Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Vintage Watches and Jewelry in West Hollywood
Established in 1980, Wanna Buy A Watch has become one of America's most respected vintage watch specialty stores. Our 40-year legacy on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood reflects our deep expertise in curating high-quality vintage timepieces and estate jewelry. We are recognized as Los Angeles' Horological Epicenter by Hodinkee founder Ben Clymer, offering hundreds of meticulously selected watches that combine exceptional design, historical significance, and pristine condition. Our knowledgeable team provides personalized service to both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers, ensuring every client finds the perfect timepiece that reflects their personal style. Located in West Hollywood's premier fashion district, we combine our passion for horology with a commitment to educating clients about the artistry and craftsmanship behind each vintage watch.Every piece in our inventory undergoes rigorous evaluation to meet our exacting standards for quality, authenticity, and aesthetic appeal. Our mission remains focused on offering a carefully curated selection that spans various price points while maintaining the highest levels of customer service and industry expertise. The store's museum-like atmosphere invites visitors to explore our extensive collection in a comfortable, engaging environment that celebrates watchmaking heritage. We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with clients through transparent communication, expert guidance, and a shared appreciation for vintage horology.
Services
Vintage Watch Sales
Estate Jewelry
Watch Appraisals
Watch Sizing Guide
Birth Year Watches
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- 40 years of expertise in vintage horology since 1980
- Recognized as LA's Horological Epicenter by Hodinkee founder
- Curated selection of 100s of vintage timepieces
- Expert staff with deep industry knowledge
- Located in West Hollywood's premier fashion district
Associations and certifications
- Chrono 24
- IWJG
Services
Vintage Watch Sales
We offer an extensive collection of vintage Swiss and American watches from prestigious brands including Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, and Omega. Our inventory features rare models like the Rolex Daytona, Submariner, and Paul Newman, along with military and dress watches. Each timepiece undergoes thorough authentication and condition assessment to ensure quality and authenticity for collectors and enthusiasts.
Estate Jewelry
Our estate jewelry collection features vintage pieces from renowned designers, including Cartier, Audemars Piguet, and Breguet. We specialize in vintage wedding rings, engagement rings, and luxury jewelry items that combine historical craftsmanship with timeless elegance for discerning collectors and special occasions.
Watch Appraisals
We provide expert appraisal services for vintage watches, leveraging decades of industry experience and market knowledge. Our appraisals consider factors like rarity, condition, provenance, and current market trends to deliver accurate valuations for insurance, estate planning, or sale purposes while maintaining strict adherence to professional standards.
Watch Sizing Guide
Our comprehensive sizing guide helps customers find the perfect watch fit based on wrist size, style preferences, and case dimensions. We provide detailed information about case diameters, thickness, and bracelet adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and aesthetics for both men's and women's vintage timepieces.
Birth Year Watches
We specialize in birth year watches - timepieces manufactured in the same year as a significant life event. These unique collectibles serve as meaningful gifts for milestones like anniversaries and graduations, offering both historical value and personal significance through carefully curated vintage pieces from various decades.
People
Ken Jacobs
Owner
Ken Jacobs has spent four decades building one of America's most respected vintage watch collections. His passion for horology and eye for quality have established the store as LA's Horological Epicenter, combining deep industry expertise with personalized service for collectors and enthusiasts.
Questions
What types of vintage watches do you specialize in?
We specialize in Swiss and American vintage watches from prestigious brands like Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Omega, and Audemars Piguet, including rare models like Daytona, Submariner, and Paul Newman.
Do you offer watch authentication services?
Yes, we provide expert authentication services using our extensive industry experience and reference materials to verify the authenticity and provenance of vintage timepieces.
Can you help with watch sizing?
We provide detailed sizing guides and personal assistance to help you find the perfect watch fit based on case diameter, wrist size, and style preferences.
Are your watches certified?
All our watches undergo rigorous evaluation for authenticity and condition. We provide documentation where available and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase.
Do you offer international shipping?
We can arrange international shipping for most timepieces. Please contact us for specific details and requirements for your country.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and other secure payment methods. Please contact us for specific payment options and arrangements.
