The Time Line

“It just makes things a little slower and people are more conscious about their purchase,” he states,on a brief stopover in Delhi. In the capital for a wedding,Asprey’s itinerary includes meeting potential customers and designers. “We already have clients from India at our store in London,but we want more,” he adds,as he runs through a list of erstwhile Indian royalty – including the maharaja of Patiala,Jaipur and Mysore — whom his family designed for,before the over 200-year-old company specialising in watches and jewellery,was sold to Prince Jefri Bolkiah in 1995. Though he had to re-establish some connections,William says he managed to retain several clients and vendors when he established William & Son in 1999. “They had confidence in our family,” smiles Asprey,43.

While his flagship store at the tony Mount Street in London has exquisite watches,jewellery,silver,leather goods and crystal,the gun room adjacent to it has silver inlaid shotguns and rifles. “We renovated the store last year to improve the lightening and focus on the products,” notes the luxury retailer,who was also recently granted the royal warrant to HM Queen Elizabeth II. “You have to supply to the royal family for five years before getting the warrant,” adds his chief executive Lou McLeod,as she flips through a catalogue,pointing to a range of luxury products,from a black crocodile Pyramid bag priced £4,535 ,to an 18-carat white gold and diamond-studded Charles Oudin watch priced at £21,855. .

It also has an image of Asprey’s most prized possession and his recent purchase,a H Moser & Cie watch. “I have it with me during the trip,” he smiles,as he opens a case to show the wristwatch.

It has been close to 10 years since he lost the right to trade under his family name after a legal battle,but Asprey would like to reclaim the right. “I don’t want any debt of the firm though,” he quips. The fascination for old ties,also has him scouting for products supplied by Asprey when his family owned it. “I purchased some silver and cigarette boxes from antique dealers and individuals. It is my history,” he states. Back in England next week,he won’t be home for long,as he travels to Switzerland for business soon. Reportedly,Asprey was recently commissioned to design a hand-crafted crocodile backgammon set to match the décor of a yacht and a British banker spent £12,000 on a watch at his store. “We have been fortunate,” he smiles.