Global Watch Shop

Global Watch Shop were founded in 2014 with the coming together of the original business founders who are still with the company today. Simon had many years’ experience of working with luxury Swiss watches, and Matt had just sold his share in a previous business in the jewellery sector and was looking for a new challenge. Both knew each other from their previous roles working in London’s world famous jewellery quarter Hatton Garden, and it was the combination of Simon’s product knowledge industry standing, and Matt’s on & offline business start-up development skills previous applied to the jewellery sector that gave birth to Global Watch Shop.
Fast forward 8 years the company is now situated a few hundred yards from where the discussions around the original Global Watch Shop concept took place. With Simon & Matt previous working from their Hatton Garden base, GWS first opened on High Holborn in Holborn Gate, as an online only watch shop. As the reputation of the new company started to build it wasn’t long before Global Watch Shop needed to expand, first to a larger office, and then came the addition of a customer reception for clients that wished to view watches in person.
By 2016 it had become clear that the Global Watch Shop had outgrown their premises, and the opportunity arose to create a purpose designed office, reception, showroom and customer lounge. Work began on the new base and by April 2016 GWS were trading from their headquarters at Chancery House, Chancery Lane.
Through the outbreak of COVID 19, due to the restrictions placed upon retail outlets Global Watch Shop adapted their business model to meet the changing demands of how their clients preferred to do business. Operating throughout the whole of the pandemic, GWS went back to their roots providing watches based around an online delivery service. Being extremely agile in the way the business operated in the wider environment at that time meant GWS retained their outstanding reputation for serving our client base, even as many of them were undergoing significant changes to the way they worked and lived their lives through the introduction of, amongst other things, home working, home schooling, lockdowns and travel restrictions.
Thankfully 2021 saw the fight against COVID 19 taking hold and the effects of the pandemic on society were on the retreat. With lifting of lockdowns and restrictions easing Global Watch Shop again tailor their business model to better serve the demands of their clients as lives changed once again. In the final few weeks before restrictions were lifted in April 2021, GWS were busy putting the finishing touches into their new custom fitted shop from where they operate today. As one of 30 stores within the London Silver Vaults, GWS are able to offer access to their entire catalogue of products in one of the UK’s most secure locations. The shop incorporates a reception area, showroom and customer lounge, and GWS also continue to offer online ordering with fast, free full insured next day delivery. A flexible range of payment options exist, and as a licensed credit broker, GWS are able to provide a range of credit options, including the facility to offer interest free payments on any watch from its considerable stock holding.
Over the 10 years since the original concept of Global Watch Shop was first discussed, Simon & Matt have built up an outstanding reputation in the industry. Whether it’s serving high profile clients as they go about putting together a significant portfolio of rare and collectible timepieces, or consulting with clients making their first entry into the luxury watch market GWS has become known as a trusted advisor providing luxury watches, and expert service.