Michel herbelin

BREAKING NEWS: Michel Herbelin acquires UK distributor as its owners retire

French watchmaker Michel Herbelin has bought its UK distributor, which was trading under the name Michel Herbelin UK and owned by Peter and Valerie Gauntlett.

Mr and Mrs Gauntlett also own Grenchen Time, distributor for Morellato watch straps, Rodania watches and Nona Jewellery.

They have announced they will retire following the sale of Michel Herbelin UK, but are still listed as active directors of Grenchen Time Ltd. at Companies House.

Grenchen Time Ltd will continue to distribute Rodania and Nona Jewellery in the UK and Ireland, but Morellato straps will move to be distributed by Michel Herbelin UK.

Michel Herbelin says it intends to strengthen its market share in Europe, with France at its core and the UK growing by building long term partnerships with quality jewellers.

“Michel Herbelin’s dynamic strategy in the UK is first to capitalise on the hard work already achieved by the existing team, to develop the market with the trade and increase brand awareness at consumer level,” the company says in a statement.

“Michel Herbelin France will rely on the founder’s daughters, who are already fully committed in the adventure and are remaining with the team. Peter and Valerie Gauntlett are retiring after 26 years with the company and are happy to be leaving the business in their capable hands,” the statement adds.

Michel Herbelin France says it will give a strong support to its UK subsidiary, with a revamped watch collection and a marketing campaign based on a communication through social networks and traditional channels.

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2 Comments

  1. Hello. My husband bought his Michel Herblin Newport watch in 1980’s. Need a new strap in black or dark grey. It has a white pearl face with black roman numerals. Metal is stainless steel with gold trim. Number on back is 12456.82 or possibly S2. I believe from memory it is 18mm at widest part close to watch face.
    Where in UK can we get a replacement for this strap including two new pins to attach.

  2. Hello Marie,
    I have sent your question to the UK representative for Michel Herbelin, and expect she will reply to you directly.
    Rob

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