London Jewelers Marks a Century in Style at 16th Annual Watch Fair

London Jewelers is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a year of events, culminating in its 16th annual Watch Fair, held from October 23-25 in Manhasset, New York. Founded by Charles London in Glen Cove, New York, the company has remained in the founding family for four generations and now operates five locations across New York and New Jersey.

This milestone year includes the publication of a commemorative book detailing the retailer's history, featuring archival photos and anecdotes. The Watch Fair, described by Vice President Zach Udell as a marquee event for the jeweler, draws clients from across the country and serves as an unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season.

"One hundred is a special milestone for our family, and we don’t take that as a small thing," Udell stated. "There’s a lot of excitement. We always set a new bar, and it’s something that our clientele looks forward to every year."

Representatives from leading Swiss watchmakers will be present at the fair to showcase new releases, discuss brand histories, and explain the intricate mechanics of their timepieces. The event offers a rare opportunity to view special-edition watches, some of which are making their U.S. debut. Attendees can expect London Jewelers' signature hospitality, including refreshments and activities.

Looking ahead, London Jewelers is set to unveil a completely redesigned watch salon at its Manhasset flagship store early next year. The 13,000-square-foot space has undergone a significant renovation, including a new third floor that will feature a lounge and an outdoor seating area, along with a custom Baccarat bar. "We literally rebuilt the structure. Everything from the elevator to the staircase is brand new," Udell noted.

In honor of the centennial, London Jewelers is releasing limited-edition watches from brands such as Gerald Charles and H. Moser & Cie. The Gerald Charles collaboration features a titanium watch with a turquoise dial, limited to 100 pieces, while the H. Moser & Cie. timepiece is a perpetual calendar limited to just 10 units, distinguished by a gradient orange enamel dial.

Other notable introductions highlighted by the Udell family include the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar, the Patek Philippe Cubitus 5840P-001 with its skeletonized dial and platinum case, and the H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Perpetual Moon Concept Meteorite, which features a unique silhouette of the moon that requires correction only every 122 years.

Randi Udell-Alper, London Jewelers' Vice President, noted the appeal of the Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118, describing it as an iconic design that functions as jewelry due to its bracelet and wave-patterned dial. She also highlighted the Cartier Baignoire watch for its feminine proportions and versatility, and the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 with its multicolored Jubilee dial, which she said is a fun and easily matched accessory.

She also pointed to the Chanel Première Galon watch in white gold, launched exclusively at London Jewelers for their 100th anniversary, praising its iconic octagonal case and minimalist design. "It really looks more like a piece of jewelry than a watch," she commented.

Scott Udell, another Vice President, focused on heritage-inspired pieces. He praised the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921, calling it a successful relaunch that honors the brand's history with its distinctive case shape and color contrast. He also noted the Cartier Cloche, a limited-production revival of an archival piece with an iconic sideways shape.

Additionally, he highlighted the Patek Philippe 5270P-016 Perpetual Calendar, appreciating its fresh blue dial color and updated strap, and the Rolex Day-Date in 18k Jubilee gold with an aventurine stone dial, noting the proprietary gold alloy and the dial's striking color. The 16th annual Watch Fair will feature these and many other exceptional timepieces.