SEAN SHIRZADI CEO; WATCHFINDER "The Watch Finder"
SEAN SHIRZADI CEO "The Watch Finder"
In our age of iPhones and mobile devices that show the time, you might think wrist watches are the thing of the past.
But that’s far from the truth, particularly when it comes to those who truly appreciate a masterfully-made timepiece.
That’s where Watchfinder fits in – the premier stop for luxury watches.
Where vintage meets chic, and where professionalism meets pleasure, there’s a prestigious watch in their showroom to match any personality.
“It was simple. Just by demand I thought there was a void in the market,” he said of Watchfinder’s opening fifteen years ago.
Indeed, the demand was so great that he opened up two showrooms within a year of each other – one in Yorkville and a second store, in Forest Hill.
Today, he’s not shy to tout the successes of being the leading Toronto dealer for high-end pre-owned watches, jewelry and accessories.
You can find the Rolex of your dreams, or any quality watch, for that matter –
Watchfinder has it, whether you want to spend a few hundred dollars or a hundred thousand dollars.
According to Shirzadi, you’ll find the largest selection of pre-owned luxury watches anywhere in the country.
One such outstanding timepiece that had come in lately was a Harry Winston-made watch with materials only found in outer space, worth $100,000, according to Shirzadi.
“I’m so enthusiastic about many things that go into a well made luxury watch, such as the intricate details, the craftsmanship, and the heirloom qualities,” he says.
“The older watches even have great stories behind them; how they got here, how they were preserved, how they were hidden in people’s suitcases when they came to North America.”
Indeed, he has been fortunate enough to touch history with his own hands - everything from a simple pocket watch from the 1800s, to a lady’s Rolex from the 1940s; to selling a Kobe Bryant limited edition watch, where only 200 were made.
“What people love about my stock is that there’s something for every taste, and it’s all at a reasonable price point,” he says.
“Not only that, but our excellent reputation has travelled around the globe. Many people come just from word of mouth. People love being able to interact with a trusted company.”
Attention has come from everywhere across Canada, with customers coming in who hail from coast to coast.
“There’s no shortage of individuals who look for the perfect watch. Every day we meet new people. I’m like a kid in a candy store, meeting so many sports people and celebrities.”
Indeed, those celebrities include the likes of popular singer Drake, NHL players, and even Toronto’s own Raptors.
He has also caught the attention of media. He’s appeared on CityTV’s Breakfast Television to discuss industry trends with high end watches.
Shirzadi has become recognized as an expert in both modern watches and vintage timepieces, such as Cartier, Rolex, Piguet and Patek Philippe.
And that’s just a small sampling of the vast array of what’s in the showroom, a supply they regularly refresh.
With some 300 items in stock each day, and with trades and sales, they always have a rotating selection of top brands and certified pre-owned pieces. They are constantly updating their catalog to include the newest styles, as well as adding older, collectible pieces.
In addition, each piece sold is appraised and certified for quality.
It’s not only a place of purchase, however, but Watchfinder offers a full service center, tapping into a quarter century of experience in maintenance and repair.
Their luxury brands they service include, but are not limited to: Rolex, Tudor, Cellini, Gerard Perregaux, Omega, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Franck Muller, Baume & Mercier, Breguet, Bvlgari, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, Panerai, Chopard, Concord, IWC, Maurice Lacroix, Corum, Tag Heuer, Tiffany & Co., and Breitling.
“It’s important to keep your watch at finest form,” he said, “and you can relax knowing that we’re not only lending our unparalleled expertise, but we treat your timepiece with the respect it deserves.”
When a watch is taken in for servicing, a complete diagnostic is given with a specific cost for the services to keep your valued possession in tip top shape.
Dave Gordon has penned more than a thousand articles, and more than five hundred editorials, on every topic imaginable. He writes regularly on domestic and international politics, current events, culture, relationship issues, and much more.
He has spent time in the newsrooms of the Toronto Sun, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Baltimore Sun, National Post and eye Weekly.
128 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M5R 1A6
Phone: (416) 928-0128