Armstrong Rockwell Fine Jewelry
" I am not a sales person, but rather a fellow collector, and I approach the business as one." - Al Armstrong
A passionate and intelligent watch collector is at the helm of the Armstrong Rockwell Fine Jewelry operation. Meet Al Armstrong, whose extraordinary watch boutique has been nestled in the heart of Hartford, Connecticut, for over 30 years. A welcoming, traditional atmosphere, complete with a fireplace, mantle, comfortable seating and oil paintings characterizes the 1,500-square-foot store. “I am not a salesperson,” shares Al, “but a fellow collector, and I approach the business as one. When customers walk into my store, I want them to feel at home, comfortable and ready to explore the world of watches.”
It is Al Armstrong’s personal approach to never celebrate a timepiece solely for its “trendy” status, as reflected through the assortment that fills the Armstrong Rockwell Fine Jewelry showcases. The company’s selection of timepieces surely incurs an exploration, as it offers a selection of the most sought-after brands in the industry, revered for their craftsmanship, complications, and their exclusive nature.
“Our collection has been assembled through an extremely selective process in order to provide our customers with some of the best and most highly regarded brands in the industry,” says Al. “From Audemars Piguet, Blancpain, Glashütte Original and Hublot to IWC, Roger Dubuis and Perrelet, the Armstrong Rockwell collection is a true watch collector’s dream.” A dream indeed; the Armstrong Rockwell inventory is far from ordinary. In fact, it is quite extensive, encompassing a wide range of unique and limited models from the abovementioned brands, attracting watch-loving collectors from near and far. Among the many exceptional timepieces recently sold within the walls of Armstrong Rockwell was a double tourbillon by Roger Dubuis and a Blancpain 1735.
Additionally, Armstrong Rockwell offers vintage watches, jewelry, and watch winder collections that serve as the perfect complement to their selection of fine timepieces. In the realm of jewelry, Armstrong Rockwell offers signed originals by Hearts on Fire Diamonds, handpicked pearls from the Tahitian South Sea, Japanese Ayoka pearls from Honora and Chinese freshwater pearls. The majority of Armstrong Rockwell’s business, however, is derived from the sale of fine timepieces, and Al eagerly speaks to current buying patterns.
“More of the public has been exposed to high-end watches than in any previous time in history. Watches have become an important part of wardrobes, and people seem to be buying watches because they like the fashion of the watch. I personally would like to see more and more appreciation for the complications, but right now, sales seem to be driven by large sport watches, and less about the complicated parts, fit, and finish.”
Al’s true passion for watches becomes crystal clear through a simple conversation. “I love my job and would do it for free, since the product, and people enthusiastic about the product, are what I really care about,” he says. “I am one of my best customers!”
Al Armstrong has a sincere appreciation and respect for both the brands that he offers and the watch industry as a whole, and is often referenced as a leading authority on all things horological in regional, national, and trade publications. He was recently quoted in the Wall Street Journal, the Boston Business Journal, and in Revolution magazine, with insight on the state of the industry and “big picture” watch trends.
Al Armstrong’s palpable passion for the watch industry is matched by his dedication to a great number of philanthropic and civic organizations. “We donate to all the local charity events with tickets, donations of money, goods for silent auctions, and more,” shares Al. Armstrong Rockwell Fine Jewelry has donated to the Ronald McDonald house, the Arthritis Association, the Hartford Guides, the Jewish Women’s League, the Sports and Medicine Academy, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Heart Association, and many more worthy organizations. Armstrong himself has served on the boards of the American Lung Association and Business for Downtown Hartford, and is currently the treasurer of the Connecticut Jewelers Association.
Marking 30 successful years, Armstrong Rockwell Fine Jewelry is a haven for serious watch collectors and individuals interested in learning about the exceptional craftsmanship and value in a timepiece.
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