Watches of Switzerland Group is all-set to open its first jewellery-only flagship boutique: a Mappin & Webb showroom on Manchester’s St Anne’s Square and it acquired the North American distribution business for Robert Coin last year.
As Richemont’s latest financial results demonstrate — specialist watchmaker sales fell by 7% in Q1 while its jewellery maisons notched growth of 11% — these are tough times for all-but the current power-four of Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Cartier.
The latest coup for Watches of Switzerland Group is to bring British fine jewellery brand Annoushka, a firm favourite of the Princess of Wales, into the fold.
The designer’s jewels will be launched online at WoSG-owned Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb this month, before rolling-out into stores, beginning next week with Northern Goldsmiths in Newcastle.
This will be followed by Goldsmiths Birmingham Bullring and Goldsmiths Stratford from 18 August, and culminating at Manchester’s new Mappin & Webb flagship jewellery showroom from 5 September.
Zia Zareem-Slade, CEO of Annoushka, commented: “This partnership marks a significant chapter in Annoushka’s growth.
“We’re incredibly proud to be working with The Watches of Switzerland Group, a business that shares our commitment to craftsmanship, storytelling, and exceptional client experience.
“Together, we’re bringing the brand to a wider audience across the UK, while staying true to our purpose: creating jewels for life.”
The brand’s founder and creative director Annoushka Ducas added: “Jewellery is so much more than adornment. It is identity, memory and emotion.
“After founding Links of London, I wanted to return to the heart of design: storytelling through craftsmanship and creating pieces that are as versatile and playful as the wonderful women who wear them.
“I’m thrilled that our pieces will now be part of the Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb experience, where they can be discovered in beautiful surroundings by clients who value creativity, quality and connection.”
Craig Bolton, president of The Watches of Switzerland Group, commented: “We’re thrilled to welcome Annoushka to our showrooms across the UK.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to providing our clients with pieces that hold exceptional craftmanship, timeless design, and individuality.
“By being the only watch and jewellery specialist to offer the brand in the UK, this new partnership brings with it a new era of jewellery retail within our showroom portfolio.”