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. Here is a map of stores we have covered so far.
Where to buy watches in Buffalo Grove, Illinois?
In the northern Chicago suburb of Buffalo Grove, you will find family-owned and operated Burdeen’s Jewelry. They have served the “Chicagoland” area since 1980, and this coming year they will celebrate carrying watches for a quarter-century. While they prominently feature a number of brands, they are also well-known for their extensive selection of pre-owned watches. They also own B.Young and company in downtown Chicago which is located inside the largest Bentley Dealer in the U.S. (Gold Coast Bentley).
aBlogtoWatch: What types of watches are popular in your market? What makes the Chicago area a unique place to buy watches?
Burdeen’s Jewelry: The most popular watches at Burdeen’s are watches that transcend sport into dress-casual. Our clients want pieces they can wear both to work and on the weekends. What’s great about Chicago is that the market is large enough for us to have a spectacular selection of high-end timepieces, and small enough for our clients to have time to really consider what they want before it’s snapped up!
ABTW: What would you tell watch lovers in other cities about the tastes of watch lovers in “Chicagoland?”
Burdeen’s Jewelry: Watch lovers in Chicago are looking for a great balance of value and exclusivity. They are open-minded enough to consider many different brands, not just the majors.
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?”
Burdeen’s Jewelry: Most of our clients at Burdeen’s are locals, or over-the-phone clients. We don’t have a large base of true watch collectors. I would label our clientele more watch enthusiasts. They are excited to learn from our knowledgeable staff – we really keep a casual atmosphere that is client-focused. We are looking to make long relations and to help to build a client’s watch wardrobe.
ABTW: What is Chicago best known for? What do visitors have to do, see, or eat while there?
Burdeen’s Jewelry: We are a phenomenal food city. I travel all around the world, and Chicago is one of the best. Chicago Cut for steak, Alinea is consistently rated in the top 5 best restaurants in the world. If you’re looking for something more casual, catch a Cubs game and sit down with a Chicago Hot dog and a PBR!
ABTW: As a former resident of the Windy City, I recall enjoying Polish Hot Dogs while I lived there. And growing up in Iowa, I well know what a PBR is (Pabt’s Blue Ribbon beer).
ABTW: As a business, do you sponsor or participate in any local events, watch-related or otherwise?
Burdeen’s Jewelry: We host a lot of great functions ourselves. We had the head watchmaker for Omega come in and sponsored a dinner with about 30 clients. We heard a speech from Omega’s CEO and then got to disassemble a watch movement with the head watchmaker. I also just returned from the Venice Film Festival where I brought 4 clients to have a VIP experience and then a private tour of the Jaeger Le-Coultre factory in Switzerland. Being a client of ours is a special experience!
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 Chicago what would it be?
Burdeen’s Jewelry: We carry Omega, Breitling, Chopard, Ulysse Nardin, Jaeger LeCoultre, and Glashutte Original. But we are VERY well known for our tremendous selection of pre-owned timepieces as well. We have the largest pre-owned collection in Illinois. I think a Ulysse Nardin manufacturer chronometer epitomizes Chicago. Its casual, but has a great style, and value! burdeens.com
