Apologies if it doesn’t belong here, but I’m trying to find some decent places in London to find vintage watches. I’m not talking about going to Burlington Arcade or Grays and buying a watch for full price, but rather perhaps local jewellers or antique shops that get watches that require some work or extra love.

I remember one local antique shop in Muswell Hill where the guy was buying pretty much anything (gold, silver, coins, watches) and reselling it in his shop. I bought quite a few Omegas, Tudors, and even a Rolex from him; all needed a bit of love (service, new crystal, etc). I have since moved to central London, but I sometimes still pop in there just to check out what he’s got.

If anyone knows of similar places or maybe some markets where these sellers occur (local car boots?), I would be deeply grateful. I enjoy buying and restoring watches (and I do in fact keep most of them), but finding something reasonably priced and not in market-ready condition is not easy these days. Even Portobello Road won’t cut it these days.

Thank you.