IWC Schaffhausen Flagship Boutique - New York — Local services in New York

I’m a long time supporter of this brand with a modest purchase history over the years. I’ve not bought a watch from the company for roughly 4 years due to changes in my preferences as my watch collecting journey has progressed. This changed recently which prompted me to reach out to this boutique. There are several pieces that I do not wear in my collection and I decided to take advantage of the “trade-in” program ran thru the company by watchfinder. After speaking with the SA, I decided to make the journey from MI with my watch with complete boxes and paperwork as requested. On arrival, meeting was smooth, then it came to business transaction. I was asked to pay full cost of the new piece. I explained that this was not we discussed, that I was intending to use the trade in value towards my new purchase. I was told this money can be used towards my NEXT IWC (not this one) as the process takes 2 weeks! I’m not in a rush for this piece… I initially proposed to keep the watch in stock while they go thru the process (nothing else in the current catalog peaks my interest and holding money in escrow towards a future watch purchase does not strike me as a sound decision). THEN… I was told that the quote supplied was INCORRECT! (I’ve sent pics with warranty card previously). They were now offering a considerably lower value for my watch! SA then told me that my watch looks brand new and I should try to sell it myself! All this with considerable history with this brand and no senior management insight! Right then a new costumer walked in and the attitude transitioned to a weird alouf exchange. I walked away feeling less than. I couldn’t help but remember the days when the staff was super helpful and through… there was literally nothing they wouldn’t do for you as a client. I guess things have changed. Here’s my IWC collection...

I saw some others saying they didn't have the best sales associate experience so thought I'd add my own. The short version: ask for Michael, his customer service is impeccable and knowledge of the lineup is extensive. Also the new store is very nice, complete with a coffee bar.

The long version: I dropped in six months ago as some friends and I were casually looking for a new watch. Michael greeted us and was more than welcoming despite not knowing anything about us. He very patiently showed me a few models I was interested in and let me try some on. They didn't have the color dial I was interested in so gave Michael my number and a few weeks later he followed up to let me know one was coming in that week, which was very helpful so I could plan to come see it. I sat on it for a while, and the next time I came back they had moved to the new flagship store. This place is definitely one of the top boutique experiences I've had in the city. There's plenty to see but you don't feel like you're crammed into a NYC closet shop. There's a coffee bar and much more comfortable setup to browse and try on watches than the rickety wooden chair you usually get at other shops. I let Michael know I was coming in and he met me once again, letting me see a model that I had been considering more since the first visit. He spent 45 minutes walking me through all the different aspects of the piece (he's very thorough) and never made me feel pressured to buy anything or rush into the decision. It felt much more like talking to a family friend than a sales associate I'd only just met. I'm sure that's probably his job, but dang if he isn't good at it! I'll...

This is flagship boutique for good reasons and it starts from the moment you are greeted by security at the doorstep. Beautiful showroom and amazing staff! Never owned an IWC timepiece before and decided to check out a particular model with other brands in mind. Look for Mike, he’s your guy! ⭐️👍

Mike gave me a rundown of the brand, it’s historical roots, constructions, features etc. and took his time to showcase different timepieces to me. He truly brought back that wonderful shopping experience which is largely absent nowadays in light of hype driven by other brands that shall not be named. This has really helped me to decide to go with IWC and never bothered looking back at other brands. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! While the timepiece itself is amazing, it’s the total package that really matters.

If you are in the market for your next timepiece, be sure to stop by and experience...