It seems that everyone in LA is in a hurry to get somewhere. Dashing from morning coffee to nearby shopping destinations to cocktails at the city’s newest restaurant makes it easy to lose track of time and arrive late—a big inconvenience when a close parking spot or hard-to-get dinner reservations are on the line.
To help keep everyone on track, the City of Angels boasts a number of shops dedicated to helping customers find the best timepiece to suit their needs. Whether you’re a traditionalist who favors a vintage Rolex or a mariner in need of a waterproof option, the following stores have you covered so that you can speed around the city like a local—and never miss that dinner date again.
Feldmar Watch Co.
“Feldmar Watch Co. is a family-owned business that has been in operation for [more than] 100 years. Located on Pico Boulevard in Beverly Hills, Feldmar is a certified dealer in all of the brands that they carry—from Bell & Ross to Gucci to Montblanc. They also carry a selection of certified pre-owned watches. No matter your budget or style, there is something for everyone. If it weren’t for the fact that there are watches at every turn, you might find yourself lost here for hours.” (9000 W. Pico Blvd., Beverly Hills; 310-274-8016; feldmarwatch.com) —Sarah Dandashy, concierge at The London West Hollywood
Beverly Hills Watch Co.
“I recommend Beverly Hills Watch Co. due to their selection and high reputation.” Shoppers who haven’t already decided on a brand or style of watch will find multiple options and expert opinions offered daily at Beverly Hills Watch Co. The shop also stocks an array of fine diamond and gemstone jewelry and accessories such as Montblanc pens. (341 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills; 310-275-7700; beverlyhillswatch.com) —Kristina Martindale, chef concierge at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
Deep Pocket Jean Co.
“For a handmade in LA watch, head to Deep Pocket Jean Co. in Hermosa Beach to check out Weiss Watches.” Those who prefer domestic products will also appreciate the selection of locally made and handcrafted clothing and accessories. The combination clothier and barbershop specializes in hard-to-find, craft clothing such as raw denim for men and women. And the selection of Weiss Watches, which are designed, engineered and finished in America by Swiss-trained watchmakers, are the only ones of their kind. (200 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach; 310-379-5201; deeppocketjeancompany.com) —Michelle Gilley, chef concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
Wanna Buy A Watch
“Wanna Buy A Watch on Melrose [is] one of the first that comes to mind. I remember learning about this watch store long before I was a concierge. A colleague of mine from my previous hotel was obsessed with watches, and I always remember sitting and talking with him while he would tell me that he popped into WBAW just to check out any new inventory. WBAW is known for being specialists in vintage Rolex watches and—let’s face it—nothing is more decadent arm candy than a vintage Rolex.” (8465 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; 323-653-0467; wannabuyawatch.com) —Lori Trimble, chef concierge at SLS Beverly Hills
Porsche Design
“The display cases at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills are reserved for Porsche Design, and manager Giancarlo [Incalza] brings us their newest collection. We have purses displayed as well as watches, sneakers and briefcases. The boutique is located on Rodeo and offers a Champagne welcome as well as a VIP room.” Timepieces are available in both women’s and men’s styles and range from sleek models in titanium and steel to classic black and gold watches. (236 N. Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills; 310-205-0095; porsche-design.com) —Christine Grimm, chef concierge at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
Jaeger-LeCoultre
“[I] recommend … Jaeger-LeCoultre in Beverly Hills for their exquisite timepieces. Purchasing a luxury watch is an experience that requires patience, and [the retailer] offers the level of personalized services and expertise that our discerning clientele would come to expect.” (9490 Brighton Way, Beverly Hills; 310-734-0525; jaeger-lecoultre.com) —Joyce Louie, chef concierge at Montage Beverly Hills
Westime Sunset
“This store is built for the watch lover. Featuring major brands from all over the world, Westime Sunset also hosts many special events highlighting the art of watchmaking and the strengths of different brands they carry. The most recent addition to the other Southern California locations, the Sunset Plaza store is slick and modern with lots of space to browse.” (8569 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 310-289-0808; westime.com) —James Little, chef concierge at The Peninsula Beverly Hills
IWC Schaffhausen
“The luxury display vitrines in the L’Ermitage Beverly Hills lobby feature IWC Schaffhausen, and the boutique manager Johan Gyllenkrok comes in twice a month to feature a new timepiece. … The physical shop is on Brighton Way, close to Rodeo.” Open Monday through Saturday, the boutique carries a large selection of timepieces, including ones that have been around since the 1930s. (9490 Brighton Way, Ste. C, Beverly Hills; 310-734-0520; iwc.com) —Christine Grimm, chef concierge at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
—Written by Bria Balliet
