City-based watch enthusiasts in particular should be happy to learn that The Royal Exchange, the luxury shopping and dining destination located near Bank, reopened last week. With just online watch retailers’ sites to trawl during lockdown, the horologically inclined can now satisfy their passion to see and feel timepieces in the flesh, and experience the fun of trying them on their wrists for real rather than virtually.

The Royal Exchange is an excellent one-stop location for viewing a wide range of watches both new and vintage from a large number of prestigious watchmakers and retailers. Brand boutiques open for business now include Omega, Montblanc, Tiffany & Co, Bamford and Georg Jensen. Alongside its beautiful jewellery, Boodles displays pieces from Patek Philippe collections, while Watches of Switzerland offers a range of collections from famous watchmaking houses, including Rolex and Breguet, and look out for Royal Exchange Jewellers, presenting luxury pre-owned pieces, including Rolex, Cartier and Breitling. It’s advisable to call before arriving at The Royal Exchange, as most stores are offering appointments for personal customer service, while all have put in place carefully considered measures that prioritise the health and wellbeing of staff and visitors.

Reopening soon will be Bremont and Watchfinder & Co for pre-owned timepieces, Halcyon Days for fashion watches, and Searle & Co for own-brand and vintage pieces. Now you can enjoy some real-time retail therapy, head to The Royal Exchange for a pleasing horological exploration.

theroyalexchange.co.uk