Watchfinder & Co. has opened its first store in the United States: a 1,600 square foot showroom in New York’s SoHo district, Lower Manhattan’s rapidly developing luxury retail destination.
It is the company’s 17th store, joining a network that spans eight different countries.
The business has been owned by Richemont since 2018 and handles pre-owned watches that are traded in at many of its boutiques in the UK and United States.
The latest investment in New York from the pioneering pre-owned luxury watch specialist follows five years of double-digit growth in the United States, the company says.
Its physical presence, until now, has been through branded concession booths at Nordstrum department stores.
Located at 152 Spring Street, the new boutique will carry an inventory of over 600 timepieces, one of the largest shoppable collection of pre-owned luxury watches in the country.
Every watch on sale has been meticulously inspected, authenticated, serviced and restored by Watchfinder’s team of accredited watchmakers in a 60-step process.
“Opening our first dedicated storefront in the United States is such an exciting landmark for Watchfinder & Co. and a momentous step in our growing international presence,” says Watchfinder & Co. CEO, Arjen van de Vall
“The US has a long-standing appreciation for luxury watches, and the heritage and craftsmanship that comes with it, and we are thrilled to be part of making this incredible world, and the watches within it, more accessible in the US for everyone from enthusiasts to first time buyers. Establishing a permanent home in New York City, one of the world’s most influential luxury destinations, will allow us to connect more meaningfully with our local customers and truly showcase the length and breadth of our first class expertise, service and pre-owned watches — the staples we have become known for,” he adds.
Pre-owned watch retailers in the United States have faced a fresh challenge in recent months with the rising cost of tariffs on Swiss watches — new or used — originating from Switzerland, which has made it prohibitively expensive to buy and import watches from abroad.
This has made it all the more vital to be sourcing watches from within the country, and a physical boutique gives Watchfinder the potential to strengthen relationships with collectors who frequently buy and sell their pieces.
The store’s expert team will give instant valuations and offers on watches from all the major brands, whether vintage, modern or even unworn.
“Having enjoyed a growing presence in the US since 2020, both online and through our retail partnership with Nordstrom, we are beyond excited to be able to truly build on that relationship this year,” says Eduard Caumon, Watchfinder & Co.’s US country manager.
“Buying a watch is such a personal experience, and a significant investment, so it’s important we create trusted spaces, like our new SoHo boutique, where this can be done in person.
“It’s an opportunity to spend time with our experts, get advice and, of course, explore and try on the watches! With our new store, we’re not just showcasing the breadth of our watch selection, we’re creating a destination where our US clients can connect with the Watchfinder & Co. brand in a more meaningful way.”