Exhibitors upbeat as London Watch Show wraps up
LONDON, July 3, 2013 – Exhibitors reported strong enquiries at the inaugural London Watch Show, which took place in central London on July 2-3.
Some 48 exhibitors joined the show at Freemasons’ Hall, ranging from well-known brands such as Bulova and Accurist to start-up brands.
Retailers had told organisers that a July show would be ideal timing in the run-up to the Christmas sales season.
The Suunto team said of the event, “We can see the competition, retailers and the press, and this is the easiest way to physically see the market.
“The London Watch Show gives us the opportunity to see the market and to get feedback. From this we hope to gain more retailers and to understand the media, especially watch specific publications.”
Cos Costas of London-based brand David Mason Watches said, “Our eventual goal is to make a purely British watch so a watch show based in London is great.
“The key for this event is for us to approach retailers and get into a retail market. A show like this is important to get that exposure.”
BRITISH SCHOOL OF WATCHMAKING
Earlier, Mark Hearn, Managing Director of Patek Philippe UK, spoke at a press briefing at the show about the importance of reinvigorating UK watchmaking in the face of a shortage of skilled labour.
The British School of Watchmaking is an important means of creating jobs in the sector, he said.
The School opened its doors to its first students on 4th September 2006 in Manchester, the third largest city in England and a strong area for watchmaking.
Mark Hearn addressing press briefing at the London Watch Show
The British School of Watchmaking is an independent institution which looks for students with the ability, aptitude and desire to become the exceptional watchmakers the modern market requires.
The aim of the School is to produce graduates that can be counted amongst the world’s finest young watchmakers to service the UK market and possibly ultimately take their expertise around the world.
“As the UK market became more interested in fine watchmaking, we were losing watchmakers at the end of their careers and had a lack of watchmakers at the beginning of their careers,” Hearn said.
www.britishschoolofwatchmaking.co.uk
