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 Palm Desert, California?
Head east from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles for about 120 miles, and you will find yourself in the Coachella Valley which is home to Palm Springs and Palm Desert which are known for their resort lifestyles. In Palm Desert you will find Leeds & Son Fine Jewelers. In 1947, they began when Edward and Eleanore Weiner moved to the Valley and opened their first jewelry store in neighboring Indio. The store name “Leeds” was created by combining the first two letters of both Edward’s and Eleanore’s names.
The family business quickly became a beloved establishment in the valley because of their high quality products, integrity, sincere love of community, and winning style. That unique flair, love of community, and commitment to the highest quality jewelry continues today at their flagship luxury store on El Paseo in Palm Desert.
In 1981, ready to retire, they sold their company to their son Terry Weiner, and renamed it Leeds & Son. Terry, along side his sister Riki Stein and her son Brett Stein, has since taken the company to new levels, but the legacy started by Ed and Eleanore Weiner continues to this day through customer service and extraordinary collections of jewelry and fine watches.
aBlogtoWatch: What types of watches are popular in your market? What makes Palm Desert a unique place to buy watches?
Leeds & Son: Leeds & Son is known for our selection of Rolex and Patek Philippe watches. We have been an authorized agent for these brands for over 30 years and are proud of our relationship with these companies. Palm Desert is unique because most of our clients come from all over the world. We are not just a local market. Our clients tend to be very knowledgeable about fine watches, and we are able to source the products they are looking for.
ABTW: What would you tell watch lovers in other cities that watch lovers in Palm Desert like?
Leeds & Son: Watch lovers in Palm Desert wear their watches. They do not just sit in vaults or are brought out for special occasions. Our clients wear their tourbillon watches, their repeaters, their gemstone watches. The environment is safe, and people in the desert enjoy sharing their passions.
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?”
Leeds & Son: Leeds & Son has a high percentage of collectors, and our clients come from all over the world. Because we have experts able to evaluate our client’s inventory, we are able to offer a very strong trade-in opportunity.
ABTW: What is Palm Desert best known for? What do visitors have to do, see, or eat while there?
Leeds & Son: Palm Springs area is known for year-round sunshine, tennis, and golf. We have over 120 golf courses in this valley. There are so many things to do in the Palm Springs area throughout the year, including shopping along the El Paseo Shopping district, hiking at Joshua Tree National Park, attending the Palm Springs International Film Festival, watching tennis at the BNP Paribas Open, attending Coachella Festival & Stagecoach, or relaxing at one of the area’s renowned spas.
ABTW: As a business, do you sponsor or participate in any local events, watch-related or otherwise?
Leeds & Son: Leeds & Son will be involved this year with Rolex and the BNP Paribas Tennis Tournament in Indian Wells, Ca. However, over the last 67 years we have associated with all sporting events including the Bob Hope/Humana Golf Tournament, the Kraft Nabisco Championship, and many other sports events, and have been supporters of a countless number of charitable organizations.
Brett Stein, Riki Stein and Terry Weiner
Leeds & Son: The Patek Philippe Nautilus and the Rolex Day Date II both personify the desert client. They are elegant, impeccably manufactured, and made for the active client. They represent luxury and lifestyle better than any product.
