The first thing one notices in the Henry London range of watches is its clean and classic look. There is a “12” at the top of dials, but the hour markers are simply indicated by notches. Some of them have a discreet calendar window at the “3” or the “6,” while a few have subdials like those found in chronograph watches.
You won’t find a dizzying array of straps here, however. The choices are either a leather strap in a matching or contrast color or a Milanese (metal mesh) bracelet. All of the watches are round with polished bezels and acrylic crystal glass.
Pop open the watch’s box and you will find a simple cleaning kit consisting of a paste and a buffing cloth.
“We were really struck by how classic these watches looked when we first spotted them at Baselworld,” said Alan Dacanay, managing director of Hong Kong-based TWS Asia, Ltd. “We had a feeling they would also catch the attention of Filipinos who are drawn to classic styles.”
Interesting backstory
The brand that was only launched last year has an interesting backstory. Two designers who were looking for inspiration stumbled upon the vintage watch in London’s Notting Hill. It had a domed acrylic case and was engraved at the back with the name Henry and the year 1965.
The discovery fired up the designers’ creative juices to approximate the look and feel of the watch, and Henry London was born.
The brand now has several collections, all named after places in London like Piccadilly, Chiswick, Hampstead and Westminster.
“The designers didn’t know who Henry was but they wanted to offer customers the option to have their Henry London watches personalized with an engraved message or saying,” Dacanay said. “I think this personalization will click with customers because the watch then becomes something one cherishes.”
He shared how an elderly couple celebrating their 45th anniversary recently bought a watch that they then had engraved with the words “Forever Yours.”
“The watches are really designed for giving, but, of course, you can buy them for yourself. They’re reasonably priced between P8,000 and P13,000,” Dacanay said.
“As a gift, it taps into the emotional side of Filipinos. It’s something you can give to mark a special occasion—birthday, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, graduation, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day,” he added.
Customers can then have their purchases engraved with a short message of dedication free of charge.
The first set of Henry London watches is now available at Swissgear boutiques, Wristpod boutiques, Landmark Department Stores and selected Robinsons Department Stores.
