our Trusted Sellers and you can not go wrong with DavidSW or one of the other big dealers. If you know what you want then it is just about the deal. Get on the phone and make your best deal, have the watch the next day at lunch and start the ownership experience. Good luck.
1William is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2023, 05:17 AM   #11
Etschell
"TRF" Member
 
Etschell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: FL
Watch: platinum sub
Posts: 15,861
it gives me the heebie jeevies
__________________
If you wind it, they will run.

25 or 6 to 4.
Etschell is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2023, 06:01 AM   #12
KY..
2024 Pledge Member
 
KY..'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Real Name: Keith
Location: California
Watch: 60s to 90s
Posts: 1,253
Quote:
Originally Posted by newguy3912 View Post
to the other responses about just buying via the sellers on this forum - tbh, the prices do seem pretty competitive.

but similar concerns with not knowing who I'm dealing with.... at least in the diamond district, I have a storefront to complain to. With that said, I may still buy here.. if the vendors quote me exorbitant prices.
Don’t be scared into submission.
Nothing wrong with going to see what they have to offer and then you can back it up by posting a few photos here for feedback before you move forward with a deal.
Happens all the time.
Good luck!
__________________
Just an admirer/enthusiast of vintage Rolex/Heuer/Zenith/Breitling/Hamilton watches since the 80’s…
”I Do Love The Details, But I Can Choose If I Accept The Flaws…”
KY.. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2023, 06:40 AM   #13
messikens
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: SFO
Posts: 1,008
I live in NYC and wondered through it many times. Honestly though with the amount of competition there MUST be good deals to be had, no?

Not saying I'd know how to spot them, but can a bajilllion of these shops just survive on the innocent tourists?
messikens is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2023, 06:46 AM   #14
Incroyable12
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,052
Quote:
Originally Posted by messikens View Post
I live in NYC and wondered through it many times. Honestly though with the amount of competition there MUST be good deals to be had, no?

Not saying I'd know how to spot them, but can a bajilllion of these shops just survive on the innocent tourists?
I don't think most of these shops sell to tourists. Many of them only deal with trade clients.

A lot of them are located in tiny offices in upper floors of obscure office buildings. Some of these dealers won't even let you visit them without you providing several references from other dealers.
Incroyable12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2023, 06:59 AM   #15
KY..
2024 Pledge Member
 
KY..'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2021
Real Name: Keith
Location: California
Watch: 60s to 90s
Posts: 1,253
Quote:
Originally Posted by messikens View Post
I live in NYC and wondered through it many times. Honestly though with the amount of competition there MUST be good deals to be had, no?

Not saying I'd know how to spot them, but can a bajilllion of these shops just survive on the innocent tourists?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Incroyable12 View Post
I don't think most of these shops sell to tourists. Many of them only deal with trade clients.

A lot of them are located in tiny offices in upper floors of obscure office buildings. Some of these dealers won't even let you visit them without you providing several references from other dealers.
Same thing applies in downtown Los Angeles Jewelry District which has a lot of watch dealers.
Many typically are seen by appointment.
I’ve dealt with a few of them in the past to offer trade-bait for deals, or you can buy direct, or even mix and match.
Direct interaction with dealers can be better if you are informed/prepared and know how to wheel and deal, “per se”.
__________________
Just an admirer/enthusiast of vintage Rolex/Heuer/Zenith/Breitling/Hamilton watches since the 80’s…
”I Do Love The Details, But I Can Choose If I Accept The Flaws…”
KY.. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2023, 07:29 AM   #16
newguy3912
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: New York
Posts: 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by Incroyable12 View Post
I don't think most of these shops sell to tourists. Many of them only deal with trade clients.

A lot of them are located in tiny offices in upper floors of obscure office buildings. Some of these dealers won't even let you visit them without you providing several references from other dealers.
yup, I know a ton of action happens behind the scenes. I actually but my wedding ring from one of these upper floor vendors through a connection. but for the Rolex, I'd be stuck going to one of the retail stores on the ground floor..
newguy3912 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2023, 11:43 AM   #17
Incroyable12
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,052
There's also a dealer there called Azad Watches who seems solid. Never bought anything from him but chatted with him and he was willing to disclose what was wrong with the watches, etc.

One thing you have to be aware of is that many of these watches have been lightly repolished. Dealers call this "retail ready". They basically buy stuff from groups like Moda and then touch up the wear.

To the layperson everything on 47th St. seems pretty sleazy though.
Incroyable12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 January 2023, 12:49 PM   #18
Andy0331
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: FL
Posts: 415
I enjoy going through there while in NYC. For something as normal as an Explorer II, I'm not sure you'll get any better price than from a trusted seller here.

If you go & want to buy, be prepared to make your offer & walk if they don't take it. Leave them your contact info, thank them for their time & walk out. Pretty simple. If your offer is competitive to the market, they'll probably take it. I can't imagine the margins are very high on an Explorer II and they'll make there money on moving it out.
Andy0331 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 January 2023, 04:18 AM   #19
jgrae
"TRF" Member
 
jgrae's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Philly Suburbs
Posts: 55
Quote:
Originally Posted by newguy3912 View Post
I'm brand new to this forum, so hopefully this isn't a question that is constantly asked - but I live in NYC and work close to Diamond District. I'm looking to purchase my second Rolex (thinking about an Explorer II but haven't fully decided yet), but my question is whether Diamond District is a good place to buy it or will I be ripped off?

Obviously, this depends on which store i buy it from.. so on that point, does anyone have any recommendation for a particular vendor in the diamond district is trustworthy? The street is pretty intimidating to walk through.

FWIW - I bought my first piece online through a reputable grey market dealer, but I think I prefer to interact with someone live.. especially since I'm so close to Diamond District. Thanks for any advice!
I just purchased a watch from a dealer w/ a medium sized storefront this week. Second time I've ever been there. I don't buy many watches. I may do a lengthy writeup on the experience but I'm not even sure exactly what to make of it at this point.

They do not want you to be there to browse. To the poster who said you can go there and chat to dealers all day, that was not my experience at all. The first time I went to the diamond district I asked two different dealers to try on a Sea Dweller. Both had the same response -- "will you buy today?" And I'm like no because I've never seen one before and even if I liked it I'd have to think about it. They told me to get lost. Ok, fine. These places aren't show rooms. This several years back, a time when I realistically could have tried these watches out an an AD.

This time I had basically two watches I was choosing between and even that seemed to be trying their patience. I ignored price until I picked the one I wanted. (I was choosing between a DD2 that I could only find at this particular store [somewhat rare but unpopular dial combo] and a DD40 that are plentiful. If I wanted the DD40 I'd have gone some place else cause I wasn't having fun there).

Then I negotiated hard. Brought up Chrono 24 listings. Okay okay, that's china, those two are private. Then I brought up Moda and read him the offer price on the last four listings (in past month). He didn't like this and yea, maybe in theory they are wholesale not retail prices but it is what I could get them for with a comparable amount of sketch I was dealing with at his store. The nice places on 47th street I suppose could be considered "retail establishments" but the smaller places aren't providing a pleasant retail shopping experience. I digress.

Negotiated hard. Was genuinely willing to walk away. Got a better price than expected going in. Shook hands. Didn't charge for shipping, which he initially said was like $150. Small deposit on debit card. Wired funds next morning. Received watch the following morning. Correct/same watch, card, all agreed upon links. Sent me the L box instead of XL box as promised. Included (incorrect) manual, booklet, etc. which wasn't explicitly discussed. Between not charging for shipping, prompt delivery and including some goodies maybe he didn't need to and explicitly shafting me on the box, maybe it's even. Not sure.

There was a bit more to it. It was a generally unpleasant experience shopping in the Diamond District, but I got exactly what I wanted on something I really couldn't find elsewhere, at a price I thought was very fair. Would 100% do again.
jgrae is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 January 2023, 11:17 AM   #20
WiseRat
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: USA
Watch: 126710BLNR
Posts: 227
Quote:
Originally Posted by jgrae View Post
I just purchased a watch from a dealer w/ a medium sized storefront this week. Second time I've ever been there. I don't buy many watches. I may do a lengthy writeup on the experience but I'm not even sure exactly what to make of it at this point.

They do not want you to be there to browse. To the poster who said you can go there and chat to dealers all day, that was not my experience at all. The first time I went to the diamond district I asked two different dealers to try on a Sea Dweller. Both had the same response -- "will you buy today?" And I'm like no because I've never seen one before and even if I liked it I'd have to think about it. They told me to get lost. Ok, fine. These places aren't show rooms. This several years back, a time when I realistically could have tried these watches out an an AD.

This time I had basically two watches I was choosing between and even that seemed to be trying their patience. I ignored price until I picked the one I wanted. (I was choosing between a DD2 that I could only find at this particular store [somewhat rare but unpopular dial combo] and a DD40 that are plentiful. If I wanted the DD40 I'd have gone some place else cause I wasn't having fun there).

Then I negotiated hard. Brought up Chrono 24 listings. Okay okay, that's china, those two are private. Then I brought up Moda and read him the offer price on the last four listings (in past month). He didn't like this and yea, maybe in theory they are wholesale not retail prices but it is what I could get them for with a comparable amount of sketch I was dealing with at his store. The nice places on 47th street I suppose could be considered "retail establishments" but the smaller places aren't providing a pleasant retail shopping experience. I digress.

Negotiated hard. Was genuinely willing to walk away. Got a better price than expected going in. Shook hands. Didn't charge for shipping, which he initially said was like $150. Small deposit on debit card. Wired funds next morning. Received watch the following morning. Correct/same watch, card, all agreed upon links. Sent me the L box instead of XL box as promised. Included (incorrect) manual, booklet, etc. which wasn't explicitly discussed. Between not charging for shipping, prompt delivery and including some goodies maybe he didn't need to and explicitly shafting me on the box, maybe it's even. Not sure.

There was a bit more to it. It was a generally unpleasant experience shopping in the Diamond District, but I got exactly what I wanted on something I really couldn't find elsewhere, at a price I thought was very fair. Would 100% do again.
Excellent writeup, thanks for that. This mirrors my experience on 47th street as well.
WiseRat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 January 2023, 12:31 PM   #21
ts3
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Europe
Posts: 3,199
I dealt there once at a small desk many, many years ago. Seller was a Russian or Ukrainian immigrant, I forgot. Watch was neo-vintage and pretty rare - like 0 or 1 piece listed on Chrono24 worldwide at any time - and it came with box and certificate. They even brought in a guy from HSWA to open it up for me. The price wasn't bad to begin with but they didn't move whatsoever despite me walking out on them twice over several days. They showed me other watches where they'd have been quite flexible, but not on that one. The third time around I pulled the trigger regardless. The heart wants... No regrets, but the overall atmosphere in the building was not pleasant.
ts3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 January 2023, 07:36 AM   #22
PBJ1925
2024 Pledge Member
 
PBJ1925's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2020
Real Name: Jay
Location: Bay Area, CA
Watch: 326934
Posts: 2,250
My experience, you have to be brief, be bright, and buy (or) be gone.

Not for the average retail customer.
PBJ1925 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2023, 01:23 PM   #23
Incroyable12
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,052
Quote:
Originally Posted by ts3 View Post
I dealt there once at a small desk many, many years ago. Seller was a Russian or Ukrainian immigrant, I forgot. Watch was neo-vintage and pretty rare - like 0 or 1 piece listed on Chrono24 worldwide at any time - and it came with box and certificate. They even brought in a guy from HSWA to open it up for me. The price wasn't bad to begin with but they didn't move whatsoever despite me walking out on them twice over several days. They showed me other watches where they'd have been quite flexible, but not on that one. The third time around I pulled the trigger regardless. The heart wants... No regrets, but the overall atmosphere in the building was not pleasant.
Those people are very hard nosed. I also find the older dealers much harder to deal with than the younger ones.

Some of them can get very indignant.
Incroyable12 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 January 2023, 01:49 PM   #24
GGGMT
2024 Pledge Member
 
GGGMT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Itinerant
Watch: 79010sg
Posts: 7,961
Chum in the water and you’re wearing dog bone boxers. Good luck.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
GGGMT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 February 2023, 04:14 PM   #25
Sam Alkubadi
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2021
Real Name: Samir
Location: Richmond Hill, NY
Watch: Rolex Submariner
Posts: 20
I've been buying from there on and off for many years, and I can tell you they do not like chatter boxing.

Its not like the forums. They dont care to talk about the watches history, they care if you gonna buy it or not.

Good luck n be careful.
Sam Alkubadi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 March 2024, 06:28 AM   #26
utrustfull
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: caribbean
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Alkubadi View Post
I've been buying from there on and off for many years, and I can tell you they do not like chatter boxing.

Its not like the forums. They dont care to talk about the watches history, they care if you gonna buy it or not.

Good luck n be careful.
and what booths or stores would you recommend ?

thanks
utrustfull is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 March 2024, 07:53 AM   #27
Rrpdc
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Dc
Posts: 1,999
Don’t waste your time. Sleezy. Rude and High prices.
Rrpdc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 18 March 2024, 11:56 PM   #28
rolexandlange
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: Portola Valley
Posts: 248
I bet I've done close to 100 buy or sell transactions in watches, almost all with dealers (rest with AD). In all the years I've never bought or sold to anyone in NYC. Just my experience that you can do better elsewhere on most buys.
rolexandlange is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 March 2024, 12:25 AM   #29
Wahlberg
"TRF" Member
 
Wahlberg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Paris
Posts: 3,527
If these dealers only sell to each other how are they making money? Regular people do buy from them?
Wahlberg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 March 2024, 10:37 PM   #30
Endoscopist
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 85
as mentioned before, John Buckley is a big name in the Rolex game and has become popular on social media recently. He often deals with Yasha from Rex watches, who seems like a nice dude. But, again, diamond district isn't about "nice." While they appear cordial to one another in doing dealer-dealer transactions (they know each other for years), you are merely a sack of meat to them with a wallet so I am not sure you would have the same experience.
Endoscopist is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

Asset Appeal

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.