The Top 20 UK Watch Shops: Your Ultimate Guide

Here’s our comprehensive list of the finest watch shops across the UK, each offering something unique for the discerning watch buyer.

1. Watches of Switzerland

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   • What they offer: One of the UK’s leading retailers of luxury watches, offering an unparalleled selection of brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, Cartier, and Breitling. They have a strong presence in major cities with impressive showrooms.
   • Website: www.watches-of-switzerland.co.uk

2. Goldsmiths

   • What they offer: A renowned national retailer with a long heritage, Goldsmiths stocks a wide range of luxury and premium watch brands, including Rolex (in selected boutiques), Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines, and Tissot. They also offer excellent jewellery collections.
   • Website: www.goldsmiths.co.uk

3. Ernest Jones

   • What they offer: A high-street staple for over 70 years, Ernest Jones provides a diverse selection of watches from fashion brands to established Swiss manufacturers like Breitling, Omega, and Raymond Weil. They’re accessible and offer a good balance of choice and value.
   • Website: www.ernestjones.co.uk

4. Mappin & Webb

   • What they offer: With a royal warrant and a history dating back to 1775, Mappin & Webb exudes British luxury. They are authorised dealers for brands such as Rolex, Omega, and Cartier, and also offer exquisite jewellery and silverware.
   • Website: www.mappinandwebb.com

5. Bucherer

   • What they offer: A Swiss family-run business with a significant footprint in the UK, Bucherer offers an exceptional range of luxury watches, including Rolex, Tudor, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet, alongside their own impressive jewellery collections. Their London flagship is particularly grand.
   • Website: www.bucherer.com

6. Watchfinder & Co.

   • What they offer: The ultimate destination for pre-owned luxury watches. Watchfinder offers an enormous, constantly updated inventory of certified pre-owned watches from virtually every major high-end brand, all meticulously inspected and guaranteed.
   • Website: www.watchfinder.co.uk

7. Berry’s Jewellers

   • What they offer: An independent family-run jeweller with boutiques across the North of England, Berry’s is known for its exquisite selection of luxury watches and fine jewellery. They are authorised dealers for brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, and Audemars Piguet.
   • Website: www.berrysjewellers.co.uk

8. Laings

   • What they offer: With a strong heritage in Scotland, Laings offers a beautiful selection of luxury watches from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, and TAG Heuer. Their showrooms provide an opulent and welcoming shopping experience.
   • Website: www.laingsuk.com

9. Prestons of Bolton

   • What they offer: Another esteemed family-run business, Prestons has been a trusted name in luxury watches for generations. They are authorised dealers for some of the most prestigious brands, including Rolex, Tudor, and Patek Philippe, offering exceptional service.
   • Website: www.prestonsjewellers.co.uk

10. Fraser Hart

    • What they offer: A prominent name on the UK high street, Fraser Hart provides a wide range of popular watch brands such as Omega, TAG Heuer, Longines, and Gucci, alongside their own jewellery collections. They offer a reliable and accessible shopping experience.
    • Website: www.fraserhart.co.uk

11. H. Samuel

    • What they offer: As one of the most recognisable jewellery retailers in the UK, H. Samuel is an accessible option for watches from brands like Citizen, Seiko, Bulova, and fashion timepieces, making luxury and style more attainable.
    • Website: www.hsamuel.co.uk

12. Beaverbrooks

    • What they offer: A family-owned business with a strong presence in the UK, Beaverbrooks offers a fantastic range of watches from premium brands like Omega, Breitling, TAG Heuer, and Tudor. They pride themselves on excellent customer service.
    • Website: www.beaverbrooks.co.uk

13. Blowers Jewellers

    • What they offer: Specialising in new and pre-owned luxury watches, Blowers Jewellers has a reputation for offering competitive prices and a vast selection, particularly strong in Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. They are based in Hull but serve clients nationwide.
    • Website: www.blowers-jewellers.co.uk

14. Austin Kaye

    • What they offer: A celebrated London institution for vintage and pre-owned watches, Austin Kaye has been a go-to for collectors for decades. They offer a diverse selection of classic timepieces, particularly strong in Rolex and other established Swiss brands from various eras.
    • Website: www.austinkaye.co.uk

15. Pragnell

    • What they offer: With showrooms in Stratford-upon-Avon, Mayfair, and Leicester, Pragnell is a highly esteemed family jeweller offering an exclusive selection of new and pre-owned luxury watches, including Patek Philippe, Rolex, and Audemars Piguet.
    • Website: www.pragnell.co.uk

16. William & Son

    • What they offer: Located in Mayfair, London, William & Son is a quintessentially British luxury brand stocking an exquisite collection of watches from independent and established marques alike. They offer unique pieces and a highly personalised service.
    • Website: www.williamandson.com

17. Lumbers Jewellers

    • What they offer: A leading independent jeweller in Leicester, Lumbers boasts a beautiful showroom and an impressive array of luxury watch brands, including Omega, Tudor, Breitling, and TAG Heuer, alongside their fine jewellery.
    • Website: www.lumbers.co.uk

18. Peter Jackson Jewellers

    • What they offer: With stores in Preston and Carlisle, Peter Jackson offers a curated selection of luxury watches from brands like Breitling, Omega, TAG Heuer, and Longines. They are known for their friendly service and strong community ties.
    • Website: www.peterjackson.co.uk

19. Selfridges (The Wonder Room & Watches)

    • What they offer: While a department store, Selfridges’ “Wonder Room” in London and dedicated watch sections in other stores are watch destinations in themselves. They house boutiques and displays from top-tier brands like Cartier, Omega, Patek Philippe, and many independent labels, offering a luxurious browsing experience.
    • Website: www.selfridges.com/gb/en/cat/watches

20. Harrods (Fine Watches)

    • What they offer: The iconic Harrods department store in Knightsbridge, London, is home to a magnificent Fine Watches department. It’s a haven for luxury watch collectors, featuring dedicated brand boutiques and multi-brand displays of the world’s most desired timepieces.
    • Website: www.harrods.com/en-gb/shop/fashion/fine-watches

Quick Reference Table: Top 20 UK Watch Shops

Beyond the List: Tips for Buying Your Next Watch

• Do Your Research: Before visiting a shop or browsing online, have a clear idea of what you’re looking for – brand, movement type (automatic, quartz), style (diver, dress, pilot), and budget.
• New vs. Pre-Owned: Decide if you want a brand-new watch with a full manufacturer’s warranty or if a certified pre-owned watch (often available at a significant discount) appeals to you. Reputable pre-owned dealers provide their own warranty.
• Visit in Person (if possible): For significant purchases, there’s no substitute for trying on a watch to see how it feels and looks on your wrist. Engage with the staff; their expertise is invaluable.
• Ask About Service & Warranty: Understand the warranty terms for both new and pre-owned watches. Inquire about servicing options and costs for future maintenance.
• Consider Your Lifestyle: Your watch should fit your daily activities. A rugged diver for adventure, an elegant dress watch for formal occasions, or a versatile sports watch for everyday wear.
• Authenticity is Key: Always buy from authorised dealers or highly reputable pre-owned specialists to guarantee authenticity and avoid fakes or stolen goods.

Conclusion

The UK watch market is vibrant and diverse, offering an incredible array of choices for every watch enthusiast. From the storied luxury houses to the dedicated pre-owned experts and accessible high-street options, our Top 20 list provides a starting point for your horological journey.

Whether you’re after a timeless classic, a modern marvel, or a unique vintage piece, these retailers offer not just watches, but experiences, expertise, and a passion for craftsmanship that makes the search as enjoyable as the discovery. Happy hunting, and may you find the perfect timepiece that ticks all your boxes

Jewellery Shopping Directory