He began collecting vintage Rolex, Cartier and Omega watches, studying forums and books, examining dials and movements, and learning from watches he handled. In 2020, a Tudor watch he had given his close friend Andy during cancer treatment came back to James after Andy’s death. It was a turning point. He founded Robin Henry Watches in February 2021 to pursue the work he loved.
‘I am a watch collector first, and the business is second,’ says James. Years of searching taught him to value originality, condition, provenance and honest advice.
The experience James wanted as a collector was missing in Guernsey: a place to buy properly-prepared vintage and pre-owned watches, with the option to sell or part exchange one later. He started by sourcing watches at competitive prices for clients and building relationships one watch at a time. He joined Martin & Martin when its High Street store opened in June 2025.
Their shared values and dedication to clients made it a natural partnership; James remains grateful that they saw RHW’s potential and gave it room to grow. Building on its success in Guernsey, a Jersey location opens this month.
The showroom holds around 50 vintage and modern pre-owned luxury watches, with a focus on neo-vintage Rolex, Cartier and Omega from the 1980s to the early 2000s. James selects watches for their condition, originality and value, and can source sought-after pieces beyond the showroom.
His experience spans a remarkable range, including the recent sale of a rare sand-gold Audemars Piguet Flying Tourbillon for £465,000.
Every watch offered for sale is personally inspected and authenticated by James, who uses specialist equipment alongside the knowledge gained from handling thousands of watches. Watches requiring service work are supported by the business’s workshop in Jersey. Under RHW Assured, every watch is authenticated, prepared, documented and guaranteed by James, with a 12-month warranty.
Clients can sell a watch outright, part exchange it against another, or discuss a watch they would like James to find. He can often assess a watch, make an offer and pay for it on the spot, or agree a part exchange there and then. He also offers private appointments in the lounge above the Guernsey showroom and can visit clients by arrangement.
For James, the invitation is straightforward – come into the shop and talk watches. Whether a client has collected for years or is considering a first special purchase, they will deal directly with the person who selects and stands behind the watches.
Visit Robin Henry Watches inside Martin & Martin, 30 High Street, St Peter Port, Monday to Saturday, 9am–5pm. To browse watches or book a private appointment, visit robinhenrywatches.com.
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