London Jewelers hosts its 2022 Watch Fair extravaganza

For almost a century, watch lovers have flocked to venerable, family-owned London Jewelers to find the newest and most luxurious timepieces on the market.

This week, visitors to the retailer’s flagship in Manhasset, LI, can venture even further into this elite universe, with a constellation of precious and rare pieces on display at its annual Watch Fair.

The celebration will include cigar rolling, hors d’oeuvres noshing and other fall delights.

But Zach Udell, London’s vice president and resident watch maven, is most stoked about the merchandise.

“Watchmakers from every brand continue to push the envelope,” he says. “Everyone is sending us new pieces that you won’t see at any other watch store, and some of them are surreal. You’ll get to touch, feel and try on these word-class watches. There is tremendous excitement about it.”

That enthusiasm for collecting has spread wildly in 2022, says Udell, who’s part of London’s fourth generation and works side-by-side with his cousins Randi Udell Alper and Scott Udell.

“There’s a new youthful thrust in the marketplace that has to do with the crypto world — we’re finding that 20- to 30-year-olds are becoming well-educated consumers and starting to appreciate the artistry of a fine watch. They’ve become accustomed to wearing something on their wrists, but they’ve moved way past the digital style.”

So exactly where are they headed? Udell predicts that “exotic” faces and dials will have enormous appeal this season. Included in that mix: Patek Philippe’s Annual Calendar Travel Time, with its charcoal-gray textured face and a sculptural rim that conjures old-time cameras. The face of the brand’s Advanced Research Fortissimo is similarly inspired by a historical artifact, and in this case, it’s the spoked wheels of a vintage automobile. But it’s what’s going on inside that has collectors most fascinated. “It’s a new, cool concept for a repeater chiming watch,” explains Udell, referring to innovative technology that produces a clear, ringing gong unaffected by the case material.

For a watch that speaks volumes (without chimes), there’s the Patek Philippe Grand Complications, a platinum job with a blue lacquered dial, dotted with baguette diamonds and blue sapphires. “The rarity is part of the appeal,” Udell says. “It’s a very special category for someone who appreciates complications and gemstones.”

Likewise, Bulgari’s standout Octo Finissimo fuses jewelry design and the art of watchmaking with its blue dial, sunburst finishing and extra-thin, polished-satin case.

An entry from Rolex is a left-handed complement to a classic. The Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II — with a reconfigured dial featuring a left-handed crown and date wheel — is especially convenient for southpaws.

“Coming from a company known for making [only] small modifications, the new lefty watch is epic,” says Udell, who notes that its handsome black-and-green bezel ceramic insert is also right on trend, with green faces continuing to make a splash.

Aside from dressier styles, sports watches remain extremely popular. “They’re coveted a little bit more by the younger generation because they do double duty,” says the watch guru. “They can be worn by day or going out on a date.”

Among his favorites is the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep. “It’s for avid divers or someone who has never even gone snorkeling. I’m a serious fan of the aesthetic. I like the design of the case. It’s beefy and legible and designed for professional use [with water resistance up to 20,000 feet], but is a great look on anyone.”

Udell points out that beyond a watch’s craftsmanship and beauty, it inspires an appreciation for one’s legacy. “Many of our customers say, ‘I’m going to pass this on to my children,’” Udell reflects. He himself wore his grandfather Meyer Udell’s watch for months after he died. The watch was a gift from Charles London (above left), who founded the company in 1926. “It’s a human connection through the generations.”

London Jewelers’ flagship is located in Manhasset, LI, with additional stores in Southampton, East Hampton, Glen Cove, and Wheatley Plaza in Greenvale, LI, as well as downtown Manhattan. A new London boutique is set to open this month at The Mall at Short Hills in New Jersey, offering Patek Philippe and Tudor watches along with top jewelry brands.

All at London Jewelers, 2046 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI

Rock stars

London Jewelers’ VP Randi Udell Alper shares her dazzling diamond finds.

Cartier

Patek Philippe

“It’s so feminine — I love the uniformity of the face and the bezel, and their rose gold is such a warm color.”

“The chocolate-brown sunburst dial on its own is so rich-looking, but it gets even more pop by way of the two rows of diamonds on the case.”

Bulgari

“The wheat-stalk patterned, rose-gold band with diamonds almost looks quilted. This is more like high jewelry, and it is absolutely stunning.”

Rolex

“It’s a classic look, yet so chic and modern, and its ice-blue face is a statement maker.”

— AB

All at London Jewelers, 2046 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI

Dream team

London Jewelers’ VP Scott Udell drafts his picks for sporty elegance.

Rolex

“As quintessential Rolex as you can get. With its distinctive green face, it’s the
ultimate watch.”

Audemars Piguet

“It’s a great all-around watch to wear every day. This year, the iconic style is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the words ’50 years’ are on the caseback, which makes it very special and collectible.”

Patek Philippe

“This is a grail piece. It’s super desirable and very versatile. As sporty as it is with its rubber strap and bulkier case, you can wear it with a tux — or it looks great with jeans and a T-shirt.”

Tudor

“The half-red, half-blue bezel is a sharp, new version of this classic design. You get a lot of watch at a good price point, and it’s a terrific first piece if you’re looking to start a collection.”

— AB

All at London Jewelers, 2046 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI