Laura Warrilow has rejoined Fellows as Head of Watches, marking a significant homecoming for the former department head.
During her first tenure, she helped shape Fellows into a major force in UK watch auctions.
Now, after more than a decade with the Watches of Switzerland Group – where she helped grow its pre-owned division into a market leader – she returns with fresh vision and unrivalled experience.
Square Mile: What drew you back to Fellows?
Laura Warrilow: Fellows always held a place in my heart – it’s such a fantastic family business to be a part of. When I was first employed by Stephen and Jayne, I was only the 19th employee to be taken on in Birmingham, after which the business grew extensively.
During my first time around at Fellows, I was given many opportunities to expand on my knowledge and to develop enormously in a professional capacity – something I’ll always be grateful for.
Since my stint away, the business has continued to grow and to give all colleagues the same opportunity to grow. We now have a beautiful townhouse in Mayfair, where I will be spending time every week to assist with any viewings for the upcoming auctions.
I would also say the biggest change is that the majority of our auctions are now run entirely online. Many of our clients are choosing to bid from home, which is a completely new way of interacting with auction bidders for me.
When your team is eager, energised, and enthusiastic about what they do, they will flourish.
SM: Your first tenure at Fellows helped transform the watch department – do you see this new chapter as unfinished business, or a whole new era?
LW: This is a whole new era – and an exciting one at that. I’m happy to say there are many opportunities for me to explore across the business, not just within the watch department. I am so excited to be a part of the team that will take Fellows into its next 150 years.
SM: You’ve just come from Watches of Switzerland, where you built a pre-owned division from the ground up. What are the biggest lessons you’ll be bringing with you?
LW: For me, it’s about having the right people in the business. When your team is eager, energised, and enthusiastic about what they do, they will flourish.
SM: Which watch trends are you personally most excited about right now?
LW: There are some very interesting brands out there, which are really in their infancy in terms of where watchmaking is concerned. The likes of MB&F, I personally find fascinating. They design and craft ‘radical concept’ watches, which really are works of art.
Eric Rossier
SM: You’ve worked across both retail and auction – what are the key differences in how collectors engage with each?
LW: I do believe that collectors and watch connoisseurs, particularly those looking for that one-off timepiece of interest, will go down the route of auction to procure the timepiece of their dreams. Clients engaging with the retail sector are quite often looking to purchase a nomination watch.
SM: There’s often a romanticism to buying vintage at auction. What would you say to someone eyeing their first serious watch bid?
LW: Have fun! I’d recommend that you set yourself a limit for how much you’re willing to bid. It is easy to get carried away.
SM: Do you remember the first watch you fell in love with? Do you still have it?
LW: My very first Swiss watch was a bi-colour Tag Heuer Aquaracer. I was lucky enough to receive it as a gift when I was 16 (many years ago). I do still have it, although it is extremely tired-looking now – something to which I can relate.
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