Visitors to London Jewelers’ annual Watch Fair, taking place from Oct. 24 to 26 at the retailer’s temporary location at 2118 Northern Blvd. in Manhasset, LI, will have a rare opportunity to experience the latest and greatest timepieces from top-tier brands — including Bulgari, Cartier, Tudor and H. Moser & Cie. — up close and personal.
“It’s a local, smaller version of the Watches and Wonders show,” says London Jewelers Vice President Zach Udell, referring to the expansive Geneva gathering. The luxury boutique’s New York-area clientele “can get a glimpse of what they would see if they took that trip,” he explains — no passport needed.
Guests will be fêted with fall treats and small bites, while representatives from many of the 28 participating brands will be on hand to show their watches and explain the heritage and technical aspects of their timepieces.
And what should aficionados expect to find? This year’s new luxury watches feature unexpected complications and vintage-inspired designs, per Udell.
“People in their late 30s and early 40s are looking at the design of watches and cars from their younger years,” he says. Accordingly, brands are “reworking their designs from the ’70s with modern movements incorporating new materials.”
The new Rolex Land-Dweller is a case in point — it was the talk of the Watches and Wonders show, Udell notes. The watch’s movement is “a whole other level of technology and escapement,” he says, incorporating a patented ceramic balance wheel among other innovations. Still, its design “gives the feeling of the Oysterquartz from the ’70s.”
Patek Philippe’s new 18-karat white-gold Calatrava, the 5328G, meanwhile, features eight days of power reserve and an instantaneous day-date display — out of the ordinary as far as complications are concerned.
The watch is “more modernized than the classic Calatrava,” Udell says, with its Clous de Paris guilloché engraving on the side of the case instead of the bezel.
The timepiece comes with two interchangeable straps, a versatility that Udell says is especially appealing to younger clients. “The wearability factor of a quick-change strap or bracelet [can] make a watch more dressy or casual.”
Trends aside, Udell advises against buying something “hot” if it doesn’t suit your taste and needs. “We can offer advice, but it’s important to buy what you like, what you are drawn to and what speaks to you,” he says.
This ethos has been part of London Jewelers’ DNA since its founding in 1926.
The store has maintained lasting relationships with its clients, many which stretch through multiple generations.
As it gears up for its centennial celebrations next year, the retailer is completing a major renovation of its flagship Watch Salon, which will add a third floor, an entertaining space and an alfresco area.
It’s also launching 100 Good Deeds — a year-long initiative that will give back with acts of kindness, service and support to local schools, food drives, environmental groups and healthcare organizations — and a handsome coffee table book.
Udell credits the company’s success to the guiding principles that his great-grandfather, Charles London, set almost 100 years ago.
The third and fourth generations of the family — CEO and president (respectively) Mark and Candy Udell, as well as vice presidents Randi Udell-Alper, Scott Udell and himself — have honored that foundation.
“The family aspect of our business is very important for us,” he says. “I think my great-grandfather would be very pleasantly surprised at the level of our family’s involvement. We still go behind the counter, Windex the counter and share personal interactions with our customers. Our associates know they can come to us at any time for advice or to answer questions they may have.
“We are honored to have been working with four generations of customers and are proud to be a part of the special moments of their lives.”
All at London Jewelers, 2118 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI
Star players: London Jewelers’ VP Scott Udell’s action-packed watch picks
Green machine
“The new Rolex Daytona with the green dial — nicknamed the ‘John Mayer’ — is quintessential Rolex. The Daytona’s iconic dial design is timeless, and the three gold subdials set off the green dial perfectly. I’m so happy to see it back in the collection with the beautiful Rolex green in the design.”
Sky’s the limit
“The Patek Philippe Ref. 5524G-010 Calatrava Pilot Travel Time watch, with its creamy white lacquered dial, brings a fresh take to the brand’s iconic pilot watch. The green strap adds to the watch’s sporty look — a great new addition to the Pilot watch line.”
Tropical treat
“Tudor’s new limited-edition Black Bay chronograph with its ‘Flamingo Blue’ dial [named for the turquoise waters flamingos love] is a standout in terms of functionality and wearability. Value-wise there’s not a better watch on the market. The dial color really makes it pop.”
Deco dream
“The new limited-edition Cartier Privé Tank à Guichets, fully cased in platinum, is a remake of a watch that they’ve had in their archives since the 1920s. This vintage look has been redone with a new hand-wound movement. It’s a watch that everyone is calling for.”
All at London Jewelers, 2118 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI
Jewel of the dial: London Jewelers’ VP Randi Udell-Alper clocks alluring styles
Mirror image
“The new Cartier Reflection combines the brand’s mastery of jewelry and watchmaking. The Reflection is both beautiful and feminine and is truly a piece of art on the wrist.”
Eye candy
“My favorite color is turquoise, and the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual with the turquoise lacquer dial is just so beautiful. It’s robust and striking with an attainable price point. The new Oyster Perpetuals’ candy colors make them fun watches to wear.”
Time travel
“The new Nautilus 5990/1R-001 is the holy grail of the Patek Philippe family. I love the chronograph with the travel time and date, and the rose gold sets off the blue dial beautifully. The chunky rose-gold bracelet makes it a true statement watch.”
Snake charmer
“The Serpenti collection is iconic to the Bulgari brand. The new Serpenti Tubogas has a vintage vibe — and it’s a piece of jewelry at the same time. It transforms your wrist with its double wrap. It’s sexy and chic, and can be worn day and night.”
All at London Jewelers, 1988 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI
