The development of the humble wristwatch has seen it transcend its original purpose to become a key signifier of style and status in the modern world. It speaks to the enduring craftsmanship, innovation and evolution of horology over centuries, that a timepiece can now effortlessly perform so many tasks over and above its primary intention.
In the 21st century, there is an entire industry that recognises this idea and celebrates it accordingly through the ceaseless researching, restoration and trading of rare and ultra-sought-after watches from all around the world. The provenance of these watches, and the stories they hold, have ushered them into a new world of valuable lifestyle assets alongside artworks, property, classic cars and wines.
Danny Shahid
The entrepreneur Danny Shahid recognised where this was all headed early in his life. Moving to London at 15, he created social media accounts that were fuelled by a passion for fashion and lifestyle and inevitably watches were a large part of that content. Gradually, this became the main focus of all his work as he amassed a global network of collectors, enthusiasts and watch-loving communities that he could call upon and bring together. Eventually, this enterprise became Diamond Watches London and a reputation as one of the most well-connected and specialist watch procurers in the world was soon earned.
Mayfair Calling
It seemed only fitting that Diamond Watches London would find its permanent home on the distinguished yet discreet streets of Mayfair in West London. Burlington Arcade is a marvel of Regency architecture that was purpose-built for high-end shopping over 200 years ago. The intricate ironwork and vaulted glass canopy has sheltered generations of established English jewellers, antiques dealers and royal warrant-holding businesses over that time and now Diamond Watches London is safely ensconced amongst them. This showroom is an opportunity for Danny and his team to meet clients, often by appointment only, and define a strategy that will scour the world for a timepiece that is perfect for them.
Brands of Distinction
It is perhaps Danny’s own encyclopaedic knowledge, experience and understanding of the rare watch world that sets DWL apart in a niche market. The details and history of such eminent brands as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille have been the objects of his personal study for almost two decades and it is this trust in his capability that lets his services stand out. This is clearly the case for clients that have tasked DWL with finding a new owner for parts of their collection. An F.P Journe Tourbillon Souverain in platinum is currently in their inventory, with all of its provenance and papers supplied after a thorough audit, for around £700,000. Similarly, a striking Richard Mille M008-V2-Felipe Massa in rose gold is also being displayed at the same price and awaiting any interested client inspection at the Mayfair showroom.
Personal Relationships Define the Business
The relationship between Danny and his clients, collectors and network is the core of everything they do at DWL to establish the business amongst competition that is sometimes hundreds of years old. This is perfectly demonstrated through his dedication to service that regularly goes far beyond other suppliers. When a collector from Sweden recently expressed the desire for an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Dual Time, a rare variant of the exquisite piece, Danny wasted no time picking it up from a seller in Kent and flying it out to the collector’s home personally, the very next day. Time is clearly of the essence in more ways than one in this field.
The Watch Finder General
Decisions on exactly what watch to source at this level are driven by a client’s own experiences, stories and tastes. It may be that the piece they are searching for has an intimate connection with their own lives, past owners or history. In these cases, the details matter and specifics such as models, year of production are all key elements. The huge network that DWL has, guided by Dany and his team, often presents the best chance for success from any dealer in the world. With added post-procurement care, restoration, refinishing and polishing from a proprietary workshop, the service becomes a one-stop shop for the entire purchase journey too.
From Passion to Prestige
What Diamond Watches London has managed to achieve in such a relatively short period marks them out as the ones to watch for prestigious pre-owned timepieces. This has only been made possible through a commitment to quality in service, thorough knowledge of the products they work with and a keen eye for how the industry will develop. It offers people the chance to sidestep waiting lists, to plug into a global community of like-minded collectors and finally find the elusive watch that they have been seeking for a very long time. All of which are reasons why DWL are set to go from strength to strength from their Mayfair headquarters with an impact felt by clients around the world.
