Welcome back to an aBlogtoWatch original series, where we discuss important stores that sell watches all over the world. Each store we profile has an interesting story to tell about where they operate and who they sell to. Whether you buy watches from brick and mortar retailers or prefer to buy watches online, these are the stores that help shape our watch culture around the globe. There is a long list of stores to cover, but if there is a retail location in your favorite city that we simply can’t miss, let us know in the comments below.

Where to buy watches in Miami, Florida?

Kirk Jewelers has been part of the Miami community since 1947, when Julian and June Newbauer opened Kirk Jewelers. Beginning with meager stock, Julian eventually turned Kirk Jewelers into a icon on Flagler Street in downtown Miami and became known affectionately as “Mr. Kirk.” Their son Julian Jr. and his wife, Alisa, entered the family business in 1973. With great family pride, Julian and Alisa’s children, Jeffrey and Allison, entered the business in 2006-2007 along with Jeffrey’s wife, Malena.

During their first year (1947), Kirk Jewelers started selling Heuer (back before it was TAG Heuer) and included Omega shortly thereafter. These days, Kirk Jewelers is still run as a family business by Jeffery, his sister Allison, and Jeffery’s wife Malena. They are the oldest Authorized Rolex and Patek Philippe retailer in South Florida. Allison and Jeffrey started their passion for fine Swiss timepieces early on, as they spent most of their childhood in the jewelry store.

Since grey market dealers are plentiful in Miami, Kirk Jewelers, as an Authorized Dealer for the brands they represent, works hard to get the message across that they offer brand-new, authentic watches which are fully warrantied by the brands and have factory backed service, in a market where stolen or counterfeit watches are too often offered by less reputable “dealers.”
aBlogtoWatch: What types of watches are popular in your market? What makes Miami a unique place to buy watches?

Kirk Jewelers: Rolex as a brand in general is hugely popular in Miami. Our clients love two-tone watches with Gold and Steel – don’t they just look great on a tanned wrist? People also love luxurious diver watches. For example, Patek Philippe’s Nautilus, since Miami is known for yachting and watersports.

A lot of people take advantage of buying a watch when visiting Miami: Being a vacation hot spot, they have the time to truly enjoy the buying experience and lots of great places to wear their new piece.

ABTW: What would you tell watch lovers in other cities that watch lovers in Miami like?

Kirk Jewelers: Miami is certainly very stylish and loves precious metals and larger case sizes. We also see significant demand for more trendy designed timepieces, like the new Tudor Ranger or the TAG Heuer Formula 1 in Black. And there is a considerable market for pre-owned watches: We carefully select the timepieces that we trade-in, checking the quality, age and authenticity of each piece.

ABTW: Do you serve mostly locals or tourists, or is it a good mix? Also, what percentage of your customers would you call “knowledgeable watch collectors?”

Kirk Jewelers: Miami is a melting pot of American, Latin American, and European culture. We sell to a healthy mix of locals and visitors, with a lot of “word-of-mouth” advertising to build our reputation. Although our clientele now spans the globe and the store has significantly expanded, the original small, friendly, and personalized atmosphere remains unchanged. We also offer a wide selection of designer and bridal jewelry. We cater to first time buyers and educated collectors alike.

ABTW: What is Miami best known for? What do visitors have to do, see, or eat while there?

Kirk Jewelers: As true Miamians, we enjoy living in the Magic City. Things to do are visiting the new PAMM Art Museum, watching a Miami Heat game, eating authentic Cuban food (or have a dinner at the many award-winning restaurants), explore our world-class beaches, and last but not least, enjoy the fabulous nightlife.

ABTW: As a business, do you sponsor or participate in any local events, watch-related or otherwise?

Kirk Jewelers: We work with and support local charities such as Miami Children’s Hospital and Women of Tomorrow.

ABTW: What are some of the watch brands you are known for carrying? If you could pick a watch brand or model that epitomizes the culture or style of Miami what would it be?

Kirk Jewelers: We are an Official Jeweler for Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tudor, and Tag Heuer. All of our partnerships are important and it depends on the client, but in our opinion the Rolex Yachtmaster II in yellow gold is a perfect “Miami watch.” kirkjewelers.com