The triple S party circuit: Signet, Seiko and Stephen Webster

Retail Jeweller’s ad manager and The Ash Tray columnist (of course) Ash and I were doing the rounds in central London last night, meeting up with retailers and brands at a trio of events for Signet, Seiko and Stephen Webster.

We started out at a Christmas in July event at the fabulous Centre Point building. I had never been up in the tower before and it has such excellent views of London that it forced me to randomly blurt out to Ash, complete with a movie-style tone and dramatic gestures, “Do you see that? All this can be ours!” (cue evil cackle). At the event, the lovely Faye Lovenbury and her very enthusiastic slave labour ( i.e. mother – credit crunch staffing) gave us a preview of the jewellery and watches Signet will stock in H Samuel and Ernest Jones in the run-up to the cash-cow festive period. Ernest Jones has recently taken on brand bead Chamilia, so it had a strong presence, as well as showing the new 25th anniversary Guess watches. I have actually discovered that Guess and I share a birthday – I will turn 25 a month and two days before it does; 1984, what a year.

Then it was off to La Galleria just off Pall Mall to meet up with the chaps and chappettes at Seiko (and Profile PR boss and friend of Retail Jeweller Daniel Williams) to celebrate the launch of the Seiko Ananta. The watch was launched at BaselWorld, but last night was its first UK airing. The Antanta (a Sanskrit word that translates as the infinite) is inspired by the craftsmanship of ancient Japanese sword-making practice Katana, and there were sword fighters at the event, although Ash and I sadly missed this due to swinging in past Signet first. The Antanta watch is one of Seiko’s luxury pieces and has Spring Drive and high-grade mechanical movements. There were also some vintage Seiko timepieces and I fell in love with a Seiko 1930s Braille pocket watch.

Last, but certainly not least, we headed over to Stephen Webster’s third party to celebrate the opening of his Mount Street store. The party was held at new club Alto near Carnaby Street, which was full of industry regulars. We caught up with lots of retailers including Jos from EC One, Mark from Thornjewellery.co.uk and the legendary Wes and Steff from Steffans (who brought Stephen a pair of very cool shoes from their local Northampton designer Jeffery West). Flamboyant Steff and I were discussing outfit strategies for the UK Jewellery Awards in a couple of weeks and he questioned whether it would be alright to wear a Union Jack suit. Of course, I immediately said yes. I can’t wait to see it.