Laings opens new watch service centre in Glasgow

UK-based luxury family jeweller Laings has launched a new watch service centre in Glasgow following its £5m investment programme.

The new centre, which is the first of its kind in Scotland, has been delivered through a £1.1m outlay.

It comes as part of a wider £5m programme of works by Laings, which also includes the complete design and fit out of a brand new, multi-floor flagship store due to open later this year and full refurbishment of its head office, all located within the Rowan House building on Buchanan Street in Glasgow.

The new 1500 sq ft site comprises a private reception area and “cutting-edge” workshop and will provide clients from across the UK with a “modern”, “purpose built” destination for all their timepiece servicing requirements. Luxury watches including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, Longines and Omega can all be serviced on site in the Glasgow centre.

Under the professional management of Serena Gough, services director at Laings, with space for eleven watchmakers, three technicians, three polishers and a final quality control technician, the team is responsible for carrying out complete servicing, maintenance services, refurbishment and adjustments to the watches Laings works with.

Included in these roles are opportunities for apprentice watchmakers and trainees within the world of watchmaking. Laings has hired four people completely new to the field – one of whom is currently studying at the British School of Watchmaking, which is helping to train the next generation of watchmakers.

The UK service centre can service up to 10 timepieces at any one time and expects to carry out more than 2000 in its first year of operation. Laings now has plans in place to open a further Rolex Authorised Service Centre in its new store in Southampton, which opened last year following a relocation to larger premises within the Westquay Shopping Centre.

Stuart McDowell, managing director of Laings, said: “This is a truly pivotal time for us as a business. The launch of our pioneering UK service centre marks the latest step in a proud journey of delivering the highest levels of skilled craftsmanship and underpins our drive for excellence in client servicing and care across our operations.

“It is a reflection of our continued commitment to invest in our people, to breathe new life into the ancient craft of horology and to secure its future for generations to come.”

Gough added: “When Laings was founded in 1840, it was a company based on the skills of clockmaking, watchmaking and goldsmithing. In the present day, we are continuing to invest in the skills, talent, passions and expertise that shape those crafts, housed within a collaborative and innovative environment.

“Aside from being the largest service centre owned by an independent jeweller in the UK and the first in Scotland, it is a privilege to work alongside our incredibly talented team, who are all focused on delivering excellence in both the work that they do and the precious timepieces that they are preserving.”