Planning a trip to New York. Any tips for buying a rep?

[T0T0 0]

I've read that canal street Chinatown is the place to go. Anybody have experience buying reps in person there (or anywhere else in NYC?)

 

t0t0

[Zachthebaker 0]

dont

[BentleySharp 0]

Advice: Stay away from Canal street

[T0T0 0]

Really? Not even for fun?

[wez 0]

Really? Not even for fun?

 

Nothing fun about wasting your money on shit now is there

[BentleySharp 0]

Not even for fun.

[Foxindebox 462]

Nope, Tis all shit.....

[JimmyV 0]

They are pretty much all junk. Either quartz or cheapy cheap 21j's and the quality is horrible. Also some of there prices are expensive. I'd say keep your money and buy watches off the forum. Buy some sunshades, belts, wallets if you want to buy something from canal st.

Edited November 1, 2014 by JimmyV

[TinaTime 0]

Agree with Zachthebaker, don't waste your time. Have a meal in Little Italy,right next to Chinatown, but skip the knockoffs in NYC.

 

[RichardMiami 4]

As someone who has only spent 50 years of his life in NYC.... who knows watches.. and who knows Canal St since well before you were born (really)...... go there, look around at the crap they are selling, entertain yourself listening to the hustle of the vendors and keep your money in your pocket.

 

Canal St has value FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES only.... the watches themselves will fall apart in a matter of days.

 

Enjoy!

[T0T0 0]

Thanks Richard, that was kinda where I was going with the question. Free entertainment is what I'm looking for. Thanks for the advice you guys, I'll buy off a watch TD when the time comes. Is canal street safe at least? Going with my wife but leaving the kids at home.

[RichardMiami 4]

Yes, it is perfectly safe as long as you stay outdoors... some of the vendors will tell you that the REAL GOOD STUFF is in a back room - at that point it is time to leave.

[BentleySharp 0]

Thanks Richard, that was kinda where I was going with the question. Free entertainment is what I'm looking for. Thanks for the advice you guys, I'll buy off a watch TD when the time comes. Is canal street safe at least? Going with my wife but leaving the kids at home.

Just like anywhere else, use common sense and you'll be fine.

Don't hand your money to someone who says they'll be "right back, just have to go around this corner by myself to get your watch".

Don't flash your money around.

Stay away from the guy with track marks on his arm who tells you the best reps are "right down this dark alley. Behind that dumpster".

 

You'll be fine

[10:10 Watch Repair 1]

NY is great for buying reps.

 

Internet cafes are plentiful, many places have free wi-fi, find one, bring your computer, and order from a TD.

[NFleischer 4,355]

Like Richard said- walk around for fun if you like.

 

I've bought lots of reps there in the 90's, some not so bad, lasting several years. This is 18 years old and still runs! Paid $45 then, no wrist time nowadays.

[Paparolf 45]

Went to Canal street on shopping trip to NY a couple of years back. Loved the hustle and bustle but would not buy anything.

[Pihlippe 1,262]

You better hurry then, I`m traveling there on Thursday,planning to buy all watches along the Canal st. ..................... NOT

Use your money at Macys or all the shops in 5th Avenue... SoHo area can also offer many exciting shops

[T0T0 0]

Great advice Bentley, I'll do just that. Are there any TDs willing to meet in person in NYC? Or any members for that matter? I'll be there nov 20-23.

[black263 228]

Great advice Bentley, I'll do just that. Are there any TDs willing to meet in person in NYC? Or any members for that matter? I'll be there nov 20-23.

As far as I am aware, there is only one TD who retails "factory" watches outside China (Narikaa). There are a couple of TDs outside China who specialise in upgrading factory watches, but you are talking about very special builds, as opposed to factory stock. Have a look at the TD list and read, and read, and read.

[nyckid 0]

Like Richard said- walk around for fun if you like.

 

I've bought lots of reps there in the 90's, some not so bad, lasting several years. This is 18 years old and still runs! Paid $45 then, no wrist time nowadays.

Yup! It totally looks like a $45 watch

 

@OP: Richard is a Brooklyn kid and knows the 'in and outs' about the city. Majority of the members commenting on this thread have NO IDEA what's like to go to china town, interact with the 'hustlers' (street vendors) and while holding what we consider "utter crap"

I will strongly suggest you to go to Canal Street, interact with the hustlers, hold the watches (hell, even buy them) earn the right to talk about China Town/Canal Street. That way whenever somebody comes along pretending they know shit about China Town, you will be able to chime in

 

My .2

[T0T0 0]

Gotta trust that a guy called nyckid knows a thing or two about NYC. You make some very good points my friend. I'll let you all know how it goes when I get back.

[paristoto 0]

As a NYcker stay away from Canal Street. It's a) full of cops 2) nothing worth buying.

[T0T0 0]

Full of cops a bad thing? Is buying a rep illegal?

[UmpaHimself 222]

I would go straight to the new Seiko boutique if I was in NYC. http://www.seikousa.com/boutique/

[funkmaster 1]

i bought watches over 13+ years ago. and still running very well. You have to look to find something of value. The cheapie you buy from TD are like $100+ plus shipping. you can get them at canal for a mere $40.. Try your luck, you will find some nice watches. If you going to new york, check it out. Its a tourist attraction.