British Watchmakers' Day 2024
British Watchmakers' Day 2024
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On Saturday 9th March, we had the pleasure of attending British Watchmaker’s Day at Lindley Hall in Westminster, and it was truly a remarkable experience! Not only the inaugural event but our very first watch show. The Alliance of British Watch & Clock Makers was established in 2020 following the resurgence of watchmaking in the British Isles. Today, the Alliance boasts a membership of 80 British watch brands, ranging from large to small, traditional to innovative and now includes Olivier Meylan.
The British Watchmakers’ Day exhibition was a platform to showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of British watch brands, and we were honoured to be a part of this prestigious event. Originally planned for multiple events in 2020, the Alliance faced setbacks due to the impact of COVID-19. Therefore, the announcement of the first British Watchmakers’ event in 2024 was met with great anticipation and enthusiasm.
The British Watchmakers’ Day exhibition was a platform to showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of British watch brands, and we were honoured to be a part of this prestigious event. Originally planned for multiple events in 2020, the Alliance faced setbacks due to the impact of COVID-19. Therefore, the announcement of the first British Watchmakers’ event in 2024 was met with great anticipation and enthusiasm.
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To mark our participation in the event, we unveiled five unique pieces, collaborating with the artistic legend LP EDITS collaborating on 1/5 hand painted dials, painted and assembled here in Exeter. Proud to have successfully sold all 5 throughout the day.. the questions is, do we release series 2?
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The response at the event was overwhelming, with 1300 attending the show and a large number of attendees showing keen interest in our watches and future projects. On the day, 45 exhibitors showcased timepieces, including many special editions and one offs for the show. Loyal buyers were so keen not to miss out on these that hotels were booked to ensure they were present as soon as the doors opened at 10am. A long orderly queue formed around the block prior to opening. It was a pleasure to engage with fellow enthusiasts and share our passion for horology. We look forward to the next event and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals once again. Save the date 8th of March 2025 and we will see you there!
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David Meylan (Olivier Meylan founder) Left & Roger W Smith OBE
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Chairman of The Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers, Roger Smith OBE said: “It’s a huge day, a milestone really, for our resurgent watchmaking sector.” Referring to the Lindley Hall, he commented: “What a place, what a venue.”
Smith created a unique Series 1 watch for British Watchmakers’ Day, which was sold by closed bid auction for over double its reserve price of £297,500.
Smith created a unique Series 1 watch for British Watchmakers’ Day, which was sold by closed bid auction for over double its reserve price of £297,500.
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The Olivier Meylan team consisted of our pro rugby ambassador Josh Hodge , Founder David Meylan and head of sales Ed Chia-Croft. A huge thank you to everyone who came to hear our story, view our collection and purchase one our pieces.