Majors

Watches of Switzerland Scoops Up Independents Amid Expansion

MajorsNov 10, 2021

Watches of Switzerland Scoops Up Independents Amid Expansion

The company is widening its U.S. footprint, acquiring stores from Ben Bridge, Betteridge, and Timeless Luxury Watches.

20211110_Watches of Switzerland header.jpg
Watches of Switzerland has a new store in the Mall of America after acquiring the location from Ben Bridge as part of its North American expansion.
New York—Watches of Switzerland just acquired five stores belonging to leading independent watch retailers in the U.S. as it continues its North American expansion.

The company scooped up Ben Bridge at Mall of America outside of Minneapolis-St.Paul; Timeless Luxury Watches in Plano, Texas; and three Betteridge stores in Greenwich, Connecticut, and Vail and Aspen, Colorado.

Terry Betteridge, who was recently inducted into National Jeweler’s Retailer Hall of Fame, and his family will continue operating the location in Palm Beach, Florida.

The acquisition prices were not disclosed, but the combined annual revenue from the five acquisitions is approximately $100 million, according to a company spokesperson.

“Each location offers exceptional opportunities for expanded growth, along with a valuable influx of existing watch clientele,” the company said in a press release about the acquisitions.

Watches of Switzerland’s acquired stores will benefit from the brand’s “unique and specialized approach to sales and customer service that includes creating immersive retail environments, supported with dynamic marketing, experiential activations, and social engagement.”

20211110_Watches of Switzerland insert.jpg
Watches of Switzerland has acquired three Betteridge stores, including this one in Vail, Colorado.

The stores will also have access to its network of resources, including its namesake brand, Analog Shift, Mayors, Mappin & Webb, and Goldsmiths.

As part of the expansion plan, the Ben Bridge and Timeless locations will be converted into Watches of Switzerland boutiques, while the acquired Betteridge locations will continue to operate under their own name for the “immediate future.”

The Betteridge store in Greenwich will be the company’s largest boutique in North America by square footage.

Terry Betteridge will take on an advisory role as Watches of Switzerland looks to integrate the multi-generational family business into its portfolio.

“In many ways, this seems like a return to our roots for Betteridge, with my family coming to the U.S. from England in 1892, bringing with them generations’ worth of metalworking skills,” said Terry Betteridge.

“I’m honored to be able to bring the experts of my house, the craftsmen and generational tradition of excellence, to join Watches of Switzerland. Being a valued part of their global network will allow for the greater world to experience what makes Betteridge so special.”

The Betteridge boutiques will continue to carry jewelry, including from brands like Chanel, Buccellati, Verdura, and Marco Bicego.

Watches of Switzerland began its U.S. expansion in 2017, when it acquired Mayors’ chain of stores from Birks.

 Related stories will be right here … 

The opening of its first U.S. flagship in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood followed.

“After three years of strong foundational growth in the U.S. market, these acquisitions and new openings are directly in line with the projections we forecasted in our long-range plan,” said Brian Duffy, CEO of Watches of Switzerland Group. 

“Through focused investment on new projects and acquisitions, we continue our geographical diversification in order to solidify our position as the preeminent leader in the U.S. market.”

A new Watches of Switzerland store also opened in Kenwood, Ohio.

The newly acquired stores, combined with its new and existing stores and Mayors boutiques, will give the company a retail footprint in the Northeast, South, Midwest and Mountain regions and operations in four new states.

It will increase its U.S. employee count by 75, through both retention and new hires. All current employees of the acquired stores were retained, said a company spokesperson.

As of Oct. 31, the Watches of Switzerland Group had 158 stores across the U.K. and the U.S., including 46 dedicated mono-brand stores in partnership with Rolex, TAG Heuer, Omega, Breitling, Audemars Piguet, Tudor, and Fope.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Jade Ruzzo Tennessee Drop Earrings
CollectionsFeb 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Ruzzo’s ‘Tennessee’ Oval Drop Earrings

Heidi Gardner, an SNL cast member, wore the smoky quartz earrings on the “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” red carpet on Sunday.

Rough emerald mined by Gemfields
SourcingFeb 21, 2025
Zambia Lifts 15% Export Duty on Gemstones, Metals

The reversal comes less than two months after the Zambian government reinstated the tax in an effort to bring in more money.

A polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Anglo Writes Down Value of De Beers by $2.9B

As anticipated, Anglo took another impairment charge on the diamond miner and marketer, which saw revenue sink 23 percent in 2024.

Header Image.jpg
Brought to you by
Get Ready for the JA New York Spring Show

This year will feature a new MJSA Showcase and partnership with Piazza Italia.

The 2.33-carat fancy red “Winston Red” diamond
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
Harry Winston’s Son Donates Fancy Red Diamond to the Smithsonian

Ronald Winston is giving the 2.33-carat “Winston Red” to the Smithsonian, 67 years after his father donated the Hope Diamond.

Weekly QuizFeb 21, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Kirit Bhansali
SourcingFeb 20, 2025
GJEPC Names New Chairman, Vice Chairman

Kirit Bhansali, a partner in Smital Gems and chairman of India Jewellery Park, will take on the role of chairman.

Alisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, Seth Shipley
IndependentsFeb 20, 2025
IJO Elects 4 New Board Members

Alisha Cornett, Nic Faini, Eric Stevens, and Seth Shipley have joined the organization’s board of directors for a three-year term.

Top Image.png
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored Gems

Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?

Brink’s Truck
CrimeFeb 19, 2025
Brink’s to Pay $42M After Admitting to Illegally Transporting Money

The company has to pay the Justice Department and FinCEN for violating the Bank Secrecy Act, the U.S.’s main anti-money laundering law.

The Finsch diamond mine in South Africa
SourcingFeb 19, 2025
Diamond Mining Company CEO Steps Down Amid Sales Slump, Layoffs

Petra Diamonds Ltd. CEO Richard Duffy resigned as the diamond miner reported a 30 percent drop in sales to start its fiscal year.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsFeb 19, 2025
The Smart Lab: Maximizing Your Jewelry Brand on Pinterest

Pinterest is a potential gold mine for jewelry brands, Emmanuel Raheb writes, provided they follow these five tips.

Swarovski NYC flagship Ariana Grande collab
CollectionsFeb 19, 2025
Swarovski’s NYC Flagship Celebrates Ariana Grande Collab

The store’s facade now features the iconic swan logo and campaign images of the “Wicked” star.

Stock image of loose polished diamonds
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2025
New Customs Requirements for Diamond Imports: What We Know

Beginning in April, companies importing diamonds into the United States will have to list the country in which the diamonds were mined.

 Fabergé Animals
AuctionsFeb 18, 2025
A Menagerie of Fabergé Coming to Sotheby’s

Around 30 whimsical Fabergé animal carvings will go up for auction at Sotheby’s Geneva in May.

Celine Assimon, departing CEO of De Beers Jewellers
SourcingFeb 18, 2025
Celine Assimon Stepping Down as CEO of De Beers Jewellers

Assimon will be leaving at the end of February after nearly five years with De Beers.

Tabayer Men’s Oera Collection Selections
CollectionsFeb 18, 2025
Tabayer Debuts Its First Men’s Jewelry Selections

Designs from the brand’s “Oera” collection have been reimagined with modern masculinity in mind.

Navneet montana sapphire
SourcingFeb 14, 2025
Navneet Gems Now Offering Unheated Montana Sapphires

The wholesale collection features material from the Rock Creek mine in a variety of colors.

Theresa Caputo &LIVY jewelry
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Carolyn Rafaelian Partners with ‘Long Island Medium’ Star

The “Divinely Guided” collection, created in collaboration with Theresa Caputo, features symbols that celebrate the power of connection.

Lorraine West Diamond Open Heart Ring
CollectionsFeb 14, 2025
Piece of the Week: Lorraine West’s Diamond ‘Open Heart’ Ring

Show some love on Valentine’s Day with this 14-karat yellow gold ring that features pavé diamonds.

Surveillance image of Macy’s jewelry thief
CrimeFeb 13, 2025
Macy’s Employee Foils $1.5M Jewelry Theft

The employee confronted the thief, causing the suspect to flee and leave behind the suitcases full of jewelry.

Namdia rough diamonds
SourcingFeb 13, 2025
Namibian Diamond Co. Suspends CEO, COO After Deadly Heist

Namib Desert Diamonds also put its security manager on leave following last month’s robbery that left one employee dead.

Spectrum and Cutting Edge Buyer’s Choice awards
Events & AwardsFeb 13, 2025
AGTA Announces Buyer’s Choice Award Winners for Spectrum, Cutting Edge

AGTA recently concluded its 2025 GemFair event in Tucson and is already gearing up for next year’s show, set for Feb. 2-6, 2026.

Royal Chain models in 14-karat gold fashion links
CollectionsFeb 13, 2025
Royal Chain Releases Its Spring 2025 Catalog

More than 400 new pieces are featured in the supplier’s latest catalog.

Azra Mehdi pink sapphire ombré heart dog tag necklace in 14-karat rose gold
TrendsFeb 13, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Hearts for Valentine’s Day

This curation celebrates love with heart-shaped jewelry of all shapes and sizes.

Jewelers Relief Fund logo
Policies & IssuesFeb 13, 2025
Jewelers Relief Fund Reopened to Aid Victims of LA Fires

The fund is collecting money for jewelry businesses damaged by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

3 natural diamond engagement rings by Marrow Fine, Stephanie Gottlieb, Single Stone, and Sylvie Jewelry
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025

From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.

Jean Prounis cushion-cut diamond engagement ring
EditorsFeb 12, 2025
Q&A: Marion Fasel on the History of Diamond Engagement Rings

Fasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy