Solent Timepieces: Time for expansion as Portsmouth luxury watch specialist unveils new showroom

A Portsmouth luxury watch business that began with an investment in just two Rolex watches has unveiled a new multi-room showroom following significant growth.

Solent Timepieces, one of Portsmouth’s leading independent specialists in pre-owned luxury watches, has expanded its appointment-only showroom at Gatcombe House in Hilsea from one small room into three newly designed spaces.

The expansion was prompted by the company’s growing collection of watches, which includes brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet (AP) and Omega, as well as an increase in staff and a desire to offer customers a more personal and professional experience. A large part of the investment has also gone towards enhanced security throughout the showroom.

Founded by managing director Lewis Luxford and now run alongside his wife, financial director Amelia Luxford, Solent Timepieces has retained its family-run approach throughout its growth.

The company’s success over the years allowed Amelia to leave her role as a nursery manager and join the business in late 2024, giving the couple greater flexibility as they raise their young son.

Amelia said: “Growing the business together has been incredibly rewarding, but it is very important to us that Solent Timepieces retains the family values it was built on.

“We want customers to know who they are dealing with and to feel confident that they will receive honest advice and a genuinely personal service. The new showroom allows us to take the next step without losing the approach that has been at the heart of the business from the beginning.”

Visitors to the new showroom are welcomed into a dedicated reception area, where they can enjoy a drink before entering the main showroom to browse the latest watches. A private meeting room has also been created for customers to try on, buy, sell or part-exchange watches in a relaxed setting.

“Opening our new showroom marks an exciting new chapter for Solent Timepieces. We have put a huge amount of care into every detail of the showroom and are incredibly proud of the finished space,” said Lewis.

“Portsmouth is our home, so remaining here was very important to us. We are proud to be investing in the city and want to create somewhere customers can enjoy the experience of buying or selling a luxury watch without needing to travel further afield.

“We look forward to welcoming our valued customers, old and new, as we enter this exciting new chapter.”

The new Solent Timepieces showroom is now open by appointment at Gatcombe House, Copnor Road, Hilsea, Portsmouth, PO3 5EJ.

For more information or to arrange an appointment, visit solenttimepieces.co.uk.