In February of this year, when the forum was purchased by Christopher Ward London, I told you to watch out for some changes. The changes that have been visible to you so far have been minimal. I have been working behind the scenes with Mark at CWL to try and solve many issues that have developed over the past few years. We have made some strides and recently made some major advances that will allow us to actually do some things that will show in the near future.

I am announcing today, another major behind the scenes change.

As many of you know, I have been the service manager at a major retailer of watches for many years. I have recently left that position and entered semi-retirement to do something different. Semi-retirement didn't last long. I have accepted a new position with Christopher Ward.

As I write this I am in Maidenhead. I am contemplating all the exciting work I have in front of me. What work you ask? How can there be that much work when I will be in the USA and the towers are located in Maidenhead? The work is related to a new venture for myself and CWL. We will soon be announcing the opening of a showroom based on the same successful format at CW Towers. We hope to be open for appointments before Christmas. Rest assured, you will be advised.

Our hope is to, one day, be able to provide service in the USA. For now, the showroom will be focused on providing the same Christopher Ward purchasing experience to USA customers that the UK customers have come to know and admire.

The location will be outside of Boston with opening, exact location and hours to be announced soon.

What does this mean for the forum?

It means that I will be limiting some of my time here and be leaning more heavily on ianblyth, downer and Yoda to tend to the daily tasks at hand. I will continue with the behind the scenes work so may not be quite as visible as I have been.

Some may say this is a bad thing for the forum, just as many thought when we were purchased by CWL in February. I told you then that there would be no changes in editorial content. I think we have proved that. I am now telling you again, there will be no changes in editorial content. The forum will continue to operate independently of CWL. I view this as a good thing.

I will remain as Forum Administrator and shall do my best to dig out more tidbits and news from the inside of CWL that we could not get before. I want you to be the first to know anything regarding CW products and news etc.

Your existing “Moderator Team” remains in place and are still at your service if needed. They will continue to guide the daily activities inside here.

Please note that I am not going away. You may still contact me just as you always have. However, I do suggest that a moderator be your first choice if possible. You might get a quicker response.

I do hope you will come visit the new USA showroom when we are up and running.

Anyone for a USA GTG?

Sounds good Kip. Unless you'll be on here less.

By 'showroom' does that just mean people get to have a look at your collection?

Hmm - interesting!

Congrats on your new job

The very best of luck to you and this exciting challenge.

I personally think that this is fantastic news! For any company to grow, there has to be expansion. I'm glad to see that CWL is going to be providing services on this side of the pond now. I'm wondering if we are going to get our very own Wera.

A good move for you and CWL.

Congratulations, Kip! Sounds like a great move for both you and CWL and, I mean, who could be better qualified to run the USA showroom than you!?

New horizons, sounds great. The very best of luck to CW showroom in the US of A.

A Boston GTG is a fine idea, give us some notice so we can book tickets

Exciting times, congratulations Kip.

Good luck to you my friend




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All good news Kip, it sounds a fantastic venture!

Kip, this sounds like a dream job for you. I sincerely hope that it works out that way. It should be good for you and good for CWL. Excellent News!

Kip, Succinctly 'plus one' to all comments above.

Good luck with your 'retirement'!

Guy

Wow, a big departure for CWL but surely the right person to be in charge.

Good luck in the new role.