Wempe: A Legacy as Dazzling as their Diamonds
Known just as much for their personalized service as their precious timepieces and jewelry collections, Wempe has continued to stand out ever since they first opened in 19th century Germany.
If you’ve passed by the New York Wempe flagship store on Fifth Avenue, you might have noticed a bit of a crowd gathered by the windows. That’s because the brand puts major emphasis on their amazing display windows which stretch over half a city block at 55th street at the ground level of the venerable Hotel Peninsula – and things only get better when you walk into the space which features 22 of the best luxury watch brands flanked by dedicated showrooms for Patek Philippe and Rolex. This all makes for an inviting environment where dazzling displays showcase everything from statement pieces to everyday jewelry to brands like Messika and Wellendorff. What might have started out as a watch repair company after establishing their headquarters in Hamburg in 1878, Wempe quickly became one of the leading jewelers of the region, especially famous for their specialized custom creations.
Hellmut Wempe officially took over the company in 1963 as the third-generation owner, spearheading the international expansion 40 years ago, and his daughter, Kim, became the first ever woman to take the reins in 2003. Her two children, Scott and Chiara, have just entered the company to ensure the brand’s legacy will continue and stay within the family.
Wempe not only produces their very own watch brand in Glashuette, Germany, but Kim’s love for classic jewelry has made her own thoughtfully designed pieces one of the biggest contributors to Wempe’s financial success. Her BY KIM line, which is now in its 22nd year, has put Wempe jewelry on the map. Kim is indeed leading Wempe in an even more elevated direction while preserving their old ways. “She’s keeping the traditions of her ancestors but enhancing the brand moving forward,” explains Wempe Vice President Michaela Kesselman. “We are proud to have state-of-the-art production capacities in our jewelry atelier in Schwäbisch Gmünd, a historic city in the South of Germany.”
Many of Kim’s creations have won international nominations and awards, including those judged by their peers. Wempe even
created their own diamond cut which is composed of 137 facets – 80 more than the classic round brilliant diamond with eternally flawless clarity, of course. Daily Garden is one of their latest collections to celebrate the uniqueness of the individual wearer.
“Wempe has become the go-to place in New York for watch and jewelry enthusiasts, steadily attracting new clients in every age group while maintaining relationships with existing customers.” says Kesselman. “It all starts with a consultation, building trust and confidence. We take great pride in the kind of personal touch we bring onto the sales floor. Clients immediately feel the positive energy within the store. We go all out; ‘no’ is not an option. We offer special hand engraving, extended warranties, and personal delivery. And of course, our well-known service department featuring four master watchmakers is known to perform small miracles daily.”
This family company also services generations of customers within the same family, and let’s just say that if you can dream it, they can design it – or redesign it. “If you have something that is meaningful to you or has been passed down to you, we will be able to capture that and create a beautiful piece,” says Melanie Epstein, who is also a Vice President at Wempe US. “When it comes to watch-collecting, the sky is the limit. “We recently had a client on the Upper East Side who integrated custom made spy glass into one of his walls with 200 watch winders. The possibilities are endless, and anything goes.”
When it comes to wowing watch connoisseurs, Wempe’s Collector’s Salon, located on the lower level of the showroom, presents a wide array of watch winders and safes featuring James Bond-like gadgets including bullet-proof, retracting glass and built-in stereo systems. If you like to take watch collecting (and storing) to a whole other level, you must come see, and experience, what they have to offer.
From the high-end brands they sell, including Rolex, Cartier and Jaeger-LeCoultre, to their own bespoke custom collections, as well as a tightknit and very experienced team, Wempe’s shining success continues almost 145 years since its inception. Their president, Ruediger (Rudy) Albers, who is currently celebrating his 35th anniversary with the firm, is credited with pioneering the brand’s success in the U.S. “It is due to his dedication, foresight and leadership that we have been able to build the most successful store within the entire company,” says Melanie. “I met Rudy when I was just 27 years old in Hamburg and a simple handshake back then led to me now becoming vice president. He was grooming us, leading by example, and always focusing on the customer experience. He instilled in us the importance of delivering the highest level of hospitality and uncompromising integrity.”
This beloved watch and jewelry brand, which is represented in 34 locations worldwide, including London, Paris, Vienna, Madrid and in all major cities Germany, just celebrated their e-commerce launch, so customers can now purchase items through their online shop 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Experience the dazzling difference when things are done the Wempe way.
wempe.com
