Source Watches is getting ready to show its newly created brand O.W.L to buyers for the first time at the London Watch Show in July. Managing director Annette Allen talks to us about a range that has been a year in the making, timing it right for Christmas and some very unusual packaging.
WatchPro: Source Watches has a big launch in July – tell us a little about it.
Annette Allen: I will be launching the O.W.L collection of watches at the London Watch Show, which is a bespoke designed classic range with a contemporary twist.
WP: The range has been in development for some time now. How are you feeling about getting ready to show it for the first time?
AA: I’m looking forward to presenting the range to people in the industry. We have been developing the collection for nearly a year now and we are very excited to get feedback. We will be taking pre-orders on the range so retailers can have stock in September and maximise on Christmas sales.
WP: You’ve decided to use the London Watch Show as a launch pad for O.W.L. How do you feel about the launch of a dedicated trade show for watches in the UK?
AA: There is a wealth of tradition and experience in the UK, which I believe should be at the forefront of the watch industry. There are some very talented and passionate people in what is a very specialised market. For London to finally host a dedicated watch show is an amazing opportunity for these people to showcase what the UK can offer.
WP: Tell us a little about what kind of watches will be in the O.W.L collection.
AA: Designed in Britain, O.W.L presents our first collection of watches that combine classic British elegance and contemporary styling. The range incorporates design features such as stepped dial detailing, mixed brushed and polished metal finishes, dual coloured plating and beautiful strap finishes. We only use the best components to enhance the watches. All the crystals we use are Swarovski crystals and we have also carefully chosen premium leathers for soft quality straps, which adds sophistication to the look and feel of the watches.
WP: And what about on the inside? What is making them tick?
AA: All workings inside the watch are quality Japanese movements, which come from Citizen, so we know you can wear our watches with confidence.
WP: And the packaging of the watches is something a little unusual. Tell us about that.
AA: We felt that our watches deserved to be packaged with the same design consideration we put into our watches. Inspired by Victorian luggage, our mini travel case will look fantastic on your customer’s dressing table and is the perfect gift.
