Northern Goldsmiths, part of the Watches of Switzerland Group, has celebrated 100 years in business with Rolex.
The jewellers became its first authorised UK stockist in 1919 and to celebrate the long-running partnership, Brian Duffy, CEO of WoS Group, and Richard de Leyser, MD of Rolex, hosted an event at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Newcastle.
To commemorate and thank its loyal North East clients and businesses, and fundraise for The Prince’s Trust, Gateshead’s Millennium Bridge illuminated green and fireworks lit up the famous quayside while British soul and R&B Singer Lemar provided an exclusive set for guests.
Craig Bolton, executive director for Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths, said: “We’re truly honoured to have partnered with Rolex for 100 years, it’s a huge part of Goldsmith’s history and a significant milestone and privilege for our Group.”
He added: “Northern Goldsmiths has a special place in the hearts of people in the North East and we look forward to continue welcoming Rolex customers for years to come.”
As part of its centenary year, The Watches of Switzerland Group have partnered with Rolex to provide 100 watches each with a commemorative engraving to mark the anniversary.
The Watches of Switzerland Group and Rolex will each donate £1,000 for every watch sold which will be donated to support The Prince’s Trust, a charity working with young people aged 11 to 30 across the UK.
Clare Crabb, north regional director at The Prince’s Trust, commented: “We help young people to succeed in education, whatever barriers they may have faced, and donations such as those from The Watches of Switzerland Group and Rolex help The Prince’s Trust to extend our reach in Newcastle and further afield.
“This enables more young people to live, learn and earn, and we are very grateful for the support. We also look forward to welcoming The Watches of Switzerland Group’s colleagues to our volunteering community very soon.”
