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 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

Martin Pulli is a traditional jeweler with a long history of superlative service and uncompromising quality. Martin’s interest in vintage jewelry began with exposure through the family business, now affectionately known as “picking.” Twenty years of immersion in the business, lifestyle, and culture of vintage jewelry, watches, and antiques became the foundation for a retail showroom in a unique historical walking district of Philadelphia. Martin opened his eponymous shop in 1989 and added watches in 1999. Nowadays, they have become his major focus.

In his words:

I handpick the finest brands from around the world. While some of the manufactures are indeed “Brands,” there are some that are uniquely independent watchmakers. I make this distinction because there is a difference, with neither being better than the other. It’s just two different philosophical approaches to horology.

The “Brands” I choose, have a small annual production value. Meaning, compared with large corporate brands, these brands produce only a very small percentage of the number of watches produced annually by the larger commercial entities. The products tend to be much more niche oriented, with focus on precise market segments. Also, these “boutique” brands are service first. A service first model furthers my ideal of service.

The showroom also features many examples of fine vintage jewelry and contemporary jewelry of Martin’s design and modern custom manufacture. But what makes his showroom unique and fun are the display cases for specific watch brands. They mix watches, antiques, literature, models, and even action figures to tell the story and convey a “vibe” for each brand.

aBlogtoWatch: What types of watches are popular in your market? What makes Philadelphia a unique place to buy watches?

Martin Pulli: All types of watches are popular. Although, I find the sports models are the top choice among modern watch buyers. Philadelphia is a very old city, and the foundation of the city was Quaker. Now, in 2014, we have a very modern, urban city with a wide mix of folks. However, the base of the city in regard to purchases is still relatively conservative. We have a long time association with watchmaking in Pennsylvania, because Hamilton was located in Lancaster, PA for over 100 years.

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

Martin Pulli: I think watch lovers in Philadelphia are mostly on the “down low.” I tell folks interested in watches that watches are our toys, for grown folks. I hear potential buyers ask questions about watches as an “investment” or something similar, but I never encourage that thought process. Watches are tiny machines, with a lot of moving parts. They all need service in time, and they are worn daily on our bodies. So, they are consumables. But, watches are also lovely and very personal, so they are our toys to enjoy. A lot of the collectors here enjoy their watches and keep their hobby largely to themselves. I don’t see too much showboating.

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?”

Martin Pulli: I am located in an historic walking district, which is gentrified ex-industrial. I see all kinds of folks from all over the country and locals too. Not too many of the upcoming generation of collectors are what I would classify as “knowledgeable” collectors. I think many would like to be, but the information they gather from little research jaunts via the internet is often misinformation or bad reviews from watch forums. I try to help educate whenever the opportunity is welcomed.

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

Martin Pulli: Philadelphia is best known as the place where the founding fathers made the choice to split from the King (George) of England. It’s a very historic city and many famous American’s called Philadelphia home at one point or another. It’s a large multi-ethnic market and I suppose we are best known for “Cheesesteaks.” Although, Philadelphia is a foodie paradise. We have ethnic cuisine of every type here and top examples of each. Philadelphia is a less expensive place to live compared to New York City or Washington DC, so many Philadelphians have really embraced the positive cultural developments inside the city. We have been in the midst of a renaissance since the 1990’s. And it’s getting better every day!

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

Martin Pulli: I do events infrequently. Lately, I have attended BaselWorld. In the past, I’ve done Inside Basel Geneve and local Timezone get-togethers. From time to time, I attend IWJG or WWT shows or even NAWCC shows. I really like watches, so when it’s just for my own edification or pleasure, it’s really nice to go to a show/fair and not be working.

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 Philadelphia , what would it be?

Martin Pulli: I suppose I am best known for my work with independent watchmakers. There are so many dealers nationwide selling well-branded, well-known, high-volume watches manufactured by large groups. I get a lot of satisfaction from working personally with clients in person or via the telephone to deliver watches from folks whom have become my friends. It’s a very organic situation. Independent watchmakers are building a very special niche product of a very high quality. Yet, they can’t hope to make a dent in regard to marketing or advertising against big group brands. Instead, they rely on a few select partners to really deliver their “story” and the story of their product(s), and why their watches are really a superior product at a better value proposition than many of the offerings from group brands, which have really become marginal in my opinion.

I think Habring2 really epitomizes a Philadelphia attitude. It’s traditional, sensible and very high quality at an almost unbelievable value.

• Ball Watch Co. – Neuchatel, Switzerland
• Bremont – Henley on Thames, United Kingdom
• Orologi Calamai – Tuscany, Italy
• Chronoswiss – Lucerne, Switzerland
• Dodane 1857 – Chatillion le Duc, France
• Grönefeld – Oldenzaal, The Netherlands
• Gustafsson & Sjögren Stockholm, Sweden
• Habring2 – Volkermarkt, Austria
• Kudoke, Stefan Kudoke – Dresden, Germany
• Laurent Ferrier – Plan les Ouates, Switzerland
• Linde-Werdelin – Copenhagen, Denmark
• Maurice Lacroix – Jura, Switzerland
• Meistersinger – Münster, Germany
• Muhle Glashutte – Glashutte, Germany
• Pita – Barcelona, Spain
• RALF Tech – Paris, France
• Ressence – Antwerp, Belgium
• RGM Watch Co. – Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
• Romain Jerome – Geneve, Switzerland
• Romain Gauthier – Vallee de Joux, Switzerland
• Sarpaneva – Helsinki, Finland
• Speake-Marin – Bursins, Switzerland
• SlingShox – Philadelphia, PA
• SuisseMecanica – La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
• Urban Jürgensen – Bienne, Switzerland
• Vintage Watches

martinpulli.com