Exquisite Edinburgh
The recent launch of the Rolex Room in Hamilton & Inches’ newly-refurbished store on George Street has created a must-see destination for watch enthusiasts in the Capital
Buying a Rolex is a special occasion which can mark many momentous occasions in an individual’s life. When purchasing something as precious an iconic watch, it’s vital that the setting, service and experience are exceptional.
Hamilton & Inches recognises the significance of this purchase and its newly-refurbished store in Edinburgh, which opened on April 26, has created a destination for watch and jewellery enthusiasts keen to make the experience a special one.
A new Rolex Room sits at the heart of the revitalised fivestorey George Street building and is backed by an upgraded service department including a state-of-the-art Rolex-accredited workshop.
Victoria Houghton, Hamilton & Inches Chief Executive Officer, says that the needs of customers had shaped the redesign.
“People select Rolex watches for many different reasons,” she adds. “We find that our clients are often looking for a special piece that beautifully captures and commemorates an event or celebration, be that a long-awaited graduation, anniversary, birthday, or even something for themselves that they have worked hard to earn.
“We understand that purchasing a Rolex is an extremely special time and we are honoured to be a part of that journey and provide a space that makes the process even more enjoyable.
“The Hamilton & Inches team creates a memorable experience, with each visit tailored to our clients’ needs. From ensuring they feel comfortable, to listening to – and understanding – their requirements, taste, and preferences.”
The Rolex Room, which sits in the original garden courtyard of the Hamilton & Inches premises, is also further enhanced by a lifestyle area where clients can relax while browsing with a glass of champagne or coffee while VIP consultation rooms are available for a more intimate shopping experience.
Victoria says the showroom refurbishment, which took over three months to complete, had focused on creating a luxurious yet relaxed environment.
She adds: “Whether you’re just dropping by to browse or attending an appointment, we create a welcoming environment which makes people feel at home in our showroom.
“Our beautifully curated lifestyle area creates a space for clients to relax while browsing, and our VIP consultation rooms offer an intimate setting for a more private and discreet shopping experience.”
New service desks have been placed throughout the showroom – enabling many repairs to be carried out in the building, thanks to an on-site workshop headed by accredited Rolex watchmaker, Toby Barrett – to ensure trusted customer-facing expertise.
Hamilton & Inches has a longestablished relationship with Rolex and the latest refurbishment has further strengthened ties between the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer and Hamilton & Inches’ customers.
Victoria believes that the Rolex Room backs her company’s culture of building long-term relationships with clients.
She said: “Rolex is an iconic and revered brand and we wanted to ensure our Rolex Room encapsulated the essence of that, creating a familiar setting for returning clients or a comfortable space to educate and provide the ultimate experience for first-time buyers.
“We want people to put their trust in Hamilton & Inches as we work with them at each step of the purchasing process and throughout after-sales care. We aren’t simply selling an
“Rolexi san iconic and reveredbrandand wewantedtoensure ourrolexroom encapsulated theessenceofthat”
incredible Rolex watch – we have the expertise, skills and facilities to create a meaningful long-term relationship, and our dedicated Rolex Room is an essential part of this.”
Hamilton & Inches is an
Edinburgh institution, founded in 1866, and has occupied its current George Street base since 1952.
Craft is very much at the core of the company and, having started out with its own silver workshops, it continues to employ highlyskilled craftsmen who curate contemporary pieces using traditional techniques.
Knowledge is passed down the generations with master polishers, watchmakers, silversmiths and engravers all taking on knowledge and skills from those who held the posts before them.
Hamilton & Inches was first granted a Royal Warrant more than 120 years ago, and in 2010 it was appointed “Silversmiths and Clock Specialists to her Majesty The Queen”.
Victoria explains that the brand was always closely tied to the identity of Edinburgh, saying:
“Hamilton & Inches has stood the test of time, with 155 years of passion, artistry, and dedication to craftsmanship.
“As a dynamic, independent business we are constantly investing in our future, ensuring we preserve our heritage while also showcasing our broad, contemporary offering, from handcrafted pieces made in our on-site workshop, to leading global brands such as Rolex. All of which has embedded us within the Edinburgh community and ensured we continue to be a premiere destination for fine jewellery and luxury watches.”
The Hamilton & Inches refurbishment has sensitively renovated every part of the
Georgian building with a focus on making the central Edinburgh store a destination point for people all over the country seeking a special item of jewellery or watch.
Customers approaching the revamped building will be met with a new curved-glass storefront, complemented by Breccia Violetta marble and an antique bronze finish. New interior features include restored marble pillars and detailing which accentuates historic elements of the Georgian ceiling, alongside chandelier lighting which shines out on to George Street.
The new showroom, created by award-winning design practice Waldo Works, features uninterrupted display areas curated to suit the store’s collections. The focal point is a hand-crafted silver Ginkgo leaf installation fitted above the diamond bar which was created by Hamilton & Inches’ master craftspeople.
Upgrades have also taken place throughout the three floors above the showroom, which continue to be occupied by the team’s master craftspeople and their apprentices.
Victoria, who joined the company in 2018 and has led the refurbishment, says: “Our renovation project plan was in place long before the pandemic and an important part of our business strategy.
“We’re confident in our team, our business and the luxury retail market and we wanted to continue on track.
“We’re an independent business and we saw the value in investing in the renovation, not only for the business but for our clients, who see Hamilton & Inches as an experience, a destination.”
For more information on the new Hamilton & Inches store at
87 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 3EY, visit hamiltonand inches.com or follow their Twitter (@hamiltoninches), Facebook (hamiltonandinches) or Instagram (@hamiltoninches) social media channels.
“Weunderstandthat purchasingarolexisan extremelyspecial time,andweare honouredtobeapart ofthatjourney”