London Watch Tour -- Part I --

cicindela · Jul 17, 2012

On a recent holiday to London I did a bit of watch watching in between activities with the wife and in-laws. This is by no means comprehensive but it will give the armchair traveler some idea.
Part one will deal with shops and shopping.

Portobello Market, a renowned area of antique shops and flea markets. Great place to hunt for all manner of watches, but god help you if you don't know what your doing.

This chap, Mark Devenport had some nice Omegas, including a guilloche Constellation, which I could not buy as I was in watch hot water at the time. 🙁

Some others from another vendor , There were actually a lot of dealers of vintage watches around.

cicindela · Jul 17, 2012

Part I, section b.

Bond Street , New Bond Street, Burlington Arcade

Got Rolex?

As you can imagine, security around these areas was ever present.

Well known vintage Omega seller "Somlo" , quite a number of refinished and polished watch, none cheap here!!

cicindela · Jul 17, 2012

Part I, section C.

New Bond, and Bond street proper.
Where the big boys play.

The wife found some congenial folks to chat with while I browsed around Patek's

Ending the day with some very moderns and then on to tea at the Ritz, watch for the Ritz, vintage Constellation of course.

ulackfocus · Jul 17, 2012

cicindela
As you can imagine, security around these areas was ever present.

I wouldn't mess with a guy that looked as tough as him. I bet chicks dig him for his rugged handsomeness.

( 😜 )

ulackfocus · Jul 17, 2012

What's up with our smileys? 😕

Okay, seems to be fixed now. Temporary glitch I guess.

Steve · Jul 17, 2012

If you need to know the time... ask a policeman !.

Dash1 · Jul 18, 2012

Nice one! I bought my first Omega from that arcade in Portobello road at least 12 years ago now (I had an antique stall of my own further along the road for many years). It was a 145.012-67 Speedmaster, on original bracelet, costing £500 gbp. A few months later I was offered double the money, sold it, regretted it immediately and have been making up for it ever since!
There are still reasonable deals to be had, but as you said - you need to know what you're doing.

dsio · Jul 18, 2012

Steve
If you need to know the time... ask a policeman !.

Is it true that if you're a pregnant lady and you're caught short you're still allowed to pee in a policeman's hat

SpikiSpikester · Jul 18, 2012

dsio
Is it true that if you're a pregnant lady and you're caught short you're still allowed to pee in a policeman's hat

No, but they might let you use their stab vests to mop it up... 😁

mondodec · Jul 18, 2012

What were the prices like Steve?

I know in Burlington I almost fell over in shock at what Somlos were asking for vintage gold Connies.

Cheers

Desmond

cicindela · Jul 18, 2012

mondodec
What were the prices like Steve?

I know in Burlington I almost fell over in shock at what Somlos were asking for vintage gold Connies.

Cheers

Desmond

Prices were ridiculous at Somlos, but dispite this I saw people buying. Too much money, not enough knowledge.
Prices were more in line at Austin Kaye, if the watch was not refinished and polished
Best deals were at small shops in arcades at Portobello, up on Oxford St , etc. , but as always, know what your buying, as they will be happy to take as much money as you care to give. 😁