WATCH NEWS IN BRIEF
GRAND SEIKO COMES TO THE UK
Japan’s Seiko is well known as more than a creator of quartz watches, but its highest-end pieces, the Grand Seiko range, have only ever been sold in Japan. After 50 years, they’re finally hitting the international market, and Mayfair’s Jura watches is selling them in the UK. For collectors, they’re worth the wait. www.jurawatches.co.uk
WELCOME BACK ELLICOTT
Another brand coming to this country is Ellicott, though it’s actually an English watchmaking name – the original Ellicotts made timepieces for European monarchs over 200 years ago. Now revived in Switzerland, the brand’s small but captivating range is available at Fulham’s Watch Gallery. www.thewatchgallery.co.uk
PIAGET OPENS IN MAYFAIR
Easily one of the most prestigious Swiss watch brands, Piaget has been leading the trend for thinner watches with its Altiplano line of watches with movements that are a mere 2.1mm thick. Next week it opens a smart new London boutique, and not before time. 169 New Bond Street, W1S 4AN. www.piaget.com
WILLIAM & SON TURNS WATCHMAKER
Talking of Mayfair boutiques, one of the smartest, Mount Street’s William & Son, is celebrating 10 years of business by bringing out its own watch. It’s a striking Art Deco-inspired piece in 18ct rose gold, conceived by chairman William Asprey, and only 10 – worth £11,000 each – are being made. www.williamandson.com