South Coast Plaza Mini Crunch Meetup: High Horology Tour!
I was so excited for this trip! Brian (@hotwatchchick69) and I had been planning this visit to South Coast Plaza with his friends for a month, and now it was time to check out all the amazing brands. Feast your eyes on this list: A. Lange, Omega, Breitling, Tudor, Panarai, Piaguet, TAG Heuer, VC, AP and of course Rolex. I was super excited for this trip and met them there.
We began our journey with A. Lange & Sohne and I was amazed by the incredible craftsmanship on display - from the hand-engraved and enameled dials, to the exquisite movement mechanisms. Karen, one of their sales associates, was an absolute delight - her knowledge and expertise was truly inspiring! She was able to provide us with detailed explanations of each piece, allowing us to fully appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship that goes into each watch.
A. Lange & Sohne is a German luxury watch brand founded in 1845 by Ferdinand Adolph Lange. The company quickly gained a reputation for precision and innovation, and by the turn of the 20th century, it was producing some of the world's most accurate and complex timepieces. However, World War II and the subsequent division of Germany had a severe impact on the brand, and it was not until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 that A. Lange & Sohne was able to make a comeback. Since then, the brand has become known for its exquisite designs, innovative movements, and exceptional attention to detail, making it one of the most respected and sought-after luxury watch brands in the world.
Karen then brought out a special treat - a time setting mechanism that you can't find in any other watch. It was absolutely stunning and I was in awe of the intricacies of the design. She explained that this is what makes A. Lange & Sohne watches so special, and I could see why.
Audemars Piguet is a Swiss luxury watch brand founded in 1875 by Jules Louis Audemars and Edward Auguste Piguet. The brand has a long history of producing exceptional timepieces, known for their precision, durability, and innovative designs. One of their most famous watches is the Royal Oak, which was introduced in 1972 and became an instant icon. Audemars Piguet has also been at the forefront of watchmaking technology, producing some of the world's thinnest and most complicated watches. Today, the brand is highly regarded by watch collectors and enthusiasts, and remains one of the most prestigious luxury watch brands in the world.
We next visited another Audemar Piguet watch store, the Holy Trinity Brand. The AD gave us a chance to try hands on with the Royal Oak, which I have heard much about. It is even more impressive in person.
The moment the watch slid onto my wrist, I realized that I had never experienced anything like this before. The weight of it was substantial, but not cumbersome. It felt like a carefully crafted extension of my body: sleek, precise, and unyielding. My fingers traced over the ridges and grooves of the face, mesmerized by the complexity of its design. The hands moved with impeccable precision, and I found myself lost in time as I watched them dance around the dial.
Have you heard of Chopard? Of course, but I never knew that they had such amazing dials on their watches. I was floored by the artistry and craftsmanship. I had heard of Chopard watches and their reputation for quality, but I was still taken aback when I saw them in person. The intricate engravings twinkling in the light, and the artfully curved bezels sent me into a state of utter admiration. It was clear that these timepieces were crafted with care.
Honestly, I was mesmerized by those beautiful dials. Like nothing I've seen, and you really need to see them in person to fully appreciate the artistry.
And speaking of artistry, this brand truly amazed me with their technical mastery and creative design: Piguet! Look at that thin case on a mechanical watch!My eyes widened in awe as I examined the intricately crafted timepiece from Piguet. Its thin case barely encased a complex network of mechanical components, and its creative design made it stand out from other watches.
Look at this incredible thin case. Amazing!
And then, another Holy Trinity: Vacheron Constantin. Vacheron Constantin is a Swiss luxury watch brand founded in 1755, making it one of the oldest continuously operating watch manufacturers in the world. The brand has a rich history of producing some of the most exquisite timepieces, known for their precision, craftsmanship, and elegance. Vacheron Constantin has been responsible for many horological milestones, including the creation of the world's most complicated pocket watch in 1929. Today, the brand continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking, producing exceptional timepieces with innovative movements, artistic dials, and intricate details. Vacheron Constantin watches are highly coveted by collectors and watch enthusiasts, and the brand remains a symbol of luxury and sophistication.
TAG Heuer has lost some popularity in recent years; but they certainly deserve respect. TAG Heuer is a Swiss luxury watch brand founded in 1860 by Edouard Heuer. The brand has a long history of producing high-quality timepieces, known for their precision, durability, and sporty designs. TAG Heuer has been associated with motorsports since the early 1900s and has developed many innovative chronographs and other timekeeping devices for racing and other sports. The brand is also known for its partnerships with famous athletes and celebrities, including Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna and Hollywood actor Steve McQueen. Today, TAG Heuer continues to produce exceptional watches with innovative features and bold designs, and remains a popular choice among watch collectors and enthusiasts.
This watch started to make me reconsider the brand. I really love the look, even more than the Omega Aqua Terra with a similar design. Put that on the list!
Tudor is a Swiss luxury watch brand founded in 1946 by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex. The brand was created as a more affordable alternative to Rolex, while still maintaining the same level of quality and craftsmanship. Tudor watches are known for their durability, precision, and sporty designs, and have been associated with diving and other extreme sports since the 1950s. Tudor has also been known for its iconic timepieces, such as the Black Bay and the Pelagos, which have become favorites among watch enthusiasts. Today, Tudor continues to produce exceptional watches with innovative features, and remains a popular choice for those seeking high-quality Swiss watches at a more affordable price point.
At 37mm, the BB54 is certain to land on my wrist at some point in the future! But the new heritage looked even more amazing on my wrist.
Yes, they even serve you cute little chocolate bars :). Nice branding!
IWC (International Watch Company) is a Swiss luxury watch brand founded in 1868 by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones. The brand is known for producing high-quality watches with innovative features and timeless designs. IWC has a strong heritage in aviation and has created many iconic pilot watches, such as the Big Pilot's Watch and the Mark XVII. The brand has also been associated with sports, particularly sailing, and has been the official timekeeper for events such as the Volvo Ocean Race. IWC has a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, and its watches are highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.
This brand was a real shocker for me! I'd always found their watches bland and unappealing. Until I tried their crown action! There is something about the feel of it that was nothing like I'd ever experienced before. I can not put into words the feeling of class and quality. There was a slight pleasant turning sound that entranced me!
Ok, I'm going to have to do a part II because this is already too long; and I need more space to cover the rest. See you then!
Son of a watchmaker. Artsy farsy dude.
Commenting to make sure I'm in the thread. Super fun day. Awesome write-up, Carl, keep it coming!
South Coast Plaza...a terrific destination for watch shopping..I grew up in Newport but literally have not been back in forty years...sounds like you had a great time..
South Coast Plaza...a terrific destination for watch shopping..I grew up in Newport but literally have not been back in forty years...sounds like you had a great time..
Funny thing, I didn't realize how many high horology brands were avaliable until we started planning this tour. Wow, PK, VC, Tudor, Piaguet really impressed me the most. I've got new respect for SCP as a watch mecca!
You made my dilema of choosing the grail amongst many brand even bigger. Very nice article. I enjoyed quick introduction of every single brand you mentioned. Can't wait for part II hopefully you will include Breitling as well with some pictures. 👌👍😍
That's my favorite mall to tag along with my wife on her shopping trips. I'm like a little kid. My wife turns around to see if I'm following her and I've disappeared. The problem is there are so many toy (watch) stores that she usually has no idea where I've gone.
You made my dilema of choosing the grail amongst many brand even bigger. Very nice article. I enjoyed quick introduction of every single brand you mentioned. Can't wait for part II hopefully you will include Breitling as well with some pictures. 👌👍😍
Yes, part II will include Breitling. Plus others! I'll post that tomorrow.
That's my favorite mall to tag along with my wife on her shopping trips. I'm like a little kid. My wife turns around to see if I'm following her and I've disappeared. The problem is there are so many toy (watch) stores that she usually has no idea where I've gone.
Yup, we really felt like we needed more time to check out all the watches. Likely, we'll be planning another trip! And now that we know the lay of the land, likely more time to chat up the ADs and ask for in-depth questions.
Another awesome and informative write-up. Thanks for taking your fellow Crunchers along for the ride! Looking forward to part deux 🤙❤️🤙
Another awesome and informative write-up. Thanks for taking your fellow Crunchers along for the ride! Looking forward to part deux 🤙❤️🤙
Glad you enjoyed it! It was like strolling through a buffet for watches
Let me know when you want to do a bigger meet there! I have to swing by next week to pick up a Seamaster that was in for service.
Sounds like a fun excursion.
SCP is a great watch destination.
I was surprised Omega didn't make it in Part 1 (especially since you were with the artist formerly known as @Omeganut).
Did you make it over to Montblanc? What about JLC? Cartier? Patek? Breitling? So many watch boutiques including Bucherer/Tourneau.
Love that place.
For those who did not get the chance to go, the WatchTime event last September in SCP was a great time...here are the pictures...
Photo Recap: WatchTime Collector Event at South Coast Plaza | WatchTime - USA's No.1 Watch Magazine
Let me know when you want to do a bigger meet there! I have to swing by next week to pick up a Seamaster that was in for service.
Sounds good! Do you know the sales manager at the Omega boutique. His name is Jonathan. He's a prickly personality but very knowledgeable. On that last visit, I talked to him about my Omega CK859.
@HotWatchChick69 looks like we'll have to plan another outing soon!
glad you had a good time. I go there almost once a month so it'd be a royal PITA for me to do one of these posts every time. Plus I take too many wrist shots lol. I have my own opinions on the brands and their sales reps but I will save that for another day
Sounds like a fun excursion.
SCP is a great watch destination.
I was surprised Omega didn't make it in Part 1 (especially since you were with the artist formerly known as @Omeganut).
Did you make it over to Montblanc? What about JLC? Cartier? Patek? Breitling? So many watch boutiques including Bucherer/Tourneau.
Love that place.
For those who did not get the chance to go, the WatchTime event last September in SCP was a great time...here are the pictures...
Photo Recap: WatchTime Collector Event at South Coast Plaza | WatchTime - USA's No.1 Watch Magazine
Yes, to all those places. We spent more time in some than others. I'll cover that in part II.
I'm sitting here with a copy of WatchTime right in front of me. Would have loved to be there. The pics look awesome! How do we get invited?
glad you had a good time. I go there almost once a month so it'd be a royal PITA for me to do one of these posts every time. Plus I take too many wrist shots lol. I have my own opinions on the brands and their sales reps but I will save that for another day
Please post! Would love to hear your thoughts. I had my opinions also about the ADs from different boutiques. But it's too much to cover and I decided to stick to the watches ;-).
Perhaps you can join us for the next trip!
Please post! Would love to hear your thoughts. I had my opinions also about the ADs from different boutiques. But it's too much to cover and I decided to stick to the watches ;-).
Perhaps you can join us for the next trip!
Sounds good! I'm almost always solo so it's nice to go with fellow watch enthusiasts. I won't post wristshots cuz it will take forever to load but I can give a rundown of my general impressions of each brand.
ALS: Karen is great to hang out with. She has a ton of cool, funny stories about her time at Lange and hanging out with Tony (Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development). I was irked one time at ALS because one SA (who will remain nameless) kept trying to push me to put down a deposit before upcoming price hikes of 15%. Out of all my times at ALS, I got to see both white gold and titanium Odysseus, the second gen Datograph, and almost the whole Zeitwerk family.
Bulgari: Carmen is also really fun to talk to. I believe she's the director of watches at the boutique. Last time we talked she was telling me she got some watchmaking certification, so that was really cool. She's also happy to show you any watches, so I got to get hands on with an Octo Finissimo tourbillon that 1. isn't out yet or 2. was discontinued because I couldn't find any info about it online.
Cartier: Nothing crazy to write home about Cartier. They had the new Tank Francaise when it was announced so I went in person to look at that. Most surprising thing is some SA's recognized my Roadster even though it was discontinued ten years ago.
Chopard: Lorraine is the SA I’ve worked with before. Happy to show off their Alpine Eagle and LUC collection. Last few times I was there, there were no novelties like the special dial Alpine Eagles or the LUC micro rotor pieces. Interesting pieces but not for me, especially at that kind of money
IWC: They faked being busy and told me to come back later when their two SA’s inside were not working with anyone. Other than that, the pantone (tahoe, green, desert, white) chronographs are pretty cool.
JLC: I worked with Jananeh and she showed me the 2022 novelties, so the new green Polaris and the Polaris perpetual calendar. Really nice and friendly, they will show you any piece you ask. You can also spend some time in the back reading the new “Collectibles” book that came out.
Montblanc: SA’s were too busy on their phone to bother. No interesting watches, was looking for any Minerva pieces but no luck
Omega: Picked up my Seamaster a few weeks ago from service, great reception. They finally have the color dial ATs for display and an Ultra Deep. I’ve spoken with Lee a few times and he’s great to talk to.
Panerai: Usually not a fan but walked in for kicks, had a great time learning about Panerai’s usage of non-stainless steel materials in their cases
Piaget: Karen is the SA I’ve worked with and she helped me see the 2023 W&W novelties before they were announced. For some reason their novelties were traveling around before the actual reveal. Every time I’ve stopped by, I’ve seen some crazy 6-7 figure piece that’s piece unique and traveling around. For example, flying tourbillon with a million diamonds and a MOP dial. Definitely one of the most slept on brands but no comment on prices aka overpriced.
Tourneau/Bucherer: Plenty of interesting pieces to try on but there was one SA who was an idiot and pissed me off regarding the Tudor Pelagos LHD (I posted in more detail in a prev post). All the Pateks in the window are reserved so I don’t bother trying to handle those.
Rolex: The only Rolex AD I’ve done business with. Now they have a lot more exhibition pieces but once they’ve been on display for 30 days, they are available to be bought. It just depends on which SA claims it for their customer first. My SA is super chill, told me some interesting stories and even let me see the Deep Sea Challenge when they got it in.
Vacheron: Occasionally, they will have a piece from their Historiques line in store. I tried on the Cornes de Vache chrono and the triple calendar 1942 on separate occasions. Other than that, no Overseas or 222 or novelties in store, but the SA’s are pleasant to talk to and understand the desire for fans to see them in person.
Van Cleef & Arpels: They had an exhibit outside their boutique showcasing the latest automaton-esque pieces, especially the ones that got awards. Pretty cool.
Roger Dubuis, Hublot, Harry Winston, Hermes, Porsche Design, LV: never visited/tried anything on
Yes, to all those places. We spent more time in some than others. I'll cover that in part II.
I'm sitting here with a copy of WatchTime right in front of me. Would have loved to be there. The pics look awesome! How do we get invited?
I would suggest getting on WatchTime's daily email distribution. It was free to sign up for the event. They also hold a great event in NYC as well.
Sounds like a successful trip! Hoping I can make the next one.
Sounds good! I'm almost always solo so it's nice to go with fellow watch enthusiasts. I won't post wristshots cuz it will take forever to load but I can give a rundown of my general impressions of each brand.
ALS: Karen is great to hang out with. She has a ton of cool, funny stories about her time at Lange and hanging out with Tony (Anthony de Haas, Director of Product Development). I was irked one time at ALS because one SA (who will remain nameless) kept trying to push me to put down a deposit before upcoming price hikes of 15%. Out of all my times at ALS, I got to see both white gold and titanium Odysseus, the second gen Datograph, and almost the whole Zeitwerk family.
Bulgari: Carmen is also really fun to talk to. I believe she's the director of watches at the boutique. Last time we talked she was telling me she got some watchmaking certification, so that was really cool. She's also happy to show you any watches, so I got to get hands on with an Octo Finissimo tourbillon that 1. isn't out yet or 2. was discontinued because I couldn't find any info about it online.
Cartier: Nothing crazy to write home about Cartier. They had the new Tank Francaise when it was announced so I went in person to look at that. Most surprising thing is some SA's recognized my Roadster even though it was discontinued ten years ago.
Chopard: Lorraine is the SA I’ve worked with before. Happy to show off their Alpine Eagle and LUC collection. Last few times I was there, there were no novelties like the special dial Alpine Eagles or the LUC micro rotor pieces. Interesting pieces but not for me, especially at that kind of money
IWC: They faked being busy and told me to come back later when their two SA’s inside were not working with anyone. Other than that, the pantone (tahoe, green, desert, white) chronographs are pretty cool.
JLC: I worked with Jananeh and she showed me the 2022 novelties, so the new green Polaris and the Polaris perpetual calendar. Really nice and friendly, they will show you any piece you ask. You can also spend some time in the back reading the new “Collectibles” book that came out.
Montblanc: SA’s were too busy on their phone to bother. No interesting watches, was looking for any Minerva pieces but no luck
Omega: Picked up my Seamaster a few weeks ago from service, great reception. They finally have the color dial ATs for display and an Ultra Deep. I’ve spoken with Lee a few times and he’s great to talk to.
Panerai: Usually not a fan but walked in for kicks, had a great time learning about Panerai’s usage of non-stainless steel materials in their cases
Piaget: Karen is the SA I’ve worked with and she helped me see the 2023 W&W novelties before they were announced. For some reason their novelties were traveling around before the actual reveal. Every time I’ve stopped by, I’ve seen some crazy 6-7 figure piece that’s piece unique and traveling around. For example, flying tourbillon with a million diamonds and a MOP dial. Definitely one of the most slept on brands but no comment on prices aka overpriced.
Tourneau/Bucherer: Plenty of interesting pieces to try on but there was one SA who was an idiot and pissed me off regarding the Tudor Pelagos LHD (I posted in more detail in a prev post). All the Pateks in the window are reserved so I don’t bother trying to handle those.
Rolex: The only Rolex AD I’ve done business with. Now they have a lot more exhibition pieces but once they’ve been on display for 30 days, they are available to be bought. It just depends on which SA claims it for their customer first. My SA is super chill, told me some interesting stories and even let me see the Deep Sea Challenge when they got it in.
Vacheron: Occasionally, they will have a piece from their Historiques line in store. I tried on the Cornes de Vache chrono and the triple calendar 1942 on separate occasions. Other than that, no Overseas or 222 or novelties in store, but the SA’s are pleasant to talk to and understand the desire for fans to see them in person.
Van Cleef & Arpels: They had an exhibit outside their boutique showcasing the latest automaton-esque pieces, especially the ones that got awards. Pretty cool.
Roger Dubuis, Hublot, Harry Winston, Hermes, Porsche Design, LV: never visited/tried anything on
Who's your AD for Rolex? I've been talking to Steve. When I first walked in there, I was told that he's very knowledgeable and seemed rather senior. But when I read the online reviews, all I see are people mentioning other ADs and how they got them watches. Never a mention of Steve. Now I'm getting worried lol.
Dude, you absolutely should join us for the next trip. Sounds like you could be our guide :-). If you're interested, I can shoot you a msg on our next trip.
I would suggest getting on WatchTime's daily email distribution. It was free to sign up for the event. They also hold a great event in NYC as well.
Ok, thanks. Will do!
Sounds like a successful trip! Hoping I can make the next one.
Do you live in the area? I could shoot you a msg on our next trip.
Do you live in the area? I could shoot you a msg on our next trip.
I will as of tomorrow! Moving down to SD
I will as of tomorrow! Moving down to SD
Congrats on the move! And I'll keep you in mind for the next trip.
Who's your AD for Rolex? I've been talking to Steve. When I first walked in there, I was told that he's very knowledgeable and seemed rather senior. But when I read the online reviews, all I see are people mentioning other ADs and how they got them watches. Never a mention of Steve. Now I'm getting worried lol.
Dude, you absolutely should join us for the next trip. Sounds like you could be our guide :-). If you're interested, I can shoot you a msg on our next trip.
Sure, I'll gladly join you. Yeah Steve is my guy. He's great, super down to earth, chill guy. I would have gotten a piece by now but work hasn't been steady so I let him know.
Sounds like a fun trip!
You tried on my favorite "standard" zeitwerk, the date version. Love how the dates around the dial frame the very bold face. The way the red glass highlights the date is clean. A bit big on the wrist for me, sadly..
I have a bros watch date tomorrow. Going to hit up VC to try on the Cornes de Vache, but grey prices are much lower than retail in RG and steel it's a bit tighter, but still cheaper. We're going next door to ALS as well for friend to try on his grail, the 1815 annual calendar. Then, Patek and then try on this Armin Strom watch I have my eye on. A high end day. Gonna be fun!
oh yeah, I forgot about AP. Last time I went, I was able to try on the exhibition models. Pretty friendly people, much better than Beverly Hills Rodeo AP.
What a write up!! Thank you 😊!