Luxury brand Watch Warehouse opens its first independent store

Successful watch “e-tailer” Watch Warehouse has made the exciting move from “clicks to bricks” and opened its first independent store in central London. The online retailer of designer and luxury watches held a party last night to mark the occasion, and never one to miss out, The Upcoming was there to celebrate too.

For the launch party, guests were treated to freshly made cocktails, manicures and music from an old gramophone playing records from the 40s and 50s to mark the year the company was established in 1939.

The small but perfectly formed store housed an impressive collection of men and women’s timepieces from designers including Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Givenchy and watch-makers including Tissot and Rotary.  The new store is a contemporary space with small details referring to its history. It has successfully combined high tech features such as integrated iPads on the walls for shopping ease, alongside more traditional elements. A private viewing and hospitality area on a mezzanine level with an individual section for luxury watch brands such as Chanel and Burberry, is typical of Watch Warehouse’s indisputable excellent customer service. 

Watch Warehouse has always stood out in the market by going one step further for its customers. Alongside its first store, Watch Warehouse is also keen to launch its new online tool which utilises the latest technology allowing online customers to digitally try the watch on, whilst at home. 

Holition, the 3D augmented reality brand, partnered with Watch Warehouse to create the augmented reality applet. With no need to download the app, customers simply print off the paper watch on the website and hold it around their wrist in front of a webcam and activate the app. The Upcoming tried it in store and we were amazed at how real the on-screen watch virtually appeared on our wrists. The watch is brought to life by real-time light reflecting technology that allows you to turn your wrist and view the different facets of your chosen watch. Soon to be released online, so watch this space!

To mark October as breast cancer awareness month, Marc by Marc Jacobs has released two designs exclusively to Watch Warehouse’s campaign to raise money for research into cancer. Both watches are striking and beautiful: one in black with a black and pink dial, and the other in stainless steel with a silver and pink dial. Retailing at £215 and £195 respectively, Watch Warehouse will donate £50 of each sale to Andi’s Fund, which supports research into the cause, treatment and cure of breast cancer. With the Watch Warehouse store and website housing 200 units of each model, a potential donation of £20,000 could be achieved. The campaign has already begun and runs until the end of the year, making them a perfect gift for Christmas. For more information about Andi’s Fund, or to make a donation, click here.

Hollie Bracciale
Photos: Hollie Bracciale