The Full Story
About Us
I founded Argyle Watches for one simple reason - Too often are watches assumed to be worn for the show of status or wealth, kept pristine by being locked away like a kind of delicate princess in a tall tower. I believe watches to be an expression of personality, perhaps of humble beginnings or of a wearers chosen profession.
Argyle Watches
Argyle Watches is built around a modern appreciation of traditional horology, offering a curated selection of models from brands with real heritage, and championing a quieter, more understated approach to luxury. We believe true luxury is defined by refinement, authenticity, and longevity, rather than purely lavish excess & showmanship. (Though we do agree that, sometimes, an allowance can be made for a real show-stopper! Its all part of the fun.)
Every watch we source is chosen for its heritage, character, and wrist-appeal, with an emphasis on pieces that can be worn, appreciated, and passed on for generations, or purchased as a gift for a special occasion or loved one. Argyle Watches will only source pieces that we genuinely love - So you can be sure that you're truly buying in to our world, and you'll be very welcome here.
As a newly founded independent watch retailer based in Hampshire, our aim is simple: to offer carefully curated luxury watches with honesty, knowledge, and a genuine passion for the craft behind them.
About me (Jay)
Having sold my 50% stake of luxury watch retailer, Mainspring Watches Ltd in early 2024 - I found that what I had enjoyed most about running a luxury watch business, was not simply trading one for another, but in appreciating both the visual design and workmanship of a luxury watch, and in the art of capturing the story behind it, in the form of photography. Watches are a personal passion & I've been sourcing luxury watches for nearly 5 years. Argyle Watches was created in order to share my passion.
Why 'Argyle'
On 24 July 1944, a German V1 flying bomb — known as a “Doodlebug” — struck Argyle Road in Teddington during the height of the air offensive against London. The explosion devastated the street and surrounding houses, causing widespread destruction and killing nine people, with dozens more injured. More than a thousand nearby homes were reportedly damaged by the blast. The destruction was so severe that Argyle Road itself was never rebuilt after the war. The blast killed my great-great grandfather, Daniel Gull, and totally destroyed the house. Had it not been for a simple instruction to my then-very young grandfather to pick up some bread on the way home from school that day, would also have very likely killed him also. He never ate the bread, but he always remembered the house he grew up in with his brother & grandfather.