10 QUESTIONS WITH ERIK HALLSTROM, GENERAL MANAGER - JULY 2024 NEWS
A team can only be as good as its leaders. That is why we feel so lucky to have had General Manager Erik Hallstrom at J Farren-Price for over a decade now. Those who know Erik are familiar with his extensive level of knowledge about our range of luxury watches and jewellery, and his commitment to ensuring the utmost wonderful service for every single client. Today, Erik answers 10 important questions about his journey at J Farren-Price and his passion for fine watches and jewellery.
Can you tell us about your journey with J Farren-Price Sydney from the beginning?
When I joined the firm in 2013 it was a smaller business compared to today, but the family atmosphere was always there. I was lucky enough to work with Mrs Farren-Price for some years. She was a lady who truly knew style and luxury and she had a beautiful way of interacting with our clients – only perfect was good enough. Eleven years on, the business has more than doubled in size and while a lot has changed, that dedication to excellence is something I strive to uphold every day.
(Krysten Farren-Price seated in J Farren-Price Boutique, 2017)
How has the business and luxury market evolved since you joined J Farren-Price?
The Australian watch market has matured and grown a lot since 2013. J Farren-Price has always been the place to go for the best of the best in watches and jewellery, but our offering has broadened, and we are now truly a gallery of rare and beautiful things.
While the Australian market is still young compared to other watch collecting cultures like Europe and some Asian countries, today’s Australian collectors want more than the traditional one or two good pieces. Nowadays, it's about having the perfect watch for every occasion. And with this shift, there is now also more of an appreciation and understanding of independent watch brands.
(Our newest watch brand, Parmigiani Fleurier, at the J Farren-Price boutique)
Can you remember the first timepiece you purchased with J Farren-Price? What does that timepiece mean to you?
My first timepiece purchased from J Farren-Price was a Rolex Submariner green bezel 116610LV many years ago. It is still one of my favourite watches.
I also love my Grand Seiko White Birch SLGH005. In particular, the dial is beautifully crafted and it looks fantastic in any lighting.
(Grand Seiko White Birch Ref. SLGH005)
What is your favourite watch complication?
Chiming watches have always amazed me. Even more so after learning the incredible amount of work and time required to make them. Among chiming watches, the minute repeater is probably my favourite. It was invented already in 1687 with the purpose to read time in the dark. Very few brands can master this complication, but the biggest challenge lays in creating a harmonious sound that is even in rhythm and volume. Even the smallest screw can have an impact on the sound depending on how much the watchmaker tightens it. When the sound is perfect it gives me goosebumps, because you know the countless of hours and experience needed to achieve this. Minute repeaters are available from our brands: Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Chopard, Parmigiani Fleurier and Greubel Forsey. However, Patek Philippe is the brand with the largest number of minute repeaters and chiming watches in the standard collection. They are incredibly difficult to acquire, and it takes dedication and time to build up the required collection in order to be considered by the Patek Philippe board.
If you want a chiming watch, but are still building up your collection, the Patek Philippe Pilot Alarm Travel Time 5520P-001 and 5520RG-001 could be what you are looking for. This watch has one gong and the 24h alarm function can be set in 15min increments.
(Patek Philippe Pilot Alarm Travel Time Ref. 5520P-001)
Which luxury items do you think are growing most in popularity and importance for our dedicated watch enthusiasts?
A hot topic with our clients is how to store your valuable timepieces and jewellery. As your collection grows, you will hit a point where you can’t keep the full collection at home. Some use bank deposit boxes or vault services. The problem is that it’s not always easy or convenient to make the trip to the bank every time you want to wear that set of jewellery or that watch for a special function or dinner. And so, you end up only wearing what you have at hand. Buben & Zorweg is a German luxury brand and world leaders in watch winders and luxury safes. The craftmanship and engineering is of impeccable German quality, resulting in a very serious safe, but with luxury, high-end finishes. By investing in a Buben & Zorweg safe you can not only keep your valuable collection safely in your home, but you can also have it presented in a beautiful way.
(Living area featuring Buben & Zorweg Orion Safe)
Our newest luxury watch brand, Parmigiani Fleurier, has recently been introduced back into Australia through our boutique. How has this reintroduction been received by the Australian market?
I am very excited about this partnership. I feel both our companies share many values, like a deep commitment to excellence and quality. Parmigiani Fleurier is all about fine watchmaking, elegance and private luxury. It is a brand for the non-ostentatious watch connoisseur. This resonates very well with our clients.
(Parmigiani Fleurier New TONDA PF Sport Chronograph)
There has been a surge in the popularity of men’s jewellery across the globe. What do you recommend for men interested in adding jewellery pieces to their wardrobe?
Men’s jewellery has absolutely taken off over the past four years. I find bracelets being a great start for a man looking to get his first jewellery piece. It can easily be matched with a favourite watch and worn on the opposite wrist. We have a wide range of styles available depending on how much gold or how many diamonds you feel comfortable wearing. Some prefer subtle and classic designs and for others bigger is better. Once you get started you very likely will come back for another bracelet to stack with and perhaps a necklace or a ring to complete the look.
(Barakà Men's Jewellery)
Which ladies’ jewellery items are you most excited about this season?
I love the body chains from Pasquale Bruni. They are very feminine and a creative alternative to a traditional necklace. There are so many ways you can wear and style them too. Pasquale Bruni in general is doing extremely well. The craftsmanship and sensual designs really speak to our clients. Their jewellery is also easy to mix and match with other pieces and styles thanks to the organic shapes from inspired by nature.
(Pasquale Bruni Body Chain on Model)
We have a lot of extraordinary jewellery collections available today at J Farren-Price. What would you recommend our clients invest in now?
When it comes to rarity it is hard to top an Argyle Pink Diamond. Not only are they mined in Australia, but they also represent the most vibrant pink hues found in diamonds in the world. The Argyle mine closed in 2020, making any Argyle Pink Diamond an increasingly rare collectable. If you are dreaming acquiring a family heirloom jewellery piece, the Argyle Heritage Collection is for you. It comprises of 20 one-of-a-kind creations. Right now, you also have the opportunity to buy the last remaining pieces of the Argyle Pink Butterfly limited edition.
What makes luxury watches and jewellery important to you?
I am fascinated by the craftsmanship involved in creating a good watch or a beautiful piece of jewellery of high quality. These skills go beyond study and experience – it’s a cultural heritage passed on from Master to Apprentice for generations. Even as technology advances at an accelerating rate, the need for true handcraftsmanship is equally important today as it was a hundred years ago. To me, this makes wearing a beautiful piece feel special every time.
(Julian Farren-Price & Erik Hallstrom at Watches and Wonders Geneva, 2023)
Experience it all at the J Farren-Price Boutique
Erik warmly welcomes you to step inside our boutique at 80 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, with the promise of a luxury experience that you will not soon forget. Whether you are a connoisseur yourself or interested in starting your journey towards a magnificent collection, our team has the expertise and passion to guide you through an exceptional journey of discovery.
Visit the salon from Monday - Saturday to meet our professional sales associates and explore all of the stunning jewels and timepieces that pique your interest.
