Story Highlight
– Over 60 UK retail leaders attended WatchPro event.
– Event launched annual initiative for women in watch industry.
– Panels explored women’s leadership and consumer influence.
– Notable attendees included brands like Bremont and Bonhams.
– WatchPro to publish annual Women in Watches list.
Full Story
More than 60 leaders from the UK watch sector gathered yesterday for a significant networking event, hosted by WatchPro, at the art’otel London Battersea Power Station. This inaugural gathering aimed to foster discussions around business growth and representation, coinciding with the upcoming International Women’s Day on 8 March. It marks the launch of an annual initiative by WatchPro designed to acknowledge the increasing influence of women within the international watch industry.
The event attracted prominent figures from various sectors, including retail, brands, auction houses, and media. Noteworthy attendees represented esteemed companies such as Bremont, Bonhams, eBay, Laings, and Christopher Ward.
The morning began with a breakfast reception, followed by two insightful panel discussions that deliberated on the cultural and commercial significance of women in the watch business. The first discussion focused on leadership and representation in the industry. WatchPro editor May Garland moderated a conversation with distinguished guests, including watch historian and author Rebecca Struthers, Laings’ board director Serena Gough, and Sarah Baumann, the COO of Christopher Ward. They addressed existing structural challenges and offered insights into how brands and retailers can nurture more varied leadership teams.
The second panel session examined the role of women as consumers and influencers, discussing how female collectors and buyers are reshaping watch design, marketing, and retail strategies. This discussion featured Faye Soteri, host of the Watch World With Faye podcast and former Watches of Switzerland buyer; Sarah Fergusson, senior watch specialist at Bonhams; Elie Barnes, Bremont’s chief marketing officer; and watch journalist Scarlett Baker. Joining them was WatchPro’s digital editor Ella Kirby, who noted the shift in purchasing trends is prompting brands to rethink traditional marketing and product development approaches.
In addition to the successful networking event, WatchPro announced the launch of its inaugural Women in Watches list, set to be featured in the April edition. This list will be unveiled at the Watches and Wonders event, highlighting influential women who are shaping the sector each year.
As discussions concluded, a thought-provoking question lingered regarding the desires and preferences of female consumers—an inquiry that promises to be revisited in the future.
