Watch Hunting in Mexico City
This was supposed to be posted this past weekend; however, my plans changed during this trip to Mexico City. It’s always fun when plans shift and you end up staying longer to keep hunting for watches I packed for three days… and have been doing laundry ever since. Luckily, the extra time paid off—I managed to find some very cool watches.
The trip began last Monday the 9th. What was meant to be a short visit turned into a week and a half. Let’s get started:
Watch Hunting
For the first couple of days, I stayed in the center of the city, just a few minutes’ walk from the Zócalo. Most of the watch dealers are within walking distance, and during the daytime it’s a fairly safe area.
The first purchase was a lovely Cartier Tank Palissandre. Condition-wise, it was excellent—and it sold almost immediately with the help of a dear friend and dealer from New York. I got to enjoy it for a day or two; a very subtle and elegant Tank.
Tank Palissandre jumbo
Next, I met with a very knowledgeable and experienced dealer. He showed me a gorgeous Maxi 5512—the lume was incredibly attractive, although the case wasn’t as strong. Alongside some great stories, we ended up closing a deal on an Enicar Sherpa-Graph and an Omega Speedmaster, both in very good condition.
Enicar Sherpa-Graph ref. 072-02-01
The next find was a sick Audemars Piguet Quartz, often referred to as the mid-size Jumbo at 36mm. Despite being quartz, it had a very attractive profile, solid 18K yellow gold, heavy and sharp. Further into the trip, I came across some smaller pieces, but still very cool. One highlight was a super clean Universal Genève White Shadow Date—the eggshell dial is in stunning condition, powered by a micro-rotor movement.
Audemars Piguet ref. 6023BA
During the second week, I managed to source some NOS Movado and JLC buckles—very rare to find in this condition. I also picked up a platinum ladies’ Movado. Not the easiest seller, but I couldn’t resist—such a beautiful piece. This one featured rubies mounted over platinum with diamonds, honestly a very interesting art-deco piece.
Movado ladies platinum cocktail watch
As a final find, I picked up a killer Rolex Day-Date ref. 1803 from the late ’70s. A fellow dealer had acquired it just 24 hours earlier, and by chance I was able to see it before he headed to Miami.
The case shows a vivid oxidation patina along the right side, while the dial is a matte black minute-track variant—super cool and not easy to come by. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the trip.
Rolex Day-Date 1803 - Black Matte dial
Guide to Watch Hunting in Mexico City
A lot of friends ask me how to find cool watches in Mexico City. Aside from the language barrier, the city can feel overwhelming—and at times a bit rough. If you want to enjoy the trip, I recommend staying in Colonia Roma Norte. It’s safe, full of great restaurants, and about 20–30 minutes (with traffic) from the Zócalo.
Calle Palma 33
To start your hunt, head to Palma33, a building packed with watchmakers and small watch shops. On the first floor, you’ll find vintage bracelets, some Art Deco pieces, and neo-vintage Cartier—nothing extraordinary, but worth a look. The second floor is where things get more interesting, home to what is probably the best store in the area: Relojería Lux. The owner, Gilberto, is a master watchmaker with decades of experience. He has handled everything from Patek chronographs to stone-dial Rolex, and he’s always a pleasure to talk to, along with his son which is also a watchmaker.
If you step outside and cross the street, El Cardenal at Palma 23 is a perfect stop for a break, offering great service and traditional Mexican cuisine. Continuing the hunt, you can walk over to Calle Madero 55, where a good friend and reputable dealer, Manuel Strauss Inc., has an office. Visits are by appointment, but the selection ranges from antique jewelry to vintage Rolex and Audemars Piguet.
Calle Madero 55
For parts—bracelets, dials, hands, and anything else you might be searching for—head to Palma 9. The building is dark, so bringing a loupe with light is a good idea. On the first floor, Relojería Soria offers a wide assortment of movements and parts, along with some interesting watches, I spotted a very cool dog leg Connie and a Enicar Sherpa diver, though not at competitive prices. As you head upstairs, you’ll find smaller vendors, most of them fairly standard, but there are a few hidden gems. A watchmaker named Oscar has a particularly good eye—I’ve picked up Swiss bracelets, Seikos, and other interesting pieces from him before. On the third floor, just in front of the stairs, you’ll find Alan and Sergio, who always carry a great assortment of buckles, bracelets, and vintage watches, with a strong focus on Cartier and Omega parts. Prices are fair, they accept cards but cash gets you a better price.
Calle Palma 9
Food Recommendations
After a few hours of watch hunting, you’ll definitely want to recharge. If you’re in the mood for sushi, Ryoshi Masaryk offers excellent quality and service, with the nigiri being a standout. For steak, Gardela in Roma Norte, a classic steak house. One of my personal favorites from this trip was La Docena, also in Roma Norte, where the ceviche, tuna tostadas, and oysters were so good I ended up going twice in three days. Ola Ceviche is another great option, especially for tuna tostadas and fish tacos. Another recommendation in the center would be the Spanish Casino, great spanish cuisine, for some juicy tacos in the center Arandas would be the place. And if you’re craving something more casual, El Califa or Orinoco are both reliable spots for tacos—more mainstream.
Final Thoughts
This has been a wonderful trip—filled with great watches, good company, and amazing food. I couldn’t wait to share this guide. To my friends and clients planning a visit: I hope you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for—but something cooler, something unexpected. That’s what makes these trips special.
