Citywealth Leaders List, 60 seconds interview – Samantha Haizelden, Watch Concierge Services

Date: 02 Jul 2025

Karen Jones

This week’s 60-second Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to Samantha Haizelden, Founder of Watch Concierge Services.

Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.

I founded Watch Concierge Services five years ago, as a way of helping watch enthusiasts with any watch queries they may have. The majority of my work involves selling clients’ watches on their behalf, but I also assist with servicing and repairs, sourcing watches, or random requests like straps, shipping, or just being on hand to give advice.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I find that I’m most productive first thing, so I usually fire up the laptop and catch up on emails. I’ll try to get to the gym mid-morning, and then back to jump on a train to London for a few client appointments in the afternoon. And I love a watch event! I try to go to as many as possible – it’s a great way to catch up with friends and introduce myself to potential clients.

Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.

I was recently contacted by a keen watch enthusiast to help him sell 50 watches from his collection. Working with trusted contacts within my network, we were able to recommend the best option for each watch, whether it was listing the watch for sale online, offering it to interested buyers, or consigning it with an auction.

What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?

Often, my clients are unsure of the safest way to buy and sell watches, and I’m able to offer a variety of options to help. By selling their watch on consignment with Watch Concierge Services, it takes the stress out of them trying to sell their watch themselves, and offers them a better return than if they were to sell directly to a watch dealer.

What is your proudest professional achievement?

Even after five years, I still feel a level of imposter syndrome, so I try to remind myself of the small achievements – the client who entrusted me to sell his A. Lange & Söhne and then finding the right buyer for it, repairing the sentimental watch that was “beyond repair”, writing a blog post for the website that people enjoy reading, or a new 5* review. I feel proud that my business is continuing to grow, be recognised and trusted within the watch industry.

What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?

Emotional intelligence is so important. Understanding how you express yourself, and then tuning in to the individual needs of the team.

Who do you most admire and why?

I was fortunate enough to work closely with Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, re-founder and owner of the Fears Watch Company Limited. His approach to business is exemplary – he’s extremely hard-working, has excellent attention to detail, is very strategic with his business decisions, leads a dedicated team, and always talks passionately about his brand. In addition to that, while working with him on a part-time basis, he put time aside to mentor me when Watch Concierge Services was still very young.

Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?

I was kindly invited to Manchester a few weeks ago to watch Soccer Aid at Old Trafford, hosted by Norqain watches. It was such a fun afternoon with the opportunity to get hands-on with the watches, spend time with friends and meet new contacts as well. I also love travelling to Geneva for the watch auctions and hope to go back later in the year.  

If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?

I think I’d find something to do with food and fitness. I enjoy learning how nutrition and exercise can shape our lives.

How do you relax after a long day?

Can I say wine? Ideally, with good company, nice food and in an idyllic setting.

Read other Citywealth Leaders List profiles