A heritage written in time
Our family story
Since its inception in 1942, J Farren-Price has developed one of Australia's most extensive ranges of famous Swiss watches and beautifully hand-crafted luxury jewellery.
1942 — THE BEGINNING
J Farren-Price was founded in 1942 by John Farren-Price, following his return from service during the Second World War. Trained as a watchmaker by his brother, he quickly revealed a far greater inclination for entrepreneurship than for the bench itself.
With a natural instinct for commerce and a deep appreciation for fine watchmaking, he began securing agencies for leading Swiss maisons, laying the foundation for what would become one of Australia's most enduring luxury watch businesses.
Early 1950s — SWISS FOUNDATIONS
By the early 1950s, John Farren-Price had established J Farren-Price as both a retailer and manufacturer of its own timepieces, while securing authorised representation for a number of prestigious Swiss houses, including Rolex, Tudor, and Longines — relationships that continue to this day.
This period marked a significant phase of expansion. J Farren-Price boutiques were introduced into Grace Brothers department stores across Australia (now Myer), alongside the establishment of a national franchised network, positioning the brand as a leading name in Australian watch retail.
Mid 1950s — A HOUSEHOLD NAME
By 1954, with more than 20 boutiques operating nationwide, J Farren-Price had become the largest watch retail organisation in Australia.
John Farren-Price was a gifted communicator and an instinctive marketer, leveraging collaborations with well-known media personalities such as Bob Dyer on Pick a Box and broadcaster John Laws, whose influence helped cement the brand's presence across the nation. If you owned a watch purchased in Australia at this time, it was highly likely that it came from J Farren-Price.
Among John's more memorable marketing initiatives was a Rolex famously secured to the keel of a Sydney to Hobart yacht, which returned fully operational after the race. Demonstrations such as this underscored the durability and confidence of the brand in an era defined by spectacle and storytelling.
1958 — KRYSTEN JOINS THE FIRM
In 1958, John Farren-Price made the pivotal decision to employ a bright and ambitious young assistant, Krysten Browne. Glamorous with a discerning eye for luxury pieces, Krysten quickly became an influential presence within the business.
What began as a professional partnership would later evolve into marriage, the birth of their son Julian, and one of the most significant chapters in the company's history. With remarkable business acumen and a commanding presence, Krysten would go on to acquire the business herself, becoming the matriarch and enduring figurehead of J Farren-Price for decades to come.
1970s — THE QUARTZ ERA
By the 1970s, J Farren-Price had grown into a network of more than 100 stores across Australia and New Zealand. However, the industry was undergoing a profound transformation.
The introduction of Japanese quartz technology disrupted the global Swiss watch industry, leading to widespread instability and, in some cases, the closure of historic manufactures. While some maisons sought to compete on technology, others reaffirmed their commitment to mechanical horology and traditional craftsmanship.
1977 — A LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP
In 1977, J Farren-Price reintroduced Patek Philippe to the Australian market as an official retailer. Founded in Geneva, Patek Philippe remains one of the world’s most revered independent watch manufacturers, known for its uncompromising dedication to traditional watchmaking and generational craftsmanship.
As the longest-standing authorised retailer of Patek Philippe in Australia, J Farren-Price has taken pride in its role representing the maison to Australian collectors and fostering relationships that often span generations. This enduring partnership reflects not only a shared history, but a continued commitment to preserving and presenting the very finest expressions of haute horlogerie.
1980s & 1990s — STEWARDSHIP OF THE FAMILY LEGACY
The early 1980s marked a period of restructuring and transition. Following the dissolution of John and Krysten’s professional partnership, Krysten acquired full ownership of the business.
In 1989, Julian Farren-Price - son of John and Krysten - joined the business after qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. What began as a brief departure from corporate life became a lifelong commitment to the family legacy and the continued evolution of J Farren-Price. Today, Julian remains the Owner and Managing Director of the company, continuing to lead the business into its next generation.
2000s & 2010s — AN INTERNATIONAL LUXURY DESTINATION
Following the economic downturn of the early 1990s, the rise of the Chinese economy marked a defining shift in the global luxury landscape and significantly expanded J Farren-Price’s international client base.
In response to this growing demand, J Farren-Price refined and expanded its offering, curating one of Australia’s most distinguished collections of fine timepieces and jewellery. Through long-standing partnerships and the introduction of new international brands, the business strengthened its position as a leading destination for horological and jewellery excellence while remaining deeply connected to its heritage.
In 2017, J Farren-Price celebrated its 75th anniversary with a landmark dinner event honouring the company’s history and enduring relationships within the industry.
2019 — ELEVATING THE MAISON EXPERIENCE
At J Farren-Price, we remain committed to delivering an exceptional and highly personal client experience, grounded in trust, discretion, and enduring relationships. In an era defined by convenience and rapid change, we continue to uphold a family-led approach that places service, expertise, and continuity at the centre of everything we do.
In 2019, this commitment was reflected in the expansion of our iconic Castlereagh Street boutique to a second level, introducing a dedicated Patek Philippe salon — one of the most significant expressions of the maison in the Southern Hemisphere.
2022 — CELEBRATING 80 YEARS
In 2022, J Farren-Price marked the significant milestone of 80 years since its founding. This occasion was celebrated with a private dinner at the Museum of Contemporary Art, bringing together a select group of our most valued clients.
The evening served as both a celebration of longevity and a reflection of the relationships that have defined the business across generations. It was an opportunity to honour the enduring connection with clients and showcase the exceptional brands J Farren-Price represents.
PRESENT DAY — A CONTINUING LEGACY
Today, J Farren-Price continues to evolve alongside the modern luxury landscape, refining its portfolio through new international maisons and strengthening its position as a destination for fine watchmaking and jewellery.
Under the leadership of second-generation owner and Managing Director Julian Farren-Price, the business continues to honour its family legacy while embracing the evolving expectations of today's collectors. The introduction of our dedicated Service Centre has enhanced our after-sales capability, while ongoing investment in boutique experience and long-standing maison relationships reflects our enduring commitment to excellence. As a family-owned business, we also remain a proud supporter of the Australian Children's Cancer Institute, reflecting our belief in contributing meaningfully beyond the world of luxury.
Above all, our responsibility has always remained the same: to provide every client with exceptional service, uncompromising craftsmanship, and an experience defined by care, trust, and perfection in every detail.