An Interview with Oliver Cornelius

Describe your role at Partridge Jewellers, including any areas of expertise:

I am a Sales Specialist, and I have recently begun an ambassador role for Longines and Breitling. Two of our long-standing brands at 112 Queen Street.

How long have you worked here? 

I have been with Partridge for 5 years, working in multiple stores.

How did you get started in the industry? 

I originally started with Partridge Jewellers as a Concierge at our Queen Street Store back in 2018. I would spend my time listening to the way people spoke about watches and jewellery and how much passion there was around these crafts. It is safe to say that this world got a grip on me very early on and I couldn’t help but get invested. At the end of 2018 I was heading to Christchurch to study, and I asked my manager if he could see if they were looking for a Salesperson. Initially they only had one day a week available with more concierge work, I happily accepted the offer and quickly began working Sundays as a Salesperson, receiving mentorship from the team. Before I knew it my time in Christchurch was up, but I felt my time with Partridge was not. I was offered a full-time sales role in Queen Street, and I have never looked back.

What is your favourite part about working in the luxury sector? 

I thoroughly enjoy learning about other people and how they have reached their goals in life. I truly believe that luxury is about people, of course the product is incredible but that speaks for itself. The true joy for me is knowing that as someone leaves our store, I have started a relationship that we can build through a combined passion for the product and how it makes people feel.

What is the biggest challenge?

The rate that trends are changing now in the industry with social media growing immensely. For example, a watch way may be announced in January but can take 6 months to a year to enter full circulation. Understandably, our clients want the best new releases and it is a great challenge to accommodate everyone before the next big model is released as our brands announce their new releases at different times of the year.

How do you make a customer feel special? 

I enjoy getting to know our clientele on a personal level, luxury is so much more than just a product. I believe that you make a customer feel special when you can personalise their experience and cater to their interests, be it by a personal gift when they visit or taking them somewhere nice to eat that they’ve never been.

If you could purchase one thing today, what is currently on your wishlist?

This is a real tough one for me because I could reach for my end goal with something high luxury that I could only dream of, but I think of something I see myself buying in the next year would be a Longines Heritage Conquest Central Power Reserve with an Anthracite dial. I can truly see this watch as an extension of myself.

As a watch expert, how do you think consumer preferences are evolving in the watch industry?

I believe people are looking for something that reflects their personality and their achievements. People are a lot more comfortable with colourful timepieces and of course complications that are new and unique that break away from the norm.

How would you describe yourself in three words.

Passionate, Personable, Ambitious

What is your one piece of advice to those purchasing a watch?

Don’t just get what everyone wants, consider what you are looking for. Not every watch has a date, not every watch is mechanical. You will get the most out of your watch knowing that you’ve come away with something that suits your lifestyle and needs.

What is your one piece of advice to those purchasing jewellery?

Prioritise quality. Nothing is more timeless than quality. Regardless of trend a beautiful gemstone will look amazing whether on a pendant or in a ring. We are always happy to redesign jewellery with high-quality stones, ensuring that your piece retains its sentimental value when passed on to your loved ones.

What is one of your favourite things to do outside of work? 

I love Kayaking of any kind. I enjoy white water kayaking, although these days I tend to prefer a lake or the sea and perhaps taking a fishing rod if it feels like a day for it.

Oliver is based at Partridge Jewellers, 112 Queen Street, Auckland CBD.