Meet our retail manager…Arif Mughal
He’s very new to our Epping team but he’s been enjoying selling some of our favourite watches. We sat Arif Mughal down to ask him all about his ultimate watch and who he has sold to in the celebrity world.
What’s the most unusual watch you’ve seen here since you arrived?
We get a fair few unusual items through the doors here but I’d say the Bovet Sportster Saguaro SP0420 Limited Edition is definitely up there as there’s only one available globally – and we have it in stock just now!
It has a rose gold and baguette diamond large case – the size totally throws it apart from the others. A jewel that happens to tell the time. It is really smart, with a black dial, chronograph function and automatic movement. I like it because it’s unique and from an already niche watchmaker producing eclectic and prestigious pieces.
What’s the favourite watch you’ve sold?
It’s another limited edition – the RM07-01 Automated Coloured Ceramic. There are only 50 pieces out there. Richard Mille is known for its complex tonneau cases, openworked movements and a bold use of colour. I like something different – and these would certainly make someone stand out in a crowd.
I love these coloured ceramics – the models were light blue with turquoise accents; a pastel pink with purple and blue highlights and a lavender with red and orange elements. While they’re designed to be ladies’ watches, the thickness and length are substantial enough for any wrist.
If money was no object, which watch would you buy?
That’s very easy! Without a doubt my choice would be the Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phase 5712-1A. It’s an absolutely stunning watch. With the rounded octagonal shape of its bezel, the ingenious porthole construction of its case, and its horizontally embossed dial, the Nautilus is so classy. It was produced in steel, rose gold, white gold or two-tone combinations.
I could dress it up with a suit or wear it out casually and it would never look out of place – now or in 100 years. It’s a classic design that has withstood the test of time. Along with its rich history and heritage, it’s a true icon.
If someone comes into the store wanting to buy their first watch, what do you recommend?
Opening the gateway to entry level luxury watches, I’d say a good first choice would be a Cartier Tank Solo. It’s relatively inexpensive but holds a classic and timeless aesthetic. It comes in a multitude of leather strap options as well as larger case options with mechanical movements.
Its modest, modern design made it an instant hit from the minute it appeared in the Tank collection, and of course there are lots of celebrity – and royal – fans of the watch. I like the fact there are plenty of reworks of the original too, with a number of variations like gold, steel, pink dial and even a python motif.
What do you like about working in the industry?
Having had a varied background of handling high-end luxury goods in London’s most prestigious stores, watches had always been an alluring and undiscovered landscape.
It closely mirrors and goes hand in hand with the jewellery industry, which I’ve moved over from.
I’ve always connected with people and helped them on their buying journey and often would end up talking watches, so what started as innocent inquisition ended up being a passion for high horology! So when the chance came up to work at Luxe Watches I jumped at the opportunity. I’m really enjoying meeting our customers and helping them find the perfect timepiece.
Have you ever served a celebrity?
I haven’t met a celebrity at Luxe Watches but I have no doubt I will! However, I have come across many celebrities during my career. One of the most recent ones was J.K.Rowling who purchased a beautiful sapphire ring from me – and she’s certainly a person who knows what she likes. She said she was looking for something that was indifferent to anything else and at the time we had organically-cut sapphire rings which she took a liking to.