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FHH | A Talk With London: A Unique Watchmaking Experience
A talk with London

A TALK WITH LONDON. A TALK WITH LONDON. A TALK WITH LONDON. A TALK WITH LONDON. A TALK WITH LONDON

A TALK WITH LONDON. A TALK WITH LONDON. A TALK WITH LONDON. A TALK WITH LONDON

25 March 2025

A Talk With London

A talk with

In its ongoing mission to engage new audiences, Watches and Culture by FHH hosted its first-ever community meet-up in London, bringing the digital community together for a live edition of its A Talk With series.

Held at Kave London on 13th March, this afterwork event provided an intimate setting where industry professionals, collectors, journalists, influencers, and watch enthusiasts gathered to celebrate their shared passion for watchmaking.
 

At the heart of the evening was a panel discussion moderated by Scarlett Baker, featuring Francesca Grima, Emily Marsden, and Kate Lacey—three remarkable women whose journeys in watchmaking have been as unexpected as they are inspiring. Their conversation explored the emotional and personal connections people develop with their watches, moving beyond the financial value of timepieces to the deeper stories and attachments they hold.

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For Francesca Grima, Creative Director of Grima Jewellery, discovering the impact of her father’s, Andrew Grima’s, iconic Omega creations only came after meeting other collectors and immersing herself in the world of horology. Reflecting on the essence of watch collecting, she shared, “It’s more about people’s shared passion for watches than the watches themselves.” Her appreciation extends beyond the prestigious pieces she inherited; she finds equal joy in a quirky £100 watch with a sushi dial—one that doesn’t even tell the time but carries its own charm.

ATW_Kate Lacey

Kate Lacey, a buyer and valuer for David Duggan, Senior Consultant for Rosebery’s, and founder of The Shrew Shop, described how the watch community fosters friendships through shared passion. “Some watches really are meant for certain people. Through this hobby, you meet collectors who become friends. They learn your tastes and share watches with you that are meant for your wrist, ones you didn’t even know about,” she explained. Coming from a background in antique furniture, Kate recognised the same craftsmanship and intricate detailing in horology, drawing her deeper into the world of watches.

ATW_Emily Marsden

Emily Marsden, an enthusiast and collector, recounted how her love for watchmaking is driven by its technical and mechanical brilliance. “I’m fifteen years into the hobby but only eight months into having my channel, @secretdiaryofawatchgirl. But it’s become an obsession, and it’s really this mechanical side of the horological universe that speaks to me.” Her fascination began at the age of thirteen when she walked into Watches of Switzerland in her school uniform, eager to see a timepiece up close. That same curiosity led her to an amusing early encounter with watch collecting: “A boy in my school was wearing a fake Rolex. I went home that day and said to my Mom, ‘I’ve got to go on eBay and get one of these bad boys.’”

It’s more about people’s shared passion for watches than the watches themselves.

Francesca Grima

The panelists’ stories highlighted the unexpected journeys that brought them into the world of watches, emphasising that collecting is not just about ownership but about the emotional connection to each piece. Whether it is the thrill of acquiring a watch, the appreciation of its craftsmanship, or the friendships formed along the way, the discussion underscored how horology serves as a bridge between people.
 

Set against the warm, intimate backdrop of Kave London, a hidden speakeasy, the evening captured the essence of Watches and Culture by FHH—authentic, passionate, and refreshingly informal. The enthusiasm of the speakers was contagious, drawing the audience into a lively and insightful conversation that extended beyond the panel itself. Among the attendees was the renowned George Bamford, joining a crowd united by their fascination with watches, their stories, and their power to connect people across different backgrounds.

ATW_Kave London
Kave London 2

This inaugural London meet-up marks a significant milestone for Watches and Culture, reaffirming its to fostering dialogue, discovery, and engagement in the world of horology. More than just an event, it was a celebration of the human connections formed through timepieces, a sentiment best summed up by Francesca Grima’s words: “It’s more about people’s shared passion for watches than the watches themselves.”