London Jewelers is hosting its extravagant 2024 watch fair

According to Zach Udell, vice president of London Jewelers, this year’s luxury watches are inspired by decades past, transforming classics into distinctly modern timepieces suitable for today’s connoisseur.

“Watchmaking is about making old things new again,” he says.

And Udell should know: He’s a fourth-generation member of the family business, which is welcoming enthusiasts to its 14th annual watch show this weekend. The event will showcase the latest and rarest watches from the world’s leading luxury brands – including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Cartier and Bulgari.

Charles London, Udell’s great-grandfather, founded his company in 1926 on Long Island’s Gold Coast, servicing watches for the “wealthy group of Long Island,” including American dynasties such as the Morgans, the Pratts and the Whitneys.

“It was broadly the Great Gatsby era,” Udell says of the Art Deco period of architecture, watch and jewelry design. “I can’t get more New York than that.”

As for today, the retailer’s watch salon is undergoing a major renovation, including a dedicated area dedicated to the enhanced “Rolex experience.” While these exciting updates are underway, this year’s watch show will take place at London Jeweler’s elegant, temporary space at 1988 Northern Blvd., across from Prada in Americana Manhasset. There, guests will find the watchmakers’ latest and best creations under one roof – including limited-edition timepieces that are otherwise only reserved for industry insiders.

Representatives from each watchmaker will be on hand to help customers discover the watch “that speaks to them most,” says Udell. “Some younger generation collectors want to delve deep into a watch’s heritage, and we love being able to help our customers navigate that.”

Visitors are encouraged to try on the watches, “that’s exactly what the watch fair is all about: you go to a trusted jeweler and try out the watch.” The celebrations also include cigar rolling, autumn treats and small appetizers.

As for the watches themselves, Udell says the new offerings from Panerai, Tudor, Omega and Piaget also exemplify this year’s old-is-new trend.

With the new Baignoire collection, “Cartier has achieved an amazing blend of old-world luxury feel and a modern twist,” he notes. (The Baignoire, whose French name means “bathtub,” was first introduced in 1912.) “Combining this old-fashioned look and reinterpreting it in a modern way appeals to a wide range of people of all ages.”

The new platinum version of Rolex’s 1908 timepiece takes its name from the year the brand was founded. The rice grain engraved dial and vintage-style hands pay tribute to Rolex’s traditional design characteristics.

Other clocks must be viewed in person to experience their full effect.

“It’s not possible to fully appreciate what the dial looks like until you see the travel time function actually turning,” says Udell of the new Patek Philippe World Time, whose patented world-first movement synchronizes the date with local time and whose blue-gray carbon Dial matches bracelet. “It has a contemporary, modern case, but you get a feel of old and new, and the denim strap will appeal to every age group.” Patek Philippe’s new Ellipse has also “attracted a lot of interest and buzz; It’s another example of this resurgence of neo-vintage style.”

While not neo-vintage in style, Bulgari’s new Octo Finissimo CarbonGold Perpetual Calendar features the bold combination of a highly complicated movement (often found in more traditional timepieces) with a state-of-the-art carbon case, dial and bracelet.

Piaget, meanwhile, has reintroduced its iconic Polo collection with reduced case sizes. “It’s nice to see the sizes normalizing a bit,” says Udell. “It combines the old with the new.” This has certainly been a recipe for success for London Jewelers, which will celebrate its centenary in 2026.

With more than 270 employees, London Jewelers “still has a mom-and-pop feel to it, as much as we can maintain it,” says Udell. As one of the last remaining family-owned luxury jewelers, the retailer prides itself on providing exceptional customer service. “If a customer has a problem,” he says, “our name is on the line.”

— Hyla Bauer

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Delicate delights: Randi Udell Alper, vice president of London Jewelers, says smaller models are big

Coveted comeback

“The Cartier Baignoire is definitely the hottest watch at the moment. This mini model revival style exudes French flair with its signature oval face. Women are becoming feminine and slim again, and this bangle can make a minimalist statement on its own or fit perfectly with a stack of other bracelets.”

Just desserts

“I love the new, more delicate version of this Rolex – its rich chocolate dial is highlighted with diamonds. It’s pretty versatile; The classic gold bracelet can be easily worn from game to party.”

Chic secret

“This magnificent model from Bulgari does double duty: it is both luxurious jewelry and a timepiece. Behind the gold bracelet, the octagonal antique coin-studded case opens to reveal a stunning pavé diamond watch. A big wow!”

Sporty chic

“Some women are looking for something they can wear from tennis to dinner, and the new Aquanaut fits the bill. It’s casual-cool with the blue-grey dial and patterned composite strap, but given an elegant touch by the rose gold case.”

—Anne Bratskeir

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Back to the future: Scott Udell, vice president of London Jewelers, sees a retro revival

Subtle splendor

“The Patek Golden Ellipse was introduced decades ago and has always been considered a symbol of true luxury. That still holds true, and this latest style, with its crisp black sunray dial and rose gold, features a reinvented matching chain bracelet. It is an exceptional piece that enthusiastic collectors covet.”

Haute history

“This was the final design by watchmaker Gérald Charles Genta, one of the world’s most famous watch designers, whose work includes prototypes for many other high-end brands. Due to its artistry and uniqueness, it is very popular among athletes and true connoisseurs.”

Hero worship

“The Rolex GMT-Master II, nicknamed “Bruce Wayne,” was originally released in 1982. With its new, subtle but attractive black and gray bezel, this watch is versatile and a true workhorse. Wear it when traveling, going swimming or going to a fancy dinner.”

Pink power

“This new version of Tudor’s Black Bay Chrono celebrates brand ambassadors Jay Chou (the pop star known for his hit song “Pink Ocean”) and David Beckham (co-owner of the pink jersey-wearing soccer team Inter Miami). If you can get your hands on one, it’s a great value for people looking for both quality and something daring.”

—Anne Bratskeir

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Everything at London Jewelers, 1988 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, LI