The Watches August 8, 2023

Wempe Adds Rubber Straps to Iron Walker

Wempe now offers blue or black rubber straps for its sporty Iron Walker collection of sharp-looking sports watches available with Diver, Tide or GMT functions.

Wempe introduced the Iron Walker collection in 2020 as a high-value series that complements its dressier Wempe Chronometerwerk collection, a high-end series powered by in-house mechanical movements.

The new rubber strap options offer a sportier look to the 42mm functional-focused series with weather-resistant synthetic rubber that matches the watch’s dial coloring. Wempe already includes rubber-strap options within its top-selling 44mm Iron Walker Automatic Chronograph collection.

Rather than simply fitting an off-the-shelf movement into each Iron Walker Dive, GMT or Tide watch, Wempe modifies a Swiss automatic Sellita movement in its Glashütte workshop, adding an in-house fine adjustment subassembly regulated to pass the stringent testing procedure in Glashütte’s own historical observatory.

As a result all the watches in the collection are officially certified chronometer-rated according to the ISO 3159 norm.

All models also offer 300-meter water resistance, a sapphire crystal, SuperLuminova-coated markers and fifty-six hours of power reserve.

Currently Wempe is also updating all the offering within its Wempe Zeitmeister and Iron Walker collections to meet the same strict technical specifications. Prices: $4,150 (diver), $4,440 (GMT) and $4,185 (Tide).

Featured Events August 7, 2023

Zenith to Exhibit Historic Pilot Watches in NYC

Zenith will exhibit a selection of its vintage pilots watches at the Watches of Switzerland Hudson Yards location in New York from August 8 until September 10. The exhibit is meant to celebrate the watchmaker’s new Pilot collections, which debuted earlier this year during the Watches and Wonders watch fair in Geneva.

A Zenith military pilot watch circa 1928-1930.

At the Watches of Switzerland Hudson Yards store visitors will find six Zenith Pilot heritage pieces alongside Zenith’s new Pilot collection, which includes stainless steel and ceramic three-hand automatics and flyback chronographs.

A Zenith Chronographe Cairelli Type CP2 from the 1960s.

Zenith will display an impressive selection of historic aviation watches, including the Dashboard Altimeter (1910s), Pilot Wristwatch (1928-1930s), Chronograph Tipo CP2 (1968-72), El Primero Pilot-Diver (1972), El Primero Rainbow Fly-Back (1997), and El Primero Pilot Big Date Special (2010).

Collectors are likely aware that Zenith registered the trademark “Pilote” in 1888, followed by the English “Pilot” in 1904, which allowed the brand to exclusively use the word on its dials.

A new Zenith Pilot Chronograph in steel.

Zenith watches were worn by Louis Blériot, who made history by accomplishing the first flight across the English Channel in 1909.

C.D. Peacock Names Qi Holtzman New V.P.

C.D. Peacock, Chicago’s first business and oldest jeweler, named Qi Holtzman as its Vice President of Client Engagement and Experience. In her new position, Holtzman will conceptualize and build the retailer’s personalized services.

Qi Holtzman is C.D. Peacock’s new Vice President of Engagement and Experience.

“Qi’ s artistic, multicultural, multilingual, and international background make her the perfect person to reinforce and expand our relationships with the local communities who trust us with the meaningful purchases in their lives,” says Olivier Stip, C.D. Peacock’s president.

“She will be the closest touchpoint that our clientele will have to the C.D. Peacock brand and will support the efforts of our sales teams by enhancing the experience and deepening the relationship,” adds Adam Woitkowski, the retailer’s vice president of retail.

C.D. Peacock rendering of its mansion at Oakbrook Center opening in 2023.

C.D. Peacock operates three boutique locations in Woodfield Mall, Westfield Old Orchard, and Oakbrook Center—where its “Mansion in the Clouds” flagship is planned to open in Fall 2023. For more information, visit cdpeacock.com.

Leading Watch Retailers March 12, 2020

Yamron Jewelers

About Yamron Jewelers

Sophisticated, intimate and elegant, Yamron Jewelers resides in the prestigious Waterside Shops in Naples, Florida. Established in Atlantic City more than four decades ago, Yamron Jewelers was under the guidance and leadership of the Yamron family for many successful years. They instituted a tradition of excellence in service, developed an appreciation for exceptional jewelry and watches, and upheld a commitment to treat each client as a cherished member of their family. Bruce Yamron was at the helm for more than twenty- five years; and in 2012, he sold Yamron Jewelers to long-time friend and industry colleague, Danny Govberg.

Danny Govberg is the third-generation president and owner of Philadelphia’s Govberg Jewelers, and he has been thoroughly immersed in the watch industry since the early 1980s. On acquiring Yamron Jewelers, Govberg remarked with great enthusiasm, “We were thrilled to integrate Yamron Jewelers into our portfolio, and look forward to continuing to meet the Naples community, as we preserve Yamron Jewelers’ traditions of remarkable service and philanthropic involvement, while offering the finest watches and jewels available.”

Yamron Jewelers has distinguished itself among watch enthusiasts for its selection of the finest timepieces from elite Swiss watchmaking houses, including Patek Philippe, Ulysse Nardin, Bulgari, Harry Winston, Breitling and more. The highly creative and distinct collections of Greubel Forsey were welcomed to Yamron’s showcases several years ago; and this last year saw the addition of Jaeger-LeCoultre and IWC, whose range of techniques, complications and aesthetics are revered by Yamron’s clientele.

Patek Philippe is celebrated as the company’s most sought-after watch brand, and has been for many years, as the relationship between Yamron Jewelers and Patek Philippe is generations strong. Nat Yamron formed a bond with Patek Philippe and the Stern family over 45 years ago, one that has continued without interruption, growing stronger throughout the years with memorable events, trips and occasions shared over time. Upon the occasion of 2016’s horological holiday — leap day — Yamron welcomed Patek Philippe’s North American team, collectors, friends and clients of the storied manufacture for a private showing of rare and exclusive timepieces. Gathering beneath the illuminated dome of the Figge Conservatory at the Artis-Naples, guests enjoyed a celebration of horology, with the perpetual calendar serving as the unofficial ‘guest of honor.’

Collectors and connoisseurs of rare and one-of-a-kind timepieces have come to appreciate not only Yamron’s product assortment, but also the knowledge and personalized service the store’s sales associates impart during all dealings. Yamron’s typical customer is highly educated, well-traveled, and sophisticated, striving to own the very best in quality, design, style and lasting value. This applies to both the watch and jewelry categories. Gabriel Alves and Laura Kendall, valued members of the Yamron Jewelers team, thoughtfully share, “We listen to the wants and needs of our clients and do everything in our power to make their desires and dreams come true in a manner most convenient to them.”

The watch selection at Yamron Jewelers is complemented by an exquisite collection of designer jewelry. The store’s showcases shine with stunning pieces by Arazi, Piranesi, Bulgari, Roberto Coin, Seaman Schepps, Louis Fiessler and Marina B. Scintillating diamonds of signi cant size, and rare emeralds, rubies and sapphires with exceptional quality, color and beauty are the true specialty at Yamron Jewelers. Access to such important jewels, at remarkable value, is the privileged result of exclusive relationships, built over decades with legendary diamantaires and international gem experts.

Since acquiring Yamron Jewelers, Danny Govberg has not made significant changes in the company platform; however, he has contributed greatly in the realm of service. Danny explains, “Our extended ‘family’ is comprised of watch and jewelry specialists and internationally renowned estate jewelry buying experts, purchasing diamonds, jewelry and watches from private collections across the globe. We specialize in the art of collecting and its connoisseurs, from highly complicated Swiss timepieces, to exquisite sapphires, rubies, fancy color diamonds and more, all at an exceptional value. We are eager to engage with the Naples community as we continue to integrate this new dimension in client service.”

The emphasis on service extends to the greater Naples community by way of ongoing civic, cultural and philanthropic activity. Building upon the traditions set in place by the Yamron family, Govberg launched the Yamron Charitable Giving Program in 2013. Now entering its fourth year, the company actively supports initiatives related to education, healthcare and the arts through this program. The Boys & Girls Club of Collier County, the Naples Community Hospital Healthcare Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Humane Society of Naples and Naples Philharmonic represent just some of the phenomenal causes and organizations Yamron supports.

Beyond the commitment to exquisite wares, client service and community engagement, Yamron Jewelers orchestrates lively events throughout the year. Partnering with Ulysse Nardin and luxury boat retailer MarineMax, clients and friends of Yamron Jewelers spent an afternoon at sea in October, admiring the handsome timepieces and socializing until sunset. Yamron’s Seth Fogelman added, “Our friends and clients enjoyed the company of Ulysse Nardin and access to their incredibly handsome and limited edition timepieces.”

A Naples tradition was initiated in 2015 when Yamron served as the presenting sponsor of the First Annual Mediterra Challenge tennis tournament. After a strong follow-up in early 2016, Yamron took the tournament to new heights in 2017, welcoming IWC as a headline sponsor and the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County as the event beneficiary.

Seth Fogelman and Jacki Olson remarked, “Facilitating an environment for both adult tennis enthusiasts and a special community of children who can learn a new sport and gain a new perspective, is simply fantastic! There’s never been a time when the commitment to one’s community has been so important, and the Yamron Challenge now has the foundation to grow into something extraordinary.”

Benji Kendall and Jason Lee, both Yamron associates, watch enthusiasts and avid tennis players, added, “Tennis has always been an integral part of our lives, and now each winter we can blend the sport with our passion for luxury jewelry and watches through the annual tournament Yamron presents in Naples.”

With a history steeped in tradition, old world craftsmanship and salesmanship, an exclusive collection of the world’s most prestigious timepieces and designer jewelry, and a dedication to supporting and engaging the Naples community, Yamron Jewelers represents a truly exceptional retail experience.

Collections:
Breitling • Bulgari • Greubel Forsey • Harry Winston • IWC • Jaeger-LeCoultre • Patek Philippe • Ulysse Nardin

Locations:
5555 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL 34108, USA

Social:
Facebook
yamron.com

A. Lange & Söhne March 12, 2020

Wempe Jewelers

About Wempe Jewelers

Since 1878, Wempe has strived to deliver the ultimate customer experience, and during the last 139 years it has developed into one of the world’s leading internationally operating purveyors of exquisite timepieces and fine jewelry. The German-based company today owns and operates 25 stores located at the best addresses in Germany, London, Paris, Vienna and Madrid, and it also maintains offices in Beijing. Wempe can also be found on the five-star luxury cruise liners, the MS Europa and MS Europa II.

The company’s five mono-brand boutiques include a Rolex boutique in Berlin and on New York’s Fifth Avenue in the Rolex Building, an A. Lange & Söhne boutique in Munich, a Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique in Frankfurt, and a Patek Philippe boutique in Hamburg, with more planned for the future. Wempe is also a proud producer of its very own watch lines, the Wempe Zeitmeister and Wempe Chronometerwerke, whose production site is located in the fully restored, historic Observatory, high above the city of Glashütte. There, Wempe operates Germany’s only official chronometer testing facility.

Wempe continues to be family owned. Hellmut Wempe and daughter Kim-Eva Wempe are both determined and committed to keep it that way. Their entrepreneurial spirit and democratic leader- ship style have empowered their store managers to give each Wempe branch its very own personal space within the Wempe philosophy.

“We have close ties with the company headquarters in Hamburg,” says Rüdiger (Rudy) Albers, President of American Wempe Corps. “We’ve taken the values we were taught there and brought them with us across the sea.” Albers, 53, has been at the helm of the New York Wempe store since 1990, and his staff of 34 professionals follow his lead, projecting a welcoming atmosphere that offers a pleasant break from the hectic pace of Manhattan.

This New York flagship location has been on the ground floor of the Peninsula Hotel since 1990, a landmark building on the corner of Fifth Avenue at 55th Street. In 2016, Wempe seized the opportunity to double its footprint to 5,500-square-feet after the expiration of the leases of its two neighbors, Swarovski and Lindt Chocolatier.

The architecture of the new store pays tribute to the rich history of the building, which was the first steel-construction skyscraper hotel in the city, built in 1905. The interior concept was motivated by the desire to provide more open space for Wempe customers, while maintaining its elegant atmosphere. Thus, rich materials, including hand-selected granite from the quarries around Verona and fine smoked oak, give the store a completely new, contemporary appearance. The ceilings were raised, and the numerous display cases and presentation areas are now directly accessible to clients. The Patek Philippe and Rolex shop-in-shops are harmoniously integrated into the open floor plan, flanking the store on the left and on the right.

The central entrance area is devoted to the luxurious jewelry collection from Wempe’s very own goldsmith atelier, and timepiece enthusiasts are greeted by a John Harrison-inspired H1 Sea Clock manufactured by Sinclair & Harding in Yorkshire England. This fully functioning clock is modeled after the historic marine chronometer that made it possible to calculate longitude while at sea. Eight exterior display windows, up from five, stretch along the half-block façade, inviting passersby to explore the treasures within.

The state-of-the-art service department was relocated and expanded, and customers have the opportunity to admire the skills of the highly trained watchmakers who are visible behind a large glass pane. With service as one of its highest priorities, Wempe has spared no expense in its equipment and the training of its staff to receive authorization from brands to work on many of their most sophisticated timepieces.

“Our ultimate goal is to achieve customer enthusiasm, not just satisfaction,” shares Albers, borrowing a term from one of his idols, “Danny” Meyer, CEO of the Union Square Hospitality Group.

Wempe made its leap across the Atlantic in 1980, and ever since then it has been writing a German-American success story in the center of Manhattan. This recent $8 million investment in the renovation and expansion of the New York store demonstrates, once again, Wempe’s commitment to its role as purveyor of an unparalleled selection of fine timepieces and jewelry.

Collections:
A. Lange & Söhne • Audemars Piguet • Baume & Mercier • Breguet • Breitling • Buben & Zörweg • Cartier • Chopard • Glashütte Original • Hublot • IWC • Jaeger-LeCoultre • Kieninger • Longines • Montblanc • Nomos Glashütte • Officine Panerai • Patek Philippe • Roger Dubuis • Rolex • TAG Heuer • Tudor • Vacheron Constantin • Wempe Maritim Ship’s Clocks • Wempe Zeitmeister

Locations:
700 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA
665 5th Ave, New York, NY 10022, USA

Social:
Facebook
www.wempe.com

Leading Watch Retailer