I'd say Smith & Caugheys was more like Kendals / Rackhams in UK (IF they still exist) not Debenhams, S&C is much more upmarket than Debenhams lol. I tried a Roger Dubuis at Partridges in Auckland last year, $112k! Nice to see the Hour glass is stocking Zenith now, i'm a big fan of Zenith!. I find the Partridges store in Newmarket is much better than that in Auckland, although, Auckland store is split into two or three different stores.
Thanks for the upload. Queen Street and surrounds thrived in the 80's and 90's and early 2000's. It has been ruined by the one-ways, removal of car parks, roading turned to foot paths. I used to shop there a LOT but no more. Auckland Council/ Auckland Transport have destroyed the CBD.
I agree that the CBD is a right mess these days. They're trying to make it more attractive but spent so much money on the viaduct upgrade over many years, and neglected the Queen street area for too long. It's really quite ugly now tbh. I think they get back to it, but over the next 10-20 years.
Last time I was in Auckland a couple of months ago The Hour Glass offered me a white gold Skydweller on Oysterflex. Partridge offered up a white gold Sub with blue bezel. Neither were different enough from watches I already have, so I didn’t pull the trigger. The gold pieces are out there though - without a wait - if that’s your thing. Also, my wife LOVES Walker & Hall. If you pass by say hello to Tanya for us! Hope to visit again soon! Cheers, and aloha from Hawaii!
The window shopping videos are very interesting along with seeing the Gold Sea Dweller, you are one of the first to capture that watch. It will be interesting to see how long they keep it in the window. It was interesting to see the general vibe of the street traffic. Here in San Francisco retailers have abandoned the urban shopping district and foot traffic is down and the homeless have taken over.
Thank you for the feedback, and I will drop the video shortly of the Gold Deepsea as I tried it on too. It's interesting what you say about the urban retailers leaving town. Queen Street is getting dirtier, and more unsafe by the month with the large chain stores moving out, in favour of safer shopping areas with better consumer access for parking etc.
Zenith is really a great brand…. Underrated for sure. The Aaron Rodgers green dial Chronomaster LE 250 pieces has been highly sought after the last few months. I hope you can do a review on this timepiece. The dial is absolutely stunning especially in different lighting.
Love this video Mark, I'm in Auckland normally twice a year and always love taking a walk down Queen St visting all the AD's, was last there in February and enjoyed trying on various Rolex Pieces in the The Hour Glass.
Thanks for the feedback. I will make some more like this in future. Auckland has got considerably better in the last couple of years in terms of range.
Hi Mark, Queen Street is definitely looking more buzzing than my last visit when I was in Auckland 👍🏽 Good walk-around video mate👍🏽 I think Gold Deep Sea is a long-term collection piece got one put in the locker and forgot for 10 years and your pension is sorted 😃👌🏽
Thank you. I think I will do it again, but next time will start from Wynyard quarter and the Quayside where it is much nicer! Also I need to go to DFS Galleria, as they have some nice watches in there too
Great video Mark. I was in Auckland at the beginning of May for my daughter’s graduation and visited all those ADs. I tried that Patek Aquanaut annual calendar on - a sweet watch. Cheers from Florida
Hi Mark great to see you out and about in Auckland haven't managed to try on the gold deepsea yet wish I could afford one I wonder if they bring out a bi metal version of the deepsea???too much my bi metal sea dweller definitely would be up for that. brilliant to see Auckland again thank John (UK).
Thanks John I had a bit of fun making it, and might do it again but start from the quayside next time. it's gorgeous down that end with the luxury yachts, and ferry terminal etc.
@@TheRandomWatchDude thanks for your reply last time I was down there was watching the all Black's beat France in the rugby world cup 2011 . it's about time to come back and see my friends in Auckland going to the lions tour in Australia next year I might pop over to Auckland when I'm over that side of the world . thanks John👍.
I’m in China and the supply has increased significantly this year. Can pretty much freely obtain what I want from the ADs (although you need to be on their lists to know when it comes in, as it is usually gone the same day)
Queen street busy...... Hinckley in Leicestershire England population 50,712 busier and we only have Greggs and Poundland..... need to get to New Zealand fab video!
Now that's an interesting comparison! To be fair Auckland has a popular over 1.5 million, and these watch shops are pretty much serving all those people plus all the rural areas between here and Wellington. That Hour Glass store is the only one in NZ so they have a customer base of 5 million!
I've never been to a Partridge store before and am thinking of trying on a Grand Seiko before I commit. Can I just walk in or do I need to make an appointment?
nice, cool video... haven't been back in town because of the annoying road works, might need to pay a visit my friends at Partridge, etc. shout out to Tristans at Partridge, yes there's 2 Tristans in Queen street 😂😂😂
@OmegaCaldereroid the roadworks are a nuisance for sure. Soon it will only be the luxury boutiques at the bottom of Queen Street left, as I fear people are staying away which will drive the retail outlets to follow them
Your lovely wife may just watch her husband YT on random and guess what - she might just pull you along to that Omega outlet during lunch break. Good luck mate🤣
You might be right. I would happily take her to look if I thought I could get a combo deal out of it! Omega Worldtimer for her, and a Submariner for me - deal!!!
Kia Ora from Dunedin! This was interesting. We've got very little down here in Dunners - Seiko, a couple of Tissots (meh!) Rado (but not their chronographs) and some Longines. Rest is pretty much quartz. I visit Partridges in Christchurch and like everywhere the Rolex stall is pretty much empty except for a couple of Date Justs. I can't be bothered with Rolex anyhow. Their marketing strategy, as you correctly point out, is just rude! They do have a good selection of Tudor and Omegas as well as Dag Heuer and Brietling. Even IWC. I put my name down for a Tudor FXD Red Alinghi Red Moo Chronograph, but finally got one in Japan. I would love you to have shown us some JLC - they are the bees knees! Sorry I have to disagree with you on Bulgari - as far as I'm concerned they are just a glorified fashion brand. I've seen some close up and was very underwhelmed. I also had a close look at a Cartier Tank and got the same feeling. Whereas JLC, Roger Dubuis etc, - now they are fantastic! So, of course is Patek - but they are in a different universe! Very interesting video!
Kia Ora and thanks for the commentary on your watch retailer woes there in Dunners. I used to travel there a lot with work and know it well. Although I don't think the South Island is blessed with a lot of watch excitement, the team at PJ in Christchurch have a decent range. I was being sarcastic about BVulgari btw, I don't rate them, and nor do I rate Cartier. I like the new JLC range of Polaris, and their complications are cool, but they're not watches that really excite me. Maybe a little dull design-wise? I'm liking Blancpain right now, but not seeing the value justification. Apparently it's because they're hand made, but clearly they're not - they just use older more manual machinery. Ahh the marketing story is strong with that brand!
Queenstown DFS has a range worth visiting - TAG, Blancpain, Cartier, Bremont, Seiko, Montblanc, Breitling, Seven Friday, IWC, and a few others. There's also a new Partridge store which is nice to spend time in, with Omega, Rolex, etc. We are up every few months.
@@ShanePleasance The DFS here in Auckland has a good range too, and they are open to giving quite large discounts. I was offered 20% off any watch when I went there a few weeks ago.
You're right. I didn't really acknowledge the watches that I don't like. I was conscious of how long the video was going to be if I stopped anywhere for too long. I'll do it differently next time.
I meant it's a good old fashioned English department store. New Zealand is part of the Kings Commonwealth. It's a colony. I don't buy in to all that stuff anymore, but its a colonial era department store.
Actually, the'Colonial' style is a perfectly acceptable description of these buildings. Built in that era of expansion and embracing facets of both the country of origin and the 'new'. Widely accepted as a style in its own right. Cheers Bro.
@@TheRandomWatchDude cool mark, thanks for straighting that out, I just tired of all the division that's been shoved down our throats for to long, like I said I think you're a nice guy with a good channel and like your videos 😁
Glad to see Partridge still strong! Sad about NZ, S&C, Kirkcaldy & Stains, James Smiths… all those old fashioned full service “Harrods” type stores can’t compete with the mall concept. Queen St looks a bit better than when last there with the road works👍🏻 Excited about the gold ‘Gollum.
Thanks for taking us window shopping!
You're welcome!
I'd say Smith & Caugheys was more like Kendals / Rackhams in UK (IF they still exist) not Debenhams, S&C is much more upmarket than Debenhams lol. I tried a Roger Dubuis at Partridges in Auckland last year, $112k! Nice to see the Hour glass is stocking Zenith now, i'm a big fan of Zenith!. I find the Partridges store in Newmarket is much better than that in Auckland, although, Auckland store is split into two or three different stores.
Great video , sad to see all the shops go , fenwick of Bond Street London closed in January , went to the closing night party
Mr fenwick top man
Thanks for the upload. Queen Street and surrounds thrived in the 80's and 90's and early 2000's. It has been ruined by the one-ways, removal of car parks, roading turned to foot paths. I used to shop there a LOT but no more. Auckland Council/ Auckland Transport have destroyed the CBD.
I agree that the CBD is a right mess these days. They're trying to make it more attractive but spent so much money on the viaduct upgrade over many years, and neglected the Queen street area for too long. It's really quite ugly now tbh. I think they get back to it, but over the next 10-20 years.
Last time I was in Auckland a couple of months ago The Hour Glass offered me a white gold Skydweller on Oysterflex. Partridge offered up a white gold Sub with blue bezel.
Neither were different enough from watches I already have, so I didn’t pull the trigger. The gold pieces are out there though - without a wait - if that’s your thing.
Also, my wife LOVES Walker & Hall. If you pass by say hello to Tanya for us!
Hope to visit again soon! Cheers, and aloha from Hawaii!
Oh wow they haven't offered me the whiite gold Sub! I would probably buy that!
Probably just lucky timing. I’m sure they’d source you one quickly.
Thanks Mark, very interesting. One of my favourite Cities. Looks like a reasonable selection of watches on offer.
Thank you. Definitely more watches on offer now, compared to this time last year even.
The window shopping videos are very interesting along with seeing the Gold Sea Dweller, you are one of the first to capture that watch. It will be interesting to see how long they keep it in the window. It was interesting to see the general vibe of the street traffic. Here in San Francisco retailers have abandoned the urban shopping district and foot traffic is down and the homeless have taken over.
Thank you for the feedback, and I will drop the video shortly of the Gold Deepsea as I tried it on too. It's interesting what you say about the urban retailers leaving town. Queen Street is getting dirtier, and more unsafe by the month with the large chain stores moving out, in favour of safer shopping areas with better consumer access for parking etc.
Zenith is really a great brand…. Underrated for sure. The Aaron Rodgers green dial Chronomaster LE 250 pieces has been highly sought after the last few months. I hope you can do a review on this timepiece. The dial is absolutely stunning especially in different lighting.
Love this video Mark, I'm in Auckland normally twice a year and always love taking a walk down Queen St visting all the AD's, was last there in February and enjoyed trying on various Rolex Pieces in the The Hour Glass.
Thanks for the feedback. I will make some more like this in future. Auckland has got considerably better in the last couple of years in terms of range.
Welcome to cone city. No wonder shops are closing there. Thanks for the video
Yes, the cones and roadworks are cited as one of the reasons people aren't coming into the CBD
Hi Mark,
Queen Street is definitely looking more buzzing than my last visit when I was in Auckland 👍🏽
Good walk-around video mate👍🏽
I think Gold Deep Sea is a long-term collection piece
got one put in the locker and forgot for 10 years and your pension is sorted 😃👌🏽
Thanks and yes you're probably right about the pension watch. The Deepsea Challenge is definitely one of those watches too.
That made a nice change Mark , enjoyed that mate.
Thanks Keith. I will record another one from the other side of town, next time
Great reviews and tour. Awsome to see you do it in Auckland New Zealand. From a fellow Kiwi.
Thank you. I think I will do it again, but next time will start from Wynyard quarter and the Quayside where it is much nicer! Also I need to go to DFS Galleria, as they have some nice watches in there too
Great video Mark. I was in Auckland at the beginning of May for my daughter’s graduation and visited all those ADs. I tried that Patek Aquanaut annual calendar on - a sweet watch. Cheers from Florida
The memories at the Civic pictures New Subbie nice vlogs bro
Collector and new subscriber from Invercargill in the Deep South! Might actually have a reason to visit the city. Might!
Good vid enjoyed it
Hi Mark great to see you out and about in Auckland haven't managed to try on the gold deepsea yet wish I could afford one I wonder if they bring out a bi metal version of the deepsea???too much my bi metal sea dweller definitely would be up for that. brilliant to see Auckland again thank John (UK).
Thanks John I had a bit of fun making it, and might do it again but start from the quayside next time. it's gorgeous down that end with the luxury yachts, and ferry terminal etc.
@@TheRandomWatchDude thanks for your reply last time I was down there was watching the all Black's beat France in the rugby world cup 2011 . it's about time to come back and see my friends in Auckland going to the lions tour in Australia next year I might pop over to Auckland when I'm over that side of the world . thanks John👍.
Greeting from Hillcrest.
Greetings!
Great video! Pls do an update on the Rolex market and the availability now from an AD. Did you ask the AD on availability this time around?
Thanks and yes I'll do a Rolex market update soon. I have some interesting info to share on that front
I’m in China and the supply has increased significantly this year. Can pretty much freely obtain what I want from the ADs (although you need to be on their lists to know when it comes in, as it is usually gone the same day)
@@allybaapp1053 Even a Steel Sub?
Queen street busy...... Hinckley in Leicestershire England population 50,712 busier and we only have Greggs and Poundland..... need to get to New Zealand fab video!
Now that's an interesting comparison! To be fair Auckland has a popular over 1.5 million, and these watch shops are pretty much serving all those people plus all the rural areas between here and Wellington. That Hour Glass store is the only one in NZ so they have a customer base of 5 million!
@@TheRandomWatchDude I'd settle for that traffic on my my commute! But thank you for a lovely interesting journey.....
I've never been to a Partridge store before and am thinking of trying on a Grand Seiko before I commit. Can I just walk in or do I need to make an appointment?
Hello you can just walk in, no problem. They are all great to deal with. Ask for Sam Su if he's there. He's a genuine watch enthusiast.
nice, cool video... haven't been back in town because of the annoying road works, might need to pay a visit my friends at Partridge, etc. shout out to Tristans at Partridge, yes there's 2 Tristans in Queen street 😂😂😂
@OmegaCaldereroid the roadworks are a nuisance for sure. Soon it will only be the luxury boutiques at the bottom of Queen Street left, as I fear people are staying away which will drive the retail outlets to follow them
I’m not a fan of the Deep sea Gollum. It looks a little AliExpress for my liking.
Yes it could be mistaken for that!
Your lovely wife may just watch her husband YT on random and guess what - she might just pull you along to that Omega outlet during lunch break. Good luck mate🤣
You might be right. I would happily take her to look if I thought I could get a combo deal out of it! Omega Worldtimer for her, and a Submariner for me - deal!!!
@@TheRandomWatchDude hahaha. That sounds like a premeditated plan🤣
Now the watch market is down, so the Rolex and Tudor watches become available. 18 months ago, Rolex watches were regarded as investment.
Queen Street is a disgrace if what it used to be. It’s shameful to know this is what tourists see as our Main Street.
Agreed 👍 the waterfront area is really nice but not the drag up the street, that's horrible
Kia Ora from Dunedin! This was interesting. We've got very little down here in Dunners - Seiko, a couple of Tissots (meh!) Rado (but not their chronographs) and some Longines. Rest is pretty much quartz. I visit Partridges in Christchurch and like everywhere the Rolex stall is pretty much empty except for a couple of Date Justs. I can't be bothered with Rolex anyhow. Their marketing strategy, as you correctly point out, is just rude! They do have a good selection of Tudor and Omegas as well as Dag Heuer and Brietling. Even IWC. I put my name down for a Tudor FXD Red Alinghi Red Moo Chronograph, but finally got one in Japan. I would love you to have shown us some JLC - they are the bees knees! Sorry I have to disagree with you on Bulgari - as far as I'm concerned they are just a glorified fashion brand. I've seen some close up and was very underwhelmed. I also had a close look at a Cartier Tank and got the same feeling. Whereas JLC, Roger Dubuis etc, - now they are fantastic! So, of course is Patek - but they are in a different universe! Very interesting video!
Kia Ora and thanks for the commentary on your watch retailer woes there in Dunners. I used to travel there a lot with work and know it well. Although I don't think the South Island is blessed with a lot of watch excitement, the team at PJ in Christchurch have a decent range. I was being sarcastic about BVulgari btw, I don't rate them, and nor do I rate Cartier. I like the new JLC range of Polaris, and their complications are cool, but they're not watches that really excite me. Maybe a little dull design-wise? I'm liking Blancpain right now, but not seeing the value justification. Apparently it's because they're hand made, but clearly they're not - they just use older more manual machinery. Ahh the marketing story is strong with that brand!
Queenstown DFS has a range worth visiting - TAG, Blancpain, Cartier, Bremont, Seiko, Montblanc, Breitling, Seven Friday, IWC, and a few others. There's also a new Partridge store which is nice to spend time in, with Omega, Rolex, etc. We are up every few months.
@@ShanePleasance The DFS here in Auckland has a good range too, and they are open to giving quite large discounts. I was offered 20% off any watch when I went there a few weeks ago.
Enjoyed this! That gold deep sea is the very definition of a douchebag watch! 😂 😊
Haha yeh I love me a douche watch!
Thanks for letting me tag along
You're welcome
Every time you look at the Tudor section you don’t acknowledge the watches on the far right.
You're right. I didn't really acknowledge the watches that I don't like. I was conscious of how long the video was going to be if I stopped anywhere for too long. I'll do it differently next time.
I like you bro and your content, but it's not a "colonial"department store it's just a department store.
I meant it's a good old fashioned English department store. New Zealand is part of the Kings Commonwealth. It's a colony. I don't buy in to all that stuff anymore, but its a colonial era department store.
Actually, the'Colonial' style is a perfectly acceptable description of these buildings. Built in that era of expansion and embracing facets of both the country of origin and the 'new'. Widely accepted as a style in its own right. Cheers Bro.
@@TheRandomWatchDude cool mark, thanks for straighting that out, I just tired of all the division that's been shoved down our throats for to long, like I said I think you're a nice guy with a good channel and like your videos 😁
@@MBCGRS no worries mate I think I may of took it the wrong way, my fault
Glad to see Partridge still strong!
Sad about NZ, S&C, Kirkcaldy & Stains, James Smiths… all those old fashioned full service “Harrods” type stores can’t compete with the mall concept.
Queen St looks a bit better than when last there with the road works👍🏻
Excited about the gold ‘Gollum.
Nice content mate. We actually repaired the Civic centre clock about a year ago. Come visit us sometime @ Alpha Time in Howick. Cheerio
Ash
@AshB-nb8xb hi Ash I live just up the road so will definitely drop in sometime soon
How I miss Auckland 🥲
Queen Street is quite run-down these days, and doesn't feel safe tbh. But as a city Auckland is up there with the best of them imo!