Watch shopping in London - where to go?
Discussion
I'm off into London tomorrow for a spot of shopping and will be looking for a watch for my 40th birthday. Unfortunately I'm totally undecided about what watch I'm after so hoping to do a fair bit of research/trying on. Any recommendations where to go? I know selfridges has a big watch department so will be heading there. Are there any shops with a decent range of used watches?
Happy birthday. That's what I got for my 40th too. 
Although I have never used them, these guys tend to be mentioned on the watch forums.
Worth a look I suppose.
https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/help/locations
Although I have never used them, these guys tend to be mentioned on the watch forums.
Worth a look I suppose.
https://www.watchfinder.co.uk/help/locations
I think that Hackett Watches is the usual ‘go to’ place for PHers in the know.
https://hackettwatches.com
You might need to make an appointment though?
Think he may also post on here?
If he hasn’t got what you want, I believe he can usually find one.....
https://hackettwatches.com
You might need to make an appointment though?
Think he may also post on here?
If he hasn’t got what you want, I believe he can usually find one.....
Watchfinder probably has the best pre-owned range in London. The Royal Exchange branch also has the Bremont & Omega boutiques close by.
As already said Dom Hackett is great to deal with.
All the Burlington Arcade shops are very expense. Watch Club close by are a bit more reasonable. New Bond Street is defo worth a walk down.
As already said Dom Hackett is great to deal with.
All the Burlington Arcade shops are very expense. Watch Club close by are a bit more reasonable. New Bond Street is defo worth a walk down.
Burlington Arcade
Royal Arcade
Lots on New Bond Street ( WoS, Wempe are excellent) Also will have brand boutiques
Regent Street at the Oxford Street end
Selfridges
Harrods
Watchfinder has a few shops in London now
Comes down what you are looking for and how much you are planning on spending.
Royal Arcade
Lots on New Bond Street ( WoS, Wempe are excellent) Also will have brand boutiques
Regent Street at the Oxford Street end
Selfridges
Harrods
Watchfinder has a few shops in London now
Comes down what you are looking for and how much you are planning on spending.
I think that MarcelM6 has probably covered the basics.
Watches of Switzerland at 155 Regent Street, the Harrods watch room, and Selfridges are good places to look at a lot of brands.
Bond Street is a good place to visit, and most of the shops are from Grosvenor Street south. A lot of brands have their boutiques there, or down Clifford Street.
Burlington Arcade has a few secondhand dealers. It used to have a reputation for being expensive. I suspect that the same is true for the Royal Arcade.
Watches of Switzerland at 155 Regent Street, the Harrods watch room, and Selfridges are good places to look at a lot of brands.
Bond Street is a good place to visit, and most of the shops are from Grosvenor Street south. A lot of brands have their boutiques there, or down Clifford Street.
Burlington Arcade has a few secondhand dealers. It used to have a reputation for being expensive. I suspect that the same is true for the Royal Arcade.
Thanks for all the recommendations - I shall sit down this evening and make a plan for where to go. It really is going to be a case of looking at lots of watches and trying them on to see what I like. I've only ever worn sports watches (as in Polar/Suunto/Garmin) so this will be a smarter watch for weekends, special occasions etc. Will update this thread tomorrow with how I get on!
My last couple of London buying forays both ended at The Watch Club and I was very happy with the deals I secured, both in terms of quality and price.
Only other ones I can suggest in addition to the full list so far, is perhaps worth looking in on Austin Kaye on the Strand... no experience as a buyer from there but used to walk past quite frequently and was always something interesting on display with lots of turnover that I could see. Also the Watch Centre on New Bond Street carries a fair stock and seems happy to receive walk-ins (never bought from there either however).
Enjoy your trip!
Only other ones I can suggest in addition to the full list so far, is perhaps worth looking in on Austin Kaye on the Strand... no experience as a buyer from there but used to walk past quite frequently and was always something interesting on display with lots of turnover that I could see. Also the Watch Centre on New Bond Street carries a fair stock and seems happy to receive walk-ins (never bought from there either however).
Enjoy your trip!
Adam B said:
I find Harrods best for an everything in one place look at high end watches
When I went to Harrods recently it was all mini-boutiques here and there down dark corridors. Not a lot of choice either. I rate Selfridges much higher.Advice to OP: shop around for a deal and don't pay list unless you really have to. Also, Dominic at Hackett Watches can often get you a very good price on new stuff.
addey said:
I'm off into London tomorrow for a spot of shopping and will be looking for a watch for my 40th birthday. Unfortunately I'm totally undecided about what watch I'm after so hoping to do a fair bit of research/trying on. Any recommendations where to go? I know selfridges has a big watch department so will be heading there. Are there any shops with a decent range of used watches?
where did you go, and what did you get or see?Gassing Station | Watches | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff