Storm Watches
For those that know them, people love their STORM watches. Notice we write watches and not watch.
People collect these watch and we have customers who, quite literally, have cabinets to hold their Storm watches in.
They are the leading British fashion brand on sale today. But why do people fall in love with this brand?
Creative Design
STORM London are well-known and respected for their creative designs. They tend to think outside the box and appreciate that their customers love looking at their watches and appreciate the innovative design that goes into them.
They are design-led without being too whacky. There are a few slightly edgier models. Like the Storm Camera watch from 1992 or the Circuit.
Iconic Colours
It is not just the design of the watch they STORM are renowned for, but also the colours.
Their Laser Blue dial has become iconic within the industry and remains one of STORM’s best colour combinations and draws a lot of attention from young and old alike.
New colours quickly become firm favourites, like the Lazer Ice, as well as red, green and rose gold.
Even under a shirt and jacket, the iconic flash of colour is a giveaway that the watch is STORM. It’s a wonderful way of showing your personality even in more formal occasions.
Who Make Storm Watches?
It surprises most people to hear that STORM are a British brand. It all started in London in 1989.
Working in retail fashion in London in the 1980’s with his wife Anna Lee, Steve Sun had a big interest in fashion. But he found it hard to find high-quality watches which suited his finances and also looked great.
He toyed with the idea of designing some watches of his own. He experimented with design and colour; enabling the fashion-conscious wearer to change their watch to match their look.
Steve took his early designs to a few factories, but the designs were so futuristic they couldn’t work out what the designs were!
So he worked with the factories, creating new methods to bring his designs to life.
With superb quality, they had to be taken seriously and were accepted as a desirable fashion watch brand.
The Brand Name "STORM".
After brainstorming a list of many names in their office, Steve Sun still couldn’t decide on the name of the brand.
He took his list with him on a trip to the factory that was making his watches, figuring he may figure it out whilst on his trip.
Whilst on the flight to the factory, they entered bad turbulence. As the plane came out of the rough patch, the pilot’s voice announced over the tannoy they had just passed through a storm.
It struck Steve Sun that the word ‘STORM’ summed up the brand perfectly and so the name STORM London was born!
Where can you buy STORM Watches?
STORM watches are now sold in approximately 45 countries worldwide including plenty of independent retail outlets like ours.
We stock a large range of Storm men’s and ladies watches in both our High Street shop, Jools, and online on our website at www.Carathea.co.uk.
Authenticity
Storm protect the origin of their designs by intellectual copyrights.
Only genuine STORM watches may carry their seal.
Collectable
STORM London really enjoys that they have real collectors amongst their customers.
They encourage customers to contact them to let them know which watch has had the most impact on them. So much so that they have a whole page dedicated to it on their website here.
They are always looking for collectors to feature on their website and, should they feature your photograph and story, they say you could win a STORM brand book and a watch!
As Storm discontinue certain designs, so another fabulous piece will take its place, therefore their designs stay fresh and their older designs become collectable.
Features
Many of the Storm designs are water resistant and each watch will have the level they can withstand stamped on the back of the case of the watch.
This can be from 30 metres to 100 metres water-resistance.
Battery Replacement
Here at Jools we charge £4.99 for a battery replacement. Details of how to send the watch back to us, if you cannot get into our shop in Bridgwater, are here.
We cannot guarantee the water-resistance of any watch once we take the back off and replace the battery. To guarantee water resistance, you will need the watch resealed each time someone replaces the battery.
You can return it to STORM London just for resealing (the cost is approximately £10). Alternatively, a new battery replacement and resealing by Storm costs £16*.
Care of Your Storm Watch
Water-resistance is not permanent and STORM recommend getting your watch resealed every year to ensure it can keep its water resistance.
This may be something to think about doing each time you get the battery replaced.
A few of the models have edge-to-edge glass and we would advise you to take care when wearing this type until you are used to its size and shape. A knock to the edge of the watch may damage the glass.
Repairs
We can repair many issues or accidents with your Storm watch in-house. From a smashed glass to a broken strap or scratched case. Do fill out our Watch or Jewellery Repair Form.
Prices for STORM watch repairs are here.
Link Removal
All the bracelets can have removable links.
We charge £6.50 to remove links or will do this for free if you purchased the watch from us. Postage and packing will be extra if we need to return the watch to you by post (details here).
We can also order extra links which we can add to increase the length of the bracelet, as long as the watch is still available.
Materials Used in Storm Watches
Nickel Free
All STORM watches confirm to the European standards for Nickel-free jewellery. This means that anyone with a nickel allergy is safe to wear STORM watches.
The watches have stainless steel backs.
Movements
STORM London uses Japanese or Swiss movements. We can replace the movement if needed.
Stainless Steel is used in many STORM watches as it is stronger and harder than silver, brass or gold. It is a smooth, shiny metal so looks good and rarely causes reactions.
Any gold-plating is 21k gold ion-plated (IP) on a base material. Rose gold-plating and Black/Slate-plating is also used.
Ion-Plating gives very good coverage which won’t wear off. However, a scratch will cause the underlying layer to show through.
Ceramic
Ceramic is a beautifully smooth and tactile material which is hard-wearing. It is also heat and scratch-resistant material.
It looks great, is hypoallergenic and light and is, therefore, a joy to wear.
Glass
Many STORM watches have mineral glass, and some have Sapphire Crystal glass which is very strong and scratch-resistant.
Many STORM watches have a domed or curved glass. Many jewellers dislike changing a battery on these watches as they can pose a risk to the glass smashing if the back needs to clamping.
We carry out all STORM battery changes in our shop, Jools, so please bring in, or you can post (details here), any watches you have that need a new battery.
A Brand to Love
We hope this has answered all your question about Storm watches or has given you a reason to love the brand more than you already do.
We have dealt with Storm for many years, since we opened our shop, and we can attest to the fact that they are passionate about their brand of watches and love bringing customers new and exciting models.