It’s been 100 years since London Jewelers founder Charles London opened the doorways to his Glen Cove, NY, retailer. Cementing a household legacy, the firm is still in the palms of the founding household 4 generations later and has expanded from a single store to a complete of 5 places: Manhasset, East Hampton, Southampton, Glen Cove and Short Hills, New Jersey.
“One hundred is a special milestone for our family, and we don’t take that as a small thing,” says Zach Udell, London Jewelers’ vice chairman.
In honor of the anniversary, London Jewelers printed a particular commemorative guide with a look back at the retailer’s historical past, including never-before-seen historic pictures and anecdotes from purchasers and former staff.
The celebrations have been a yearlong affair, which will proceed at London Jewelers’ sixteenth annual Watch Fair, going down from October 23-25 at the retailer’s 2118 Northern Blvd. location in Manhasset.
According to Udell, the Watch Fair is a marquee annual occasion for the jeweler. “There’s a lot of excitement,” he says. “We always set a new bar, and it’s something that our clientele looks forward to every year.” And folks come to the honest from all over, Udell says, including these who have never visited the retailer before. “We love to make people happy, and we are often able to. It’s our biggest, well-attended event, and it’s informative and experiential.”
Udell members of the family (from left) Scott, Candy, Mark, Randi and Zach collect at the London Jewelers flagship in Manhasset, LI. London Jewelers
Udell works almost two weeks straight in the lead-up to the honest — not that he’s complaining. “It’s just like fun and adrenaline,” he says. “And I think that’s true for our entire staff.” In addition, the occasion serves as the unofficial kickoff to the vacation season. “These days, a lot of people start their holiday shopping early,” says Udell, “especially in the watch world.”
At last 12 months’s honest, Udell had a particular second with a consumer from Westchester who had never visited the retailer before and ended up buying a classic Cartier watch that Udell had just lately acquired and serviced. After sharing his in-depth data about the piece — including the cause why he opted not to polish the case and selected that specific strap — Udell sealed the deal. “It’s so fulfilling to match a customer with the perfect product,” he remembers.
Representatives from prime Swiss watchmakers will be in attendance at the Watch Fair, showcasing their newest launches, sharing their model’s historical past and explaining the intricate mechanics of their timepieces. The honest affords a uncommon alternative to see special-edition timepieces, some of which will be in the US for the first time. Fair attendees will expertise London’s legendary hospitality, including actions and tasty treats.
In 1926, Charles London opened a small store in Glen Cove, LI. Today, London Jewelers shops rank among America’s most prestigious fantastic jewellery locations. London Jewelers
Early next 12 months, London Jewelers’ purchasers will be ready to uncover a extremely anticipated, utterly reborn and reimagined watch salon. The London Jewelers flagship in Manhasset has been completely redone, in a near-total renovation. “We literally rebuilt the structure,” Udell says. “Everything from the elevator to the staircase is brand new.” The retailer, which spans over 13,000 sq. ft, will have an added third ground, half of which will be a lounge and an out of doors seating space to accommodate more occasions and activations all through the 12 months. There will also be a custom-built Baccarat bar. “It’s going to be very cool,” he predicts.
Also very cool: unique London Jewelers’ one centesimal anniversary limited-edition watches from manufacturers including Gerald Charles and H. Moser & Cie. The Gerald Charles watch is crafted of light-weight titanium, with a graduated turquoise dial and matching Velcro strap, and is a restricted version of 100 items. London Jewelers’ “100th” brand is above the date window at 6 o’clock. The watch’s caseback options the London brand and, as a of completion, London Jewelers’ “LJ” is engraved on the watch’s rotor.
The H. Moser & Cie. one centesimal anniversary timepiece will be restricted to just 10 and is a true standout. “It has a very interesting new dial color they haven’t done before — a gradient orange enamel,” Udell says. The watch is a perpetual calendar, and in traditional Moser vogue, “it doesn’t say Moser on the dial, or London; the only thing you see is the date window,” he says, pointing out that Moser and London are on the caseback. The stylized Art Deco font, meanwhile, is a intelligent nod to London’s roaring ’20s roots.
The retailer is celebrating its centennial with limited-edition timepieces such as (middle) Gerald Charles’ unique London Jewelers one centesimal Anniversary watch in titanium, $26,000. Key introductions this 12 months embody (left) Patek Philippe’s Cubitus 5840P watch in platinum, $187,547, and (proper) Vacheron Constantin’s prize-winning Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar watch in platinum, value upon request. All at London Jewelers, 2118 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI
The one centesimal anniversary watches aren’t the only timepieces that have caught Udell’s eye this 12 months. Vacheron Constantin’s new Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar, he says, “looks phenomenal from the front even if you don’t know anything else about the watch, and the twin beat is pretty cool.” Patek Philippe’s new Cubitus 5840P-001’s skeletonized dial highlights the craftsmanship of the perpetual calendar motion, and its platinum case “makes it even more special,” he says.
The H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Perpetual Moon Concept Meteorite is another spotlight. “This is not your typical moonphase,” says Udell. “It’s the actual silhouette of the moon, and it needs just one correction every 122 years.”
That’s 22 years longer than London Jewelers’ historical past, but given their observe report, they’re certain to get there.
London Jewelers’ VP Randi Udell-Alper takes a shine to new kinds
Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118 watch in metal, $35,884
CATCHING A WAVE
“The Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118 is an iconic Patek design that feels more like jewelry because it’s on a bracelet and it has a wave pattern on the dial. It’s understated but recognizable, a refined, feminine watch that’s wearable for day and night.”
Cartier Baignoire watch in 18k rose gold with diamonds, $32,100 Cartier
TWO IN ONE
“The proportions of the Cartier Baignoire are so beautiful, and it’s so feminine. It’s a hybrid between jewelry and watches. You can stack it with bracelets or wear it alone, and it can be dressy or casual.”
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 watch in Oystersteel, $6,750
Rolex
JUBILEE YEAR
“The new 100th anniversary Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 is so fun, and so recognizably Rolex. Its multicolored Jubilee dial is great for a woman to wear because it matches everything you have on.”
Chanel Première Galon watch in 18k white gold, $32,500
London Jewelers
ANNIVERSARY PREMIÈRE
“The new Chanel Première Galon watch in white gold had its global launch at
London Jewelers for our 100th anniversary and is exclusive to us. I love its iconic octagonal case and minimalist dial — it really looks more like a piece of jewelry than a watch.”
All at London Jewelers, 2118 Northern Blvd. Manhasset, LI
London Jewelers’ VP Scott Udell dives into distinctive introductions
Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 watch in 18k rose gold, $45,000 Vacheron Constantin
BACK TO THE FUTURE
“‘What’s old is new again’ is trending. The Vacheron Constantin 1921 is a very good relaunch for the brand. With the interesting case shape, beautiful blue hands and numerals, and the contrast of the gold and blue, it pays homage to their history. It’s a cool refresh of a vintage-looking piece.”
Cartier Cloche watch in 18k yellow gold with sapphire, $37,600 Cartier
REBIRTH OF AN ICON
“The Cartier Cloche is a very niche piece; it’s a watch from their archives that they’re bringing back again in very limited production. It’s a sideways shape that’s very iconic to their DNA. With its beautiful blue hands and yellow gold case, it’s quintessential Cartier.”
Patek Philippe Chronograph Perpetual Calendar watch in platinum, $248,813 Patek Philippe
FRESH BEGINNING
“With the new Patek Philippe 5270P-016 Perpetual Calendar, I love the freshness of the blue dial color and the updated strap with the blue stitching. And it’s a grand complication from Patek. That’s their historical legacy; that’s where they excel.”
Rolex Day-Date watch in 18k Jubilee gold with aventurine, $65,700 Rolex
ROCK STAR
“This classic Rolex Day-Date comes in Jubilee gold, the company’s new 18k gold alloy, developed and produced in-house. The aventurine stone dial gives a beautiful pop of color.”
All at London Jewelers, 2118 Northern Blvd. Manhasset, LI
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