If you’ve just landed on this page you’re most likely in search of a Rolex Authorized Dealer located in Montreal. Perhaps you’re wondering which one of the three current ADs are the best. A Rolex purchase whether it’s your first or 10th is always a very important purchase, considering the amount of money you’re dropping on a single watch. Once you’ve fallen in love with a specific model next comes actually sourcing it to buy, this can be more tedious than one expects especially if you’re after one of the sought after stainless steel sports models. If you’re after one of the SS sport models I’ll stop you here and ask you to check out my article on waiting list shortages at authorized dealers, it may just save you some time.
If you’re OK with the waiting list, or maybe you’re after the more available models such as Oyster Perpetual, Datejust, and Cellini then please read on and I will give you my opinion through first hand experience on which are the best Rolex Authorized Dealers located in the city of Montreal.
Pro Tip
Skip the ADs in Montreal and take a road trip to Royal De Versailles located right next door in Toronto. If you’re looking for a Rolex AD that truly cares about assisting you and finding the right watch for you it’s worth the drive.
They assisted me with the purchase of my Daytona 116500 and Submariner 114060, as well as a second matching Sub for my brother. Hands down the best ever service I’ve experience in any Rolex AD. They also sell a massive amount of high-end Jewellery, and are equipped with an in-house watch and Jewellery customization and repair facility. Tell them Matt from the Watch Review Blog sent you and ask for a Perrier!
Before we jump into our list below, I just want to mention that unfortunately I’m not really a fan of any of the AD’s we have here in Montreal. Personally I find them rather overly calculative in how they go about allocating Rolex watches, it is more about how much money they will make than it is about selling a nice watch to a collector or an enthusiast. As much as I’d like to praise the AD’s from my local city I just can’t, especially after dealing with AD’s located in different provinces, states, and countries whom provide a much more pleasant allocation experience.
If you’re stuck in Montreal keep reading below for our list of local Montreal AD’s.
1. Château D’ivoire
- Located at: 2020 Rue de la Montagne
- Website: chateaudivoire.com
- Google rating: 4.1
In the first position I would place Château D’ivoire located at 2020 De La Montagne. If you like a more personal approach with a friendly atmosphere this is the shop to visit. The staff from the sales reps, managers, and the doormen are all very welcoming and personable, they emit a sense of warmth and are very approachable. They’re also extremely knowledgeable and can answer any questions you might have.
Their watch selection is absolutely fantastic. Not only do they have the largest Rolex selection in Montreal, but they also stock a wide range of other brands some of which can only be found at Château D’ivoire. This also happens to be the only Rolex AD in Montreal that has actually called me to offer various sought after sports models after being placed on the waiting list with no purchase history.
While the sales reps are very nice to deal with the management can be tight here, often openly saying that they only sell various watches to their VIP clients. They will also openly refuse to place new customers on waiting lists if there is no established purchase history, regardless of whether they’re local clients or not.
Pros:
- Top notch customer service
- Excellent selection
- Great location
Cons:
- Very tight on allocation
2. Birks Saint-Catherine
- Located at: 620 Saint-Catherine St W
- Website: maisonbirks.com
- Google rating: 4.1
In 2nd place I have Birks located downtown at 620 Saint-Catherine Street West. The Rolex AD here is hit or miss in terms of which sales rep assists you. Birks is a massive Jewellery and watch shop with a more corporate vibe, the atmosphere can feel cold at times, and the pushy up-selling can be strong. Rolex selection at Birks is usually quite thin, even for less desired pieces. Display windows are usually partially full, most of the time with nothing very exciting. Birks does also carry some other brands such as JLC, Grand Seiko, and they have a large Cartier section.
Its definitely worth a drop in to see what they have available on the day. I would recommend a visit to see how you personally like it, but don’t hold your hopes too high. While the sales reps can be hit or miss, the management is rather nice and reasonable.
Pros:
- Central location
Cons:
- Pretentious vibe
- Strong upselling
- Thin selection
3. Bijouterie Italienne
- Located at: 192 Rue Saint-Zotique E
- Website: bijouterieitalienne.com
- Google rating: 4.9
In third place I have an official Rolex Retail store and watch shop called Bijouterie Italienne located outside of the downtown core in “Little Italy”, the address is 192 Rue Saint-Zotique East. This is a small family owned Rolex Authorized Dealer. I have mixed feelings about this shop. When I first visited with a friend we were greeted abruptly at the door with a “what times your appointment?” (pre-coronavirus). After explaining we were just here to browse the lady let us in and we did have a pleasant time with the Rolex sales rep. The selection of regular Rolex models was pretty good.
I exchanged business cards with the sales rep, but unfortunately after leaving I was unable to keep any contact with him even after emailing a few times. My emails were simple inquires about availability of certain Tudor models and other brands, but for some reason I never received a single response back. Unlike Château D’ivoire and Birks where communication was seamless. In this case I would advise you to be cautious if purchasing an expensive watch here in worry that the after sales customer service is just as abysmal.
I talked with a few other local Montreal Rolex collectors who frequent Bijouterie Italienne and they have also confirmed similar experiences with the lack of communication.
Pros:
- Good selection
Cons:
- Difficult communication
- Location
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me via email at matt@watchreviewblog.com
Disclaimer: This is my personal experience and opinion, nothing has been stated or confirmed by any of these Rolex Authorized Dealers. This is not a sponsored post.
Jon Parkus says
Hi,
Great information. As a US citizen can you pay in currency that would give you the best price.
Neil Macdonald says
I have found Birks to be rather useless. Awhile ago, I was looking for a Reverso Duoface. It was almost as though I was asking Birks to do me a $12,100 favor. Sales agent finally told me maybe, but it would take several weeks, could I please come into the store (I’m in Ottawa), and wouldn’t I prefer a gold model (who would?).
I just gave up. Bought from Humbertown in Toronto, which was very helpful.
Matthew Catellier says
Thanks for stopping by Neil, my experience with Birks in Montreal has also been fairly disappointing, I don’t visit Birks anymore as it just seems like a waste of time. I do enjoy stopping by Chateau D’ivoire for a look, but when things get serious I take a road trip over to Ontario.
Yohann Gauthier says
Good day Matt.
Went to Howards in Ottawa. Inquired about Submariners and they politely told me to beat it. They told me they did not have any and that even if they did, they would not sell it to me anyway… pretty disapointing.
So you know
Matthew Catellier says
Hi Yohann,
Thanks for stopping by and providing this update. Unfortunately the Rolex sports model craze is even worse now than it was when I wrote this article, a Submariner is nearly impossible to buy now at any AD without a significant wait time or purchase history.
It is a disappointing situation but I wish you the best of luck on your journey finding one of these watches.
Yohann says
Thanks Matt
Simon says
Hi Matt
Would your AD recommendations be the same for someone who wanted to sell their Rolex watch?
Thanks
Simon
Matthew Catellier says
Hi Simon, the only AD on my list here that sells/buys pre-owned Rolex is Howard Fine Jewellers in Ottawa. You can always try calling them or going in to the store to see if the offer is worth it for you. Cheers
Simon Beames says
Thanks Matt! I really appreciate your swift, helpful and personal response. Regards, Simon.
Dany says
Hi
Personally, I love Maison Birks. I have a great experience with them. First, they have a financing option buy now pay later no interest 10 payments or 20 payments even though I don’t need that option. Secondly, they have lot of items on Sale, very beautiful jewellery that I bought for me and my mother sometimes you can get 40 and 50%. Finally, about my AD for Rolex. I was looking for a DateJust gold, I emailed to Chateau d Ivoire and Boutique Italienne. They told me that nothing available now. However, Maison Birks offered me one. Maybe I’m their client or maybe it depends on what you are looking for, for me Maison Birks the only jewelry and Rolex shop that I went to in Montreal and I’m really happy.
Matthew Catellier says
Hi Dany, Birks has definitely improved recently, they seem to be attempting to accommodate a larger range of clientele than in the past. Everyone can have different experiences as well, and sometimes it just depends on the specific day you drop in. Cheers