There is no place like New York when it comes to shopping. From Macy’s to Bergdorf’s to Saks Fifth Avenue, the Big Apple is nothing short of a fashionista’s fairground. Perhaps not so well-known, however, is that it’s also home to what is arguably the biggest and best luxury watch market in the whole of North America. Forget travelling to Europe: indulge your horological passion right here in Manhattan.
A wander through watch paradise will take you from 57th Street down to Madison and Fifth Avenues, with no shortage of stop-offs along the way. For many big names in luxury watches, NYC is the destination of choice for their flagship stores – whose interiors are almost as enchanting as the watches themselves. From Hublot to Breitling to Cartier and beyond, these breathtaking boutiques look more like grand hotels than mere shops. Even if you don’t plan on actually buying a timepiece, it is well worth a visit just for the experience. If your Manhattan encounter does leave you craving a bit of Swiss arm candy after all, you can always pick up a luxury watch online. From Rolex and Audemars Piguet to this collection of Tissot timepieces, the online marketplace offers just as much variety as the boutiques themselves – and may save you a bit of cash too.
Shopping isn’t the only thing that makes Manhattan a premier destination for luxury watches. For true horological fanatics, Madison Avenue Watch Week is a crucial date for the diary. Every year, Watch Week invites timepiece enthusiasts to take part in special events, listen to presentations and witness some of the most talented artisans at work. The seventh annual Watch Week took place in May this year, with the likes of Chopard, Hublot and Montblanc among some of the biggest names to exhibit. As well as showcasing new watch designs, the event also celebrated local talent, featuring a public art exhibition of watch-themed sculptures – designed and created by students from Manhattan’s very own School of Visual Arts. Organized by the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District, the event can be considered New York’s answer to Baselworld – and is testament to Manhattan’s increasingly prominent position in the world of watches.
If you aren’t in town for Madison Avenue Watch Week, there is plenty more horological fun to be had elsewhere. New York is also home to the Hoffman Clock Museum, which will take you on a journey through the history of timekeeping – with a particular focus on New York State clockmakers. Whether you are passionate about watches, love shopping in general or just happen to be passing through, Manhattan’s watch district is a must-see attraction.