TREASURE HUNTING
The most coveted luxury bags and watches are a tad more accessible when you shop at Timeless Gallery. The Mason Street boutique, owned by father-son team Alan and Seth Larrabure, houses a collection of pre-owned and vintage accessories from the most exclusive brands, including Hermès, Chanel, Cartier and Rolex, in some cases at 70 percent less than what you would pay retail. Both Larrabures have expertise in vintage watches and collectible bags and once had a wholesale space on Fifth Avenue, buying and selling rare timepieces around the world; Seth also worked as senior vice president and head of watches for Christie’s. Through their strong network, they procure sought-after accessories, most in pristine or excellent condition. Though they sell online through 1stdibs.com and their own site, they wanted to have a brick-and-mortar space where customers could come in and see the merchandise in person. There are 150 bags in store at any given time, including ten Birkins when we visited. “With Birkin bags, the brighter the color, the higher the price,” says Seth. “As specialists we have to find things that are different.” There are vintage Cartier, Patek Philippe and Rolex watches, including an Explorer like the one Sir Edmund Hillary wore as he became the first man to summit Mt. Everest. “This is a conversation piece, much different than a contemporary piece,” says Seth, who helps to educate customers interested in collecting watches. Cartier love bracelets are selling well, he reports, and so is the Louis Vuitton travel collection.
112 Mason Street, 203-769-1300; timelessgallery.com