The unique watches to find in Knightsbridge

Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL

Since opening in 1849, Harrods – the grande dame of Knightsbridge – has been a one-stop shop for the finer things in life, from furnishings to fashion and food. Its Fine Watch Room – which showcases a carefully curated range from horology’s standard bearers – is a veritable temple to timekeeping. It should come as little surprise then, that the industry’s biggest hitters, from IWC to Tudor, are willing to develop exclusive models with the Brompton Road behemoth. Tudor’s Harrods Black Bay edition incorporates the department store’s signature green hue into the bezel, which gives this robust, yet elegant dive watch added style clout. Add to that its beautifully machined bracelet, perfectly balanced dial and signature snowflake hands and you’ll make everyone green with envy with this on your wrist.

Rolex, One Hyde Park, 100 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LJ

Rolex is a name that needs little introduction whether you’re a seasoned horophile or not. The Geneva-based firm has created some of the most iconic (and slavishly copied) watch models in history. The secret to its success has been its devotion to classic codes – its designs are consistently, well, timeless. But last year saw the brand step out of its comfort zone with a series of left-field releases, including the poppy “celebration dial” Oyster Perpetual – a joyous riot of colour – and fresh takes on its Cosmograph Daytona, immortalised by Hollywood golden boy, Paul Newman. The recently launched platinum edition, available at its Knightsbridge boutique, updates the coveted style with a fresh ice-blue dial, 950 platinum case and bracelet, and transparent caseback, so you can get a glimpse of the bulletproof workmanship that has earned Rolex the moniker “The King of Watches”.

Watches of Switzerland, 47-51 Brompton Road, London SW3 1DE

Watches of Switzerland has been one of the most trusted names in horology for well over a century. Despite its name, it offers more than just Swiss-made timepieces (which admittedly, it has in spades). It also stocks Japanese and German watches, from Grand Seiko to Junghans and dual-nationality brands like Panerai, which combines its Italian design roots with flawless Swiss engineering. Its Radiomir – a burly, yet polished dive watch originally worn by the Italian navy – has been perennially popular since its inception in the 1930s and just gets better with time. This particular model is exclusive to Watches of Switzerland and has a case forged from Goldtech™ – a precious alloy of gold, platinum and copper developed by Panerai for its pleasingly rich red hue. It’s hard proof that the Radiomir still makes a splash.

Theodore’s Collection, 172 Brompton Road, London SW3 1HW

As more and more of us seek individuality in an ever-globalised world, the popularity of pre-worn watches shows no sign of abating. So if a good story and vintage verve are your thing, then the range of rare collectibles at Theodore’s Collection will no doubt pique your interest. Offering the most sought-after models from the Rolex Daytona to Patek Philippe Aquanaut and Cartier Santos, this boutique is an Aladdin’s cave of covetable tickers. A recent highlight is an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch “Tintin”, a whimsical homage to illustrator Hergé’s plucky newshound, released in 2013. It’s one of only an estimated 1,000-2,000 ever produced, making it one of the most coveted editions of the Omega that made it to the moon and back. Be speedy yourself though – this one won’t hang around for long.  

Shane C. Kurup is a fashion editor and writer specialising in men’s style, horology, lifestyle and grooming