My office was on 57th Street for a few years, and I got to know Lee pretty well. You describe him, and the store, to a "T", and it's been that way as long as it's been there. It's like piles of junk with staff that will just make stories up about anything and everything. It can be incredibly funny, but means nothing.

Negotiate hard, ask to see anything you want. Don't worry too much about them, as they certainly aren't worried about anything other than seeing if they can get you to pay outrageous prices. But you can also stumble on great stuff and maybe get them to sell it for the right price if you've got the cash. If not, don't feel bad if you walk away, and they will let you walk. When you're there, see if they still have the platinum Rolex presidential with diamond everything that was given to the NBA first draft selection. I sold him that one (it was ridiculously gaudy and weighed a ton) and the only person who could ever wear it would be Puffy Daddy.

Lee is generally an honest guy for a street hawker-type; He'll lie about the value of a watch all day long, but he will deliver. I've bought and sold with him (he buys anything he thinks is collectible), and he's always paid and kept his word.

It's a New York experience.

Scott