Public service announcement: How to buy a watch if you’re stuck in the Sydney lockdown

Nick Kenyon

Much like the many-headed Hydra that Hercules was sent to kill in the Greek legends, the coronavirus pandemic is a beast that just won’t go away. Just when one head has been cut off, two more grow back in its place. As a result of this multifaceted challenge, greater Sydney (as well as several other capital cities around the country) has returned to a state of COVID restrictions, which means many businesses have been forced to shut, or only open with limited hours. So if you’re in the Sydney lockdown and you want to buy a watch in the free time you’re now saddled with, what’s the best way to go about it? We spoke to a few brands with boutiques in the Sydney CBD about what to do if you’re looking to add something new to the collection.

TAG Heuer

The TAG Heuer boutique is located in the centre of Sydney at the corner of Pitt and Market Streets. If you aren’t able to travel there, make sure you contact their customer care phone number at 0466 506 134 to discuss what you’re looking for, or alternatively purchase your watch through their online store.

IWC

Launched a couple of months ago, IWC now offers an option to purchase a watch via their phone sales number, where you will be able to order over the phone and have the watch sent to your home. Simply click the “call for information” button next to the watch you’re looking at. If you already have a piece lined up at the boutique, the Sydney IWC store at 2/84 King St, Sydney is open by appointment only for COVID-safe pickup.

Hublot

The Hublot boutique is located in the same precinct as IWC at 5/84 King St, Sydney, and is open by appointment only for a one-on-one consultation. You will be able to make an appointment by calling the boutique at (02) 9221 0554 and speaking to one of their sales consultants.

Grand Seiko

While the Grand Seiko boutique is closed, they have an online store that you will be able to purchase through if you have your eye on anything at all. Alternatively, you can contact the boutique at +61 411 332 466 or [email protected]. Broken down by collection, the online store is well worth a visit for some (digital) window shopping even if you aren’t looking to buy anything at the moment.

Jaeger-LeCoultre

For Jaeger-LeCoultre, there are two ways of getting a new timepiece on your wrist. Firstly, they have the option of phone sales, which has the benefits of free shipping and returns or exchanges. Alternatively, if you want a closer look at a specific watch, Jaeger-LeCoultre in Australia has the first virtual boutique that the brand ever launched. This service isn’t just limited to Sydneysiders, or even Australians, but is a worldwide service that you can check out right here.

Longines

Currently, both Longines boutiques in Sydney are open, albeit with very limited opening hours. These are as follows:

QVB – Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 11am to 5pm

David Jones – Mon to Sun 10am to 5pm

Alternatively, Longines also has a fully functional online store where you can purchase any watches from they collection.

Seiko

Just like their big brother Grand Seiko, Seiko also has a fully fledged online store, which also breaks things down by collection. The online store even has the option of ordering watches that haven’t yet hit stores, so make sure you check out what they have.