Austin Kaye London closed

Agreed, lots of overpolished pieces at inflated prices.

I walked pass it quite a lot but have bothered to look in for years. With websites like this who wants to pay x% over the going rate.

I just walked past here yesterday - the sign in the window about collecting watches is still there, so it doesn't look like the shop is being taken on any time soon. In fact, even shops that are allowed to be open on the Strand were all closed - very little was open at all. I assumed it had closed just before lockdown, rather than in January.

I’m hearing the shop has reopened again as a watch shop ?

I doubt they would be open at the moment, as much as we may all like vintage watches I don't think we can claim that they are an essential business 😉

In 1986 I was a 23 year photography student coming to London to build my portfolio and I passed by the store one day. I had a friend who was into watches, especially Rolexes. I saw an Oyster in the window with a leather strap that I liked and went inside. It was an Oyster from the 1950's in pristine condition and I bought it for £280 I think, or maybe 260, I am not sure...
I still have that watch, although I am now wearing a brand new Submariner my wife gave me for my 50th birthday a decade ago. But I like the old one more, because it doesn't scream Rolex from a mile away. That one I saw for sale for a little over £5K a few years ago at the same shop. I am sad that they are gone, since I wanted to visit them like I aways do when I return to London.... I see a coffee shop is there on Google street view...so sad.