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

[ShovelnTC 31]

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

 

No you're completely wrong there, I have been watching US TV shows for decades and know everything there is to know about New York, I know most of the cops, I know that everyone is rude and dismisses questions by police, know that you can't upset the soup chef or you'll get no soup and know that Kojak is out there looking after the tourists at Canal street.

[nymka 0]

Why would you want to waste your time at Canal St while in NYC? There are so many other things to see and places to do. If you like watches, consider 10 blocks between 47th and 57th on 5th and Madison Ave. You'll find plenty of high end watch boutiques and stores to satisfy your interest. Chinatown is great for authentic Chinese food. But make sure to check Tripadvisor, so you don't get a cheap rep ;^)

[T0T0 0]

Why would you want to waste your time at Canal St while in NYC? There are so many other things to see and places to do. If you like watches, consider 10 blocks between 47th and 57th on 5th and Madison Ave. You'll find plenty of high end watch boutiques and stores to satisfy your interest. Chinatown is great for authentic Chinese food. But make sure to check Tripadvisor, so you don't get a cheap rep ;^)

 

I'm going for the weekend and I've got lots of other things planned, I'm not going just for Rep shopping. I don't have the money for a boutique Gen, and I don't mind risking a few bucks on a shitty canal street fake. Hell, I throw away more at the casino and call it entertainment too. All these comments are giving me a better idea of what to expect. If I don't like what I see I'll split, no harm done.

[Irishcain 0]

I live in NYC. Best advice for rep buying via Canal St.? Don't do it. Period.

[Soldie 0]

Is Hong Fat still on Mott?

[Jonj480 0]

I think Canal Street is fun, we used to go down there to buy fireworks when we were kids. I made it back there a year ago, and it was still fun, just have to take everything with a grain of salt.... and never EVER pay what they are initially asking. Every sticker price on Canal Street is a "suggestion". It is like paying the sticker price at a car dealer.

[avc0002 73]

I've never been to Canal St. but yeah don't expect much obviously. but it's great entertainment haggling. I was in the Bahamas and they had the shittiest breitling watches I've ever seen. the bezel rotated and the crystal (or glass probably) was glued to it so the whole crystal rotated. I got great enjoyment of the dude wanting $100 for it. I offered him 15. he wasn't too happy with that. I really wish I got it just so I could post some pics

[hardwareking 0]

I've been there a couple of times when visiting little Italy and Chinatown.

I think it's worth to go there just to understand how bad a "replica" can be, complete junk... They usually weigh much less than good Reps

If you look at some watches they also have uncorrect naming like Rolex Submarine or similar

[T0T0 0]

I've been there a couple of times when visiting little Italy and Chinatown.

I think it's worth to go there just to understand how bad a "replica" can be, complete junk... They usually weigh much less than good Reps

If you look at some watches they also have uncorrect naming like Rolex Submarine or similar

 

Ha! Maybe I'll finally get that Rolax I've been searching for. Or at least an Omaga.

[El_Cabong56 0]

It's fun to go down there, just don't buy anything and expect it to be of decent quality, particularly if they're selling it out in the open. On that note...

 

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.

Funny you should mention that. The first and only time I've bought a Canal St. rep, I explicitly asked the people running the storefronts to see "better stuff." After a few stores, a skinny middle-aged Indian/Pakistani man walked up behind me and asked what I was looking for. I named a few brands and he told me to follow him. I felt pretty sketched out at this point, but this was mainly for fun (I was actually waiting for a 111 from Rochest at the time) and I didn't bring much with me in case I got robbed.

 

After a long and winding route to the west side, probably to make sure we weren't being tailed, we got to a storage facility and went inside. At this point I was fully expecting to be jumped by a couple of goons, but instead I was taken to a storage unit stuffed floor to ceiling full of rep watches and bags. Nothing amazing, but certainly better than the plastic quartz crap the street vendors push (and I've watched people "haggle" them down to $80). Here's the Sub I bought:

 

 

It doesn't get any wrist time, but I keep it around for sentimental value.

[hardwareking 0]

I've been there a couple of times when visiting little Italy and Chinatown.

I think it's worth to go there just to understand how bad a "replica" can be, complete junk... They usually weigh much less than good Reps

If you look at some watches they also have uncorrect naming like Rolex Submarine or similar

 

Ha! Maybe I'll finally get that Rolax I've been searching for. Or at least an Omaga.

 

That would be fantastic if you'll find a Pamerai Radiomig Ceramiga Tourbillon Super Speed Super Rare

Original one of course for 50 bucks!

[Toosmokeduptosee 0]

I live in ny,

(formerly, NYC)

 

I have not been to canal street in some time., maybe 5-10 yrs. But, from what I remember, stay away from the guys that come up to you with the pictures of watches. 90% of the time, u will waste your money and time with these guys.

They will almost always hustle you.

 

Look at the watches on the street from the guys with the watches in the briefcase that open and close depending on if cops are around. Deal with the street vendors and bargain with them. Don't ask for any specific models, cuz that's when they will send the swarms after you.

 

U won't find any real nice replicas, But you may find something worth buying. For parts maybe even.

Who knows?

Just look. But don't gamble

 

If u see something you like, as long as u have low expectations, get it if u like it.,(knowing it is crap and will likely die in a week).

Their Crap will also be lower prices, without shipping.

Maybe their crap will cost $50 these days? I dunno, it's been at least 5 years for me.

 

But always bargain with them if u want something.

 

Do not pay what they 1st offer for anything

If they say $50 u should get it for $30-35 by bargaining. ..

I find this to be the fun part......

 

Say..... "oh.....$50? that's too much", I only have $25".

They will say, can do for $45, u will say nooooo......$25, maybe $30....

They will say 40? Or $35 that's it.......

you can either buy it for 35, or walk away.

If u walk away, they will either chase you and offer $30,

Or they will let you walk.

It's worth the game.

 

if u want it for the price they offered.

Then Come back to that vendor in 10 minutes.

[T0T0 0]

*** TRIP UPDATE ***

 

Just returned home from my trip to NYC and I must say that it was an absolute blast. Wife and I left the little reps (children) at home for some much needed one-on-one time. Stayed in Manhattan right near the park. Got to see Letterman through the stand by line. Times Square was fun, my little guy was blown away that we actually saw spider man. Enjoyed fine dining and cocktails all around the city. I'm a giant Seinfeld fan so we ate at the original soup man, and tom's restaurant as well. Did the free Staten Island ferry past the Statue of Liberty and back, and enjoyed taking the subway all over town. I'm not sure if I'm in love with New York or if I just miss living in Toronto, but it was fantastic.

 

Before I say how my canal street adventure went, all those who told me to stay away can fuck right off. I want to thank those who encouraged me to go check it out.

 

I had a great cloak and dagger style adventure with some Asians which started on canal and ended in a park in Chinatown where we made a cash deal on a playground. I got a "sweet" (cheapie) datejust for $50. Before you say I paid too much let me give you some perspective. Wifey and I each had a drink (one single alcoholic beverage) at a bar uptown which cost a total of $30 before tip. So I count that $50 as great entertainment value with a worthless trinket to take home as a souvenir. Shit, the little Statue of Liberty statues in the souvenir shops were $25 anyway.

 

To my New Yorker friends, you have a truly special and welcoming city and I thank you for hosting us for the weekend. I look forward to coming back even if I skip canal next time.

 

(As an aside, the B & R I bought of Wolfpacker was waiting for me when I got home today. Now that's a rep and it's good to have both ends of the spectrum to compare)

[jmac3789 0]

Its worth a walk down the street for laughs. I'm down there pretty frequently but would never buy a watch

[T0T0 0]

 

Here's what I brought home, besides the photos memories and stories.

[Seand83 0]

Chinatown is not that bad. It is an experience, the reps are shit but I have purchased one or two in the past before I knew any better and to be honest the best part was the haggling with the venders. I believe once I purchased a watch for $15 the vender originally wanted $55. At $15 I still over paid that's how bad it was.

 

But a trip to New York would not be complete without visiting there, most of the vendors are very nice. Just remember this- when your making a deal and they tell you they can't go less then $50, there is a lot more wiggle room. Also make sure you go by Katz Deli and get a pastrami on rye. You will thank me later.

[black263 228]

*** TRIP UPDATE ***

 

Just returned home from my trip to NYC and I must say that it was an absolute blast. Wife and I left the little reps (children) at home for some much needed one-on-one time. Stayed in Manhattan right near the park. Got to see Letterman through the stand by line. Times Square was fun, my little guy was blown away that we actually saw spider man. Enjoyed fine dining and cocktails all around the city. I'm a giant Seinfeld fan so we ate at the original soup man, and tom's restaurant as well. Did the free Staten Island ferry past the Statue of Liberty and back, and enjoyed taking the subway all over town. I'm not sure if I'm in love with New York or if I just miss living in Toronto, but it was fantastic.

 

Before I say how my canal street adventure went, all those who told me to stay away can fuck right off. I want to thank those who encouraged me to go check it out.

 

I had a great cloak and dagger style adventure with some Asians which started on canal and ended in a park in Chinatown where we made a cash deal on a playground. I got a "sweet" (cheapie) datejust for $50. Before you say I paid too much let me give you some perspective. Wifey and I each had a drink (one single alcoholic beverage) at a bar uptown which cost a total of $30 before tip. So I count that $50 as great entertainment value with a worthless trinket to take home as a souvenir. Shit, the little Statue of Liberty statues in the souvenir shops were $25 anyway.

 

To my New Yorker friends, you have a truly special and welcoming city and I thank you for hosting us for the weekend. I look forward to coming back even if I skip canal next time.

 

(As an aside, the B & R I bought of Wolfpacker was waiting for me when I got home today. Now that's a rep and it's good to have both ends of the spectrum to compare)

 

I'm not going to berate you for going to canal street but going with dodgy dealers into a park. Jeesus. I wouldn't do that in Bedford.

[narikaa 129]

As an aside Manchester (UK) has a Canal Street

 

which has evolved into a trendy Gay bar area

 

Local council I think is sick & tired of repainting in the 'C' and the 'S' on the road sign

 

.

[T0T0 0]

 

I'm not going to berate you for going to canal street but going with dodgy dealers into a park. Jeesus. I wouldn't do that in Bedford.

 

By park I meant a playground. Lots of people there, kids and families. I would not have gone had I felt the least but unsafe.

[macdaddy14 0]

Haha i can only echo the previous statements. Stay away from the canals!

[Genius 281]

I hear this guy has some decent reps

 

[Realism 72]

i go to chinatown to eat, not to buy reps... you can buy reps online